Finnhorse

The Finnhorse is a breed of horse that is native to Finland.

They are known for their hardiness and versatility, and are used for everything from transportation to show jumping.

With their gentle disposition and easy trainability, the Finnhorse is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile mount.

In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, and uses of the Finnhorse breed.

So saddle up and let’s get started!

Finnhorse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Finnhorse:

Finnhorse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The Finnhorse is the only horse breed that originated in Finland.

The earliest horse bone ever discovered in Finland dates to the Bronze Age (3300 BC-1200 BC).

In addition to being a popular mode of transportation in Finland, the Hakkapeliitta, Finnish cavalrymen during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) were noted for their small and tough horses.

At the end of the 19th century, horsepower became very important in both agriculture and forestry.

Efforts to create a pure breed of Finnish horse started in the 1890s, and that year saw the creation of the first studbooks for the breed.

The breeding goal was to create an all-around work horse for agricultural and transportation purposes.

In 1907, the current studbook for the Finnhorse was introduced to all of Finland.

The mobility of the Finnish army throughout the Winter War (1939-1940) and the rest of the Second World War was dependent on those horses.

In the years of World War II, a total of 22,300 horses were killed or disappeared.

The Finnhorse also played a major role in postwar rebuilding and the payment of war reparations.

The workhorse period came to an end in Finland by the end of the 1960s, when the Finnhorse was at its peak with about 400,000 representatives.

However, with the new mechanization era approaching, and a change in the taxation of forestry labor the use of horsepower was rendered unprofitable.

In the late 1960s, there was a dramatic decrease in the Finnhorse population, and the breed was going to be extinct.

However, the trotting races presented the breed with a new potential as a sport horse.

In 1987, when there were just 14,000 Finnhorses remaining, the population hit an all-time low.

In 2020, the population of Finnhorses was estimated to be 19,000, with 1,840 breeding mares and 1,127 foals.

Every year, there are 3,000 Finnhorses that participate on race tracks as trotters.

Since 1924, Kuninkuusravit has been the most important annual racing event.

Trotter, riding horse, pony type, and workhorse are the four types recognized by the Finnish horse studbook.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Finnish Horse”

Temperament/Personality

Obedient and energetic

Physical Characteristics

It is a solidly built, versatile horse with strong bones and hard hooves.

The mane and tail are thick, and there is light feathering on the legs.

All Finnhorses have a smooth, easy pace and a steady, low movement, making them pleasant to ride and drive.

Because of the excellent efficiency of their trot, they are able to travel extensive distances without becoming tired.

Colors

The great majority of Finnhorses today are different variations of chestnut with white markings on their legs and head.

Bay and black also seen.

Height (size)

Average 15.1 hand high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

Average 1,170 lbs (530 kg)

Blood Type

Cold

Common Uses

Harness trotter racing, forestry and logging, driving, general riding, riding schools, as a sport horse

Health

n/a

Popular Traits

The fastest of coldblood trotters

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Finland

Ancestors

Unknown