The fjord is a national treasure of Norway and one of the oldest horse breeds on earth. Once these strong animals belonged to the warlike Vikings and were war horses. Over time, the fjords began to be used for peaceful purposes: they were used in agricultural work and for horse riding. In the 21st century, "yellow horses" have proven themselves well in many equestrian sports and horse shows. These versatile ponies work both under saddle and in harness.

Yellow horse Fjord horse Fjord horse Fjord at horse show
Fjord mare and foal Fjord horses Ancient fjord horse Runs horse

Fjord rock

The homeland of the fjords is Norway. Scientists agree that the breed comes from wild Norwegian horses that were tamed 2000 years ago. For a long time, the animals lived in isolation, so the breed is one of the few that retained its primitive qualities and "wild" color.

According to another version, the Mongolian horses of Przewalski were the most ancient ancestors of the fjords. Although this opinion has not been proven, there are many similarities in the appearance of the horses. Like the wild animals of Przewalski, the fjords have a dark or light dun color. There are also primitive markings preserved: zebroidism (dark stripes) on the legs and a dark belt along the spine. All representatives of the breed have two colors of mane and tail.

Despite their height (120-150 cm), fjord horses belong to the pony class. They got their unusual name in honor of the area where they were originally bred - in the west of the country along the Fjords. The Norwegians call their horses "Westlandhest" - "horse of the west coast". The safety of the breed, as well as the purity of its breeding, is monitored by the Equestrian Center of Norway (NHS). In 1910 the first herdbook of the breed appeared. It is now updated every 3 years.

Characteristic

This horse breed is characterized by a calm, kind disposition, well-balanced natural movements. Strength and at the same time innate grace makes the fjord horse a versatile horse. Due to their small stature and docile nature, ponies are actively used in hippotherapy and children's equestrian schools.

The fjords are smart, trusting and human-oriented. They are easy to educate and train for the necessary work. Ponies are kept as hobby class horses, perform in horse shows and do well in harness.

In equestrian sports, the breed is used in many disciplines:

• show jumping in pony class;
• dressage;
• driving;
• horse races.

Appearance

Fjords - horses are strong and strong s. Average body weight 250-350 kg. The height at the withers ranges from 135-150 cm. At the same time, the breed does not have strict growth restrictions, like among other ponies. Low-growing horses are selected for children and light jobs, older horses are ridden by adults.

Main breed traits:

1. The head is small but heavy with clear expressive ganaches. The forehead is wide and flat. The eyes are large, dark, set wide apart. The profile is most often "snub-nosed", but straight is allowed. The muzzle is broad, with large movable nostrils and a massive lower jaw. The ears are small, truncated, set wide apart and directed forward.
2. Neck - high, massive, beautifully arched with a high crest and high withers. Massive shoulders.
3. Chest - Broad, round, typical of workhorses.
4. The back is of medium length with well-muscled loins. The croup is not massive.
5. Legs - strong with powerful and well developed hooves. The breed standard specifies small straight knee joints. But this requirement is not strict, so horses with well-defined knees are often used in equestrian sports.
6. The mane and tail are important distinguishing features of the breed. The mane is thick, two-colored: in the middle it is dark, along the edges it is white. The bangs are long, covering half or 2/3 of the head. To emphasize the beautiful curve of the neck, the mane is trimmed. The tail is long, lush, a tone lighter than the main suit with a typical silvery shade. There is an overgrowth on the legs.
7. Suit. There are different tones of a dun suit. The lightest horses are milky. The obligatory presence of a dark stripe along the ridge and dark lines on the legs. White stars are allowed in mares.

Care features

Fjords are hardy and unpretentious horses. They are easily kept in regions with harsh climates, even in unheated stables. For the winter, animals are overgrown with thick wool, which protects them from moisture and cold. Hooves with a strong stratum corneum, so horseshoes are practically not used. In Norway, the fjords were the only horses that transported goods and people in the snowy mountainous areas. Often the animals were kept in the open air under a canopy on a small straw bed.

The fjords are also unpretentious in nutrition. In nature, horses eat mountain grasses, dead wood, and even the bark of trees. At home, fjords are easily manageable with one hay. Sport and work horses are fed with grain and vegetable feed. However, the fjords do not need special feed or premixes to maintain good strength and performance.

According to the last count, there are up to 7,000 representatives of the breed in Norway, and more than 40,000 all over the world. Fjords are actively bred in many European countries: in France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Poland. A large number of livestock are concentrated in the USA and Canada. In Russia, the Norwegian fjord horse is not yet numerous, but every year it develops and becomes popular.

