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HORSES OF THE WORLD
NORTH SWEDISH
Origin:
Europe - Sweden
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History:
The North Swedish is a descendant of the ancient Swedish work horse and
the Dole horse from Norway. During the 19th century they were crossed with lighter horses
from outside of Scandinavia but during the end of the century the move was reversed by
introducing stallions from larger breeds including the Clydesdale. A heavier horse was
needed, able to pull heavy machinery in the logging industry as it proves more cost
effective and efficient than mechanised transport. North Swedish horses start draught work
as three year olds and are mature enough to work eight hour days as five year olds.
The old type of the
North Swedish horse was saved from disappearing by some dedicated breeders and government
support at the beginning of the 20th century using stock from remote parts of the country
and Dole stallions. During the 1920's performance testing was introduced to the selection
process. The test involved pulling sleds laden with logs and determining the horse's
performance and condition after the work. Today a horse will be hitched to a wagon with
it's pulling power measured by a dynamometer.
Characteristics:
Small, compact
Head: fairly large head; fairly long ears
Neck: short, crested
Shoulders: strong, sloping
Body: long, deep, strong back; rounded hindquarters; sloping
croup
Legs: short, strong limbs; plenty of bone
Mane and Tail: abandoned
Color: any solid color
Height: 15 to 15.2hh
Weight: stallions 650 to 750kg (1,440 to 1,655lb), mares 550
to 700kg (1,200 to 1,545lb)
Temperament: kind, gentle
Qualities: very strong, agile
Today:
The North Swedish is a good all-round draught horse. It is used in farm
work and particularly in the forest industry.
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