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Other Names: Fjord, Norges Fjordhest (Norwegian), Fjording, Nordbag, Nordfjord, Northern Dun, Norwegian Dun, Norwegian Pony, Vestland, West Norway, West Norwegian Origin: Norway |
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Color: These dun-colored horses (see below) are nearly identical to the unfamiliar eye, with distinct and spectacular markings. Most have a dark dorsal stripe, initiating in the center of the forelock and running through the center of the mane, back and tail. Dark bars on the legs and black fetlocks complete the description. The center hair of the mane is dark (usually black) while the outer hair is white. The mane is cut short so it will stand erect. The mane is typically trimmed in a characteristic crescent shape to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck. The Dutch style is to trim the white outer hair slightly shorter than the dark hair to disply the dramatic dark stripe. The Norwegian style is to leave the top of the mane level. The color of the Fjordhorse is various shades of "dun". The basic primitive colours are browndun, red(chestnut)dun, greydun and the more rare ulsdun and yellowdun. The majority of the breed has a darker dorsal stripe (or eel) which runs from the forelock, down the middle of the mane (midtstol) which is upright and clipped, along the back and into the tail. Zebra stripes on the limbs are usual. White markings are not desirable, but a small star can be accepted. Browndun; can vary from very pale to very dark shade, black stripe down the middle of the mane, black and white forelock and tail, brown dorsal stripe or eel. Ulsdun; An usldun horse is completely off-white, black stripe down the middle of the mane, black and white in the forelock and tail, brown dorsal stripe or eel. Reddun; A golden colour which can vary from a dark shade to nearly white, dark or pale chestnut stripe in the middle of the mane. The forelock is nearly white as is the tail. Golden/chestnut dorsal stripe or eel. Goldendun; completely white or yellow, white or yellow mane,white forelock and tail, pale dorsal stripe or eel. Greydun; An even grey which can vary from light to dark. The nose and muzzle are often darker than the rest of the body. Black stripe in the middle of the mane, black and white forelock and tail, black or brown dorsal stripe or eel.
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Avg Height: 13.1 to 14.2 hh
Avg Weight: 900 to 1200 lbs
Build: Thick coat so that it can endure rough winters with minimal care. Head and neck should present an appearance of elegance without coarseness. Head is medium sized and well defined with a broad, flat forehead and a straight or slightly dished face. Eyes are large. Ears are of small to medium size and set well apart. Neck is well muscled and crested. Lower withers than many breeds. While defined, withers are generally level and strongly muscled. Compact body with a deep girth and well sprung ribs. Back is short to medium in length with a strong coupling. Loin is broad and strong. Croup is well muscled and well rounded to the tail. Legs are powerful, with substantial bone and excellent feet, which are black in color.
Temperament: Known for its gentleness of temperament, willingness to work, stamina, and vigor.
Main use: Riding, driving, and light draft work. It is capable of performing well in both driving and endurance classes and can also perform adequately in elementary dressage and cross-country jumping classes. The Fjord horse is used extensively in riding schools and riding for the handicapped programs. Fjords are used extensively, with wonderful results, in upper level Dressage as well as combined sports such as combined driving and Reining.
| Special abilities: The Fjord's strength, clean lines and exceptionally adaptable nature have made them equally well suited to harness or saddle. They can be ridden English or Western, hunted, or driven in shows, parades and down country roads. Their mild manner makes them an ideal family horse, ridden or driven as easily by the novice or youngster as by the knowledgeable adult horseman. |  |
History: The Norwegian Fjord (pronounced Fee-ord) Horse is Norway's oldest horse breed. It is estimated that the original Fjords migrated to Norway and the Scandinavian Peninsula over 4,000 years ago and they were domesticated about 2,000 B.C. They have been selectively bred in Norway for over 2,000 years and the first directed selection program began in the mid-1880's. The original Norwegian Fjord varied in color and averaged 12.1 hands in size. Selection has increased the height to 13 to 14.1 hands and the breed is one of the few modern breeds exhibiting only the primitive or dun coloration. This pony was used by the Vikings for war mounts and they were also thought to be the first western Europeans to use horses for farming and the horses they used were the versatile Fjord ponies. It is thought that all present-day draft breeds in Western Europe are descended in part from the Norwegian Fjord. All breeding in Norway is now controlled by a Norwegian government agency. Only champion stock can be exported. The Fjords now have registries in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden. Approximately twenty-two Fjords have been imported to the United States, most of them in the middle 1950's. Their descendants and a few of those originally imported are scattered throughout North America. The Fjord Horse is distinguished by its unequaled dependability. For centuries Norwegian breeders have been determined to improve the breed while emphasizing the calm and gentle temperament. They are easily broken and need no retraining, even after spending months at pasture untouched.
*Note: Thanks to Amy at Dun Lookin' Fjords for the information on the Norwegian mane style, and also the information about Fjords in dressage, combined driving, and reining.
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