AUGUST 1995 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 8/1/95; 10:00:00 AM.
The Pacific Northwest Fjord Promotional Group
Group Origin
The Pacific Northwest Fjord Promotional Group was formed in 1986 by Canadians and Americans who shared a common interest - the beautiful Norwegian Fjord horse. Our members are both owners and breeders whose goals are to make the general public more aware of what the Fjord horse is and what it can do. By doing this we hope to open up more areas for Fjord horses to be shown and sold. At the same time we enjoy the fellowship of our members and the interaction with their fantastic Fjords.
Group Involvements
At present the P.N.W.F.P.G. is participating in two shows. They are the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, British Columbia, and Nordicfest in Libby, Montana. Both shows are in September, with the dates varying each year. Most of our members also participate in showing their Fjords in their own areas; doing individual showing in parades, fairs, sleigh and hay rides, and the like.
History of the breed
From the available information, it is believed that the Norwegian Fjord horse was related to the Central Asian wild horse who was related to the Central Asian wild horse, the Przewalski, which migrated from Asia to Norway. By the year 2000 B.C. it is believed these horses were domesticated. Today they stand from 13 to 15 hands, and weigh from 900 to 1400 pounds. Although the Fjords are rather rare in Canada and the United States, the breed is becoming more popular as people are discovering the many attributes of these wonderful, all purpose horses.
In International "army horse circles", the Fjord is openly recognized as the best mountain army horse in the world and is highly valued by the military because he is able to go where motorized vehicles and heavier horses must give up. Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery both spoke with admiration about the Fjord horse on their inspection tours in Norway.
For more information on the Pacific Northwest Promotional Group contact: Ivan Dunnick, 4750 Meyer Road, Rathdrum, ID, 83858. 208/667-6169. Ron & Sherrie Dayton, N. 28815 Ramsey Road, Athol, ID 83801. 208/623-3600.
