Horse Breed Spotlight: The Norwegian Fjord

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Monday, March 25th, 2019
9:00 AM

If you’ve been to the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, you may have noticed a prevalence of stout beige horses with punk rock hair. These are Norwegian Fjords, one of the oldest breeds in the world and a staple at equine-assisted therapy centres across the world.

Norwegian Fjords were first selectively bred by the Vikings around 1200 BC and used as war horses. In later times, these surefooted, thrifty, and hardworking horses were prized by Norwegian farmers and their families. Today, the breed is a much-loved national symbol. The first Norwegian Fjords came to North America in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.

Norwegian Fjords are praised for their versatility, an attribute accredited to their “jack-of-all-trades” history. They tend to have smooth gaits, sturdy conformation, and a natural affinity for people – making the Fjord a natural fit for therapeutic applications.
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) has 4 Norwegian Fjords in their herd. These are Bocina, Josepha, Loki, and Ember (who achieved superstardom with her “Ember Had a Dream” viral video in 2018).

If you are interested in checking out Norwegian Fjord horses or learning more about equine-assisted therapy, CTRA invites you to follow them on Facebook and Instagram (where each horse has their own hashtag!) and/or visit CTRA stable on Providence Farm.