Døle

The Døle, or Dølahest, is a native Norwegian horse rooted in the Gudbrandsdal valley and the farming districts of eastern Norway. It is a compact coldblood horse with a broad chest, short strong cannons, powerful hindquarters and a thick mane and tail. The breed developed as an all-purpose farm, forestry and harness horse, able to pull on steep ground yet remain handy enough for riding and village transport. English sources may also mention the related Norwegian Coldblood Trotter, which shares ancestry but has been selected more strongly for racing in harness.

Døle horses are kept today for farm work, logging demonstrations, driving, leisure riding and breed preservation. They usually do well in cold climates and on forage-based diets, but their easy-keeping nature means rich pasture and excessive grain can lead to obesity. Feathered lower legs and large hooves need regular attention in wet conditions, and harness fit matters for a horse built to put weight into a collar. Because the population is not large, breeders watch soundness, temperament and diversity as closely as type.