The Fjord Horse
Julia Horton
Origin
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is pictured on cave walls painted 4,000 years ago. The Fjord is one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord horse migrated to Norway from central Europe. Excavations at Viking burial sites reveal herds of wild Fjord horses existed in Norway after the last ice age and were domesticated and selectively bred by the Vikings. Evidence shows the Fjord horse has been a helper and friend to man for at least 2,000 years.
Size
Fjords generally range in size from 13 to 14.2 hands and weigh between 900 and 1,200 lb.. The strong body and extraordinary power for their small size enables Fjords to be used for all types of riding, driving and draft work.
Colors
Fjord horses retain the distinctive wild dun color and primitive marking of their ancient heritage, including a dark dorsal stripe running through the neck and down the back and zebra stripes on the legs. 90% are brown dun while the balance of colors are shades of dun; red dun, white dun, yellow dun, gray dun. The zebra stripes are thought to go back to the ancient horse, the Prezwalski (sha-val-ski). Fjords have an intelligent face with very large and kind eyes.
Character / Work Ethic
Possessing a charming, gentle disposition and a curious, active character, the Fjord horse is long-lived, agile, surefooted and willing to perform a variety of tasks. Fjords are a stocky breed of horse. What is most remarkable about the Fjord horse is their temperament. They are gentle, steady, and reliable. When properly trained, they will do any task.
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is pictured on cave walls painted 4,000 years ago. The Fjord is one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord horse migrated to Norway from central Europe. Excavations at Viking burial sites reveal herds of wild Fjord horses existed in Norway after the last ice age and were domesticated and selectively bred by the Vikings. Evidence shows the Fjord horse has been a helper and friend to man for at least 2,000 years.
Size
Fjords generally range in size from 13 to 14.2 hands and weigh between 900 and 1,200 lb.. The strong body and extraordinary power for their small size enables Fjords to be used for all types of riding, driving and draft work.
Colors
Fjord horses retain the distinctive wild dun color and primitive marking of their ancient heritage, including a dark dorsal stripe running through the neck and down the back and zebra stripes on the legs. 90% are brown dun while the balance of colors are shades of dun; red dun, white dun, yellow dun, gray dun. The zebra stripes are thought to go back to the ancient horse, the Prezwalski (sha-val-ski). Fjords have an intelligent face with very large and kind eyes.
Character / Work Ethic
Possessing a charming, gentle disposition and a curious, active character, the Fjord horse is long-lived, agile, surefooted and willing to perform a variety of tasks. Fjords are a stocky breed of horse. What is most remarkable about the Fjord horse is their temperament. They are gentle, steady, and reliable. When properly trained, they will do any task.
Norma Coli