The Swedish Warmblood
History
The Swedish Warmblood is one of the oldest warmblood breeds. Unlike many other European warmblood breeds, the primary aim of the Swedish Warmblood has for centuries been as a riding horse, rather than as a working horse.
In the 17th century, Sweden used these exquisite horses for its cavalry. As technology decreased the need for military horses, the Swedish Warmblood has since developed into a sporthorse. In 1928 the Swedish Warmblood Association (ASVH) was formed by breeders for the purpose of promoting the breed for riding. As the Swedish Warmblood gained popularity across the world, the Swedish Warmblood Association of North American (SWANA) was formed in in the 1980s.
In the 17th century, Sweden used these exquisite horses for its cavalry. As technology decreased the need for military horses, the Swedish Warmblood has since developed into a sporthorse. In 1928 the Swedish Warmblood Association (ASVH) was formed by breeders for the purpose of promoting the breed for riding. As the Swedish Warmblood gained popularity across the world, the Swedish Warmblood Association of North American (SWANA) was formed in in the 1980s.
Breed Characteristics
The Swedish Warmblood Association (ASVH) defines a horse of international quality as one that is "noble, correct and sound and that excels in its competitive temperament, rideability and movement and/or jumping ability."
The SWB is friendly and sensitive, as well as competitive, always with a positive attitude. The qualities of the SWB make it a highly versatile animal that has been successful in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, eventing and carriage driving.
The SWB is friendly and sensitive, as well as competitive, always with a positive attitude. The qualities of the SWB make it a highly versatile animal that has been successful in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, eventing and carriage driving.
Breed Approval Process
The ASVH is on the forefront in selection and ranking of stallions and mares for breeding in order to keep up with the demand for more performance specialized horses. Data is collected from a Three Year Old Test, a Quality Test, and the Stallion Performance Test, as well as though competitive results. This data is computed into an estimated breeding value index ("BLUP" index). The rigorous testing of both stallions and mares ensure that only the best of the breed is used for breeding.
Notable Achievements of Swedish Warmbloods
- Swedish bred horses have earned at least 7 individual gold medals in dressage and 4 in eventing
- In the 1988 Seoul Games, 13 SWBs competed in dressage and 6 won medals
- Four Swedish bred horses qualified for the jumping final in the 2000 Olympic Games
- A SWB placed in the 2002 World Equestrian Games jumping final
- The top ranked dressage stallion in the world in 2001 was a SWB
- A SWB won the bronze medal in the 2002 World Equestrian Games in 3 Day Eventing
- Butterfly Flip won the Silver Medal in jumping at the Athens Olympic games
- Mynta placed 4th individual in jumping and contributed to a team silver medal at 2004 World Equestrian Games
- A team of Swedish Warmbloods won the gold medal in the Four-In-Hand Combined Driving event at the 1990 World Equestrian Games and the World Championships in 2000
Naming Convention
Most breeders like to name foals beginning with the first letter of the sire's name, however there is no official naming requirement for Swedish Warmbloods.