North Swedish Horse

Looking for a horse that is strong and versatile?

The North Swedish Horse may be perfect for you!

This breed is known for its good temperament and excellent health, and strong work ethic.

Keep reading to learn more about the North Swedish Horse!

North Swedish Horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the North Swedish Horse:

Height (size) 15.1 – 15.3 hands high
Colors All solid colors
Country of Origin Sweden
Common Uses Riding, harness racing, forestry, agriculture work

North Swedish Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The North Swedish Horse is a small, robust horse breed, closely related to the Norwegian Døle Gudbrandsdal breed. 

Traditionally, it was used for forestry and agricultural work.

In Sweden, this breed has remained fairly pure for the most part, however occasional crosses with other breeds were conducted in the early 19th century.

In 1903, strict breeding rules were put in place to develop certain desired characteristics in the breed. 

In 1909, the studbook was founded, and by 1924, the North Swedish Association had also been developed with the purpose of creating standards and advancing the breed. 

A Country Horse Day fair has been held annually since 1949, when it was first organized as an event to register the North Swedish stallions and mares.

Although it was developed in Sweden, the North Swedish Horse is now also widely found in Norway, Finland, and Estonia.

In recent years, breeding has been strictly regulated, with all prospective breeding animals undergoing extensive testing, including an X-ray examination of each horse’s hooves and feet.

They are evaluated on a variety of fundamental characteristics, including their fertility, capacity to pull weights, and temperament.  

Other characteristics considered are the length of stride, leg action and energy, springiness in the gait and power. 

Lighter lines are developed for harness racing and are registered in the Swedish Coldblood Trotter’s stud book.

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

Alternative Names

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Temperament/Personality

Gentle disposition, easy to train

Physical Characteristics

They are elegant, but hardy horses of great stamina and endurance.

Their abundant manes and tails add to their charm.

The neck is thick, and the chest is deep.

The legs are strong and short, and the body is muscular.

They are strong and resilient despite their smaller stature.

As a result of their smaller size, they are also more agile than other draft horses.

The breed comes in two varieties: the draft and the trotter.

Colors

All solid colors

Height (size)

15.1 – 15.3 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

1,200 – 1,650 lbs (550 – 750 kg)

Blood Type

Cold

Common Uses

Riding, harness racing, forestry, agriculture work

Health

Excellent health

Popular Traits

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Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Sweden

Ancestors

Døle Gudbrandsdal