Finnhorse

In a country of sprawling forests, vast lakes, and snowy winters, comes a horse with all the grit of a nordic steed. Welcome the small but mighty Finnhorse.

The Finnhorse has a very special history, as the development of the breed is intertwined with the history of Finland itself. This sturdy horse was the ultimate adaptor to the ever-changing lives and needs of the Finnish people.

This meant that the Finnhorse had to adapt fast, developing unique skills that are now categorized into four disciplines: Riding, draught, trotter, and pony type. The Finnhorses on Jorvik are a well-rounded mix, dubbed as a riding and all-round type.

With these four diverse backgrounds, the Finnhorse is suitable for many forms of riding, from cross-country and hacking to everyday riding and for use in riding schools. They are most known in Finland for their use in the summer Trotting Championship “Kuninkuusravit”.

However, the Finnhorse breed has not been without its struggles. With the mechanization of farming and the extinction of the Finnish horse cavalry in the 20th century, the need for Finnhorse diminished.

But the people would not let the beloved Finnhorse fall into obscurity. The establishment of a dedicated studbook in 1971 and the recognition of the different types of Finnhorse meant the numbers have risen to approximately 20,000 today.

The most notable coat color for the Finnhorse is the different variations of chestnut, but they can also be found in base colors such as black and bay. Oftentimes they will have white markings on their legs and face. With sturdy legs, strong muscles, and solid hooves, this horse is perfect for riding all terrains on Jorvik.

So if you’re searching for a fluffy tough cookie that will adapt and excel no matter what, the Finnhorse is the ideal companion.