Equestrian Rides the Norwegian Fjord Horse!

[@AliWade1971]

Well that made me cry. You were so lucky to have that wonderful couple and their incredible Fjords close by. I haven't actually ridden a Fjord, but have always admired them. I also love Exmoors and Icelandics, which are similar in many ways. I haven't been able to ride horses for many years due to hip pain, but going to investigate whether there are any Fjords close to us. At least I could go and groom etc.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awww, thanks so much for watching! That is a great idea! There is something so special about just being with them. A grooming/hangout/cuddle session is definitely worth it!

[@WhiteTiger333]

I work for a disability agency that has a hippotherapy program. One of the horses is a Fjord. A friend of mine, retired from the NYC mounted police, volunteers to exercise the horses when they are not being in program. She said the Fjord was certainly a new experience for her. It felt like riding a tank. :D And when she would urge him into a faster pace than a walk, he would politely refuse. He was trained to be a therapy horse, and he was going to stick by that.

[@malthesse]

The fjord horse, or ”fjording” as we usually call it in Scandinavia, is one of my absolutely favourite horses as well. They are just so beautiful and adorable. A great riding school horse, especially for young children, and very common at riding schools here in Scandinavia. And at the same time there is also just something really old fashioned, hardy and wild about them, where they actually remind me a bit of the wild Przewalski’s horse in appearance.

[@jerryfischer3988]

We love our Fjords 😊

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

They are such a great breed!

[@pamcullen537]

Every year as a small child we would go to Norway for our annual holiday and I fell in love with this horse. I bought a replica home and dreamt of owning one, sadly this was not to be and now being 70yrs old I still remember those times with much fondness

[@yasminhelenendangeredspecies]

💝 So Heartwarming and really Beautiful! This episode is far better than watching the news. It is far better than a lot of junk that's on tv. I love this whole episode. Wisconsin is a beautiful State too. Wow! Love the story of how Alyssa became involved with this lovely couple Else and Phil and their Fjords. These Fjords are so beautiful and super sweet 💝🐴. Thank you for all you do to bring this joy and peace to everyone. Made my day. Brightest Blessings to you Alyssa and Brave Onwards! 🌺🐴💝

[@steventrompeter9883]

It's nice to meet some of the people who have changed your life. A beautiful breed. Thanks 😊

[@DakotaCelt1]

What wonderful stewards of the breed. It is a wonderful thing when people can spark and nurture your passion. Carry on! A good friend of mine has a Norwegian fjord named Bjarna. She has quite the personality but all business when she has her saddle on. Sweet, quirky girl.

[@martylesnick2032]

IT IS SO TRUE, LISTENING TO A HAPPY HORSE MUNCHING HAY MAKES US FEEL RIGHT WITH THE WORLD. WHAT AN AMAZING STORY YOUR PERSONAL HORSE STORY IS. THIS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE HORSE COUPLE WHO LIVED IN YOUR TOWN. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL HISTORY FOR YOU AND THEM AND THE O SO CUTE, STURDY CUDDLY FJORD. WE ALSO ARE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND OF WISC. SO PROUD OF THIS REALLY FUN BEAUTIFUL EDUCATIONAL HORSE PROGRAMS YOU HAVE CREATED. Susan

[@christinafragis7224]

What wondeful people and what a wonderful story to share! Love the Fjord ❤❤

[@DakotaCelt1]

There is a small business owner in ND that has tshirts featuring the Norwegian fjord horse. "Hoofda!

[@pjk1714]

That was heartwarming. Beautiful but rugid start to the breed. Tim Anderson featured one given to him to train. I enjoyed watching the intelligence unfold. They need guidance to avoid becoming the boss with their strength. Thank you for sharing 🍂

[@kathyberger6650]

What an incredible life story! Super sweet. Special people can change your life. What a blessing. ❣️🐴

[@laseem1]

Alyssa, this is such a great video. I love the story about how you got started riding right here in WI. These horses are truly beautiful. The couple who helped you get started on your lifelong love of horses are so wonderful. Thanks for all your videos. Phil and I always think of you working hard at the theater when you just a teen. We all had fun there.

[@kaynine1834]

What a beautiful video, stunning horses ❤

[@hobbitkitti]

I went to a school that collaborates with Norsk Fjordhestsenter! (Fjordane folkehøgskule) so we had all our riding classes there on their school horses. When i started there i had only had 14 lessons and then suddenly i was responsible for my own school horse, a little fjord mare name Nina, she ended up being my heart horse that taught me so so much and made me fall in love with the breed. Now i am currently leasing another fjord mare cause i can't seem to stop wanting to ride fjords!

