Fjord Horses - horses for sale

The stocky little horses of Norway are known as Fjords and are some of the world’s most unusual equines. They may be descendants of the prehistoric horses that appear in rock art there from Neolithic times onward. However, the breed itself was not formally established until the 20th century and has changed over time, particularly in its coat colouring. Deciding to buy a Fjord horse is a great option for horse lovers who want a companion that loves human company, as this is one of the features of the breed. Quirky and lovable, these pony-sized equines are also some of the most hard-working horses around, as anyone planning to sell a Fjord horse knows. Fjord Horses are an ancient breed that originate from the Fjords of Norway. They have a long history of being strong, dependable workhorses and today are beloved companions for all sorts of equestrian activities.

Origin and history of breeding Fjord Horses

The appearance of the Fjord horse suggests that it has retained many characteristics from ancient times. It is seen as one of the antique types of Eurasian horse, along with Exmoor ponies and Przewalski’s horses (also known as Takis). Experts are confident that the ancestors of Fjord horses were ridden by Norse warriors as well as used for draught and in agriculture. Since most of Europe used exclusively oxen for ploughing, using these stocky little horses to plough the land was one of the distinguishing features of the Vikings when they raided and settled other areas. This tradition may well have been the start of the use of draught horses in agriculture and it’s possible that all European draught horses have Fjord ancestry. The medium to long backs of the Fjords made them good for pack work, too. They were easy to keep and got on well with humans, so they became indispensable on Norwegian farms and smallholdings, and popular throughout Scandinavia. They were also used in a traditional Norwegian vehicle called a cariole, which seats one person with a groom's seat behind. Prior to the establishment of a breeding programme in the 1880s, Fjords could be brown, bay, and other colours, though now their coats are almost exclusively dun and cream in five variations.

Fjord Horses in equestrianism

Small, strong and versatile, Fjords are ideal work horses for tough terrain such as upland areas. Today they are still used in forestry and on smallholdings, where their hardiness and thriftiness are also a boon. They are also very popular riding horses, particularly in trekking centres. Fjords have proved successful as ponies for vaulting and as therapy ponies, too.

Use and characteristics of Fjord Horses

In their homeland, there are two different types of Fjord horse. The fjord-hest comes from the fjord coasts of Norway and is possibly the more ancient of the two. The doele-hest comes from inland and was originally raised in the more fertile valleys. When considering whether to buy a Fjord horse, it’s useful to know that modern Fjords breed very true to type. They are easily recognised by their stocky conformation, pale cream or dun coats and the dorsal stripe that runs from the tail to the forelock. These features are key reference points for those who sell a Fjord horse. In height, Fjords range from 13 hands (52 inches/132 cm) to 14.1 hands (57 inches/145 cm) high, and they are sure-footed, hardy and extremely strong. One interesting characteristic of the breed is that the mane tends to stand up rather than grow over, and trimming the mane produces a beautiful curving crest with a black line in it. This cut seems to have been popular since the days of the Vikings. Sometimes the legs of the ponies have zebra markings.

Interior of Fjord Horses

Fjord Horses are known for their intelligence, loyalty and gentle demeanour. They have been bred over thousands of years to be easy keepers, meaning they require minimal care while still remaining healthy and sound. Furthermore, their calm disposition allows them to adapt easily to any new routine or environment which makes them excellent travelling companions. These horses also possess great stamina, so they can handle difficult terrain and high speeds. Additionally, they are often eager learners and quick to pick up new tasks - something that's especially beneficial for riders of all ages or those who are less experienced handling horses. This makes Fjord Horses the ideal equine companions if you're looking for a dependable friend! In addition to these traits, Fjords also exhibit great patience in both training and riding. They are willing partners when it comes to learning different tasks as well as understanding what is required of them on a daily basis. On top of this, Fjords are known for their strong work ethic which means that you can count on them every time. All in all, Fjord Horses possess an incredible combination of intelligence, loyalty and gentleness making them one of the most sought after equine breeds today. Whether you're looking for a dependable workhorse or a loyal companion, these animals will certainly fit your needs!

Exterior of Fjord Horses

Fjord Horses are known for their unique Dun color which is contrasted by bold primitive markings and a bright mane. They typically stand at 14-15 hands high and possess muscular bodies with powerful legs that make them suitable mounts in difficult terrain. Beyond this, their thick winter coats serve as additional protection from cold climates while giving off an aura of majesty whenever they strut by! The breed is also recognized for its characteristic ‘cone head’ that gives their profile a distinctive shape compared to other horses. In addition, Fjords are known for having strong, well-proportioned hindquarters and withers that provide balance and endurance throughout any activity. Their short ears and short necks also add to their charm - creating an overall appearance that's both stunning and timelessly stylish. Though Fjords were originally bred as workhorses, they have come to be associated with beauty as well. This can be seen through the intricate braiding patterns often seen on their manes or tail - something they've been adorning since ancient times! Additionally, owners often decorate them in colorful garb such as saddles or bridles - adding even more uniqueness to these exceptional horses. All in all, the exterior of Fjord Horses serves as a testament to the characteristics within the breed - intelligence, loyalty and gentleness amongst others. With their unique looks and impressive build, these majestic creatures will surely draw attention wherever they go!

History of Fjord Horses

Fjord Horses have been a part of European history for over 2,000 years. The earliest known domesticated Fjord Horses were found in Norway and were used mainly as draft animals for farming and carrying goods. Farmers also began using them to pull sleds during the colder months, demonstrating their incredible strength and endurance in tough terrain. The breed has remained relatively unchanged since then - something that speaks volumes about how well adapted they are to their natural environment! As a result of this stability, Fjords soon became the go-to breed for farmers all over Europe due to their reliability and hardworking nature. In more recent times, Fjord Horses have become popular as riding horses too. Their trainability combined with an even temperament makes them ideal partners in any discipline whether it's jumping or dressage. Additionally, they have a special fondness for people which only adds to the appeal of these gentle creatures - making it easy to understand why they're so highly sought after! Today, Fjord Horses can be seen in virtually every equestrian discipline and continue to remain one of the most beloved breeds around the world. With ancient roots yet modern characteristics, these amazing horses are surely here to stay!