Finnish horse faces threat as foal numbers remain low

Finland will mark Finnish Horse Day on Sunday, September 6, according to Yle. The Finnish horse, the country’s only native horse breed, is under threat because fewer than 1,000 foals have been born annually in recent years, the Finnish trotting and breeding association Suomen Hippos said.

There are currently about 18,500 Finnish horses. The breed’s status as Finland’s national breed is also to be secured under the current government programme.

Finnish Horse Day has been celebrated since 2007, when the breed’s studbook reached its centenary.

The breed played a significant role in Finland’s independence and national vitality. About 110,000 Finnish horses served in the Finnish Army during the Second World War, mainly carrying out transport duties at the front.

The horses were well suited to wartime service because of their endurance and speed.