Horse breeds / Coldblood trotter
Photo: Don Wright · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Coldblood trotter
The Coldblood trotter, often called the Swedish or Nordic coldblood trotter, comes from Sweden and Norway, where it was developed from heavy draft stock crossed with light trotting lines. It was bred for harness work, pulling carts and farm loads at a steady trot while also serving as a reliable working animal on small northern holdings.
In the saddle and in harness it is calm, willing and sensible, which makes it a practical choice for owners who want a horse that stays level-headed. It has a powerful, ground-covering trot and tends to be patient with novice handlers, so it can suit beginners who take time to learn its rhythm. Its size and build mean it can carry an adult rider or pull a light vehicle comfortably.
Day to day, these horses need regular work to stay fit and content, along with turnout that lets them move and graze. They are social animals that do best with companionship, and they settle well into a routine of steady handling, feeding and grooming.
Good for: First-time owners, carriage and trail driving
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 1102–1433 lb |
| Height | 59–63 in |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Sweden, Norway |
Watch body condition closely, since these horses can gain weight easily on good grass and need consistent work.
Living with a Coldblood trotter
Exercise
Most healthy adults need regular daily work, typically 30 to 60 minutes of riding, driving or in-hand exercise, plus turnout to move freely. With too little exercise they can become overweight, stiff and bored, which may lead to behavior issues.
Grooming
Their dense coat needs regular brushing, especially during the spring shed when the winter coat comes out. Mane and tail are usually kept untangled and trimmed as needed. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and clipping is seldom needed unless the horse is worked hard in winter.
At home
Coldblood trotters are hardy and handle cold weather well thanks to their thick winter coat, so they can live outdoors with shelter available. They usually do well in a herd, though they can also be kept with a single companion. Most are fairly easy keepers, but feed should be adjusted to workload and body condition, and forage should form the base of the diet.
Training
Coldblood trotters learn steadily and respond well to patient, consistent handling. They are best known for harness driving and trail work, and they can be trained for light riding and general farm tasks. A green horse of this breed is usually calm and workmanlike, though it may take time to develop balance and a consistent trot under saddle.
Health
Like many heavier horses, Coldblood trotters may be prone to certain conditions such as laminitis and metabolic issues, especially if they are overweight. Breed-specific health concerns are not widely documented, so owners should ask a veterinarian about screening and preventive care.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Coldblood trotter
Forage and water, adult
19–32 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1102–1433 lb, and 11–20 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,450–$5,750
Hay about $2,234, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Coldblood trotter is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Coldblood trotter
Shelters and breed rescues list Coldblood trotters and Coldblood trotter mixes every week. Search adoptable Coldblood trotters on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Coldblood trotter right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, dependable horse for driving or trail work.
- Yes if you have a cold climate and can provide shelter and forage.
- Yes if you enjoy harness work or steady, ground-covering trot.
- Think twice if you want a fast, showy horse for competition.
- Think twice if you need a horse that stays lean on rich pasture.
Questions owners ask
Is the Coldblood trotter good for beginners?
Yes, its calm and steady temperament makes it suitable for many beginners, particularly for driving and gentle trail riding with an experienced trainer nearby.
How tall do Coldblood trotters get?
They typically stand around 150 to 160 centimetres at the withers, though individual horses vary somewhat.
How long do Coldblood trotters live?
Reliable lifespan data for this breed is limited, so ask a veterinarian or breed registry for better estimates.
What are Coldblood trotters used for?
They are mainly used for harness driving, light draft and trail work, and as dependable general-purpose farm horses.
Are Coldblood trotters easy keepers?
Many are easy keepers, so diet and exercise should be monitored to prevent weight gain and related health problems.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.