The fjord is a horse breed that is considered the oldest on our planet. It was these compact, but strong horses that participated in battles along with the Vikings, and later, with their help, spread throughout Europe. The article will tell you where the fjord horse came from, what is remarkable about this breed, what it looks like.

History of the breed

The fjord horse breed is rightfully considered unique, because its representatives have been able to preserve the features and color inherent in their ancient ancestors for thousands of years. This is the oldest breed on Earth. The information that these animals existed during the Viking times was confirmed during excavations. Scientists have repeatedly found the remains of ancient Scandinavian warriors along with horses, which outwardly resembled fjords. Rock carvings also indicate that animals that have an external resemblance to the fjord breed were bred in those days.

Scientists suggest that fjords migrated to Scandinavia from Central Asia more than 4,000 years ago. After that, horses were domesticated and used in agriculture. Later, these strong and hardy animals liked the Vikings, and they began to make trips on them. When the Viking Age ended, the fjord horses, previously called nordfjordhest and westlandhaest, were again used for agricultural work.

Now the breeding stock of Fjord horses numbers 7000 individuals. These animals are found in the Northern and South America as well as in some European countries. All of them are included in the herd book, which was published in 1919.

Appearance

Norwegians literally praise this horse breed in poems and poems because they have a love for it. In fact, these animals, although beautiful, are not as graceful and graceful as representatives of other breeds. Consider their external characteristics:

1. Fjords are low horses, which is why they are also called "fjord ponies". Their height reaches 130-145 cm.
2. The physique is strong, stocky. The muscle corset stands out well.
3. The rib cage is large and developed.
4. The back is of medium length, the rump is wide and strong.
5. The croup is low set, angular, the muscles in this part of the body are well defined.
6. The limbs are short, sinewy, strong. The joints are large.
7. The hooves are black in color, very powerful and durable.
8. Thick coat.
9. The head is not large, the frontal part is wide. The profile is slightly concave, due to which it looks elegant. Interestingly, the coat on her is always lighter than on the torso.
10. The auricles are small with a wide setting.
11. The neck is powerful and of medium length with a graceful curve.
12. The shoulders are large and muscular.

Attention! Distinctive feature This horse breed is the color of the hair in the mane: inside it, the strands are dark, and along the edges are light.

The most common color in the fjords is the dark dun. In this case, the fur on the body is colored in different shades of yellow and brown, and there is a brown or black strand on the bangs. 90% of horses of this breed are owners of this color. The remaining 10% have a white-bun, red-bun, golden-bun or gray type of suit.

Only in fjords there is a dark stripe along the entire back along the ridge, and there is a black or brown strand in the mane and tail. And these beautiful horses the limbs and withers have characteristic darkened markings.

To emphasize the natural beauty of the mane of Scandinavian horses, it is cut according to a certain principle. She is given the shape of a sickle, which favorably emphasizes the cervical bend. The outer edges of the mane are trimmed a few centimeters shorter than the middle, then the dark interior better seen.

Advantages of the breed

Fjords, despite their compact build, are distinguished by unprecedented endurance. But this is not their only advantage, there are others:

• animals are unpretentious in food, they are able to eat only hay for some time;
• they are fearless, willingly move even along mountain paths;
• easily adapt to different climatic conditions, are not afraid of the cold, since they have thick wool;
• are equally good both in working with a rider and in sledding;
• easy to learn;
• have a good-natured disposition.

Once participating in the Viking campaigns, the Norwegian horses are still popular today in their homeland and in other countries. Now they are used in children's sports, for horseback riding, for holidays and celebrations and excursions. This breed is one of the few that have managed to preserve pure blood for thousands of years.

Exterior: stocky, compact, horse with a neat broad-browed head on powerful neck passing into the muscular shoulders. Strong legs with well-defined tendons and good joints end in very strong hooves.

Height at withers: 130 - 145 cm.

The weight: 360 - 450 kg.

Suit: Within the breed, several types of color are distinguished:

brown-bulan (brunblakk)- the most common suit with a yellow-brown body color (the color can vary from creamy yellow to almost brown), a dark stripe in the mane is dark brown or black; lighter horses have white bangs and mane at the edges.

reddish-brown (rodblakk)- pale reddish-yellowish color of the body; the difference from the brown-dun suit is that the stripe in the mane and tail is red or reddish-brownish, but not black. The hair along the edges of the mane is light yellow or completely white.

gray (gra)- body color varies from silvery to dark gray. The bangs and muzzle of the gray Fjord, unlike the others, are dark, in some specimens the mane is almost black.

white-bulan (ulsblakk)- variation of the brown-dun color, caused by weakened pigmentation. The body color is almost white or yellowish-white. The stripe in the mane is black or gray. The mane itself is lighter than the torso.

yellow-brown- the rarest suit in the Fjords, a variation of the reddish-bulan. The body is yellowish-white, the mane and tail are white with a dark yellow stripe in the center.

