The Norwegian Fjord
Horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the
original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years
ago. Herds of wild Fjord Horses existed in Norway after the last ice age.
Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord Horse
has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years.
One of their unique
characteristics is that approximately 90% of all Fjord Horses are brown dun in
color. The other 10% are either red dun, gray, white or "uls" dun, or
yellow dun. The Fjord Horse retains the "wild" dun color
of the original horse as well as the primitive markings which include zebra
stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the
neck and back and into the tail. Dark stripes may also be seen over the
withers. Red duns have reddish-brown stripes and body markings. Gray duns have
black or very dark gray stripes and markings. The white or "uls" dun
is a very light body color with black or gray stripe and markings. The yellow
dun have a darker yellow stripe and markings, they may have a completely white forelock,
mane and tail. The yellow dun is a very rare color in the breed.
Another unique characteristic of the Fjord Horse is the
mane. The center hair of the mane is dark (usually black) while the outer hair
is white. The mane is cut short so it will stand erect. It is trimmed in a
characteristic crescent shape to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck The
white outer hair is then trimmed slightly shorter than the dark inner hair to
display the dramatic dark stripe.
The head and neck should present an appearance of
elegance without coarseness. The head is medium sized and well defined with a
broad, flat forehead and a straight or slightly dished face. The eyes are
large. Ears are small and alert. The neck of the Fjord is well muscled and
crested. The body is short coupled with good depth, large heart girth, and well
developed muscles. The legs are powerful, with substantial bone and excellent
feet which are black in color. Fjords generally range in size from 13.2 to 14.2
Hands and weigh between 900 and 1200 pounds at maturity, with a few individuals
ranging outside these measurements.
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