FACTS ABOUT GOTLANDRUSSS
Latin name:Equus caballus
Order: Pointed-toed ungulates
Family:Equine animal
Weight: about 400 kg
Height at the withers: approx. 130 cm
Expectancy:20-25 years
Food: Plants
Gotlandsrusset, hästen och människan
The Gotland Russet is a strong and durable horse in a small format. During the Iron Age, the wild Gotland Russet became a pet with humans, where it has since had a special position on the farm. In the past, the Russet was mainly used as a draft horse in agriculture, just like it The North Swedish working horse.The Gotland Russet has also been used for riding, as a country horse. In the past there were no fences, the horses roamed freely and looked for food. When a new horse was needed on the farm for various draft tasks, one was simply brought in from the forest.
The Gotland rush decreased in number
Towards the middle of the 19th century, the number of Gotland russ decreased significantly. The biggest reason was the implementation of the shift that was started in 1859. The large open spaces and forests were cut off and divided by fences and cultivated land. The Russians began to be seen as pests by some when they trampled the fields. Around the 1870s, around 2000 Russ were sold, mainly to England and Belgium to be used as draft horses in the coal mines. Gotland Russ was also exported to Germany to be used as a draft horse on farms, for milk carts and the like.
Bevarandet av Gotlandsrusset
Eventually, the Gotlänners began to fear that the Rus would disappear completely. At the beginning of the 20th century, several stud farms were established to preserve the Russet. The strain of Gotland Russ that still roams freely on Lojsta Heath on Gotland is a legacy of the remaining horses from the breeding work at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, there are around 50 horses in the free-ranging herd, whose purpose is to preserve the Gotland Russet in its original environment.
Gotland Russet today
The Gotland Russet is a strong and versatile pony that is today a popular family horse. They are strong both physically and mentally and make their way in all terrains. In terms of size, it is an excellent children's pony, and thanks to its strength, it is a popular driving horse even among adult horse enthusiasts.
