The Scandinavian Coldblood Trotter consists of two closely related and interconnected breeds of trotting horse: the Norsk Kaldblodstraver or Norwegian Coldblood Trotter and the Svensk Kallblodstravare, the Swedish Coldblood Trotter or North Swedish Trotter. Coldblood trotters are the result of cross-breeding native coldblooded farm horses – in Norway the Dølehest, in Sweden the North Swedish Horse – with lighter and faster horses. Although the Norwegian and Swedish coldblood trotters are substantially considered a single breed, two national stud-books are maintained, and registration requirements differ in some respects between the two countries.
History
The Scandinavian Coldblood Trotter is the result of cross-breeding of native coldblooded farm horses – in Norway the Dølehest, in Sweden the North Swedish Horse – with lighter and faster horses. Stud-books were started in 1939 in Norway and in 1964 in Sweden. From about 1950 inter-breeding between the two breeds began, to the point that they are now substantially considered to be a single breed.
Both national types are endangered. In 2012 there were mares and 100 stallions of the Norwegian breed; by 2019 those numbers had fallen to 764 and 64, for a total breeding stock of 828 head. The corresponding numbers for Sweden in 2019 were and 180. The conservation status of both is reported to DAD-IS as 'at risk/endangered'.
Characteristics
The Norwegian standard specifies an average height at the withers for stallions of , and minimum height for all individuals of ; the Swedish standard specifies a height range of . Bay in all its variations is the most common coat colour, followed by chestnut and black. Most other coat colours occur from time to time.
Uses
The Coldblood Trotter is bred for use in harness racing.
References