Finnhorse facts for kids
![]() Finnhorse stallion, trotter section
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Distinguishing features | Dry and strongly muscled, with strong bone and good hooves. Most often of chestnut colour. |
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Alternative names | Finnish Horse, Finnish Universal, Suokki |
Country of origin | Finland |
Breed standards | |
Hippos | Breed standards |
Horse (Equus ferus caballus) |
The Finnhorse or Finnish Horse is a special horse breed from Finland. It's actually the national horse breed of Finland! This amazing horse is super versatile. It can be used for riding, pulling carts in races, and even as a strong workhorse on farms.
Contents
What is a Finnhorse?
The Finnhorse is known for being strong and tough. It usually stands about 156 centimeters (about 5 feet 1 inch) tall. While Finnhorses come in many colors, the most common ones are brown and black. You'll often see them with white markings on their faces and legs, which makes them easy to spot!
History of the Finnhorse Breed
The official record book for Finnhorses, called a studbook, was started in 1907. This helped keep track of the horses and make sure the breed stayed strong and healthy. Over the years, the Finnhorse has been very important to people in Finland. They helped with farming, transportation, and even in the military.
Finnhorse Skills and Uses
Finnhorses are known as "universal" horses because they can do so many different things.
Finnhorse in Harness Racing
One popular use for the Finnhorse is in harness racing. These horses are fast and strong, making them great for pulling a light cart called a sulky with a driver. It's exciting to watch them race!
Finnhorse for Riding
Many people also enjoy riding Finnhorses. They have a good temperament, which means they are usually calm and friendly. This makes them suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Finnhorse as a Workhorse
Even today, some Finnhorses still work on farms. Their strength and calm nature make them excellent partners for pulling plows or other farm equipment. They are truly a valuable helper.
Images for kids
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Despite its small size, the pony-sized Finnhorse is not a pony, and possesses the same body proportion and movement as the larger sections.
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Finnish horses and a horse-drawn tram in Turku, 1890
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Contrasting early types: A small, stocky roan Finnish horse from Karelian Isthmus, photographed in 1909. 12.3 hands (51 inches, 130 cm) high.
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Contrasting early types: A more refined flaxen-maned chestnut Finnhorse from Central Finland, photographed in 1910. 14 hands (56 inches, 142 cm) high.
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A late experiment of crossbreeding: an estate's carriage horse in the early 20th century, presumably of a Thoroughbred mix.
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Gelding Reipas, first horse in Finland to earn over one million Marks, was one of the harness racing stars that became a popular hero during the hard decline of the Finnhorse.
See also
In Spanish: Caballo finlandés para niños