[5]: 129 During the eleventh century, the chronicler Adam of Bremen considered the Estonians to be rich in gold and good horses.

[4]: 464  During the Soviet occupation, large heavy horses were needed for farm work; the Klepper was cross-bred with other breeds and the original stock came close to extinction.

Tests authorised by associations dedicated to the Öland Horse have revealed that these two breeds have a genetically similar background.

In 2005, 25 animals of the breed were imported to Sweden to recreate the genetically closely related, extinct Öland Horse.

[9] In the twenty-first century it is used as a riding horse or for light harness work; some are used in the tourist industry to transport visitors to sites of interest.