The Fjordhorse is one of Norway's three native breeds. The origin of the breed is uncertain, but it is probably related to the central Asian Feral Horse. The Fjordhorse is one of very few breeds to retain the original primitive character and coluir. An earlier name for the Fjord has been the vestlandshest (West Country horse) or the Nordfjordhest (Northfjordhorse) which indicates the breed's geographical connection with Norway. The first Fjordhorse Studbook was published in 1910.
The Fjord is to be found throughout Norway, but the majority is bred in the West. The Fjordhorse population is reckoned to be between 6000 and 7000. In 1995, 800 mares were covertured. There is a widespread interest in the breed and a considerable number of Fjords are bred both in Europe and in the Americas.
The colour 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.
Average height 140 cm. There is no maximum or minimum limit.
The head is small and well defined with a flat forehead, the expression calm and the eyes large. The profile may be straight but preferably slightly concave, the nostrils large and the muzzle area wide. ears should be short, truncated and not too close together and point forward. The neck is often short and strong but well set on. A more supple neck is desired with a better transition from head to neck.
The fjord is deep through the girth and the chest wide. The back is of medium length and well muscled and the loins strong.
The legs should be strong with good flat bone and well defined joints. The cannon bone should be free from splints which can be caused bij a blow, but may be heredity.
The hock should be well defined, small straight hocks are not desired. Sickle or straight hocks are not desired. sickle or bewed hocks are most objectionable.The quality and shape of the hooves should be good. Narrow and light colored hooves are not favored.
The Fjordhorse should give the impression of strength and alertness combined with a calm and kind disposition.
The Fjord can still of course be used in rugged country, inaccessible to the tractor or other farm implements, but many new fields are open for him. The emphasis has always been on breeding a versatile animal, so this has assured that the breed varies in size and type though the all important breed character is always present.
The modern breeder is aware that increased use of the Fjord for riding and competion driving, demands a horse with longer and more supple neck and better movement. With his kind and willing disposition, he is an excellent family horse and this is very much emphasized in breeding.
The Fjord is expected to function well not only in quiet leisure driving, but also in the showring and as a child's pony.
In Norway the Fjord is used a great deal in riding schools both for the very first lessons as well as in teaching
novice riders. His quietness and kind disposition, as well as his height, make him an excellent horse for riding
for the
disabled.
The Fjord is an important part of Norwegian culture. The Tourist Industry on the Westcountry Fjords, especially, uses the Fjord in promoting this part of the country.
Through the years the Fjordhorse has carried many tourists back and forth from waterfall and glacier. It is far more exciting to experience the dramatic Norwegian landscape from the back of a "Fjording" or sitting behind him in a light cart rather tan from a bus window!
The Fjordhorse was also represented in the Winter Olympics at Lillehammer in 1994 and with the two other Norwegian native breeds, the Døl and the Nordlandshorse, safely drove many winning competitors and celebrities to the different activities.
The emphasis today is on the fjord as an elementary competition horse. In competition driving, he moves evenly and obediently in the dressage phase, he is bold and "unflappable" in the marathon, and quick and attentive in driving between cones. Under saddle he is safe but capable of performing well in elementary jumping, dressage and crosscountry classes. Because of his good constitution and soundness he is also an excellent endurancehorse competing at higher levels. Apart from the traditional riding and driving classes the breed is often used in quadrilles, Hungarian Post, troika and vaulting.
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