Name: Swedish Warmblood
Origin: Sweden
Height: 164-170cm (16-16.3hh)
Color: Bay, chestnut, black, gray, palomino, buckskin (and any markings are allowed)
Usage: Mainly English disciplines - Showjumping, dressage, eventing and harness driving
Other Info: Originally bred as a cavalry horse to serve in the Swedish military
Photo: Swedish Warmblood Stallion Zapphire
Swedish Warmblood History
The Swedish Warmblood originated in Sweden, beginning in the late 17th century. The crossbreeding of local Swedish mares with imported stallions of Spanish and Friesian descent laid the foundation for this horse breed. This new horse breed was developed to suit farming, agricultural work, and military needs. The introduction of finer breeds like Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and some German warmbloods years later added versatility and more athletic attributes, making them wonderful riding horses while still capable of farm work.
Early stud farms were established as early as 1621. The most famous stud farm, Flyinge, began in 1661 and is still active today. The official studbook began in 1874. The breed society, Avelsförening för Svenska Varmblodiga Hästen or Swedish Warmblood Association, started in 1928. At the same time, the Swedish Warmblood breeding programs were managed by the government until 1982, when a private foundation began to take over management.
In today's age, the Swedish horses excel at dressage, show jumping, and eventing at all levels.
Swedish Warmblood Colors & Appearance
Solid bay and chestnut are the most standard colors for Swedish Warmbloods, with gray and black possible but not common. Blazes, socks, and stockings accent those dark colors, and these horses usually lack painted horse characteristics. Swedish horses stand between 164 and 170cm, with a medium to larger build. Their necks tend to be long, with well-defined features and strong hindquarters.
Swedish Warmblood Temperament
The agreeable temperament of these horses makes them popular for sport horse disciplines. They tend to be steadfast, calm, trustworthy, and appropriate for novice riders. Of course, there are exceptions, and some Swedish Warmbloods can have higher energy levels, especially as their fitness increases at higher levels of sport. The spectacular temperament of these horses is a testament to the specialized breeding program geared toward riding instead of military and farming purposes.
Famous Swedish Warmblood Horses
Swedish Warmbloods have represented many different countries at the highest level of sport.
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Butterfly Flip
In 2004, H&M Butterfly Flip, under rider Malin Baryard, won a team silver medal at the Athens Olympics. Their other achievements include competing at the European Championships, the World Equestrian Games, and the Swedish Championships.
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Briar 899
Briar 899 was the lovely Swedish warmblood stallion who, with rider Jan Brink, competed at the 2000 Olympics as the youngest horse in the field that year. Jan and Briar would wow the crowds twice more at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008. Briar retired in 2009 after almost ten years of competing at the highest Grand Prix level in dressage. With his rider Brink he would finish his career with 8 World Cup finals and seven gold medals from Swedish Championships. He is still known as one of the best dressage horses of all time. -
Wega
Wega is a Swedish Warmblood mare that with rider Sara Algotsson-Ostholt, won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. After onle one jump round to go, Wega and Algotsson was in the lead with an individual score of 39.30 but was pushed down to second place after a raill fell in her second and final jumping round. Wega competed internationally in many significant events, including the World Equestrian Games in 2018.
Swedish Warmblood Horse - Pros & Cons
There are many pros to riding the Swedish Warmblood.
Pros:
- Their great athletic ability and versatility make them suited for many equestrian disciplines.
- They typically have a calmer temperament, making them ideal for amateur riders.
- They are highly trainable with good minds and work ethics.
- They have a muscular build and sturdy hooves.
There are not many cons, and of course, these don't apply to all Swedish horses.
Cons:
- There is a higher demand for these lovely horses, but they are not as prominent in number as other warmblood breeds.
- As their skills progress through the levels, they require professional training and experienced riders to bring out their best.
- Their larger frame and height may not be suitable for all riders.
Swedish Warmblood horses have a long history of being reliable and friendly partners for all disciplines. Many riders of varying skill levels can enjoy this wonderful breed.
