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    Home » Horse Fun » 6 Interesting Facts About The Fjord Horse

    6 Interesting Facts About The Fjord Horse

    Published: Mar 7, 2016 · Modified: Jun 23, 2020 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the most easily recognized horses in the world. From his distinct compact body to his creamy coat color, (and of course that insane mane!) you can tell a Fjord from a single glance. But how well do you know this adorable equine? Take a look at these interesting facts about the Norwegian Fjord Horse.

    Norwegian fjord horse

    #1 – One of the oldest breeds

    According to the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry, they are one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds. It is believed the breed migrated to Norway over 4,000 years ago and was domesticated then. (nfhr.com)

    Fjord horse or Norwegian Fjord Horse

    #2 – They are not all brown duns

    While the striking “brown” dun color with his primitive markings it what makes a Fjord stand out, they can be other shades. 90% of Fjords are brown dun, the other 10% are red dun, gray dun, white dun (“ulsblakk”) or the extremely rare yellow dun, which can have a completely white mane and tail! (nfhr.com)

    Norwegian Fjord Horses - Fjordings. Norwegian horse in the meadow. Portrait of nice fjord horse stallion

    #3 – They rarely have white markings

    While almost every other breed of horse has some form of white markings, they are extremely rare in the Fjord horse. A small star is the only acceptable mark (due to one being present in a foundation stallion). If a horse has more than this, he or she is not acceptable for breeding.

    Przewalski´s horse head shot-closeup

    #4 – One of the purest breeds

    Although Arabians have been carefully bred for generations, the Fjord horse has one of the longest history of pure breedings - they have found evidence of over 2,000 years of selective breeding while excavating Viking burial sites – without crossbreeding from other horses.

    Grazing fjord horse at a hill at springtime

    #5 – An Emblem

    Use as an emblem on the coat of arms of two municipalities in Nordfjord – Gloppen and Eid.

    Norwegian Fjord horse in nature resevoir (dune area)

    #6 – A strange standard

    Most horse breeds have an easy to understand standard that involves things like body composition, movement and even disposition. The Norwegian Fjord Horse does have these, but it’s definitely not “black and white.”

    Fjord horse in meadow of farmhouse.

    “The breed standard is difficult to express in precise terminology. The Norwegians describe their impression as ‘got mote’ which means a horse should have a nice and pleasant appearance.” (nfhr.com)

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    6 Things You Didn't Know About The Fjord Horse-01

     

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    Comments

    1. Patrica Gross

      March 15, 2021 at 7:14 pm

      First I would like to say, in the last several months that I’ve been collecting pictures of Norwegian Fjords for my Boards on them, I have come to really like them very much; they have own kind of beauty.
      But the one question that I would like to ask, how many hands is the Norwegian Fjord when full grown? I have been kind of guessing around 13 hands; a bit taller than the actual pony. Or can the Fjord get to be around 14 hands like a small Quarter Horse? I ask this question because I am thinking about getting a Norwegian Fjord; if so a gelding. I’ve read some posts, these horses are known to be quite gentle and very loving, plus sweet. Hope here I can get my questions answered.

      Patrica Gross

      Reply
      • Debbie A Todd

        January 23, 2022 at 7:34 am

        some can get into the 15+range but very few , most are in the 14 hand range

        Reply

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