Finnish Horse
Origin
Finnland
History
The Finnhorse is a descendant of the northern European dosmetic horse. Having both warmblood and heavier draft blood influence, it belongs to general horse breeds. In 1907, the stud book was founded. In 1924 it was ordered that breeding was to be divided into two branches. Breeding of the heavy working horse for draft and forestry use went on as in the past, and in addition breeders began to concentrate on developing a lighter type suitable for riding and racing and especially good as a trotter. The modern stock has been developed from the native pony population crossed with both cold- and warmblood breeds.
In 1971 the riding type of Finnhorse was given a separate branch of the stud book, and since that time it has had its own classes in all kinds of riding competition.
Description
- Conformation:
the slope of the quarters and croup and the length of the body allow for energy and extension at trot, and are characterictic of harness racing horses. The legs are well made with little or no feathering, and although the horses are ridden, the strong shoulders are predominantly of harness type. - Average height:
14.3 to 15.2 h.h. - Colour:
mainly chestnut, and white markings are often found on the face and legs. Bay, grey, and more rarely, brown or black are also seen - Temperament:
easily handled, with a compliant nature, even-tempered, calm, patient, and lively - Today:
the Finnhorse is an excellent mount in riding schools, for both young and adult riders. In riding competitions the Finnhorse has had its best success in show jumping, but the breed also shows talent in dressage. The Finnhorse is truly a universal horse.
