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A Dala horse or Dalecarlian horse is a traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days,[when?] the Dala horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as of Sweden in general.
Several types of Dala horses are made with distinguishing features common to the locality of the site where they are produced. One particular style has, however, become much more common and widespread than others. It is stoutly carved and was traditionally painted Iron oxide red at first. Now it is usually reddish orange with details and a harness in white, green, yellow and blue.