Gotland Pony

Origin
Sweden

History
Also known as the Skogsruss or Russ, the Gotland pony ‘s original habitat was Gotland, an island off the Swedish coast, where it has probably existed since the Stone Age.
It is believed to have descended from the ancient northern European forest horse. Crosses with eastern blood were made in the 19^th century. The stallions that had the most influence on the breed were Olle, a Syrian Arabian/Gotland cross and the Arabian, Khedivan.
At one time, the ponies were semi-wild, and lived on Gotland and in the forest of Löjsta on the Swedish mainland. They were used for general farm work.
During the 1980s, good economic circumstances and increasing holidays and leisure time have caused an increase of interest in the hobby-horse. Today, some of Sweden's Gotland ponies still live on Gotland Island, but they are now bred all over Scandinavia as riding and trotting ponies.

Description

• Head:
  straight profile, small alert ears, and large, lively eyes
• Conformation:
  -short and well muscled neck
  -deep chest
  -muscular and long shoulder with a good angle of slope
  -pronounced withers
  -long and straight back
  -slightly sloping croup
  -strong and well muscled legs with solid joints, clearly defined tendons, and long cannons
  -strong and hard hoof
• Average height:
  11.2 to 13 h.h.
• Colour:
  there is a variety of coat colours including brown, dun, black, chestnut, grey and some palomino
• Temperament:
  manageable, easy to handle although spirited
• Today:
  it is now kept principally as a riding pony for children; it is said to excel at jumping and in trotting races.