, country = Sweden , distribution = , use = and eventing and dressage , colour = any , height = 152–158 cm , male_height = average 157 cm , female_height = average 154 cm , weight = 550–750 kg , male_weight = average 700 kg , female_weight =average 600 kg , status =

FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)french: link=no, Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture; it, Organizzazione delle Nazioni Unite per l'Alimentazione e l'Agricoltura is an intern ...

(2007): not at risk , note = , group1 = , std1 = The North Swedish Horse ( sv, 'Nordsvensk Brukshäst') is a Swedish

breed A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist several slig ...

of small heavy horse. It is closely related to the similar

Dølehest The Dole Gudbrandsdal, Dølahest, or Dole is a draft- and harness-type horse from Norway. The Dole Trotter is alternately considered a subtype of the Dole Gudbrandsdal and a separate breed; it is also considered a part of the coldblood trotte ...

breed of Norway. It was traditionally used for

forestry Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands. Th ...

and agricultural work. Lighter lines are bred for

harness racing Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace). They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, or spider, or chariot occupied by a driver. In Europe, and less frequently in Australi ...

, and are registered in the

stud-book A breed registry, also known as a herdbook, studbook or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breeders ...

of the Svensk Kallblodstravare (Swedish Coldblood Trotter).

History and breeding

Nowadays, breeding of the North Swedish Horse is strictly controlled, and the animals intended for breeding are thoroughly tested. The primary qualities desired in a breeding horse are good character, pulling capacity and fertility. The legs and

hooves The hoof (plural: hooves) is the tip of a toe of an ungulate mammal, which is covered and strengthened with a thick and horny keratin covering. Artiodactyls are even-toed ungulates, species whose feet have an even number of digits, yet the rumi ...

are examined by

X-ray An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nb ...

Characteristics

The North Swedish horse is agile and easy to train. Its conformation is compact and robust, while being relatively light for a draft horse. Regarding its small size it is very strong and durable, and it has an energetic, long-strided trot. A typical character is gentle and willing. The breed is known for its longevity and great health.

Use

The North Swedish Horse is one of the few cold-blood breeds used in

. A world record for coldblood trotters of 1:17.9 per kilometre was set in 2005 by Järvsöfaks, who is of part Swedish, part

Norwegian Norwegian, Norwayan, or Norsk may refer to: *Something of, from, or related to Norway, a country in northwestern Europe *Norwegians, both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway *Demographics of Norway *The Norwegian language, including the ...

lineage. North Swedish Horses are well suited for agricultural and forestry work. In Sweden they are popular for recreational equestrian activities.

References

{{Equine, state=collapsed Horse breeds Horse breeds originating in Sweden