Norwegian Fjord Horses
Ht. 13 to 14 hh
Color: Most shades of dun with a dark dorsal stripe. Shades vary from grey, red dun, yellow dun, brown dun, and uls (white) dun.
The Norwegian Fjord (pronounced Fee-ord) Horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. Known in Norway as a Fjording, it's believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway over 4,000 years ago after the last ice age. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord Horse has been domesticated and selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. Used as both a war mount and for farming, it's believed that all modern draft breeds in Western Europe are descended in part from this sturdy little horse.
The Fjord Horse is one of the few modern breeds to retain the primitive markings which include zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the neck and back and into the tail. Dark stripes may also be seen over the withers.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Fjord Horse is the mane. The center hair of the mane is dark (usually black) while the outer hair is white. According to ancient customs, the mane is cut short so it will stand erect. It is trimmed in a characteristic crescent shape to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck The white outer hair is then trimmed slightly shorter than the dark inner hair to display the dramatic dark stripe.
Another of their unique characteristics is that approximately 90% of all Fjord Horses are brown dun in color. The other 10% are either red dun, gray, white or "uls" dun, or yellow dun. Red duns have reddish-brown stripes and body markings. Gray duns have black or very dark gray stripes and markings. The white or "uls" dun is a very light body color with black or gray stripe and markings. The yellow dun have a darker yellow stripe and markings, they may have a completely white forelock, mane and tail. The yellow dun is a very rare color in the breed.
The Fjord horse has its own distinct conformation, blending the muscles and dense bones of a draft horse with smaller size and greater agility. It has an elegantly arched neck, good feet, and a compact, muscular body. The head is medium sized and well defined with a broad, slightly dished face. Despite its small size, it is fully capable of carrying an adult human and pulling heavy loads. The hair coat is smooth and shiny in summer, but longer and furry in winter. There is some "feathering" on the legs.
The charming, gentle disposition of the Fjord Horse is its most outstanding quality. Unequalled in dependability, they are hardy, long lived, agile, sure-footed, and willing. They love attention, are "people oriented", and are happiest when they are working. They learn fast and have an amazing ability to retain what they have learned even after long periods of inactivity. Their cool temperament and graceful, balanced gaits both under saddle and in harness make them the ideal family horse. They are used as school horses for young or inexperienced riders and especially favored as therapeutic horses for disabled individuals. Though small, they are powerful enough for adults to ride and enjoy. Like the Icelandic, the Fjord is always considered a horse rather than a pony no matter what its height.
The Fjord is also used as a sport horse. They can be ridden English or Western in shows, parades or down country roads. Its ability to handle difficult terrain has led to achievement in show jumping and dressage where they have reached the highest levels. They are considered very good driving horses, and are commonly used in everything from competitions to tourist transport in Norway.
The Fjords now have registries in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.
