The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the oldest breeds. Legend says the horse was domesticated over four thousand years ago after migrating to Norway. Archaeological evidence shows selective breeding programs that go as far back as two thousand years. Today, the horse is the national breed of Norway and beloved by its passionate keepers.

Describing a Norwedian Fjord can be difficult. According to the Norwegians, it should simply be “got mote,” meaning it should be pleasing. That said, there are a few standards that can be more clearly qualified; the withers should be well defined, the proportions should be balanced, the eyes bright and intelligent, and the horse kind and gentle. Though different body structures are acceptable, a perfect Norwegian Fjord Horse must combine a friendly, patient disposition with grace. Because of the variance in form, judging Norwegian Fjords can be like judging the Miss Universe pageant – they're all beautiful and talented, but for different reasons.

Most Norwegian Fjords are brown dun, but they can also be gray, red dun, yellow dun, and white dun. As an old breed, the Norwegian Fjord sometimes also shows primitive markings like zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe – a darker stripe of hair that runs along the back from the base of the mane to the top of the tail.

For hundreds of years, the Norwegian Fjord Horse was used as a farm animal in western Norway. As a strong horse, it was perfectly suited for hard tasks like plowing the fields or hauling timber. But, the Norwegian is also remarkably fast, and powerful enough to carry an adult rider.

Today, the Norwegian Fjord Horse is still a popular mount at riding schools in Norway. The horse’s typically sweet demeanor and compact size make it an ideal riding pony for children as well as riders who are disabled. The Norwegian Fjord Horse is also popular in the sport of show jumping and dressage – a type of “horse ballet” that showcases a horse's level of training, grace, and agility.

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Norwegian Fjord Horse Breeders - Horses for Sale
Norwegian Fjord Horse - Horses for Sale