This tool lets you compare two breeds of horses, ponies, or donkeys in the blink of an eye. See their geographical origins, heights, and weights to better understand each type of equine.
Origin:
The Belarusian Draft horse (Biélorusski Tyazhelovoz) originated from crossbreeding efforts undertaken in the late 19th century, involving local light draft-type mares and imported heavy stallions, primarily Ardennais, Percheron, and Brabant.
Selective breeding intensified in the 1920s, driven by Soviet agricultural policies, with the goal of creating a powerful, rustic draft breed well suited to the harsh climate and marshy soils of Belarus.
The national stud-book was gradually organized after World War II, and by the 1950s, a fixed breed type was well established.
Today, the Belarusian Draft is one of the few heavy draft breeds specifically adapted to Eastern Europe, used for agricultural work, horsemeat production, and increasingly for rural tourism.
Height: 150 – 156 cm
Weight: 500 – 700 kg
Origin:
The Swedish Trotter (in Swedish Svenskt Varmblodigt Travhäst) is a breed developed in Sweden in the 19th century to meet the growing popularity of trotting races, which were highly popular in the Nordic countries.
Bred from crosses between local horses and foreign trotters (notably the American Standardbred, the British Norfolk Trotter and Thoroughbreds), it was selected for its consistent trotting speed, endurance, and competitive temperament.
The creation of this breed reflects a deeply rooted tradition in Sweden and the Scandinavian countries: harness racing, held on racecourses or frozen tracks in winter. Today, the Swedish Trotter is considered one of the best trotters in Europe, able to compete at the highest international level.
The Swedish Trotter should not be confused with the Scandinavian Trotter (Kallblodstravare), which includes two distinct lines: the Norwegian Trotter (Norsk Kaldblodstraver) and the North Swedish Trotter (Svensk Kallblodstravare).
Unlike the Swedish Trotter (a warmblood, influenced by the Standardbred and built for speed), Scandinavian trotters are coldblood trotters, more compact and hardy, but slower.
Both traditions still coexist today in Scandinavia:
Height: 155 – 170 cm
Weight: 450 – 550 kg
