Canadian
Fjord Horse
Association
The Norwegian Fjord horse often reminds people of a horse in a cave painting with its upright mane and compact body. In fact, it is the world’s oldest and purest domestic breed. Archaeological evidence shows it was domesticated at least 2000 years ago.
It was the Fjord the Vikings relied on to carry them into battle and its steadfast nature endures to this day.
The Canadian Fjord Horse Association invites you to learn more about this wonderful breed.
Canadian Fjord Horse Association
www.cfha.org
Find us on Facebook he Fjord horse evolved in Standing between 13 and 15 hands high, The careful breeding and evaluation Western Norway, a land of most Fjords are between 13.2 and 14.2 programs of the Norwegian homeland- sheer rock and steep cliffs hands and weigh between 900 and 1,100 where only approved individuals which which drop straight to the pounds. But don’t let height fool you. are good representatives of the breed can Tocean. There’s a lot of power in that compact reproduce– have been emulated in other The Norwegians there survived on body. Fjords are typically well-muscled, European countries including Holland, small patches of green at the base of with strong bones and good feet. They Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden and huge mountains and relied on their are extremely hardy and known to be others. Evaluations are held in Canada small and sturdy Fjord horses to easy-keepers. and the United States as well to give provide them with draft power and The Fjord is eye-catching with its breeders another tool in their goal of transportation. characteristic dun colouring, typical of breeding quality Norwegian Fjord horses. They also counted on the horse to the earliest horses in existence. Like Today’s breeders strive to retain the Fjord survive through the long dark winters those wild horses, they retain the primi- horse’s trademark calm and intelligent on the very little forage available. As a tive markings that all such horses used temperament while breeding for a well result today’s Fjord horse is a versatile, to carry, the dark dorsal stripe that balanced animal with three good gaits, hardy, intelligent, and people-oriented extends from the poll through the tail, capable of participating successfully in a animal. horizontal zebra stripes on the legs, and number of equine sports. Fjords are now A relative newcomer to Canada, the dark outlines on the ear tips. seen training and competing in all levels of Fjord is winning converts across the Fjord horses can be seen in five shades dressage, hunter, pleasure, combined country for its intelligence , its hardi- of dun. Ninety percent of them are driving, eventing, trail, western and draft. ness and its quiet and reliable nature. brown dun, with a golden body, black The versatility of the Fjord breed allows dorsal stripes and an oatmeal coloured the same horse that performed successfully muzzle. The other shades of dun include in the dressage ring to be seen pulling a red dun, white dun, grey dun, and the carriage down the road for a Sunday rarely seen yellow dun whose stripe is pleasure drive, bringing in the family darker yellow rather than black. Christmas tree from the woodlot, and giving a pony ride to a small child. This unique horse with the somewhat “prehistoric” look has truly evolved into an all-around partner for today’s horse person!