Horse
Breed Description:
The Lyngshest breed of horse is an extremely old breed whose history is mingled with that of the Vikings. The breed as we know it today originated in Norway, and is primarily used as a working animal. The Lyngshest horse is small in stature, and is often referred to as a pony. Overall the breed is robust but boxy in appearance, and is muscled well throughout while still retaining a fairly light frame. The Lyngshest has a short but well-muscled back, low but broad withers, and a deep chest. The legs are short but strong, with good joints and very strong but small hooves. The Lyngshest breed of horse can be nearly any color except dun, as this is the color of the highly prized national symbol of the Norwegian Fjord horse, and therefore dun is only permissible for registration in the Fjord.
Temperament:
Like many small horses and pony-type breeds, the Lyngshest horse can be defiant and occasionally obnoxious, but never aggressive or dangerous. While these traits are often related to their training, the Lyngshest overall is a calm and hardy horse that can be easily trained and put to a good many purposes. The Lyngshest horse possesses an active and energetic personality, and is usually eager to work or please its trainer or handler. Due to its willing nature and small size, the Lyngshest breed of horse makes an excellent family pet or a great mount for a novice horseman.
Height:
12 hh to 14 hh
Health Problems:
There are no known congenital defects in the Lyngshest breed of horse. Special attention was paid when developing this breed to ensure that it was hardy, free from illnesses, and able to survive practically on its own if the need arose. It is especially noted for its ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures, and its sure footed manner of navigating even the toughest terrain. Because of this, care must be taken to ensure the breed is not ill or injured, as it will exhibit very few warning signs in such cases, and will continue working without complaint, even when near exhaustion. The Lyngshest is well-known to be a long-lived horse, often surviving well into its thirties, and capable of producing foals at an age far beyond that of most horses.
Origin:
The Lyngshest breed of horse has somewhat murky beginnings, but it is known that the breed has been in development for nearly one thousand years. Evidence suggests that the breed has been used to develop a number of other breeds, including the Icelandic horse. Early examples of horses that would later be recognized as the Lyngshest exhibited primitive traits often found in horse such as the Konik and the wild Tarpan. Despite its ability to work hard and well in a multitude of different tasks, the Lyngshest breed of horse was all but extinct at the end of World War II. In fact, at the time there were only a couple of dozen mares and one single stallion remaining in the entire world. It was from these few survivors that the breed was revitalized, and today all modern Lyngshest horse can trace their lineage to the sole surviving stallion, which was named Rimfakse. 