Peculiarities: Fjords is a unique dun color, with black in the middle and silvery at the edges of the tail and mane. Most horses have a black longitudinal stripe along the back to the tail, many have zebra stripes on their legs. That speaks of the antiquity of the breed and makes them related to the wild horses of Przewalski and the now extinct Tarpan.

The eyes should be like mountain lakes on a summer evening: large and light. A proud bend of the neck, as if it were a dashing mountain fellow hurrying to his beloved. The well-defined withers, like the outline of the mountains against the background of the evening sky. And the temperament is lively, like a waterfall in spring, but still good-natured "- this is how the Norwegians themselves describe amazing horses, which are one of the business cards of this country.

The Norwegian Fjord Pony is one of the oldest purebred horse breeds in the world and also one of the few that has retained its unique characteristics. wild ancestors... They bear a striking resemblance to the horses painted on the walls of caves by ice age artists about 30,000 years ago. It is believed that the first Fjords - distant relatives of the Przewalski horse - migrated from Central Asia to Norway 4,000 thousand years ago.

Archaeological excavations of Viking burials show that the Fjords as a breed were specially bred for at least 2000 years.

The origin of the breed is not exactly known, but it is believed that it comes from the primitive wild horses of Asia and the Przewalski horses. Fjord is one of the very few breeds that retain their original primitive appearance and color. Previously, the breed was called Vestlandshest (horse from the west) or Nordfjordhest (northern fjord horse), which indicates the breed's geographical connection with Norway. The Vikings used the Fjords as cavalry mounts and the Scandinavians may have been the first Western Europeans to use horses for agricultural work. And since they were the warhorses of the Vikings, it can be assumed that they influenced the native breeds of other countries, especially the Mountain and Dartmoor ponies in Great Britain, and the Icelandic ponies. There is an assumption that all modern breeds of heavy trucks in western Europe carry a particle of blood from the Norwegian fjords.

The fjords are incredibly hardy, very unpretentious in food (they can easily get by with one hay) and easily adapt to any climate. They have fast, balanced gaits and a stable psyche. All this, in addition to strong hooves that do not require horseshoes, even on hard ground, makes Fjords irreplaceable helpers especially in areas of Norway with severe weather conditions. For many centuries, the Fjords were the only form of "transport" capable of transporting people and goods in mountainous areas.

Fjords are bred for their remarkable versatility: they can work under the saddle, and in harness, and in any activity they show amazing diligence, reliability and reliability. Traditionally, the Fjords have worked on farms, transporting goods. Now these ponies are most often used as walking horses, as well as for amateur and children's sports. The tranquility and friendliness of the Fjords is perfect for an inexperienced rider. Many travel companies offer foreigners to get acquainted with the nature of Norway from the saddle of this representative of Norwegian culture.

The first Fjord studbook was published in 1910. And to date, the number of Fjords is about 6000-7000 heads. They are common throughout Norway, but most of the population is concentrated in the west of the country. This is a rather rare and little-known breed, but now the Fjords are gaining popularity as the so-called "family" horses, and they began to be willingly bred in Europe, America and Canada.

Thank you for your help in preparing this article. Mukhopadova Nina Izhe falk

Official Website of the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registr
Official Website of the Fjord Horse International Association - FHI
Official Website of the

Fjords (fiords) (Norwegian - fjord) - narrow deep sea bays with high steep and rocky shores. They arise as a result of glacier processing and subsequent flooding by the sea of ​​river valleys and tectonic depressions. Length up to 200 km, depth - over 1000 m. Fjords are found in Norway, Greenland, Chile and some other countries ...
But in this article, we will not talk about the features of the impact on the earth's surface of endogenous and exogenous processes studied by geomorphology, but about the cutest creatures - horses of the fjord breed.

