Intro
Horse breeding in Sweden has been a long and rocky road. Their position so far north makes much of the country an impossible place to nurture the equine animal. The the remaining southern portion took a long while to catch on to selective breeding practices.
Origins
There is a horse native to Sweden, they are a small northern forest type, but over the years a number of bloodlines have been imported to the area. Formal breeding programs were not developed until a 16th century attempt to improve local stock, but again, their practices were sorely lacking in their development and were not very successful.
By the end of the 19th century, the largest horse purchasing power in the country was in the hands of farmers and military, who both had different needs for their animals. Breeding programs were divided to appease both sides, one for saddle animals using lighter and livelier stepping breeds.
In 1874 the government began a studbook examination system in order to streamline and upgrade breeding programs. The result was strict programs for the Swedish Ardennes, the North Swedish Horse and the Swedish Warmblood.
Once they caught on, the Swedes did it right and established strict guidelines with performance tests for registration or breeding. Today the Warmblood is well known for their athletic ability and often the mount of choice for eventers and big show jumpers.
Features
Average height 16.2 – 17 hands
Physique
Head is handsome with a straight or convex profile
Eyes are lively
Neck is well formed and long
Back is long and straight
Chest is wide and deep
Shoulder is muscular and sloped
Legs are long and strong with clean, broad joints
Hoof is solid and shapely
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Well mannered and intelligent
Active yet attentive
Use
Show horse
Riding horse
Competition horse
Helpful Links
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Swedish Warmblood Association
Swedish Warmblood Registry of North America
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