Norwegian Fjord Horse Fun Facts!

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Note: Maintenance and care recommendations are suggestions only. Always talk with your veterinarian as to what will be best for your own horse!

Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years ago and selectively bred for 2,000 years. They are hardy, adaptable and efficient in any environment. They are calm and gentle, yet active and gregarious. Body structure within the breed ranges the entire user spectrum, from flatter saddle types, to heavier draft animals. This versatility within the breed is equally accepted, as long as the over all balance and conformation of the breed type is maintained. (see NFHR Breed Standards)

Classification:

Kingdom: Animal
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Equidae
Genus: Equus
Species: Caballus

Breed Characteristics:

Size average: 13.2 to 14.2 hands (54-58 inches at the wither [top of shoulder]) and weigh in approximately 900-1200 pounds (see Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry breed standards.). Sizes above or below this average is accepted.
Dun coloration with primitive markings including the light muzzle and the distinctive stripe that runs down length of spine from ears to tail. Colors listed range from most common to most rare (Norwegian term follows):

Brown Dun (Brunblakk)
Grey Dun (Gråblakk)
Red Dun (Rødblakk)
White Dun (Ulsblakk)
Yellow Dun (Gulblakk)

See Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry for Coat Colors pictures.

Mane - trimmed in a convex upright curve with the distinguishing dark stripe down the center. The forelock is long and full. In Norwegian the stripe down the mane is called midtstol.
Tail - full with light outside and dark center stripe. In Norwegian the center stripe in the tail is called halefjaer.

Life Stages:

Gestation: average 343 days
Weaned: approximately 6 months
Sexually mature: 12-18 months. It is ethical and in their best interest to wait for mares to be 3-4 years before breeding the first time.
Heat cycles: Seasonally Polyestrous, interval: every 18-23 days for 3-7 days duration. Ovulation normally occurs 24-48 hours prior to end of Estrus (heat).
Physically mature: approximately 5 years
Life Span: Approximately 25+ years, depending upon genetics and care.

Status: Not endangered, Domesticated

Terminology:

Stallion/ Stud = Intact male horse
Mare = Female horse
Foal = Infant horse under 6 months
Foaling = mare giving birth to foal
Colt = Male baby horse
Filly = Female Baby horse
Aged= over ten years
Hand = measurement equals 4 inches - refers to height at top of shoulder (the wither)
Gelding = Castrated male horse

Vital Signs:

Temperature: 99.5 - 101.5 degrees F (foals stabilize after a few days at 101-102 degrees F
Respiration: 6-16 breaths per minute (foals 25- 60 breaths per minute)
Pulse: 32-42 beats per minute (foals 60-110)
Capillary refill (check gums): 1-2 seconds
Mucus Membranes (inside eye lids): Pale pink
Gut sounds: always present in all quadrants

Food: Fjords are herbivores with single chambered stomachs. Like any horse they do best on a little feed, fed often. Clean hay and monitored pasture are preferred. Easy keepers, keeping weight in control is more problematic in most situations.

Minerals: Salt mineral block (or loose free choice), use vitamins formulated for horses that have adequate selenium if residing in a deficient area.

Water: Clean unfrozen water available 24/7.

Shelter: Draft free dwelling available 24/7.

Hoof trimming: Depending upon rate of hoof growth, every 6-8 weeks.

Vaccinations: Annual - check with your veterinarian for his recommendation for your location and situation.

Worming: Normally every 2-3 months brand rotation, or daily pelleted wormer with an oral ivermectin purge bi-annual. Using a product that eliminates tapeworms is also important. Check with your veterinarian for his recommendation for your location and animal situation.

Fjord use is limited only by imagination, an all purpose, all terrain grass powered vehicle.

Showing
Pleasure
Riding
Driving
Packing
Pets
Etc...etc...etc...

Support the Fjord registries. Registries are more than just accumulations of bloodlines and papers. They police the breed standard, maintain records and statistics, keep people informed and educate the public, plus much more. Registration assists everyone!

E-Mail Webmaster: Contact Blue Mountain Farm

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