Pet Wiki

Finnhorse

Equus ferus caballus

Also called Suomenhevonen, Finnish Universal, Finskt kallblod

breedShort profile

From Finland123

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium
versatile
willing to work
easy to handle
eager to co-operate
good endurance
smooth gaits
14

Looks how to spot one

double coat

The Finnhorse has a sturdy, well-proportioned body that is round and muscular. It has a thick winter coat suited to cold climates. The breed is of average height, with good posture and elastic, regular gaits that make it comfortable to ride and drive.14

Colourschestnut (often with flaxen mane and tail)bayblackgreypalominosabinobuckskincreamroanspotted1

Personality what they are like

The Finnhorse is known for its calm, willing and co-operative nature. It is energetic yet humble, and enjoys working alongside people. The breed is sensitive to its handler's cues and is generally easy to handle, making it suitable for a wide range of activities from riding to draught work.145

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Finnhorses need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive when given varied work such as riding, driving, harness racing or groundwork. Daily turnout and access to pasture or a paddock are important for their physical and mental well-being.15

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and Finnhorses should have at least one equine companion. They form strong bonds with other horses and with humans. Isolation can cause stress and behavioural issues.5

The story where it all began

The Finnhorse is Finland's native and national horse breed. Its studbook was founded in 1907, but horses of this type have lived alongside people in Finland for centuries. Historically, they were used for agriculture, forestry, transport and cavalry. In the 20th century, the breed was divided into four breeding sections: harness trotters, riding horses, pony-sized horses and draught horses. The population declined sharply during urbanisation in the 1960s and 1970s, from over 400,000 to a low of 14,000 in 1987. Thanks to dedicated breeding programmes, numbers have recovered to around 20,000 today. The breed is closely related to other Nordic and eastern horse breeds such as the Norwegian Fjord and Icelandic horse.613

Recognised by the official bits

Finnish Horse Breeders' Association
National horse breed of Finland, recognised as a distinct breed with a studbook established in 1907.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnhorse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Finnhorse, and what should it eat?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water every day. For the specific diet and amounts, please ask your vet or an equine nutritionist, as needs vary with age and workload. Pet Wiki plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Finnhorse?

Common dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol, but this list is for general pets. For horse-specific toxic plants, please check with your vet or a good breeder.7

How much space and land does a Finnhorse need?

Space needs vary with the horse's activity and management. A good breeder or equine professional can give you tailored advice for your situation.

What kind of shelter does a Finnhorse need?

Shelter requirements depend on your climate and facilities. Please ask a good breeder or your vet for recommendations suited to your Finnhorse.

How do I look after a Finnhorse's hooves or feet?

Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily hoof picking and a farrier visit every 42 days. This keeps hooves healthy and comfortable. Pet Wiki plan

Does a Finnhorse need grooming or shearing?

Regular grooming helps keep the coat clean and healthy, especially during shedding. Shearing is not typically needed for this hardy breed; ask a good breeder for specific advice.

Can a Finnhorse live alone?

No, Finnhorses are herd animals and need at least one equine companion to thrive. Isolation can cause stress and behavioural issues.5

How long does a Finnhorse live?

Lifespan varies with care and genetics. For an estimate, please ask a good breeder or your vet who knows the breed.

Is a Finnhorse good with children?

Yes, the Finnhorse is calm, willing, and co-operative, making it suitable for families. Always supervise interactions between children and horses.145

What regular vet care does a Finnhorse need?

Furry Diary's starting plan includes annual dental check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Your vet will tailor a schedule for your horse. Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. suomenhevonen.fi: en suomenhevonen.fiused for origin, height cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, history, fun fact
  2. en.wikipedia.org: Finnhorse en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, height cm
  3. nordgen.org: finnhorse nordgen.orgused for origin, weight kg, history
  4. hippos.fi: jalostusohjelma sh eng hippos.fiused for coat or body, best traits, temperament
  5. ruskalaukka.fi: finnhorse our friend ruskalaukka.fiused for temperament, activity needs, social needs
  6. link.springer.com: s12711 019 0480 8 link.springer.comused for history, fun fact
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: PMC7894145 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.