Finnhorse is the only native breed of horse in Finland. These horses have regrettably declined in numbers since 1950´s, and their presently number is about 20 000. The majority of these Finnhorses are trotters, some used as heavy breeds, and about 3 000 for riding.
The Finnish horse is one of the few multi-purpose breeds in the world. It is one of the fastest cold-blooded trotters in the world, it is capable of pulling heavier loads than many larger draught horse breeds, and it is a versatile riding horse. Finnhorses participate in dressage, showjumping, eventing and long-distance riding competitions, as well as driving classes and trotting races. The best horses have been competing in dressage up to Prix de St. George level, jumped in open 130 cm classes and over 110 cm high cross-country fences. In addition, the Finnish horses are popular family horses and riding school mounts.
The stud-book for the Finnish horse was closed 1907. The Finnhorse was originally bred as draught horse, but nowadays there are four types of the breed; a lightly built trotter (J), a draught type workhorse (T), a versatile riding horse (R) and a smaller pony type horse (P). Finnhorses are approximately 156 cm at the withers, strongly built with good limbs. Horses of draught type are heavier and longer than horses of trotter and riding horse type. Most Finnhorses are chestnuts, often with flaxen tail and mane, some are bay or black. Finnish horses are willing to co-operate, hardy and tough horses.
Read more about the breed in the brochure "Get to know the Finnhorse"
Finnhorses are bred in Finland, but also some in Germany and in Sweden, where there are a few exported horses. The stud-book is kept by Suomen Hippos.
If you are interested in Finnhorses, please contact Suomen Hippos, www.hippos.fi or the Equine Centre of Ypäjä, www.hevosopisto.fi.
The association Suomenratsut works for the conservation of the Finnish horse by promoting their use as riding horses.
The Suomenratsut was established 1973 as the number of Finnish horses was alarmingly on the decline. Currently over 1 600 members belong to the association, and anyone interested in Finnish horses as a riding horse can join it.
Further information:
Suomenratsut, e-mail:
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