Swedish Warmblood

Looks how to spot one

short, fine summer coat; thicker in winter

The Swedish Warmblood has a short, fine coat in summer that becomes thicker and coarser in winter to cope with the Swedish climate. The body is noble and athletic, with a well-proportioned frame built for sport.3

Personality what they are like

The Swedish Warmblood is known for its calm, even temperament combined with real athletic ability. It is intelligent, trainable and steady in busy environments, making it a willing partner for both competition and leisure. The breed bonds well with its regular handler and responds best to clear, fair, consistent signals.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This breed needs daily structured exercise, including ridden work, flat schooling, jumping or pole work, and hacking. Daily turnout in a paddock or field is essential for free movement and mental wellbeing. Warm-up and cool-down routines are important to protect joints and tendons.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Daily grooming to remove dirt and sweat, and to check for cuts or swelling. Pick out feet daily. Bathe as needed in warm weather. Schedule farrier visits every 6 to 8 weeks for trimming or shoeing. Keep mane and tail clean and tangle-free.3

Home where they are happiest

A safe field with secure fencing, shelter from sun and weather, and constant access to clean water. The breed does well with a combination of stable and turnout. Daily movement and the company of other horses are important for its wellbeing.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Forage-based diet of good-quality grass, hay or haylage, fed at roughly 1.5 to 2.5 percent of body weight per day. Concentrates or compound feed added only to match workload. A horse in light work may need little or no grain. Always make feed changes gradually over one to two weeks.3

Company who they like around

Swedish Warmbloods are social animals that benefit from the company of other horses. They bond with their regular handler and accept grooming, tacking and routine care without fuss. Clear, fair handling brings out the best in the breed.3

The story where it all began

The Swedish Warmblood is one of the oldest warmblood breeds, with origins in the 17th century when foreign horses from Spain, Friesland, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Russia were imported and cross-bred with local mares to produce cavalry horses. Breeding took place at the studs of Strömsholm (established 1621), Ottenby and Flyinge. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, further imports of Arab, Thoroughbred, Hanoverian and Trakehner stock improved the breed's size, power and consistency. The studbook began in 1874, and the Swedish Warmblood Association was founded in 1928. Today it is a top international sport horse, excelling in dressage, show jumping and eventing.12

Recognised by the official bits

Swedish Warmblood Association (ASVH)

Breed society founded in 1928; maintains the studbook and promotes breeding of the Swedish Warmblood.2

FAO

Listed as not at risk in 2007.1

DAD-IS

Listed as not at risk in 2022.1