History and distribution

Fjords are one of the three Norwegian national breeds and one of the oldest breeds in the world. The origin of the breed is not known. It is believed that the fjords came to Norway from the east (south of Sweden and Denmark), where they lived since the last ice age wild horses... Since the fjords for centuries lived in isolation, they could not interbreed with other breeds, thanks to this, these "yellow horses" retained the original breed characteristics and characteristics that, of course, other horses have, but only in the fjords they dominate.
Archaeological excavations have shown that these horses were domesticated by humans as early as the Bronze Age (1200 BC). Ancient bas-reliefs left after the Vikings indicate that people have been breeding and using fjord horses for more than 2000 years. On some of the bas-reliefs, it was possible to discern the figures of fighting stallions - this is how the Vikings selected the strongest. The Vikings used the fjords in battles, as it is one of the most hardy breeds.
It is also possible that the fjords are descendants of the older horses of Norway. For centuries, there were close ties between Norway, Iceland and the British Isles, so "overseas" horses must have influenced the development of the breed.
Nevertheless, the Przewalski's Central Asian wild horses are officially considered the closest relatives of the fjords. There is quite a lot in common between these two breeds - color and primitive markings, although scientists have proven that the fjords are not descendants of Przewalski's horses. Fjords, like the wild European tarpan horses, have only 64 chromosomes, while Przewalski's horses have 66.
Fjords are one of the few breeds that have retained their original primitive appearance and color. Previously, the representatives of this breed were called "Westlandhests" (Horses from the West), because the breed was bred and bred mainly in the west of Norway. It is known that there were even certain areas where fjords were bred - Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordance and More og Romsdal. Horse breeders from these regions formed a united guild, which was sponsored by the state. It was beneficial for the state to have strong and hardy animals that could work in any weather conditions. Until relatively recently, the fjords were used in the Norwegian army, since they could pass where any technique was helpless. At the moment in Norway there are from 6 thousand to 7 thousand fjords, around the world there are about 40 thousand heads.
There is a very great interest in this breed: fjords are bred not only in Norway, but also in Denmark, Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Hungary, USA and Canada, and each of these countries has its own association for fjord breeding. Representatives of the breed can also be found in Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Chile. Norway is officially considered the homeland and exporter of the fjords, and Norwegians are very proud that foreigners are interested in their national breed.

Breed characteristics
Suit

Various shades of a dun suit - from dark dun to very light, almost white. A characteristic feature of the breed is a dark, black-brown longitudinal stripe (belt) that runs in the middle of the back from the bangs to the tailbone. Another distinctive feature of the fjords is the zebroid stripes on the upper leg. White markings in the form of small stars are possible only in mares. Other markings are unacceptable.

Height and weight

Weight - from 250 to 350 kilograms. The height at the withers ranges from 135 to 150 cm, while the fjords have neither maximum nor minimum growth limits. Therefore, the fjords are suitable for both children and adult riders.

Head

A small, heavy head with well-defined features, large dark and expressive eyes, a wide and flat forehead. The profile can be straight, but more often the fjords are "snub-nosed", with large nostrils and a wide muzzle. The cheekbones stand out quite well, and lower jaw so massive that it gives the horses a slightly rough look. Ears are small, slightly truncated, set wide apart and "looking" forward.
The neck is usually set high, strongly arched. Stallions have a very strong neck. Previously, fjords were used for heavy work, so horses with short, strong necks and powerful shoulders were valued. Now horses with a longer and more flexible neck are more popular, which is very convenient for playing sports.

Body and legs

The fjords are quite large in girth and wide-breasted. The back is of medium length, well muscled, with a strong loin. The shin bone must be free of the bone, which is often hereditary and can also arise from contusion. Knee-joint should not be clearly defined, although small, straight joints are also optional, they are usually crescent-shaped. The hooves are generally strong and well shaped.

Hairline

Fjord bangs cover 1/2 to 2/3 of the head. Traditionally, the mane should stick up (like a normal zebra). The mane is trimmed to emphasize the line of the neck. The mane and tail are usually a shade lighter than the main suit and appear silvery. Also, the fjords have a fairly strong covering of the limbs.

General form

Fjords give the impression of strong and sturdy horses with an "athletic" conformation, good posture and calm character. This horse should have natural, well-balanced movements. Due to its structure, the fjord is ideal for horseback riding, harnessing and for use as a draft.

