The Norwegian Fjord (Fjording) is
considered to be one of the world’s few pure
breeds - and one of its oldest. The Norwegian
Fjord has been around for several thousand years.
That the Fjord was the horse of the Vikings has
been substantiated through archeological finds.
The Fjording has been a pure breed for many
centuries, and breeders throughout the world
remain dedicated to keeping it so. This assures
its signature temperament and conformation remain
true.
Their most distinctive
characteristic are their eyes. "Eyes are
indeed windows to the soul, yet they are also
reflections of the heart". In the warm, dark
eyes of the Norwegian Fjord, this breed elevates
the kind eye to an art form. Deep within those
eyes twinkle a genuine kindness and gentleness
born of thousands of years of pure
breeding." Standing in the midst of a herd
of Fjords is a calming experience in the harried
pace of this world.
Standing 13 to 14.2 hands tall,
Norwegian Fjords are hardy animals with stout
legs, hard hooves and dun-colored coats that
range in shade from light cream to gray to brown.
The Fjord’s most distinctive physical
characteristic, second to its soft, gentle eyes
is the full dark dorsal stripe, that runs down
its back and into its mane, forelock and tail.
The mane, which is trimmed in an arch to stand up
straight from the pony’s neck, is black
through the center, flanked by white on either
side. Appearances aside, a Norwegian Fjord is not
a Fjord without its signature temperament:
patient, willing, courageous, reliable,
mild-mannered, steadfast, dependable, friendly.
This makes working with a Fjord, a true joy,
whether it is hauling logs, pulling a plough,
performing in the dressage ring, competing in a
four-in-hand carriage competition, jumping an
oxer or ambling down a trail. Many people become
involved with the breed as first-time horse
owners. Not simply a driving or a draft animal,
the Fjord can be said to be the ideal all-purpose
horse. Both children and adults are able to ride
the same horse, making them a very wise family
investment. A natural resistance to disease and a
hardy constitution makes these horses
well-equipped to tolerate life outdoors without
much of the expense and pampering seen in other
breeds.
While far more popularized in
Europe, the Fjord is beginning to show up in
North America in increasing numbers. Currently
there are about 1200 in the US and 1200 in
Canada. Due to its height, the Norwegian Fjord is
always classified as a pony for competition
purposes. "Just because we’re small
doesn’t mean we’re not mighty".
There is indeed no underestimating the diminutive
Norwegian Fjord. The Fjording’s large, kind
eyes twinkle with the acknowledgment of its
stature, its history, its birthright. Standing
calm, gentle, docile, it knows it is here to
stay.
(adapted from
"The Noble Norwegian Fjord - Betsy Siino -
Horse Illustrated November 1990)
Norwegian Fjord
Horses