Gotland Pony

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Gotland pony is a Swedish pony breed. Its Swedish name, Gotlandsruss, comes from word "Ross" meaning a mount or a war horse. Half wild Tarpans lived on the small island of Gotland that is on the South-Eastern coast of Sweden as early as 2000 years before Christ, and Gotland ponies are thought to descend from these horses.

In the beginning of the 19th century Gotland ponies still lived everywhere on the island, but due to the chopping the woods and the increasing cultivation the number ponies had began to lessen menacingly. Plenty of ponies were also taken to the manner Europe, and around 1870 they were sold 200 per year. They were transported all the way to Great Britain and Belgium where they were used in coal mines. Extinction of the breed was avoided when the ennobling society was founded in Sweden. To the society´s merit the moors and forests of Lojsta were protected for the ponies to live in.

First pedigree-book for Gotland ponies was opened in Sweden in 1943. To improve the breed two Wales pony stallions have been accepted in it: Reber General and Criban Daniel. The pedigree was closed in 1971 after which only registered Gotland ponies have been accepted in it.

According to the definition of the breed the pedigreed ponies are 115-130 cm high. Three-year old pony must be 115-128 cm. All colours except blue-eyed palomino, dun, grey and pinto (if on the back). The refining goal is a strong-built pony suitable for children and adults with good nature. It is good for riding, trotting and pulling.