[@kathleendaugherty4218]

A family close to where I live had two Fjord horses. They said you didn't even need a saddle or bridle, you could just go out into the field, go up to one, jump on and ride it back to the barn. Soooo very gentle.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

I can second that statement. 😁 Plus they are super comfy bareback!

[@sarahcooper3378]

What a lovely video. Fjords are so eye catching, and as stated can do anything. Little beauties.

[@EagleSoul]

What a fantastic tribute for them and their horses. Can't wait to get to know the next breed. Big hug from Silvana from South America Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@leftnoname]

Amazing story, and amazing animals Fjord horses.

[@feiryfella]

I had that book! Why did no one spot my autism when I could tell you about EVERY horse breed, plus racehose pedigrees and winning stats going back 300 years LOL.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

It is such a great book! Mine is very well worn at this point, sounds like yours was as well! 😆

[@ruthhamilton4882]

Wait...does that mean I am autistic😂

[@feiryfella]

@@DiscoverTheHorse I had several, but I loved the pictures in that one. My other fave had a lot more breeds, but black & white photos that were not always representative. Great descriptions though.

[@feiryfella]

@@ruthhamilton4882 There's a bit more to it than that obviously lol.

[@ck4426]

This video moved me to tears. What a beautiful, touching tribute to the people and the horse who changed your life. I love all of your videos but this one was above and beyond. ❤️Thank you for sharing your journey and especially the beginning!!!❤️

[@ColorfulHalo]

That's so sweet! I've never ridden a fjord but really want to. They look so cool and are exactly my size 😂

[@dawnhenderson5057]

I’ve never seen one in person but I’ve seen them in books and on tv. They are beautiful

[@Apollostowel]

I met a Norwegian Fjord Horse in Finland. I hadn't been around horses in years, had on sandals. It was a windy day, and I was with my husband, who's afraid of horses. We got invited out to this lovely stable, and my mother-in-law's friend asked me to bring this beautiful horse out of the stall. It was a windy day too, so I enjoyed this beautiful horse, but I had to have eyes in my feet, and she did not like the wind, and I needed to keep my husband from also spooking, and it was so stressful! This was NOT the horse's fault, but I think we've all been there, where you have on the EXACT wrong shoes! 😂 I was just proud that I kept my feet safe after so long away from horses, the woman just kind of trusted I had everything under control.

[@user-sc6qe8qt4s]

Thank you for this channel!

[@user-dx2qb8sc4p]

And for the moment this film makes me feel like “everything is right with the world” just as Phil says in the film. This is the most beautiful, touching, and joyful film I have ever watched. And just in time for Christmas. Thank you Alyssa and your film team, Pete and Josh, for giving us this gift! I now realize that this breed of horse embodies the spirit of who you, Alyssa, have become: beautiful - outside and inside; highly spirited and powerfully strong with a gentle playfulness; multitalented and can do anything and does everything; And well balanced with a sense of internal calm that exudes and external kindness towards all horses, dogs, cats and all animals, and most important with all people throughout the world as you travel on this fantastic journey to ride every horse breed in this beautiful world. Keep spreading the love!

[@ninakaiser2930]

Oh my gosh, this episode had me tear up. Thank you for sharing this special part of your life with us! Such lovely people as well. I love the Fjord horses. As a child at the very beginning when I started to ride, Fjord horses were one of the breed I was riding regularly, especially during something like a summer camp. And I absolutely loved it! For me white dun is stunning. And they are very rare in Germany although there is quite a number of Fjord horses. 😊

[@aileen694]

Yet another wonderful video, Alyssa. An especially sweet one, thanks!

[@ericaevans3815]

I grew up in Wisconsin and have always had a special place in my heart for Fjords. I loved seeing them in fields as a kid and many of the therapy horses I've worked with have been Fjords. They are truly special little horses.

[@alexlinnenkohl1289]

Thank you for that wonderful video. When Phil spoke about the crazy world and that everything feels alright when you are around your horses I almost cried because that are exactly my feelings too. I have a absolutely wonderful fjord mare. She‘s 22 and the love of my life. A few years ago I had a really bad riding accident and after surgeries and nine month without riding the first time back on a horse a had a traumatic experience with a bolting horse. After that I wasn‘t able to ride or sometimes even being close to horses because I was full of anxiety and panic. But then I was so lucky to get my fjordhorse and she is so calm, kind and patient and helped me to get over my anxiety. Now I enjoy riding again and that is because of my fjord mare. This breed is so wonderful! I love my mare so much. Thank you for showing the world how awesome these horses are!

