Horse
Breed Description:
The Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse is a draft horse from Norway, and is one of the smallest of the coldbloods. It is also known as the Dole or Dolahest. There are two subtypes of the breed, the Dole Gudbrandsdal, used mainly for farm and draft work, and the Dole Trotter (or Norwegian Trotter), used primarily for harness racing. The Dole Trotter is actually a bit larger than the heavier Dole Gudbrandsdal, with a slightly more refined head, while the heavier Dole has shorter legs with short, dense cannon bones and moderate feathering. In most respects the types are similar, however. Regardless of type, the Dole Gudbrandsal breed of horse is usually bay, black, or brown, but also may be gray, dun, chestnut or palomino. They have luxurious dark brown or black manes and tails. White markings may occur on the head and legs, particularly on the trotter type. The head is heavy with a straight profile, square muzzle, and wide forehead. The neck is short and muscular, withers and back are straight, and the croup is broad and gently sloped. The sturdy legs have heavy feathering over broad and tough hooves. When presented for grading and studbook inspection, the heavy-type Dole Gudbrandsdals are tested for pulling power and trotting. For the lighter Dole Trotter type, clean x-rays of the knee and lower legs must be presented, and stallions must have satisfactory results on the track before they may be used for breeding. These requirements have had results: although the Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse is one of the smallest draft breeds, it has great pulling power, and is also hardy and agile. Dole Gudbrandsdals are especially well-known for their excellent trots.
Temperament:
The Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse is active, agile, and even-tempered.
Height:
The Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse stands 14.2 to 15.2 hands high.
Weight:
The Dole Gudbrandsal breed of horse typically weighs 1,190 to 1,390 lbs.
Grooming:
The Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse has routine grooming requirements. A hard-working, stabled Dole may require a thorough grooming each day, while one kept in the pasture may require only a light going-over with a dandy brush. Hooves must be trimmed every two or three months.
Origin:
The Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse is an old breed from the great central valley of Gudbrandsdal, which connects the Oslo region with the North Sea coast. It resembles the Fell and Dales ponies in appearance, which is not surprising since all three of the breeds probably came from the same prehistoric wild stock. During the period 400 to 800 A.D., Friesian merchants from the Netherlands introduced their own black horses to Norway. These horses were then used in trade as pack animals servicing Norway´s overland trade route.
Although in the 19th century, numerous crosses were made between these coldblood Norwegian horses and both warmblood stallions and English Thoroughbreds, today the practice of crossbreeding with the Dole Gudbrandsdal breed of horse has more or less ceased. 