If you had asked me a year ago what a Norwegian Fjord was, I probably would have replied with something like, “Isn’t that the kind of horse that’s got a mohawk and zebra stripes on their legs?” Well, technically that answer would be correct, but after having the opportunity to be an intern at Willows Edge Farm I have come to realize that they are so much more than just horses with a funny haircut.

One day during school, I had the weirdest thing happen to me. Three different people came up to me and told me about this internship program they had heard about and wanted me to try. I looked into it and found out about a local horse farm that raised Norwegian Fjords. I applied, wanting to get as much horse experience that I could, was accepted, and was invited to meet Corinne Logan, owner of Willows Edge Farm. I have to admit that I was a little nervous going out to a professional breeding farm, and meeting someone who had to have been very dignified and professional. After I arrived, I realized that my initial thoughts had been completely wrong. Corinne Logan turned out to be a wonderfully kind person who was more than just a little fun to be around.

From day one, the three other interns and I were thrown into the world of Fjords. We learned just about everything, from their dispositions and conformations, to breeding and training. I was amazed at just how versatile these horses were. Fair Acres Ole, (or just Ole as we called him) is trained in English riding, draft, carriage, vaulting, and jumping. When I first heard all that he was capable of doing, I almost couldn’t believe it. But, as I got to know Ole, and his breed, it was plain to see how they could easily accomplish all of that, and still have room left over for more. And, to top it off, each one of us was assigned to a different horse, and was able to ride almost every day. Can I say, “dream come true”? The horse that I was assigned to was a sweet 7 year old mare named Greta. She taught me a lot,(including how to fall and get back on) but the most significant thing was how to listen. So I did, and I learned just as much from her as I did from Corinne.

However, while the hands-on horse experience was amazing by itself, Corinne added in what I personally was most interested in; the financial end of the farm, and how everything added up to become a successful business. We learned about hay costs, farrier fees, and vet bills. What could be done to create income, and how everything tied together to make it all work.

By the end of the summer, I no longer had trouble telling the horses apart, which, at the beginning of summer had all looked the same. Ole, Elsie, Sveena, Mina, Lena, Greta, Steren, and Hans each became completely individual to my eyes. I came away with much more knowledge about the horse world and this wonderful breed than I had before.

It was a marvelous experience that I wish every horse crazy boy or girl could have. And if Corinne thought that she was finally rid of us at the end of summer, she was wrong! Since the program ended, I have been back countless number of times to see the horses, and to visit with Corinne, who has become a wonderful friend and mentor to me. It truly was the experience of a life time, and I wish that I could do it again!

Willows Edge Farm is located in Bothell, WA and on their 2 1/2 acre mini farm raise Norwegian Fjord horses along with chickens and rabbits and offer Farm Life Camp during the summers for kids.