Horse
Pronunciation:
Nor-wee'-jan Fee'-yord
Breed Description:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse is known for an excellent and trainable temperament, hardiness, and versatility. These sturdy ponies can carry adult riders and pull heavy carriages, and enjoy their work. They are all almost identical in appearance, being of varying shades of dun with a dark dorsal stripe, dark bars on the legs and black fetlocks, and a thick light colored mane and tail. carefully and selectively bred, only the very best individuals are permitted for export, so Fjords in North America and other countries tend to be of very high quality.
Temperament:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse has an excellent, docile and friendly temperament, and although it can be willful and mischievous, it makes an excellent breed for children and beginners.
Height:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse stands 13.0 to 14.2 hands
Weight:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse weighs 650 to 1000 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse is easy to keep, and being very hardy can be kept outdoors in almost any conditions.
Exercise:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse enjoys work, but can be kept idle at pasture.
Life Expectancy:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse is shown with a natural appearance. Its thick, coarse coat needs very little grooming. The mane is often trimmed so that it stands upright; this prevents it becoming tangled in the traces and reins for carriage driving.
Origin:
The Norwegian Fjord breed of horse is Norway's oldest horse breed, and is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.The very first Fjords are believed to have migrated to Norway and the Scandinavian peninsula over 4,000 years ago and they were domesticated soon after. They have been selectively bred in Norway for over 2,000 years and the first directed selection program began in the mid-1880's. The original Norwegian Fjord was smaller, and with more variety in color, but selective breeding has resulted in a slightly larger pony although the primitive dun coloring remains.
This pony was used by the Vikings for war mounts and for farming; it is likely that many northern European draft breeds trace their ancestry in part to the Norwegian Fjord.