Using the fjords

"Versatility" is the key word in describing fjords. Traditionally, these horses were used both for riding and as draft horses. Their endurance and ability to adapt to almost any conditions of detention is a big plus in the harsh weather conditions of the West. Fjords are quick and easy to learn and very trusting. For a long time, doctors and priests, who often travel outside their native village, gladly used these kind, handsome horses as a means of transportation.
Later, the fjords began to be widely used for recreation and entertainment. Modern fjords show themselves well both in driving, races, and in dressage and show jumping competitions. The fjords are also popular in horse riding schools and hippotherapy.
In Norway, tourists consider the fjords to be one of the main Vehicle, as well as prominent representatives of the culture of this country. For decades, fjords have transported crowds of tourists from waterfalls to glaciers along paths that no mode of transport can use.
Breeding and Studbook
In fjord breeding, like any other breed, participation in shows, rallies and brood rings is always important. Shows and exhibitions are organized by the Norwegian Equestrian Center (NHS). The judges evaluate the breed representatives on many factors and pay close attention not only to the performance of these funny horses, but also to their exterior. However, special problems there are practically no fjords with either the first or the last. They learn easily, as if it gives them tremendous pleasure, and these horses, like other aboriginal breeds, have practically no exterior problems.
A real treat for fjord lovers is the Stallion Show, which takes place in early May in Nordfjordaid. Lovers of these unusual horses and buyers interested in owning a "yellow horse" come from all over the world to see the fjords in their natural habitat. The judges evaluate horses according to age according to several parameters - exterior (50%), performance (20%), character (20%), health (10%). Three-year-old stallions are judged by conformation, riding and character, five-year-old stallions - by performance, conformation, development, temperament and health. Licensed stallions are tested again at the age of 8 and are judged on performance, development, health and offspring. Mares are tested according to conformation, performances and offspring.
Fjord breeding is carried out according to a special plan approved by the NHS. The main goal is not only the preservation, but also the improvement of the breed. Measures are also being taken to prohibit inbreeding.
The NHS also deals with the registration of fjords. At the end of the breeding season, stallion owners must report which queens have been covered. Later, queen owners receive a form from the NHS, which is filled out by the owner and the veterinarian after the mare is foaled and then returned to the NHS. According to this principle, a new livestock is registered (stallions and mares separately). The first Fjord studbook was released in 1910 and is now published every 3 years.

This is one of the oldest breeds on the planet! And it is definitely the oldest heavy truck on the planet of all that exists.
Once this good-natured, but strong horse with a peculiar appearance was the war horse of the warlike Vikings! Then they began to use it exclusively for peaceful purposes - for agricultural work and horseback riding.
They show good driving and running abilities, and can also be quite prepared for basic dressage and cross-country.

The homeland of the pony Fjord is Norway. It is one of the oldest and cleanest breeds in the world. It is believed to have descended directly from wild forest horses that were domesticated over 2000 years ago in southern Scandinavia.
Fjord is one of the very few breeds that retain the original primitive qualities and color. The earliest names for the fjords were "westlandschest" (horse of the western lands) or "nordfjordhest" (north fjord horse), reflecting the breed's geographical connection with Norway. These ponies were used as warhorses by the Vikings, and the Scandinavians may have been the first Western Europeans to use horses for agricultural work. Since large areas were subject to Viking raids, there is an assumption that all modern heavy draft breeds in western Europe and many local pony breeds in England and Iceland carry a particle of Norwegian fjord blood.
The fjords have earned a reputation for being strong, reliable and good-natured ponies. For centuries, Norwegian farmers have used them to various works and transportation of goods. In addition to its strength, the breed also features soft gaits. The fjords have a thick coat so they can withstand harsh winters with minimal maintenance. Fjord horses are so unpretentious that they can even feed dried fish... A successful combination of these qualities led to the export of fjords to Europe, especially Denmark, where they were widely used for light agricultural work.

The first fjord studbook was published in 1910. Now the pony fjord livestock is about 6-7 thousand heads. This breed is of great interest and a significant number of ponies are bred in Europe and the Americas.
The head and neck of the fjords should be elegant, without rudeness. The head is medium in size with a broad, flat forehead and a straight or slightly concave profile. Ears are small to medium in size, set wide apart. The neck of the fjord is muscular and often swan-shaped, with a lower withers than other breeds. The body of the fjord horse is compact with a deep chest and elastic ribs. The back is short, of medium length, the loin is wide and strong. The croup is well muscled and rounded, slightly drooping. The legs are strong, with strong bones and black hooves.
A unique feature of the Norwegian fjord is that almost all horses (about 90 wacko - a bulan or dark brown color. The remaining 10% are light and golden brown, gray and savras. These horses are almost the same for the untrained eye. The fjords have also been preserved primitive markings, including a dark belt along the ridge running from the bangs along the neck and back to the tail, and zebra stripes on the legs. Dark stripes can also be seen on the withers. Another unique feature of the Fjord horse is the mane. The hair in the center of the mane is dark, usually black. while the edges are light. The mane is cut short and erect. When plucking, the crescent shape is observed to accentuate the graceful curve of the neck. White hairs far from the center are plucked slightly shorter than the dark inner hairs to emphasize
spectacular black stripe.