Dole horses are a medium-sized draft breed known for their sturdy and compact build. On average, they stand between 14.1 to 15.3 hands high (57 to 63 inches, or 145 to 160 cm) at the withers. While slightly smaller than some other draft breeds, their height contributes to their versatility and ease of handling, making them ideal for a variety of uses.

Dole horses are renowned for their versatility. Historically bred as working horses for Norway’s farms and forests, they are adept at light draft work, plowing, and carriage driving. Today, Dole horses are also cherished for their suitability in recreational riding, trail riding, and showing, thanks to their balanced conformation and smooth gaits. Their adaptability means they excel in family settings as well as with riders looking for a reliable and hard-working partner.

One of the most celebrated traits of the Norwegian Dole horse is its gentle and reliable temperament. These horses are known for being calm, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them a favorite among riders and handlers of all experience levels. Their willingness to work and even-keeled demeanor are paired with a sociable nature, creating strong bonds with their owners. Whether in a busy farm environment or a quiet trail, Dole horses are appreciated for their steadiness and kind disposition.

The breeding stock of mares and stallions is divided into three studbooks or registries:

• A-registeret (A)

• B-registeret (B)

• C-registeret (C)

Which registry your horse belongs to depends on their bloodline. Let’s break it down:

A: Fully Approved Bloodlines

This is for horses with fully approved bloodlines, and most individuals fall into this category.

To be registered in A, a foal must:

• Have a sire that has been approved for breeding at the annual stallion show in Norway.

• Have a dam that is either:

• Already registered in A, or

• Registered in B with four generations of approved ancestry behind her.

Additionally, if you have a mare from the breed Kaldblodstraver (Norwegian/Swedish Coldblooded Trotter) that has been officially approved for breeding into the Dole registry, her offspring will be registered in A.

B: Partially Approved Bloodlines

This registry is for horses with partially approved bloodlines. For example:

• The sire has not been approved for breeding.

• The dam is a mare with fewer than four approved generations behind her.

• The dam is a Coldblooded Trotter that has not been officially approved for breeding.

Colts born in B with unusual, rare, or valuable documented pedigrees may be considered for advancement to A under special review by the breeding council and the main organization. If approved, they can earn a breeding license, and their offspring will then be registered in A.

C: Non-Approved Bloodlines

This category is for horses that do not meet the requirements for A or B.

Breeding Rules for Dole Horses

As mentioned earlier, most Norwegian Dole Horses are registered in A, and this group forms the core of our breeding stock. Stallions and broodmares are generally selected from these individuals.

Stallion Approval Process

A stallion must be approved for breeding at the annual stallion show.

• First Approval:

At the age of 3 (or older), a stallion may receive his first breeding license (known as kåringsgrad in Norwegian). This initial approval allows him to breed for one season.

• Second Approval:

The following year, the stallion must return for re-evaluation. During this time, he must also pass a series of driving and riding tests to prove his abilities. Based on his performance, he will either:

• Be re-approved, or

• Lose his breeding license.

If re-approved, the stallion is awarded a third-, second-, or first-prize rating based on his conformation and other qualities. Note: A first-prize rating can only be given to stallions aged 6 or older.

• Third Approval:

At 8 years old, the stallion must appear for a final evaluation (or a second evaluation if he was first approved after the age of 3). If he does not attend, or if he is deemed unworthy, he may lose his license.

If approved at this stage, the stallion will keep his license for life. His rating may stay the same, improve, or be downgraded, but he will retain his ability to breed.

Requirements for Breeding

To breed a fully approved individual, breeders must:

• Use a licensed stallion.

• Breed with a mare registered in A (or B if she has the required pedigree).

• Coldblooded Trotter mares must meet approval criteria to qualify.

Reproduction can be achieved through:

• Natural Covering

• Artificial Insemination (AI): While less common, AI can be arranged, but only with a licensed stallion.

It is important to note that North Swedish mares cannot be bred with Norwegian Dole Stallions.

Mare Approval

To be considered approved for breeding, a mare must be registered in A or B.

• Mares with undocumented bloodlines are not approved for breeding goes here

* rules shared and translated by Tom André Engjom, to whom we owe many thanks.