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The Norwegian Fjord Horse Breed Standard
Breed History
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the worlds oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Archeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate the Fjord Horse has been selectively bred for 2,000 years. The breed still exhibits strong survival instincts and remains healthy, fertile, and useful well into its long life. Fjords are extremely efficient foragers, and thrive equally well in the pasture or stable, adapting easily to the weather conditions of their environment, be it hot and dry, or cold and wet.
The Norwegian people hold the Fjord in such high regard that they have chosen this breed of horse as one of their national symbols. According to the European Convention on domestic animals, as the breeds motherland, Norway has the responsibility to preserve and develop the Fjord Horses’ breed type. The "Supreme aim for the breeding of Fjord horses," according to the current Norwegian breed registry breeding plan, is that the "Norges Fjordhestlag aims through its pure breeding program to preserve the characteristics and versatility of the breed." One of the main breeding goals is "the Fjord horse shall possess the character (i.e. Breed type) which is typical for the breed."
Background and Distribution
The Fjord horse is one of Norway's three native breeds. The origin of the breed is uncertain, but it is probably related to the Central Asian Feral Horse. The Fjord horse is one of very few breeds to retain the original primitive character and color. An earlier name for the Fjord has been the Vestlandshest (West Country horse) or the Nordfjordhest (North fjord horse) which indicates the breed's geographical connection with Norway. The first Fjord horse Studbook was published in 1910.
The Fjord is to be found throughout Norway, but the majority is bred in the West. The Fjord horse population is reckoned to be between 6000 and 7000. In 1995, 800 mares were covertured. There is a widespread interest in the breed and a considerable number of Fjords are bred both in Europe and in the Americas. In Norway people are delighted that foreigners show such an interest in their breed. This has resulted in the realization that Norway should be promoted as the home of the Fjord horse and an exporter of the breed.
Facts: History
The Norwegian Fjord Horse Breed Standard
Uses of the Fjord Horse
Versatility is a key word when describing the Fjord horse. Traditionally the Fjord has been used on the farm, handling timber as well as being used as a packhorse. His sure footed and adaptability is a great advantage in the rugged country of the West. Many farmers hired out their horses to tourists as well as driving the local priest or doctor to their duties around the parish.
In later years the Fjord has been a popular leisure and family horse. The Fjord of today is bred for both riding and driving and is capable of performing well in driving and endurance riding and can also perform adequately in elementary dressage and cross country jumping classes. The Fjord is used extensively in riding schools and riding for the disabled.
The tourist industry along the West Country fjords of Norway has always used the Fjord horse as an important means of transport and as a good representative for Norwegian culture. Through the years the Fjord horse has carried many tourists back and forth from waterfall and glacier.
The Fjord horse was also represented in the Winter Olympics at Lille hammer
in 1994 and with two other Norwegian native breeds, the Dolehorse and the Nordlandshorse,
safely drove many winning competitors and celebrities to the different activities.
Breeding
Shows are an important aspect of breeding and are arranged throughout the country by the Norwegian Horse Center (NHS). Both conformation and performance are judged.
The original system in Norway is based on the evaluation of individuals for breeding purposes i.e. against a breed standard, not necessarily against the other individuals in a class. All animals are graded, both mares and stallions, and all are performance tested.
The highlight of the year for Fjord horse enthusiasts is the Stallion Show at Nordfjordeid at the beginning of May. Buyers and enthusiasts from home and abroad come to see the Fjord in his natural environment.
All breeding is based on the current breeding plan for the Fjord horse, adopted by the NHS. The aims stated in the breeding goal are to preserve and improve the breed's original character and type as well as to satisfy the needs of today which is a versatile animal suitable for the whole family. The various qualities are rated as such; conformation 50%, performance 20%, disposition 20% and soundness 10%.
3 year old stallions are judged on conformation, driving and disposition. 5 year olds are performance tested (station tested) and are judged on conformation, development, temperament and soundness. The licensed stallions are judged again as 8 year olds when performance, development, soundness and progeny are taken into account.
Mares are graded in relation to conformation, performance, breeding and progeny. Licensed stallions are not restricted to a "mare quota" so owners can use any licensed stallion. The Fjord horse Association's advisory group must at all times be prepared to take measures against inbreeding which can mean restricting the licensing of too many sons by a given stallion or introducing a "mare quota". Up to now this has not been necessary. An important tradition in Norwegian horse breeding is the mountain grazing system whereby mares run with an approved stallion on areas administrated by the NHS.
Norwegian Fjord
Also Known By: Fjord, Norges Fjordhest (Norwegian), Fjording, Nordbag, Nordfjord, Northern Dun, Norwegian Dun, Norwegian Pony, Vestland, West Norway, West Norwegian
The Norwegian Fjord (pronounced Fee-ord) Horse is Norway's oldest horse breed. It is estimated that the original Fjords migrated to Norway and the Scandinavian peninsula over 4,000 years ago and they were domesticated about 2,000 B.C. 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 varied in color and averaged 12.1 hands in size. Selection has increased the height to 13 to 14.1 hands and the breed is one of the few modern breeds exhibiting only the primitive or dun coloration.
This pony was used by the Vikings for war mounts and they were also thought to be the first western Europeans to use horses for farming and the horses they used were the versatile Fjord pony. It is thought that all present-day draft breeds in western Europe are descended in part from the Norwegian Fjord.
All breeding in Norway is now controlled by a Norwegian government agency. Only champion stock can be exported. The Fjords now have registries in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden. Approximately twenty-two Fjords have been imported to the United States, most of them in the middle 1950's. Their descendants and a few of those originally imported are scattered throughout North America.
The Fjord Horse is distinguished by its unequaled dependability. For centuries Norwegian breeders have been determined to improve the breed while emphasizing the calm and gentle temperament. They are easily broken and need no retraining, even after spending months at pasture untouched.
These dun-colored horses are nearly identical to the unfamiliar eye, with distinct and spectacular markings. Each has a dark dorsal stripe, initiating in the center of the forelock and running through the center of the mane, back and tail. Dark bars on the legs and black fetlocks complete the description. Stallions stand 14 to 14-2 1/2 hands while the mares are 13-1 to 13-3 hands.
The Fjord's strength, clean lines and exceptionally adaptable nature have
made them equally well suited to harness or saddle. They can be ridden English
or Western, hunted, or driven in shows, parades and down country roads. Their
mild manner makes them an ideal family horse, ridden or driven as easily by
the novice or youngster as by the knowledgeable adult horseman.
Breed Associations and Registries
Association
Links
http://www.eoni.com/~mishamez/
http://www.villagefarmfjords.com/