Tell me about norwegian fjords

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Echo24

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Please tell me all about fjords, particularly youngsters.

At the start of my horse search, I did want a fjord but found them very expensive and few and far between. I recently spoke to someone at the fjord society about a 12 year old I'd seen for sale, but she suggested a couple of unbroken two year olds just down the road from me as they're very calm and have fab temperaments and breeding (sire is Stas Raaden) and the half sister has gone to Norway to be a broodmare.

I originally was looking for something I can get on and ride, but after trying far too many that didn't fit the bill, I'm having to reconsider what I want. Now I've ridden 5 year olds in the past but don't have any experience with very young horses. This two year old is well priced and leaves me with plenty to send him away to be broken professionally. I would definitely enlist the help of an instructor and YO with ground work and handling. The person I spoke to at the fjord society assured me that fjords have great temperaments and not too be worried about their ages. I appreciate all youngsters will be try it on and it will certainly be a horse in the making. How difficult are fjords to handle in general? I rode a 6 year many years ago and absolutely loved him and said to myself I would want one of my own!

Thanks :)
 
Sorry no experience of youngsters but just wanted to say that I had one a few years back, bought as an 11yr old (vet even thought that was about right) after having her passport checked by the Society (it was in German) which turned out not to be hers it transpired that she was actually 21!
Having said that I would not have swapped her for the world, they do have a remarkable placid temperament. She could be a bit wilful and strong at times in the early days but with lots of patience and consistency she turned into the most wonderful pony a great confidence giver.
The only problem I found was that my TB wouldn't go anywhere near her!
 
I've had mine for 4 years now and I wouldn't be without him! He can be strong willed and a bit of a tank at times, but a more honest and willing horse you could not ask for. I will never have another breed now I'm afraid, couldn't live without one! He tests me often to check that i still want him to be good, but as long as you remember that they learn very quickly ( good and bad habits) you'll be fine! My boy is 21 now, and my next one will be a young one to bring on myself.
 
A friend rode her new pony along with me today for 20 kilometres of the most challenging hilly and stony terrain we have. he never missed a beat, had a smile on his face, and is going to be the safe conveyance she was hoping for as she is a mature lady, and her current two horses have separation syndrome!.
He was around 15 hands, she said well papered,had a J in a circle brand on his thigh, had two tone thick mane and a dorsal stripe.
He was shod, and has spent his life in a riding school, now he is in private hands, and they are making a pleasing partnership. Apart from being very fat, I would say he is perfect for her.
I have to say, I liked him a lot!
 
Generally fantastic, placid, quick learners and good weight carriers but some can be a bit strong willed. Go for it.
 
A friend of mine had one and he was an excellent allrounder and was very quiet temperment wise. But he was more suited for an advanced rider because he was strong !
 
I cannot rate them highly enough!!! I have a rising 3 yr old mare by Staas Raaden. She is a saint. As for all youngsters 'trying it on' I've had her since 6. Months old and still waiting to see that day (don't think I ever will) she hasn't ever put a foot wrong, I have so much confidence in her and I know when I break her in next yr at 4 she will be my life long perfect family pony. She has been Sat on and walked around like she hadn't even noticed! Who is the dam of the one you are looking at buying? I don't know if geldings are much dif to mares but I doubt it. My experiences with my mare have hade me a huge fan of the breed. And I would not hesitate to recommend them and the advice of Lyn at the fjord stud she is a lovely lady and has always been there for me with advice if needed. Good luck with your decision but I don't think you can go wrong with a well bred fjord x
 
Ps where in Kent are you. If local you are welcome. To come see mine before making your decision if it helps you xx
 
Thanks for all your comments, it's really appreciated and very helpful :) I love them for their temperament and character. I plan to keep up with riding lessons at a local riding school to ensure my riding doesn't go out the window when the pony does get broken.

Will try and see them this weekend and make a decision - I will keep you all posted!
 
I think with breeds like Fjords Iceys and Haflingers you are much less likely to have any issues if you get them as youngsters and break them in as they thrive on firm kind consistency and getting them early on means they get that.

I was nervous despite having good support to get my Haffie unbroken as a youngster from her breeder but she has proved way easier than any older horse because she knows where she stands and has confidence in her situation. And our farrier said she is by far the best behaved he has ever met!

I would definitely go for it. The fact Fjords are just yum is just a side benefit!
 
My friend has one. He is an all round sports pony. If ever I get fed up with Arabs :cool: I would def. consider a Fjord.
 
We had one for my disabled Mum for quite a few years, he was fantastic with her and would happily plod around all day. However when someone more experienced got on him he would perk up and could have a cheeky/stubborn streak, but when he really worked, boy did he look smart.
I would definitely consider getting another one in the future.
 
Fjords are just wonderful we have the most lovely Fjord mare who is an absolute saint, has a fab temperament and is very loving and gentle, you can put a small child on her and she will potter about but also is the most super competition pony and will happily pop round 1M+ SJ and XC courses, in fact she loves to jump!
I would say that they can be strong due to their confirmation and huge necks, but I think with plenty of correct schooling it doesn't have to be the case, our little mare has gone from wearing a swales pelham when we got her to riding in a plain snaffle for almost everything. she also has lovely paces and would excel at dressage if only my daughter was more interested !!!! LOL
 
Where are you based lachlandmarcus? I just plan on hacking and schooling, doing the odd local shows but I'd love to do a bit of dressage :)

I'm really excited now and nervous as I didn't consider a youngster originally as I was worried I won't have enough experience to handle one. But Lyn at the fjord society explained they're very different to your warmblood and TB youngsters so hopefully it won't be too much of a mountain to climb!

I'm viewing the fjord this Sat so I will keep you all posted with how it goes! :D
 
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