Colic in horses
Colic is a phenomenon that many horse owners fear. You can read all about it in our veterinary article here.
This week up to 33% off dental care for your pet
This week up to 33% off dental care for your pet
Fjord
The Fjord, also known as the Norwegian Fjord horse, is a hardy and reliable breed originating from Norway. This breed is known for its distinctive cream to beige coat colour, featuring a striking dark dorsal stripe running along the back and through the mane. The Fjord has a compact, muscular build and a friendly, willing nature, making it a favourite among both leisure riders and drivers.
Originally used as a working horse in the Norwegian mountains, the Fjord was valued for its strength, endurance, and steady gaits. Today, the breed is especially appreciated for its versatility: Fjords perform exceptionally well in leisure riding, driving, therapy work, and even light sport disciplines. Thanks to their calm temperament and intelligent character, they are also ideal for beginner riders and families.
Characteristics
Country of origin:
Norway
Also known as:
Fjord, Norwegian Fjord Horse, Norwegian Fjord, Fjord horse
Body build:
Compact, muscular, and strongly built.
Colours and coat types:
Cream to beige with a dark dorsal stripe, a short, dense coat, and thick mane.
Weight:
350 – 450 kg
Height:
13.1 - 14.3 hands (hh)
Life Expectancy:
20 – 30 years
Health risks:
Hoof issues, joint problems, and back pain.
Suitable for:
Leisure riding, driving, therapy, and light sport disciplines.
Character profile
Eager to learn
Willing to work
Sociable
Energy
Movement/gaits
Temperament
Stress resilience
Strength and muscle development
Focus
Child-friendly
Popular products for the Fjord horse
Origin of the Fjord
The Fjord is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and originates from Norway. For thousands of years, this hardy and resilient breed has lived in the rugged Norwegian mountains, where it served as a loyal companion to humans. During the Viking Age, the Fjord was used as a riding horse, pack horse, and even as a warhorse. Later, it became indispensable on farms, where it worked the land and transported heavy loads.
Thanks to its strength, reliability, and tremendous endurance, the Fjord remained a constant presence in the Norwegian landscape for centuries. In the twentieth century, the breed began to spread beyond Norway. After the Second World War, the first Fjords arrived in the Netherlands, where they quickly became important in agriculture and forestry. When machines took over those roles, the Fjord found a new purpose: that of a dependable leisure and family horse, loved for its calm temperament and willing nature.
Character of the Fjord
The Fjord is known for its friendly and even-tempered nature. It is a calm, gentle and reliable horse that rarely startles or becomes upset. This makes the Fjord a favourite among both novice and experienced riders. Despite its calm appearance, the Fjord is energetic and willing to work. It has great perseverance and enjoys working in partnership, whether under saddle, in harness or during groundwork.
In addition, the Fjord is clever and eager to learn: it picks up new exercises quickly, though it can occasionally show a stubborn streak. Thanks to its social and stable disposition, the Fjord generally gets along well with other horses and animals. It forms a strong bond with its handler and is known as a true family horse: loyal, affectionate and always ready to cooperate.
All About the Fjord
What does the Fjord look like?
The Fjord is a compact and muscular Norwegian horse, with a characteristic cream to beige coat and a striking dark dorsal stripe running along the back and through the mane. They have a strong neck, short back, and sturdy legs, giving them a powerful and dependable appearance. The mane is often semi-short and stands upright, enhancing their unique look. Their kind eyes and well-balanced build make the Fjord both graceful and robust.
How old does a Fjord get?
A Fjord horse has a relatively long lifespan for a horse breed and typically lives between 20 and 30 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, some individuals can live even longer. Their sturdy build and strong constitution contribute to their durability, making them reliable for many years as working horses, leisure companions, or for driving activities.
Regular veterinary check-ups and attention to their teeth, hooves, and joints help maintain their quality of life throughout their long lifespan.
How much does a Fjord cost?
The price of a Fjord can vary greatly depending on factors such as age, level of training, lineage, and health. In the Netherlands, prices typically range between £2,125 and £12,750.
Is a Fjord a horse or a pony?
The Fjord is officially classified as a horse, not a pony, even though its height at the withers—ranging from 135 to 150 cm—makes it relatively small in size. Despite its compact build, a Fjord has the strength, stamina, and versatility you would expect from a true horse breed, which is why it is considered a horse in every respect, not a pony.
What should I consider when buying a Fjord?
When buying a Fjord, it’s important to pay close attention to health, temperament, and training. Check the hooves, joints, and teeth, and look out for any signs of health issues. Choose an age and training level that suits your experience and intended use—whether for leisure riding, driving, or therapy work.
The horse’s temperament also matters: Fjords are known for being friendly and dependable, but every horse has its own personality. In addition, studbook registration or certification may be relevant, especially if you have breeding or sport ambitions. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs such as stabling, feed, insurance, and veterinary care when making your decision.
Handling and Care of the Fjord
The Fjord is a hardy and low-maintenance horse, known for its versatility and easy-going nature. Originally used mainly as a working horse in agriculture and forestry, the Fjord has evolved into a true all-rounder that can be used in many disciplines. Thanks to its calm temperament and reliability, it is suitable for both young and old, whether for leisure or sport.
Activities where the Fjord excels:
- Leisure riding: Ideal for hacking and trail riding, thanks to its sure-footedness and calm character.
- Driving: Naturally strong, the Fjord pulls a cart or carriage with ease.
- Therapy work: Its balanced temperament and sturdy build make it popular for equine-assisted therapy and coaching.
- Children’s and family horse: Reliable, friendly, and rarely spooky, making it an excellent choice for families.
- Light sport: Some Fjords compete in dressage, skill-based events, or TREC, where their willingness to work really shines.
- Groundwork and liberty training: Thanks to their intelligence and strong bond with humans, they learn quickly and enjoy working together.
What you should know about caring for a Fjord
In terms of care, the Fjord is generally easy to manage. It has strong overall health, a thick coat that offers excellent protection against the cold, and thrives in natural housing with plenty of outdoor space. However, it’s important to tailor its diet to its efficient metabolism—overly rich feed can quickly lead to weight gain.
As with any horse, regular exercise, hoof care, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain good condition and overall well-being.
Also read our horse blogs
Horseflies, gadflies and botflies
As temperatures rise, the number of biting and bloodsucking insects also increases. In addition to causing unrest and slowed growth, they increase the risk of infections in grazing livestock.
How do you choose the right supplement for your horse?
Whether you’re training a young sport pony, supporting a senior mare or have a horse that just needs a little extra help, the range of supplements is so large that it’s easy to lose track. From magnesium to herbal blends, from joint formulas to skin and respiratory support, what does your horse really need? In this blog I’ll help you discover step by step how to choose the right supplement, when supplements are useful and what to look out for to support safely and with focus.
