Description of the horse
The Fjord Horse
Height: There is no upper or lower limit, but the desired measures are between 135 cm and 150 cm at the withers.
Colours and markings: The five accepted colours are brown dun, uls dun, grey (blue dun), red dun and yellow dun.
Hair: The forelock on mature horses covers from one half to two thirds of the head. Excessive feathering on the legs is not desirable. Tradition rules that the Fjord should have an upright mane. The horse ought to be presented with a cut mane in a convex shape to complement the neck's top line.
The head is important when assessing breed type and character. It should be proportional, small and well defined, with a wide and flat forehead. The length from the eye to the muzzle should be short; the profile should be straight or preferably slightly dished (concave). The eyes should be large, dark and bright with a calm expression. The nostrils ought to be wide and in proportion so that the muzzle gives a "square" appearance. The jaws should be well defined. The lower jaws must not be so heavy as to make the head appear coarse. There should be sufficient width between the jaws to ensure free movement of the head or flexion of the poll. The ears should be relatively short, with a refined point at the tips and wide set. The ears should be parallel in appearance, with an outward curvature from the tip to the middle of the ear. Long pointed ears that are close together and in constant movement are not typical of the Fjord Horse.
Conformation/ structure and muscular development: It is important that the body parts are in harmony.
The neck ought to have a convex top line. Today a supple neck is desired, being suitable for riding, driving and as a packhorse. Length at the poll and a smooth transition from the head to the neck is also desired.
Shoulder and withers: The shoulder region influences significantly the movement of the horse; hence today it is desirable to have a gently sloping shoulder angle, which allows forward extension of the forelimbs. The withers of the Fjord Horse are not typically prominent but blend smoothly into the back.
Legs and Hooves: The legs should be correctly aligned and with adequate bone. The joints and tendons must be clearly defined and dry. The joints should be large and well developed, yet proportional to the horse.
The hooves of the Fjord Horse should be well balanced and proportionately round and large, with good horn quality.
The movements are particularly important for the Fjord Horse, and must reflect the conformation with sufficient elasticity and impulsion to perform an effortless walk, trot and canter. The movements should be energetic, with good balance and cadence. The Fjord Horse must move freely in all three gaits.
Gender characteristics: The Fjord Horse should have distinct gender characteristics; the stallion should be masculine and the mare feminine.
"The Fjord Horse International Handbook"
Giljadokka de la Chefna 056008000G30074
(Årdalsrappen x Soldokka - Drago)