Low foal numbers threaten Finland’s native horse breed

Finland is celebrating Finnish Horse Day, while declining foal numbers threaten the future of the country’s only native horse breed, Yle reports.

About 110,000 Finnish horses served in the Finnish Army during the Second World War. Their endurance and speed made them well suited to the front, where they were used particularly for transport duties.

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

There are now around 18,500 Finnish horses. However, fewer than 1,000 Finnish horse foals have been born annually in recent years, according to Suomen Hippos.

Finland’s government programme states that the Finnish horse’s status as the national breed will be secured.