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OVERVIEW
The Swedish Warmblood, along with the Swedish Ardennes and the North Swedish Horse, is one of the few breeds to have a stud book in Sweden. Like Belgium to the south, Sweden is generally known for coldbloods, still making up the majority of horses found in the country. But in recent years, the Warmblood has shown to be a strong competitor and, as a result, is gaining popularity.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
This warmblood stands between 16.2 and 17 hands. It usually has bay, brown, chestnut, or gray coloration. The head shows nice refinement, the eyes large and intelligent, the ears long. It has a long neck and long, straight back. The legs are well-formed and muscular.
ORIGIN
The horse in Sweden has a varied history. Only bred in the southern half of the country, there were no standardized methods for centuries. However, breeding standards tightened focusing efforts on finding good pedigrees and beneficial crosses, and horses were required to undergo examination before being allowed to stud. The Swedish Warmblood is the result.
INTERESTING FACTS
For years, the wild horse population of Sweden was indiscriminately crossed with other imported breeds. Even when studs began focusing their breeding efforts, however, horses were chosen more for their outer looks than well examined conformation standards. By 1874, this had all changed and examinations were required for a horse to be entered into a stud book.
INFLUENCES
1. Thorougbred
2. Arabian
3. Trakehner
4. Hanoverian
For more information:
The Swedish Warmblood Association
S-240 32 Flyinge
SWEDEN
Phone: 46-46-52840
Fax: 46-46-52724
Swedish Warmblood Association
of North America
P.O. Box 1587
Coupeville WA 98239-1587
Phone & Fax: (360) 678-3503
