A Swedish Warmblood at the 2007 World Cup in Las Vegas
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Country of origin | Sweden |
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Traits | |
Distinguishing features | Tall, strong build, good at dressage and jumping |
Breed standards | |
The Swedish Warmblood is a horse breed that was developed at Strömsholm and Flyinge in Sweden. It descends from imported stock in the 17th century. The horses imported to Sweden were from Denmark, Germany, England, Hungary, France, Russia, Spain, and Turkey. These horses were extraordinarily varied, but along the way became the Swedish Warmblood.
The Swedish Warmblood originated from the imports of horses into Sweden around the 17th century. Spanish and Friesian imports produced active and strong horses when crossed with the local mares who were small and rough. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Thoroughbred, Arabian, Hanoverian, and Trakehner blood was introduced to the horses. They used the best Thoroughbred horses available. By using these bloodlines, large and powerful horses were created. The decade from 1920 to 1930 was an important decade in the development of the breed. The three most noticeable influences on the breed were Tribun, Hamlet, and Thoroughbred Hamplemann, all Hanoverians Schwabliso. After 1945, the Trakehners Heristal, Heinfried, Anno, and Polarstern had a dominant effect upon the breed. Heristal was a descendant of the English racehorse Hyperion. He produced 15 stallions and 44 mares that were entered in the studbook.
The Swedish Warmblood is used as a riding horse, a job it is suitable for because of its easy, straight paces. It is also handsome, sound, tractable, and definitely versatile. Swedish Warmbloods are commonly used as dressage horses, jumpers, and in three-day event. Swedish Warmbloods are good driving horses as well and are exported in large amounts all over Europe and the United States.
The Swedish Warmblood may be any solid colour (although certain colors associated with lethal factors will exclude a stallion from breeding approval). Most common colors are chestnut, bay or seal brown. True blacks are rare. Swedish Warmbloods are also seen in gray and roan. They generally stand 16 to 17 hands (64 to 68 inches, 163 to 173 cm), and have a reputation as strong, athletic animals with flowing gaits.