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 The North Swedish Horse is a
relatively young breed, with its studbook being established in 1909. They
are related to the Dole Gudbrandsdal, having both developed from the ancient
native horses of the area. There have been infusions of Friesian and
Oldenburg into the North Swedish breed, as well as some crossings with the
heavy European draft breeds. Since 1903, there have been very strict
regulations for the breeding of the North Swedish in an effort to continue
their particular admirable characteristics. Foremost in this has been the
Stallion Rearing Institute of Wangen in Jamtland, which is now one of the
principal North Swedish studs.
One of the most remarkable
things about the North Swedish is their incredible strength, draft
capabilities, and endurance when compared to the relative smallness of their
frame.
 They are not a heavy draft horse in terms of the Clydesdale and Percheron, but are ideally suited for the forest and lumber work for which
they have been principally bred. They are one of the most rigorously tested
breeds in the world, and have to undergo testing on their pulling powers,
fertility, and have X-rays of their lower legs done. Annually there is a
County Horse Days event, where stallions and mares are examined in a number
of different situations, and particular attention is paid to temperament.
There has developed a second type of North Swedish horse, which is a finer,
lighter animal, and which has been produced with harness racing in mind. It
is called the North Swedish Trotter.
 They are willing and
cooperative workers, and were used extensively for farm and forest work in
Sweden, being more efficient in these conditions than machinery. They are
also notably long lived and seem to be relatively immune to many equine
diseases. They have excellent temperament and are very obliging - their
temperament is greatly valued and is a careful consideration when breeding.
In appearance, they have a
slightly heavy pony-type head set to a shortish but muscular and crested
neck. They are often quite long in body and have well-constructed and
reasonably sloping shoulders, which allow for their excellent active long -
striding paces. The legs should be short and strong, with some feathering.
Generally they are brown, chestnut, or dun with black points, and stand
between 15 and 15.3 hh.
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