Gudbrandsdal Horse

Gudbrandsdal horse (Dole gudbrandsdal) - an old Norwegian horse breed originating from the Gudbrannsdalen valley in Norway. Presumably a descendant of the Friesian horses. It is similar in appearance to British fells and distant ponies, and it is likely that all of these horses descend from common prehistoric ancestors. Initially, these horses were used as a vehicle (between the southern parts of Norway along the coast to the Atlantic Ocean) and in agriculture.

Today, two types of breed are distinguished: the heavy Gudbrandsdals, known for their strength and agility, and light trotters, although today they are often crossed with each other.

The first herdbook was created in 1941. All stallions are tested - trotters need to run 1000 meters in no more than 3 minutes; draft trucks are tested for draft. Trotters must undergo mandatory limb x-rays.

The Gudbrandsdals are grateful for most of their modern characteristics to a stallion named Briman. Previously, they worked in the fields and transported goods. As a result of mechanization, the demand for horses decreased, so a breed association was founded in 1967, as a result of which the number of these horses increased.

The trotting type arose when attempts were made to cross the Gudbrandsdal sled dogs with various breeds. One of the most successful crosses was with the English stallion Odin, imported in 1834, which was a half English thoroughbred, half Norfolian trotter. The result was a light type of horse with a beautiful trot, and it also inherited a strong croup. One is now in the pedigree of every modern Goodbrandsdal horse.

Other stallions that influenced the breed were Balder, Odin's grandson (born 1849), the Arab Mazarin (introduced to Norway in 1934), Toftebrun and Dovre, who was registered as the founding stallion of the Gudbrandsdal trotter. The Gudbrandsdal trotter is slightly taller than the heavy Gudbrandsdal and has a more noble head, although generally both types are similar.

Height at the withers 145-157 cm, weight from 425 to 630 kg. The color is black, dark-bay or bay, less often - gray and mousey. White markings on legs and head are allowed.

Related article The most popular names for horses and ponies

Body structure: relatively small, dry head with a straight profile; ears are long and mobile; strong, long neck with a moderately pronounced withers; strong powerful shoulders and croup; somewhat long back with muscular, slightly sloping croup; short legs with well-developed brushes; hooves are round and wide. Both types have a beautiful mane and tail.

Gudbrandsdal horses are versatile in harness. They move well both at a trot and in stride, and have great pulling power. They are agile, energetic and hardy horses with a soft, docile character.

As of 2002, there are about 4,000 horses registered in the studbook, and about 175 foals are registered annually.