Norwegian Fjord Horses have a calm presence and a curious, active character with an obvious display of either masculine or feminine traits. Body structure within the breed ranges the entire spectrum, from flatter, lighter muscling to a more round, heavier muscling. Historically, Fjords have appeared in different shapes, models or body types, according to the different needs of the times. From this wide genetic pool comes the versatile Fjord of today, which is not a specialized breed, but a breed with horses of different types and sizes which can be used for a wide variety of activities. Horses that meet the set conditions and demands of quality are equally acceptable, although they can be of different sizes and body types. Conformation should be harmoniously balanced and must always be complemented by substance of body and ample bone. A combination of correct conformation, movement, and breed type is more important than extremes of beauty, elegance, and extravagant movement. What counts and is most important is the ability of the horse to use and develop his inborn qualities.
The Norwegian Fjord Horse possesses a charming, gentle disposition and a strong body structure that enables the breed to be used for all types of riding, driving and draft work. Fjord Horses are willing to work and want to please, thus making them very trainable. Their versatility is enhanced by the extraordinary power for their smaller size and their ability to be sure-footed. The Fjords generally range in size at maturity from 13.2 to14.2 hands (54 to 58 inches) and weigh about 900 to 1200 pounds with a few individuals ranging outside these measurements.
The majority of Fjord Horses are brown dun, while a small percentage are either grey, red dun, or white dun. The rarest color, yellow dun, is seldom seen, even in Norway. One of the breed’s ‘trademarks’ is the upright mane, which compliments the horse’s frame and structure well.