Meet Ojvind!

Dating back to 1200 BCE, the Gotland Pony originated on the island of Gotland off the coast of Sweden. This rare breed is one of Sweden’s oldest and today herds managed by the Gotland Agricultural Society still roam the Lojsta moor. Over time these small, hardy ponies adapted to navigating the thin, sandy soil and limestone bedrock found on the island. Historically they were used on farms for agricultural work and used as road horses because of their stamina and trotting ability. Today the Gotland is a popular children’s mount and excels in harness racing, jumping, dressage, pleasure riding, and driving.

While most of the Gotland ponies live over in Sweden, there is a small herd living in Kentucky with a special stallion who is doing important work in helping preserve and bring awareness to this rare pony breed. Meet Öjvind (pronounced “œyvind”), a 7-year-old Gotland Pony stallion who is passing on key genetics to help his breed flourish both in the United States and Sweden.

Gotland Ponies were first imported to the United States in the 1950s. In 1989, Leslie Bebensee bought the last breeding herd and brought them to her Kokovoko Farm in Kentucky. These sweet and athletic ponies won her heart, and her focus turned to preserving the Gotland in the US. In 2020, Leslie received an email notifying her that the Kokovoko herd had bloodlines that were lost in Sweden, and an arrangement was made to trade a stallion from their old lines in exchange for four colts out of her mares. That little stallion from Sweden was Öjvind!

Öjvind was very good at his job - 11 months after his arrival in the US, he already had his first foal on the ground. Aside from passing on important old genes, his easy-going temperament, athleticism, and loyal personality are present in each of his offspring. Öjvind was trained to both ride and drive and he took everything in stride, proving just how smart and easily-trained Gotland Ponies are. He has also been a representative of his breed at BreyerFest for the past three years, participating in Kokovoko’s demonstrations.

Leslie loves educating people about the Gotand Pony breed and knows how important awareness is to the preservation of this rare breed. Öjvind’s arrival has helped create new partnerships between the US and Sweden that ensure the growth of the Gotland population so future generations can enjoy this historic pony breed.

Öjvind’s portrait model is a handsome wild bay on the loose-mane Highland Pony Stallion mold (#825), sculpted by Kelly Sealey. He will be available as a part of this year’s Limited Edition model lineup available to all ticket holders, whether you’re joining us in-person or online!