Intro
Also called the Skogsruss and the Russ, the Gotland Pony is an ancient breed that is native to the Gotland island of Sweden. In fact, prior to the 1950’s Baltic and Gotlands were the only ponies bred in Sweden.
Origins
In the mid 19th century local farmers wanted these ponies out of the area, as pastures were carved out of forested land. At this time their numbers were low and there was concern they would go extinct. A landlord called Willy Wöhler established a pony stud in the late 19th century, using a foundation of local Gotland mares crossed with an imported stallion. The stud was said to be of Arabian type, but more likely a Knabstrupper as his genetics gave them the Leopard complex. Another stallion of a Gotland and Syrian cross was also influential and he was likely buckskin, providing the breed a cream dilution gene. He was a popular stallion used to cover local mares.
The 20th century was a difficult one for the breed, studs were established and then dismantled and even went into private hands until 1922. The remaining handful of horses were donated to the Gotland County Household Association on the condition they would maintain a herd.
In 1943 it seems the Russians took over breeding on Gotland (the translation is fuzzy) but the registry states the brave Russian breeders preserved the breed. Luckily there were also a few left on the mainland and between the two they were able to avoid too much inbreeding.
By the mid 20th century a Welsh pony stallions were imported who contributed their fine genetics to the herd. Although today, the Welsh influence is low in most of the breed. By the 1970s the breed was no longer in extreme danger and numbers were growing at a healthy pace.
Today they are a protected breed monitored by the National Gene Bank, the only animals allowed to register with the gene bank must have less than 2& outside (Welsh) blood. According to the DAD-IS they are endangered and as of 2023 there were 4000 (decreasing from the previous count).
Features
Average height 12.1-12.4 hands
Physique
Head is dry with a straight profile
Ears are small and alert
Eyes are large and lively
Neck is well set, short and muscular
Back is long and straight
Legs are correct with solid joints
Hooves are strong and hard
Traditional Colors
Most solid colors
Temperament
Good tempered and multi-faceted
Use
Children’s mount
Light agriculture
Racing
Helpful Links
Swedish Russian Breeding Association
NordGen
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