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North Swedish Horse |
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North Swedish Horse |
The North Swedish Horse is of the meso-brachymorphic type. Having many points of similarity with the Dole Gudbrandsdal, its special aptitude has been increased by careful selection. Like the Dole Gudbrandsdal, it has an exceptional trotting ability, which gives rise to the North Swedish Trotter or North-Hestur. The North Swedish Trotter is a lighter version of this breed, and kilometer times recorded are around 1'30" for this cold-blooded trotter. Its Stud Book was established in 1924, and the stud at Wanger has a systematic breeding program which includes hauling tests and regular veterinary inspections of the working horses. Once an amalgam of breeds based on the ancient native Scandinavian stock, it still bears a strong resemblance to its nearest relation, the Dole Gudbrandsdal of Norway.
This calm but energetic horse stands 15 to 15.3 hands at the withers. Main coat colors are dun, brown, chestnut and black, but may be bay, or palomino. A black horse is accompanied by white pasterns or socks. The average -sized head is rather heavy with a straight profile and broad forehead. The ears are long and the eyes are small, but expressive. The fairly short neck is broad and muscular at the base, with a full and flowing mane. The long back is wide and straight with full loins, and the croup is wide and slightly sloping. The low-set tail has long thick hair. It has a wide and deep chest, large, rounded abdomen and a muscular and sloping shoulder. Its rather short legs have strong bone structure, broad joints and strong tendons. There are tufts of feathering behind the fetlocks and the hoof is broad, rounded and solid.
This strong, hardy horse is a good trotter, and it is frugal and long-lived. The nationally important North Swedish Horse has an aptitude for heavy draft and farm work, as well as trotting racing. Half the timber cut in Sweden is still moved by horses, and this compact draft horse can be found pulling the logs from the forests there. The North Swedish Horse is sound and resistant to disease, and is noted for longevity and an extraordinarily active gait combined with tremendous pulling power.
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Published June 1997 North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)
© 1997-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/27/2019
