Continent: Europe
Country: Sweden
Weight: 450 – 550 kg
Height: 155 – 170 cm
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:
The Swedish Trotter is mainly bred in Sweden, where most specialized stud farms and training facilities are located. Breeding is overseen by the Swedish Trotting Association (Svensk Travsport), which manages the official stud-book and organizes genetic selection.
Although firmly rooted in Sweden, the Swedish Trotter has also spread to neighboring countries such as Norway, Finland, and Denmark, where it is used in local breeding programs. Its sporting reputation has also enabled the export of its bloodlines to Western Europe and even occasionally to North America.
The Swedish Trotter represents a unique genetic reservoir in Northern Europe. It combines the hardiness of local Swedish horses, accustomed to harsh winters, with the speed and consistency inherited from the American Standardbred and the British Norfolk Trotter. This combination created a lineage perfectly suited to harness racing, the flagship discipline in the Nordic countries.
The stallions and mares of the breed reliably pass on:
The Swedish Trotter has also been used as an improver in other European stud-books. Its genetics help strengthen physical resilience, sporting longevity, and a cooperative temperament qualities highly valued for competition horses.
Because of its genetic value, the breed has become a cornerstone of Scandinavian harness racing. It ensures the sustainability of a dynamic economic sector and contributes to the cultural identity of Sweden and neighboring countries, where trotters are seen as national symbols.
The Swedish Trotter traces its roots to the second half of the 19th century, when Sweden, inspired by the growing popularity of trotting races in Europe and America, began developing a national specialized breed.
Crosses were made between:
The first official trotting races appeared in Sweden in the mid-19th century, often held on frozen lakes in winter—a typical Nordic tradition. With the opening of Solvalla racetrack (Stockholm) in 1927, considered the temple of Swedish trotting, the discipline gained both national and international recognition.
In the early 20th century, a dedicated stud-book was established, overseen by Svensk Travsport. The goal was to consolidate a homogeneous lineage capable of competing with the best European and American trotters. Rigorous selection was introduced, based on race results and veterinary controls.
The breed has produced several world-renowned champions who elevated Sweden among the great trotting nations:
Today, the Swedish Trotter remains central to Scandinavian equestrian culture. Supported by a strong industry, it benefits from modern breeding programs that incorporate genetics and biomechanics technologies, while maintaining the traditional identity of a horse shaped by Nordic trotting races.
The Swedish Trotter is known for its competitive instinct. Selected for racing for over a century, it shows a strong natural motivation to push itself and maintain a steady trot rhythm, even under pressure.
Unlike some nervous racehorses, it generally has a calm and cooperative temperament. This mental stability makes it easier to manage both in training and in high-level competition.
It combines lively energy with a docility appreciated by drivers and riders. Its responsiveness and attentiveness make it a reliable horse, even in stressful environments such as major racetracks.
Although primarily oriented toward trotting competitions, its balanced and willing character also makes it suitable for other activities such as recreational driving or light trail riding. Some owners even keep them after their racing careers for quieter equestrian pursuits, proof of their good adaptability.
The Swedish Trotter enjoys a solid international reputation thanks to its performances in both harness and under-saddle trotting races. The discipline remains extremely popular in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia, ensuring ongoing demand for quality horses.
Swedish breeding programs are increasingly focused on:
The goal is to keep the breed competitive against the American Standardbred while highlighting its Scandinavian particularities.
The future of the Swedish Trotter will also depend on its ability to:
Although primarily bred for racing, some breeders are aiming for greater versatility:
In summary, the outlook for the Swedish Trotter is favorable, provided that breeding practices continue to modernize while preserving its Scandinavian genetic identity.
The Swedish Trotter is known for its competitive instinct. Selected for racing for over a century, it shows a strong natural motivation to push itself and maintain a steady trot rhythm, even under pressure.
Unlike some nervous racehorses, it generally has a calm and cooperative temperament. This mental stability makes it easier to manage both in training and in high-level competition.
It combines lively energy with a docility appreciated by drivers and riders. Its responsiveness and attentiveness make it a reliable horse, even in stressful environments such as major racetracks.
Although primarily oriented toward trotting competitions, its balanced and willing character also makes it suitable for other activities such as recreational driving or light trail riding. Some owners even keep them after their racing careers for quieter equestrian pursuits, proof of their good adaptability.
