The Unsung Nordlander

 

The Nordlander Horse is typically not a well-known breed.  It is even not known for its real name but for its other name, Lofoten Horse.  So as not to remain ignorant of this breed, read on and learn more about it.

 

Origin

As the name hints, this breed is native to Norway.  It is regarded to be the country’s smallest native breed of horse.  There was time in the past when its population sharply dropped.  It was a good thing that later on the number dramatically increased.  Today, only a couple thousand of Nordlands exist.  This is because a lot of breeders and enthusiasts are unaware of its beautiful and majestic existence.

 

Uses

Although already replaced with machines and vehicles, Nordlanders made a great draft horses in the past.  Currently, they are more accepted as companion horses or wagon-pulling horses due to their ability to carry a significant amount of weight.

 

Features

In comparison to other horses, this horse appears to be smaller than the others.  In actuality, they are even considered by many people as a large pony.  Another thing that you would notice about this horse is its ruggedness.  It also has a straight and heavy neck graced with a thick and dense mane.  Its legs are massively muscled and it has some feathering to it.  These horses have a peculiar gait and are good trotters.  Its common colors for coats are bay, black, chestnut, gray and palomino.  Lastly, this horse is highly adaptable to harsh cold environments.

 

Breeding

As it already is, this horse is rare which makes it difficult to find outside of Norway.  A healthy sire and dam are necessary in breeding these horses.  A gestation period of about 11 months will have to take place.

 

There are plenty more specifics about breeding Norlanders.  There are also other sources like the internet and books where you can acquire more details.  You can get started  with the following:  Susan Mcbane’s Modern Horse Breeding: A Guide for Owners, Janet E. English’s The Complete Guide for Horse Business Success, and Karin Kattwinkle’s Your First Foal: Breeding for Beginners.