THE FJORD, AN ICE AGE HORSE WORTH PRESERVING

RBTA recently surveyed the numbers of Fjord horses in Australia and have found there to be 3 stallions (1SA, 1 Qld, 1 Vic), approximately 30 mares, although not all of these are suitable for breeding (due to age etc), and about 20 geldings. Fjords are now registered by the Australian Pony Stud Book and have a separate promotional group. They are an excellent family mount and would make an ideal small farm work horse.

The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world’s oldest breeds. Herds of wild Fjord horses existed in Norway after the last Ice Age. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites reveal that the horse has been intentionally bred for at least 2000 years.

The Fjord horse retains the “wild” or dun colour of the original horse as well as primitive markings including dark hair in the forelock, mane and tail, a dark stripe that runs down the neck and the entire length of the back and dark horizontal stripes on the legs. Dark stripes over the withers may also be seen.

The dun colour of the Fjord horse comes in different tones including brown dun (brunblakk), red dun (rodblakk), grey (gra) pale dun (ulsblakk) and gold (gul). The brown dun is an attractive buckskin colour and the most frequently seen. The red dun has red in its mane instead of black. Pale dun (cream colour with dark stripe), grey (grey with dark stripe and points), and gold (mane has gold stripe) are quite rare.

The head is of medium size and well defined with a broad, flat forehead and a straight to slightly concave profile. The eyes are large and dark with a soft expression. The nostrils are large and the ears should be small and truncated. The neck of the Fjord is well muscled and crested. The mane is trimmed to stand erect to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck and display the dramatic dark stripe.

The body is generally short, strongly coupled with good depth and with well developed muscles. The legs are powerful with substantial bone and hard feet. Fjord horses stand between 13 to 14.2hh and weigh between 900 and 1500 pounds.

Fjord horses are mild mannered, calm and sensible and predictable. They are friendly, strong, surefooted, courageous and thrifty. Fjords have graceful and balanced gaits both under saddle and in harness. Stallions are as tractable as mares and often work or show alongside them. The Fjord has the intelligence and talent to perform multiple functions, making him a favourite with the whole family.

For further information on the Fjord, please contact the Fjord Promotional group of Australia:
Ph 0359 443316 Julia Ferguson
Email: harkawaylodge@bigpond.com
Postal: P.O. Box 5, Upper Beaconsfield, Vic 3808