Horse
Pronunciation:
fē-ˈȯrd or ˈfyȯrd
Breed Description:
The Fjord breed of horse is a riding and light draft horse from Norway. It is an ancient breed descended from Przewalski's Horse. It is sometimes also called the Norwegian Fjord. Fjords have many traits of primitive horses: they are almost always dun-colored, often have an eel stripe (a black stripe running along the back from the mane to the tail), and sometimes zebra striping on their legs. The Fjord breed of horse is hardy, strong, and sure-footed, with great stamina. Its mane is dark in the center and silver on the outside. It is typically cut to stand upright in a long curve on the horse's powerful neck, with the light-colored outer hair shorter than the dark stripe at the center. The head of the Fjord breed of horse is medium-sized and elegant, with a broad forehead and a straight profile. The eyes are large, and ears are small and alert. The legs are powerful, with good bones and well-formed black feet. Fjords are versatile, strong enough to perform draft and farm work, but light and fast enough to serve as an excellent driving and riding horse.
Temperament:
The Fjord breed of horse has a gentle and willing disposition. They are considered ideal horses for children and for therapeutic purposes.
Height:
The Fjord breed of horse stands between 13 and 14.2 hands high.
Weight:
The Fjord breed of horse generally weighs 900 to 1,200 pounds.
Living Conditions:
The Fjord breed of horse is known as an easy keeper.
Grooming:
The Fjord breed of horse has routine grooming requirements. Its silver and black mane is typically cut to stand upright in a long curve on the horse's powerful neck, with the silver outer hair shorter than the dark stripe at the center.
Origin:
The Fjord breed of horse is an ancient and very pure one. It is believed that the original Fjord horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated more than 4,000 years ago. Indeed, herds of wild Fjords existed in Norway after the last ice age, and archaeological digs at Viking burial sites have shown that the Fjord horse has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. It has been used since ancient times both for farm work and as a pack and riding breed. 