[@user-ky2xo2ls4m]

I had never heard of the Fjord horse before. They are beautiful aren't they, with such lovely faces. You are very fortunate to be living this life. I love the views of the Montana wilderness, thank you 💖

[@HorseLearnerFitness]

Such a beautiful story about a native breed from my homeland!! ❤

[@paulascott7330]

Yup, tears here, too. What a wonderful experience. Bravo!

[@chevalblanc012]

I love this breed, every home should have one! I so relate to all the good things your friends said about the breed. My Fjord is a daily joy, a wonderful companion who just loves to be with me, she is curious, willing, loves learning, fun to ride and be with, makes me smile and if I am sad, she is always ready for cuddles ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Nancy-mi3xe]

How lucky you were to have such wonderful, encouraging people, and horses at the beginning of your journey. And to have parents who helped you pursue your passion.

[@Kim-lc3fv]

They look so loveable! And the sweet horses, too. 😉

[@cynthiacrenshaw-martin9300]

As one who has Norwegian blood and is a horse lover, this video was one of my most favorite of yours! Thank you!

[@rockannand]

I can understand exactly how important your beginning was with the Fjord horse as I had a somewhat same beginning with the Canadian Horse at [Mom and Pop], Bellingham's Walken Farms. 2 wonderful people who allowed me to spend my time there [as Dad golfed], learning and riding the breed [I was 10]. What a wonderful video ... I know I sound like a broken record... but each video you share with us is such a gift. Loved it 💓💖💓💖

[@trixiepickle8779]

They are brilliant, I grew up in Scotland and our neighbours breed them. I absolutely love riding them. Fantastic animal. Great memories.

[@bethschmitz6734]

That was an absolutely precious little video! Good, good people! And good,good horses!!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thank you! :)

[@nozee77]

What a heartwarming story, and such a wonderful couple these two are! The grandparents of most childrens dreams. 😊 Fjord Horses and Haflingers where the breeds I learned riding on, amongst Shetlands and Welsh Ponies and the like. They are very common where I live, still, for the longest time, I had no idea of their color varieties, as all the ones I knew where what you call brown dun. Wonderful breed for sure!

[@soenje9015]

I had the same horse book when I was little. I love that book sooo much!

[@flisan4385]

I had a norweigian Fjord horse, he was the best horse I've ever had. Such a kind, beautiful soul.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@debbiesmith368]

I am in love ❤ what beautiful horses they truly are .

[@diannemusson7988]

I had that very same book and my favourite horse was the Norwegian fjord , I'm nearly 70 now and have never seen one , I would still love to, bless you for showing this x

[@cindyj5522]

This episode and breed are in my top 5 favorites. Such beautiful and awesome horses. Phil is right...when you need some peace, being with these quiet, gentle souls is the place to find it. Thank you for bringing us with you.

[@judi6850]

The fjord is my favorite breed of horse 🐴 💛🤎💛🤎 I enjoy watching your videos they bring great memories and happiness to me since I can no longer ride horses because of my riding accident. Keep up the good work!! Did you know that the Norwegian Fjord can both be called a Pony and Horses!! So beautiful video of the Both the fjords and the lovely couple that designs the wooden furniture 🪑 so exquisite! It’s so beautiful seeing the fjords being so beautiful kind caring and gentle. Fjords are extremely strong 💪🏼 and works very hard when needed. I learned something new the various colors that fjords can have and I love each of the various colors it comes in. Thank you for sharing your videos with us! ❤from USA 🇺🇸

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching, Judi! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@allsortsacresfarm]

I am so glad to have found your channel and quest! My childhood was spent pouring over and memorizing ALL the breeds by drawing them. The fjord was one of my favourites as well ❤❤

[@queenmustang]

Great story incredible horses amazing people. Thanks for sharing!

[@sheylaboucher3829]

Wonderful! You made me laugh and cry in the same short video! Great story, tank you for sharing the horses with us but also your story. Wonderful!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! ❤

[@sachiradal6150]

I have watched all your videos from the start but this is the best among all of them.. it's really heart-touching ❤🐎❤

[@QueenOfKronstad]

Can't wait to see the other ones!!! This horse though. It's so special and beautiful. I wish I could have one myself, being Norwegian and all.

[@lisatopham4249]

Such gorgous ponies and what a great heart warming story ,thankyou for these fantastic videos there just wonderful 🥰

[@KarlKingz]

Magical!

