Background and distribution

The Fjordhorse is one of Norways three native breeds. The origin of the breed is uncertain, but it is probably related to the Central Asian Feral Horse. The Fjordhorse is one of very few breeds to retain the original primitive character and colour. An earlier name for the Fjord has been the Vestlandshest (West Country horse) or the Nordfjordhest (Northfjordhorse) which indicates the breeds's geographical connection with Norway. The first Fjordhorse Studbook was published in 1910.
The Fjord is to be found throughout Norway, but the majority is bred in the West. The Fjordhorse population is reckoned to be between 6000 and 7000. In 1995, 800 mares were covertured. There is a widespread interest in the breed and a considerable number of Fjords are bred both in Europe and in the Americas. In Norway people are delighted that foreigners show such an interest in their breed. This has resulted in the realisation that Norway should be promoted as the home of the Fjordhorse and an exporter of the breed.

Characteristics

Colour
The colour of the Fjordhorse is various shades of dun. The basic primitive colours are browndun, red (chestnut)dun, greydun and the more rare ulsdun and yellowdun. The majority of the breed has a darker dorsal stripe (or eel) which runs from the forelock, down the middle of the mane (midtstol) which is upright and clipped, along the back and into the tail. Zebra stripes on the limbs are usual. White markings are not desirable, but a small star can be accepted.

Height
Average height 140 cm. There is no maximum or minimum limit.

Head and neck
The head is small and well defined with a flat forehead, the expression calm and the eyes large. The profile may be straight but preferably slightly concave, the nostrils large and the muzzle area wide. Ears should be short, truncated and not too close together and point forward. The neck is often short and strong but well set on. A mpre supple neck is desired with a better transition from head to neck. 

Body and limbs
The Fjord is deep through the girth and the chest wide. The back is of medium lenght and well muscled and the loins strong.
The legs should be strong with good flat bone and well defined joints. The cannon bone should be free from splints wich can be caused by a blow, but may be heredity. The hock should be well defined, small straight hocs are not desired. Sickle or bowed hocks most objectionable. The quality and shape of the hooves should be good. Narrow and light coloured hooves are not favoured.

Overall impression
The Fjordhorse should give the impression of strenght and alertness combined with a calm and kind disposition.

Uses of the Fjordhorse

Versatility is a key word when describing the Fjordhorse. Traditionally the Fjord has been used on the farm, hangling timber as well as beeing used as a packhorse. His surefootness and adaptability is a great advantage in the rugged country of the West. Many farmers hired out their horses to tourists as well as driving the local priest or doctor to their duties around the parish.
 In later years the Fjord has been a popular leisure and family horse. The Fjord of today is bred for both riding and driving and is capable of performing well in driving and endurance riding and can also perform adequately in elementary dressage and crosscountry jumping classes. The Fjord is used extensively in riding schools and riding for the disabled.
The tourist industry along the West Country fjords of Norway has always used the Fjordhorse as an important means of transport and as a good representative for Norwegian culture. Through the years the Fjordhorse has carried many tourists back and forth from waterfall and glacier.
The Fjordhorse was also represented in the Winter Olympics at Lillehammer in 1994 and with two other Norwegian native breeds, yhe Dølehorse and the Nordlandshorse, safely drove many winning competitors and celebrities to the different activities.

Breeding and studbookkeeping

Shows are an important aspect of breeding and are arranged throughout the country by the Norwegian Horse Centre (NHS). Both conformation and performance are judged.
The original system in Norway is based on the evaluation of individuals for breeding purposes i.e. against a breed standard, not necessarily against the other individuals in a class. All animals are graded, both mares and stallions, and all are performance tested.
The highlight of the year for Fjordhorse enthusiasts is the Stallion Show at Nordfjordeid at the beginning of May. Buyers and enthusiasts from home and abroad come to see the Fjord in his natural environment.
 All breeding is based on the current breeding plan for the Fjordhorse, adopted by the NHS. The aims stated in the breeding goal are to preserve and improve the breed's original character and type as well as to satisfy the needs of today which is a versatile animal suitable for the whole family. The various qualities are rated as such; conformation 50%, performance 20%, disposition 20% and soundness 10%.
3 year old stallions are judged on conformation, driving and disposition. 5 year olds are performance tested (station tested) and are judged on conformation, development, temperament and soundness. The licensed stallions are judged again as 8 yesr olds when performance, development, soundness and progeny are taken into account.
 Mares are graded in relation to conformation, performance, breeding and progeny. Licensed stallions are not restricted to a "marequota" so owners can use any licensed stallion. The Fjordhorse Association's advisory group must at all times be prepared to take measures against inbreeding wich can mean restricting the licensing of too many sons by a given stallion or introducing a "marequota". Up to now this has not been necessary. An important tradition in Norwegian horsebreeding is the mountain grazing system whereby mares run with an approved stallion on areas administrated by the NHS.

The Studbook
The Fjordhorses are registered with NHS. At the end of the covering season, stallion owners must send a rapport stating wich mares have been covered. Mare owners are then sent a slip by NHS. After foaling, the slip is filled out by the breeder and his vet and returned to the NHS. On this basis the foal is registered. A Studbook is published every 3 years. There is a stallion and a mare section.