Fjord horses called "darlings" of Nordicfest

 
  The fjord breed is the pride of Nordicfest. The first fjord joined the festival during its inaugural year. There were only two of the beautiful draft horses in the parade the second year while close to 100 from all over the United States and Canada are expected at this year's International Fjord Horse Show, organized in conjunction with Nordicfest by the Pacific Northwest Fjord Horse Association.

   Draft horses are known to be highly agile like quarter horses or palominos. But fjords have competed and performed exceptionally well in reining and cutting competitions.

  Nordicfest includes reining competitions, a combined driving event and demonstrations of freestyle reining and farm equipment hauling as well as a number of riding and jumping events to show the versatility of the breed and the abilities of the riders.

  There are only about 3,000 registered fjords in the U.S. but their popularity is slowly increasing. Older people, who may be tired of fighting skittish breeds, take to the fjords because of their gentle disposition. Also, people who have never been around horses are attracted to their friendly manners and find them easy "first-timer."  Fjords are often used for riding lessons because the horses are forgiving, allowing riders to make mistakes without causing problems.

  The breed is strong, able to pull two and half times its weight and is easily trained.  Fjords are easy to care for, too. The breed doesn't eat half of what a quarter horse would eat, despite their size and strength.

  The fjord is attracting the attention of physical therapists who use the horses as muscle exercisers for handicapped people. The rocking motion from the large horse has proven to be therapeutic, and because fjords are small and calm, therapists find them easy to work with.

PNFPG INTERNATIONAL FJORD HORSE SHOW
2008 AT NORDICFEST EVENT SCHEDULE