Norwegian farm animals | The Norwegian Fjord Horse
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is considered one of the world's oldest horse breeds, hailing from the rugged fjord districts of western Norway — a landscape of deep fjords and towering mountain peaks.
Shaped by its surroundings
The Norwegian Fjord Horse, known for its ancient features and distinctive markings, has roots stretching back thousands of years. The Norwegians call it Fjordhest, Fjording, or Vestlandshest. Its sheltered habitat protected the breed from significant outside influence. Sadly, it no longer roams free as it once did.
The Fjord Horse’s build is a product of its habitat. Historically, the breed was relatively small. With its robust frame and strong legs, it navigated the rocky and demanding terrain with ease.
In olden times, the landscape of western Norway had few roads. People, farm animals, and goods travelled by boat — or moved along steep, narrow, and sometimes treacherous paths.
Throughout history, the domesticated Fjord Horse was primarily used as a packhorse or to pull sledges, even during the summer months. Wagons with wheels were less common in historical times, especially in the often steep landscape of western Norway.
The Fjord Horse has always been a patient, strong, tough, and relentless companion and working partner. It is said that if a Fjord Horse was pushed over by a heavy load in a steep field, it would remain perfectly still until its owner freed it from the shafts or the harness.
Tourism
In the second half of the 1800s, tourism found its way to the Norwegian fjords. Just like today, ships arrived full of visitors eager to see the sights. The local farm horses carried tourists up the hills to glaciers or other landmarks. The extra cash gave the local households a welcome boost.
Easier to feed through the winter
Compared to other Norwegian horse breeds, the smaller historical Fjord Horse required less hay and other fodder. The west coast’s milder climate and shorter winters also allowed the horse to graze outdoors for longer periods of the year. This meant that it was more common for small farms in western Norway to afford a Fjord Horse of their own. Having a horse on the farm gave its owner added status.
A popular emigrant
The Norwegian Fjord Horse breed has gained an enthusiastic and loyal following around the globe. With its distinctive physique, dun coat, and upright, trimmed mane, the Fjord Horse is a beautiful creature.
It was sad to see it go
A farm horse could live with its human family for two or three decades, and it was painful to see it go. There are stories about people refusing to cash the cheque from the abattoir on the day that their beloved friend finally had to meet its maker.
Bakken, Arve M. (ed). Fjordhesten. Norges fjordhestlag. Gyldendal norsk forlag 1986
Other Norwegian horse breeds
The Dole Gudbrandsdal Horse
The Norwegians call it Dølahest. It is a traditional work horse from the Gudbrandsdal valley in Norway.
The Nordland/Lyngen Horse
It hails from the Lyngen area in northern Norway.
The Norwegian Coldblood Trotter
A lighter, faster breed developed from the Dole Gudbrandsdal Horse for trotting races.