🌲 Vet’s 2025 Guide to the Finnhorse

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

1. Origins & Heritage

The Finnhorse, or Suomenhevonen, is Finland’s national breed and the only horse developed entirely within the country. Descended from Northern European warm- and coldblood horses brought by settlers centuries ago, the breed was formalized in 1907. Noted for adaptability, it originally served tractors of their day—drivers, farmers, trotting athletes, and transporters—earning it the nickname “Finnish Universal.”

2. Development of Four Types

In 1924, breeding split into two main directions—draught and lighter performance types. By the 1970s, the registry recognized four categories:

• Trotter: fast, athletic harness racers—Finnhorses are the world’s fastest coldblood trotters.
• Draught: stronger build for forestry and farm work.
• Riding: versatile under-saddle type for sport and leisure.
• Pony: smaller, same lineage but compact frame.

3. Physical Traits & Conformation

• Height: Typically 15–17 hh.
• Build: Strong, well-muscled chest and hindquarters, laid-back shoulder, clean legs, sturdy hooves.
• Movement: Even, elastic trot; solid canter.
• Colours: All solid coats—chestnut (common), bay, black, grey, roan, palomino, and occasional pinto or flaxen.

4. Temperament & Intelligence

Finnhorses are known for being calm, willing, and level-headed, yet full of spirit when called upon. They have easy trainability with reliable manners, making them ideal for family, sport, and work environments.

5. Common Uses in 2025

• Harness Racing: competitive trotting nationwide and abroad.
• Riding & Sport: showjumping, dressage, eventing—especially the riding type.
• Work & Trail: still used in forestry, agriculture, and trekking—hardy on rough terrain.
• Recreation: family-friendly mounts, therapy settings, youth and Pony Club horses.

6. Health & Veterinary Considerations

• General Hardiness: robust breed with low incidence of inherited issues.
• Hoof Health: routine trimming essential; prone to cracks if neglected.
• Diet & Weight: manageable on pasture; monitor NSC levels to prevent metabolic problems.
• Dental Care: biannual floating recommended for bit comfort and digestion.
• Deworming: based on fecal egg counts; pasture rotation reduces resistance.

7. Nutrition & Conditioning

• Forage-Based Diet: good-quality hay or pasture with limited concentrates.
• Performance Feeding: light grain/balancer diets for sport or harness horses.
• Supplementation: joint support for older or training horses; electrolytes for endurance tasks.
• Fitness Plan: start with walk/trot and hill work; riding types benefit from pole, jumping, and arena work.

8. Breed Community & Registry

Governed by Suomen Hippos, Finland’s national studbook, the Finnhorse registry maintains strong standards. Though numbers dropped mid-20th century, revival efforts in the 1970s brought back registry interest. Today, around 20,000 Finnhorses flourish domestically and abroad, proud representatives of Finland.

9. Ask A Vet Support 🩺

Contributors to Finnhorse care via Ask A Vet include:

• Customized conditioning schedules for each type.
• Nutritional advice—from easy keepers to performance-demanding trotters.
• Hoof and dental health reminders and timing alerts.
• Guidance during competition or remote trail work incidents.

Download the Ask A Vet app for breed-expert support to nurture and maximize your Finnhorse’s versatility in 2025 and beyond! ❤️

10. Summary Table

11. Final Thoughts

The Finnhorse embodies a rare combination—endurance, temperament, athleticism, and historical depth. Whether trotting at full stride, working in the forest, or relaxing under saddle, this breed thrives across roles. With Ask A Vet’s guidance, owners can offer tailored fitness, nutrition, and wellness paths that honour the breed’s legacy—ensuring Finnhorses stay strong, capable, and content into 2025 and beyond. ❤️