At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
double coat
The Finnhorse has a sturdy, well-proportioned body that is round and muscular. It has a thick winter coat suited to cold climates. The breed is of average height, with good posture and elastic, regular gaits that make it comfortable to ride and drive.14
Personality what they are like
The Finnhorse is known for its calm, willing and co-operative nature. It is energetic yet humble, and enjoys working alongside people. The breed is sensitive to its handler's cues and is generally easy to handle, making it suitable for a wide range of activities from riding to draught work.145
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Finnhorses need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive when given varied work such as riding, driving, harness racing or groundwork. Daily turnout and access to pasture or a paddock are important for their physical and mental well-being.15
Company who they like around
Horses are herd animals and Finnhorses should have at least one equine companion. They form strong bonds with other horses and with humans. Isolation can cause stress and behavioural issues.5
The story where it all began
The Finnhorse is Finland's native and national horse breed. Its studbook was founded in 1907, but horses of this type have lived alongside people in Finland for centuries. Historically, they were used for agriculture, forestry, transport and cavalry. In the 20th century, the breed was divided into four breeding sections: harness trotters, riding horses, pony-sized horses and draught horses. The population declined sharply during urbanisation in the 1960s and 1970s, from over 400,000 to a low of 14,000 in 1987. Thanks to dedicated breeding programmes, numbers have recovered to around 20,000 today. The breed is closely related to other Nordic and eastern horse breeds such as the Norwegian Fjord and Icelandic horse.613
Recognised by the official bits
- Finnish Horse Breeders' Association
- National horse breed of Finland, recognised as a distinct breed with a studbook established in 1907.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnhorse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterHay or grazing most of the day, fresh water alwaysevery day
- Pick out hoovesPick out the hooves every dayevery day
- GroomingA quick groom also lets you spot cuts and swellingsevery day
- TurnoutDaily time out with company, horses are herd animalsevery day
- Muck outevery day
- Farrier visitTrim or shoes about every 6 to 8 weeks, as your farrier advisesevery 6 weeks
- Teeth brushingDental check by a vet or equine dentistevery year
- Flea, tick and worm protectionWorming as your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
- VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
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Norwegian Fjord Horse
Icelandic HorseLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- suomenhevonen.fi: en suomenhevonen.fiused for origin, height cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, history, fun fact
- en.wikipedia.org: Finnhorse en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, height cm
- nordgen.org: finnhorse nordgen.orgused for origin, weight kg, history
- hippos.fi: jalostusohjelma sh eng hippos.fiused for coat or body, best traits, temperament
- ruskalaukka.fi: finnhorse our friend ruskalaukka.fiused for temperament, activity needs, social needs
- link.springer.com: s12711 019 0480 8 link.springer.comused for history, fun fact
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: PMC7894145 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.