The famous stallion Rosendalsborken I-8, foaled in 1863, had a sire of which it is recorded that he had a white star. The same marking was borne by the stallion H�kon 60, foaled in 1877, of whom it is said that he was a beautiful horse and very typical for the breed. Other white or flesh-colored markings are undesirable. At the annual general meeting of Norges Fjordhestlag in 1982, it was agreed upon and decided that stallions or colts with other visible markings than a small white star can not be licensed or awarded a rosette.
The Extent of the Colours
The different kinds of dun colors have varied in numbers within the population of Fjordhorses through the times. Among the earliest registered Fjordhorses in the Norwegian StudBook, the uls dun was the dominant variety of color. Uls dun came in disrepute because at the time, no one knew how the different colors were inherited. So uls dun was bred to uls dun, and that resulted some times in white and walleyed foals. The brown dun color later became increasingly popular, especially the lighter shades, and it is now the dominating color.
At the present, there is interest in preserving all the five dun colors.
Overall, the impression of the Fjordhorse should be of strength and alertness, combined with a calm and kind disposition. The Fjordhorse is distinguished by its unequaled dependability. For centuries, Norwegian breeders have been determined to improve the breed while emphasizing the gentle temperament. They are easily broken and need no retraining, even after spending months at pasture untouched.
Sources: The FjordHorse Page
Fjord Horse International
