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The Norwegian Fjord Horse combines strength, versatility, and a calm temperament in a small package. Domesticated around 4000 years ago and selectively bred for at least 2000 years, the modern Fjord Horse still bears a strong physical resemblance to primitive equines like the Przewalski’s horse.

It is thought that Asian wild horses were part of a mass migration that broadened the range of many types of animals thousands of years ago. Some of these horses reached the western coast of Norway where they were used by Viking warriors. Excavation of Viking graves has revealed that the horses often accompanied their masters in death as well as in life, and a Viking rune shaped like a shallow M has been interpreted as a horse symbol honoring the role of the animal in Viking civilization.

According to breed historians, the topography of western Norway was a chief factor in the development of the Fjord Horse. This region is made up of steep mountains separated by deep fjords. Agricultural land makes up only about 3% of the entire country, and farming is limited to small rocky fields accessed by narrow roads. Horses might be asked to pull farm equipment, carry riders or pack saddles on rough trails, and occasionally ride in small rowboats when crossing fjords. Because an unruly horse could put itself and its handler in danger under these circumstances, breeders preferred animals that were tractable and quiet-tempered, but also strong and tireless.

With a body type similar to the horses of Ice Age cave paintings, today’s Fjord is usually between 13.2 and 14.2 hands high and weighs between 900 and 1200 pounds, with some individuals falling outside these parameters. The most common color is brown dun, described as a pale yellow-brown that can vary from light cream to medium-brown. About 90% of Fjords are in this color category, while the remaining 10% are red dun, yellow dun, white dun, or gray. Many individuals exhibit “wild” or “primitive” markings including dark horizontal stripes on the lower legs, a dark outline at the edges and tips of the ears, and brown marks over the eyes and on the cheeks. With the exception of a small star, no white markings are allowed.

One of the most striking characteristics is a dorsal stripe that runs from poll to croup, giving the mane a dark center flanked by silver or white hairs. The mane is usually trimmed into a short crescent to accentuate its upright stance, and the stripe is emphasized by cutting the light outer hairs slightly shorter.

The Fjord Horse has a medium-sized head, a flat or slightly dished face, large eyes, and small alert ears. A muscular crested neck, short-coupled body that is deep through the heartgirth, and powerful, wide-set legs give the Fjord adequate strength to carry an adult rider. The breed is known for being both sure-footed and willing to work. Gaits are an energetic walk with considerable oversteps, a speedy trot, and a smooth, balanced canter.

Fjord Horses can be found in many European countries as well as in North and South America. The breed’s versatility has allowed Fjords to participate in a number of disciplines including trail riding, dressage, jumping, and working cattle. The Fjord is also a good choice for pleasure driving, pulling competitions, horse packing, logging, and hitching to horse-drawn farm machinery. Until very recent years, the Norwegian army made regular use of the Fjord as a pack animal because of its ability to negotiate steep and hazardous trails where vehicles could not go.

The Fjord is known as the ideal family horse, with a temperament that is gentle and quiet enough for a child, yet with sufficient power and athletic ability to suit the experienced handler. These characteristics explain the breed’s popularity with riding schools, handicapped riding programs, and companies that specialize in trekking and horse-packing trips.

Registries exist in Norway as well as Denmark, Sweden, England, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada. Fjord Horses are also popular in Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. In the United States, the Norwegian Fjord Association of North America has joined forces with the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry, making the NFHR the largest Fjord registry in the country. About 6500 Fjords live in the United States, while the Fjord population tops 1000 in Canada.

These equines tend to be efficient foragers and can usually maintain body condition with little supplemental feeding. An important consideration is providing adequate nutrition without allowing the horses to get too fat. Owners of Fjord Horses should remember these points.

  •  Fjords do very well on pasture and do not need to be kept in the barn, even in fairly severe climates. Free-choice access to shelter (run-in, simple windbreak, trees) should be provided to all pastured horses, regardless of breed, but Fjords usually prefer to be out in the open.
  • Clean grass hay is a better choice than alfalfa.
  • Even for working horses, little grain supplementation is necessary. Feeding a vitamin-mineral supplement is an easy way to ensure that nutritional requirements are met.
  • Pregnant, nursing, or rapidly growing Fjord Horses may need to have the grain ration increased slightly.
  • To avoid digestive upsets or excessive weight gain, owners should consciously resist the urge to respond to the cute faces and appealing expressions by overfeeding or giving too many treats.
  • As with any horse, owners should monitor the weight of each animal and regulate the diet as necessary to maintain condition and energy levels. Fjords are “easy keepers,” and horses that gain weight easily may need to have feed or pasture access restricted to avoid metabolic problems such as colic and laminitis. Each horse should be considered as an individual.
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