{"id":947,"date":"2010-08-09T13:43:29","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T13:43:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=947"},"modified":"2025-02-06T14:36:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:36:54","slug":"norwegian-fjord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/norwegian-fjord","title":{"rendered":"Norwegian Fjord Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also called Fjord Horse, Norwegian Dun, Norwegian Pony, West Norway, West Norwegian, Westland, Northern Dun and Fjordhest, the Norwegian Fjord is an ancient breed and one that retains many of it’s original characteristics.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

This handsome breed comes from Viking animals that were used as war mounts and for farm work. In fact, the Vikings were the first western European people to use the horse for agricultural work and their subsequent invasions of other areas helped to spread the practice. Most draft breeds of western Europe are thought to carry blood of the Fjord horse. <\/p>\n

Interestingly enough, their colors used to vary it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that all crossbreeding stopped and a breed standard was formed so the bloodlines could be kept pure. The studbook was established in 1909. Today this breed is one of the only domesticated breeds that is always dun<\/a> and always displays primitive markings. <\/p>\n

According to the DAD-IS they are listed as endangered and as of 2022 there were 1509 of them left. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 13 – 14.1 hands<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is well-proportioned with a concave profile
\nEyes are large and kind
\nNeck is short and muscular
\nBack can be slightly hollow
\nMane is coarse and stands straight up for a few inches
\nHindquarters are round and muscular
\nLegs are sturdy and short with light feathering at fetlocks
\nHooves are black, hard and shapely<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Always dun<\/a> with primitive markings.<\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Exceptionally mellow
\nTrustworthy and wise<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Light agriculture
\nFarm horse
\nPleasure mount
\nShow horse<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* all links open in a new window<\/small>
\nNorges Fjordhestlag<\/a>
\nNorwegian Fjord Horse Registry<\/a>
\nFjord National Studbook of Great Britain<\/a>
\nCanadian Fjord Horse Association<\/a>
\nNordGen<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

Bluebird Land Fjords<\/a><\/p>\n

Norwegian Fjord Studs<\/h3>\n

Deep Creek Farm<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Fjord\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Fjord\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\"Fjord\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Fjord\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n