The Fjord horse (Norwegian: Fjordhest) is a breed of horse that originated in the lowland areas of Southern Norway. Because of its high-quality meat and fine fur, it has been an important part of local farming and the rural economy for centuries. With its short legs, heavy body, and thick coat, the Fjord horse is well suited for work in rough terrain. Introduced into Great Britain in the early 20th century, by World War II it was one of the most common breeds there.
In Norwegian, the pony is called Nordlandshest or Kvitbjørn. In Swedish, it is called Norrlandsstene or Norrländska hästen. The last one is the most classical and it refers to the breed’s home in Norrland. While some people call these horses “Skogs horses” (which means “forest horses”), this name is not common among breeders.
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is a breed of horse that is known for its ability to work in cold weather and excel at steep climbs.
The breed was first developed in Norway, where it was used by farmers to pull carts and plows. Today, the breed is still used for riding and driving.
Norwegian Fjord Horses are known for their beautiful coloration—they have a reddish bay coat with white hair on their legs, tail, and mane. They also have expressive eyes and long faces with a soft expression.
The average height of an adult horse is 16 hands (64 inches or 163 cm), but they can grow up to 17 hands (72 inches or 183 cm).
Norwegian Fjord Horse For Sale
Finding a Fjord horse for sale can sometimes be difficult. They are described as the ‘ideal family’ horse which makes them a rare but popular breed. There are many reasons why this breed is so distinct making finding a Fjord for sale difficult. The Fjord horse is strong enough for heavy work, such as plowing fields or pulling timber, yet light and agile enough to be a good riding and driving horse. They are also sure-footed in the mountains. Today, the Fjord horse is a favourite as its generally mild temperament and small size make it suitable for both children and adults alike.
The Fjord is renowned for its extraordinary calm and even temper and consequently it can be handled by almost any member of the family, making it the ideal family horse of today
Origins:
The Fjord horse is one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds. Horses were known to exist in Norway at the end of the last ice age. It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Fjord horse migrated to Norway and were domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord horse type has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. Even as late as World War II, they were useful for work in mountainous terrain.
The first documented Fjord to come into Great Britain was imported from Norway by Jennifer Murray’s grandparents around 1910. The Fjord they imported was much loved by the family and was often seen out and about being driven in the Northumberland countryside. It caused great interest wherever it went. Hardly anyone had seen a Fjord before.
Breed Standards:
It is an agile breed of light draught horse build.
- All Fjord horses are dun in colour, with five variations in shade recognised in the breed standard.
- Many Fjords have primitive markings with prominent horizontal zebra markings on legs. The forelegs are usually more heavily marked. Small dark marks can be seen over the eyes, especially in grey duns.
- A prominent dorsal stripe runs from the poll to the tail. The mane hairs are dark in the centre and the outer hairs are light, often blonde. In red and yellow duns, the mane hairs are sometimes of a uniform colour
- A white star is not encouraged but is acceptable. White on the legs is not permissible.
- Ears can have dark outlines and tips.
- Hooves are always dark.
- The desired height should range from 13.1 to 14.3 hands (135cm to 150cm)
It is vital that anyone breeding Fjords adheres strictly to the criteria above in order to ensure the continuation of the Fjord as bred and controlled in its native Scandinavia.