The Døle is a native of the Gudbrandsdal Valley in Norway.
The Døle is very similar to the Dales and Fell. In prehistoric times, before Britain became an island, these horses were probably one and the same breed.
When pieces of land broke away from Europe and the British Isle was formed, the separate herds developed their own characteristics. In later times when trade was lively between Britain and Norway, merchants took their horses with them and crossed them with native British breeds - which therefore kept some of their original similarities.
There are two types of Døle. The first is the Gudbrandsdal: a small, tough draught animal with great pulling power and an active trot. It is still popular today for transport, pack-work and farm work over the rough ground of the valley and the surrounding land.
The second is a lighter horse: in the 1830s an English Thoroughbred Stallion was exported to Norway and crossed with Gudbrandsdal to produce the Døle Trotter. Originally the trotter was popular for light transport and later for trotting and harness races.
APPEARANCE
The Trotter and the Gudbrandsdal have certain features in common: a small, pony-like head, upright shoulders, a strong, deep body, muscular quarters and a thick mane and tail. The legs are short and the heavier horses have plenty of feather.
HEIGHT
14.2 to 15.2hh.
COLOUR
Usually black, brown or bay.
PERSONALITY
Døles are hardy and even tempered, with a great deal of stamina. They are versatile, all-purpose horses.
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