Origin
Sweden
History
The North Swedish Horse has its origins in the ancient Scandinavian breeds and is closely related to the Dole Gudbrandsdal. Until the end of the 19th century, the Swedish horse was a mixture of several imported breeds.
The stud book for the breed was started in 1909 and the North Swedish Association was started in 1924 and since efforts were made to achieve greater uniformity. Rigorous testing was introduced at the principal stud at Wangen to support a policy of strict selective breeding. Apart from the customary investigations into constitution, most of the stallions for the last 30 years have had their legs and hooves X-rayed regularly. Moreover, tests directly related to forestry requirements were devised. One involves log hauling over rough tracks, and other tests of pulling power are measured against an ergometer. In maturity both stallions and mares are re-tested for draft capacity with a specially constructed vehicle.
The North Swedish Horse is regarded as coldblood, but neither is "heavy" horse in the European tradition.
Description
- Head:
of average size but somewhat heavy with a straight profile and a broad forehead - Conformation:
-short, thick neck, broad at the base with a full and flowing mane
-wide and deep chest
-muscular and sloping shoulder
-broad, low and muscular withers
-long and wide back
-wide and slightly sloping croup with a tail set low
-short legs with strong bone structure, broad joints, strong tendons, and a bit of feathering behind the fetlocks
-broad, rounded and solid hoof - Average height:
15 to 15.3 h.h. - Colour:
it may be of any solid colour - Temperament:
cheerful and energic - Today:
the North Swedish Horse is used extensively in forestry as well as in farming. Crosses with the Dole produce a lighter horse that has the longer action that is required for harness racing, a sport that has a big following in Scandinavia.
