The Døle Gudbrandsdal is a breed of horse that is indigenous to Norway.
They are considered intelligent, versatile, and sturdy horses that are used for all sorts of purposes, but mostly for harness racing.
If you’re interested in learning more about this breed, read on!
Døle Gudbrandsdal Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Døle Gudbrandsdal horse:
| Height (size) | 14.1 – 15.3 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly bay or brown, but black, chestnut gray and dun are also seen. Some have white markings on the head and legs, especially among the trotter type. |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
| Common Uses | In forestry and for general farm work. The lighter type is used mainly for harness racing. |
Døle Gudbrandsdal Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Døle originated in the Gudbrandsdal Valley in Norway.
Between 400 and 800 A.D., the Friesians traded extensively with Britain, Norway, and the Rhine Delta, so Given the similarities between the two breeds, it’s reasonable to assume that the Friesian is one of the Døle’s ancestors.
There are two types of Døle horse today: a heavy work horse and a light draft horse.
Due to interbreeding of the two types, the distinction between them has narrowed considerably in recent years resulting in the breed becoming very uniform.
During the development of the Dole Trotter in the 19th century Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and other breeds were incorporated into the breed.
The quality of the Døle has increased in recent years because of the systematic selection of breeding stock.
The first studbook was created in 1941, and the current breed association was established in 1947.
The Døle Gudbrandsdal was a breed that had a significant impact on the development of the North Swedish Horse, and hence the two breeds have a very similar conformation.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Dølahest”, “Dole Trotter”, “Norwegian Trotter”
Temperament/Personality
Intelligent and learns fast
Physical Characteristics
The look of these ponies is very similar to that of the English Fell and Dales pony, suggesting that the three breeds likely evolved from the same ancestor.
The head is rather square and heavy, with a full forelock, and small eyes.
The profile is straight, and the ears are long.
The neck is short and muscular with a lot of mane.
The withers are moderately pronounced, and the back is straight and long.
The sloping shoulder is muscular and strong, and the chest is deep and wide.
It has powerful hindquarters, and a muscular, slightly sloping croup.
The full and long tail is set low.
The legs are well-muscled and short with solid joints and short cannons.
The feathering on the legs is thick and the feet are hard.
The Døle has extraordinary trotting ability, and great pulling power, so a lighter version has been developed using more input of trotting breeds to improve racing performance.
Since 1914, this lighter type has been known as the Døle Trotter or Norwegian Trotter.
The Døle horse is active and agile with great stamina, and is one of the smallest coldbloods.
Colors
Most commonly bay or brown, but black, chestnut gray and dun are also seen.
Some have white markings on the head and legs, especially among the trotter type.
Height (size)
14.1 – 15.3 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,190 – 1,390 lbs (540 – 630 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
In forestry and for general farm work.
The lighter type is used mainly for harness racing.
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Exceptional trotting ability
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Norway
Ancestors
Old English horses, Friesian, later: Thoroughbred, Arabian