The Norwegian Fjord

The horse of the Vikings is greater than a cute face—they will additionally do all of it.

The home horse has modified lots over the previous a number of thousand years. The small, dun-colored equines seen in prehistoric work have been principally changed with smooth, fine-boned steeds that stand a number of fingers taller than their ancestors. However some horses have retained a handful of these historical equine traits. Take for instance the Norwegian Fjord, one of many world’s oldest horse breeds.

The Viking Previous of the Norwegian Fjord Horse

Historians imagine the ancestors of right this moment’s Norwegian Fjord Horse first appeared in Norway through the Ice Age. These horses had been domesticated about 4,000 years in the past and went on to develop into the horse of the Vikings. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial websites present that Fjord Horses had been typically buried alongside Vikings of excessive standing.

Over the centuries that adopted, the Fjord was utilized in Norway principally as a draft horse, working the fields and clearing the countryside of timber to make room for farms and villages. The Fjord was additionally used as a saddle and pack horse and was recognized for its hardworking temperament.

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In the course of the nineteenth century, an organized breeding program was established for the Fjord in Norway. Farmers with Fjord Horses started protecting information of the homeowners and colours of assorted Fjords born throughout this era. In 1910, an official studbook was revealed to make record-keeping extra exact. The primary stallion listed within the e book was Rosendalsblakken 1, a horse born in 1857.

Within the Nineteen Fifties, People found the sweetness and sturdiness of the Norwegian Fjord and imported 22 high quality Fjords into the nation. American aficionados of this robust little horse started breeding them, and in 1978, the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry (NFHR) was fashioned within the states. The group’s objective was to register the Fjord and protect its purity and authentic sort in America.

Right this moment, round 6,900 Norwegian Fjords are registered in the USA with the NFHR. The breed is rising in reputation—not solely within the U.S., but in addition across the globe. Fjord registries will be discovered all through the world, and proper now, round 6,000 Fjords stay within the breed’s native nation.

Right this moment’s Fjord within the U.S.

Norwegian Fjord Horses have a singular look that harkens again to their prehistoric ancestry. Along with their prepared temperament, their look is their most well-known attribute. Practically 90 % of all Fjord Horses are brown dun in shade, with the opposite 10 % being pink dun, grey, white or the very uncommon yellow dun.

The Fjord’s “wild” dun shade comes with primitive markings like zebra stripes on the legs, and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the neck and again and into the tail. Some Fjords even have darkish stripes over the withers.

Norwegian Fjords even have a singular mane. The middle hair of the mane is darkish—normally black—whereas the outer hair is white. Many Fjord homeowners lower the mane quick so it should stand erect, and trim it in a attribute crescent form to emphasise the sleek curve of the horse’s neck. The white outer hair is then trimmed barely shorter than the darkish inside hair to show the dramatic darkish stripe.

Norwegian Fjords do extra than simply look good. They’re hardy mounts and simple keepers and may work for hours on finish if correctly conditioned. Fjords are at present excelling in lots of disciplines, together with western driving, cattle work, leaping, eventing, dressage, mixed driving and vaulting. Fjords are fashionable as path mounts and are utilized in aggressive path driving. Though they’re small, they’re a good selection for riders of all ages.

The NFHR holds periodic evaluations for the breed, the place particular person horses are in comparison with the breed commonplace and given efficiency checks. Qualities akin to disposition, character and willingness to work are evaluated. The analysis is voluntary and designed to be an informational and academic device for homeowners, breeders, consumers and handlers of the Norwegian Fjord.

Via the analysis program, the NFHR hopes to protect all 5 colours of the Fjord Horse breed in addition to the variety within the breed’s conformation; some Fjords have a heavier physique whereas others are lighter-framed.

With its considerably prehistoric look, fascinating historical past and delicate temperament, the Norwegian Fjord is a very distinctive breed that can proceed to develop in numbers. As time goes on, much more equestrians are sure to find the fun of this particular little horse.

Norwegian Fjord Quick Details Peak: 13.1-14.3 fingers Coloration: Brown dun, white dun, grey, pink dun, and yellow dun General Look: Head is medium-sized and well-defined with a broad, flat brow and straight or barely dished face. The eyes are massive. Ears are small and alert. the neck is nicely muscled and crested. The physique is short-coupled with good depth, massive coronary heart and girth, and well-developed muscle groups. The legs are highly effective, with substancial bone. Be taught extra by visiting the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry.

This text concerning the Norwegian Fjord initially appeared within the September 2021 situation of Horse Illustrated journal. Click on right here to subscribe!