[@kathrynrady8028]

I love this. One of these horses lived across the street from me growing up and I always thought it was the most beautiful animal.❤

[@fuzznickers]

What wonderful people and the bond you all have now is amazing. I loved this. It was what got you so deeply into horses and I'm happy to be able to see your videos. I also discovered you are not that far from me 😊

[@theimperfectequestrian]

Amazing thank you. It's so hard to find good fjord videos. Please do more when you can in the future ❤

[@Laura-dg1zq]

This was goddamn beautiful. Horse peoples hearts are just different 🥲🥲

[@zivagoldman2001]

I love the Fjord ponies! I am in FB group for horses, and one of the members was sharing pics of her fjord pony with his mane clipped to look like black hearts poking out of the white mane. They had some really cute cuts to highlight that dun stripe!

[@adaigan]

Hi there :) I'm what they call an "old" equestrian, having started learning to ride at 39 (which was exactly ten years ago), but actually the Fjord horses were one of the first breeds I had a chance to ride. They occupy a special place in my heart, too. They remind me somewhat of our Polish breed Konik, which are also primitive horses, with a dark stripe running along their back, bushy two-colored manes, and legs striped a bit like zebras - have you ridden those yet? They are fun, although generally a litttle bit more naughty than the gentle Fjords, I must admit ;) Love from Poland, I love watching your videos, Ania.

[@madisonherzog9195]

This was so beautiful to watch! I too fell in love with horses because of the Fjord. We had the privilege of living near a Norwegian Fjord breeder there farm is called Ironwood Farm in Va. Their main Stallion Ironwood Blitzen is so dear to my heart. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Groundedsquirrel]

This is the best!

[@gertjiejansevanrensburg4536]

Norwegian Fjords are like their wild cousins the Przewalski's Horses from Mongolia.

[@krissader4855]

so beautiful!

[@Erki750]

Beautiful❤️🥰

[@MargevonMarge]

This one I have ridden bareback in Norway when I was 12! We went up to the mountains and the local farm where they were kept for the summer let use grab a harness to take down to the field and jump onto any horse which was willing! Such sweet chunky little horses, local to my part of Norway. I wish I could go back and see them again.

[@Izelikestea]

I've never had the pleasure of meeting one. They are surprisingly rare in the UK. But I wish I could They are so cute!!

[@jillevander6432]

See them here in Washington State when we go to Norwegian Heritage events with our Norwegian Elkhounds. Love them!!

[@ellenwalker3749]

❤️❤️

[@VeronicaEquestrienne]

I'm Norwegian and from western Norway (Bergen-Norway) so off course I've seen a lot of Fjords in my life. Also ridden a lot of Fjords in my life and I love them. They are my second favorite Norwegian Breed. My very favourite is Dølahest.

[@LucyLoom]

wow i had that book when i was a kid too, knew it pretty much by heart, i read in it so much😂It`s lovely to get to know more about your story with the fjords! I always loved them and dream of owning one one day, sadly there aren`t that many where i live

[@kalean9503]

lovely people, stunning horses! 💯

[@Lavender_Paws238]

omg youre so lucky!

[@SigneofHorses]

No frikking way!! I had the same breedbook! and.. my first love was a fjord horse!

[@maggiepie8810]

Fjord horses are my favourite breed of all times, together with the SWB.

[@DAC_eq]

2:01 omg never knew you could get cloud dappled fjords

[@Dishiest]

I saw a beautiful one when I was in Belgium a few years ago. It’s mane felt almost like a brush. Very cool.

[@marymansell402]

WOW I AM FIRST! I DO ENJOY ALL YOUR VIDS. GOD BLESS! ( FROM NEWFOUNDLND)

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

🙌 Well done! Thanks for watching!

[@kht_euphoraOG]

I have a fjord hobbyhorse and i named her Nova, i love fjord because of they muscular but pretty small build, i love their mane and basically everything about them!

[@Athena621]

Fjordies rule!! Lost my girl two years ago now and miss her like nad.

[@blackberrythorns]

i love the fjord horse! you've gone around the world yet you've never discovered the oldest, and arguably most important, horse breed in north america - le cheval canadien. quebec, and canada, are just above the united states. The Legend of the Canadian Horse: Genetic Diversity and Breed Origin - Oxford Academic The Canadian breed of horse invokes a fascinating chapter of North American history and as such it is now a heritage breed and the national horse of Canada. The aims of this study were to determine the level of genetic diversity in the Canadian, investigate the possible foundation breeds and the role it had in the development of the US horse breeds, such as Morgan Horse. We tested a total of 981 horses by using 15 microsatellite markers. We found that Canadian horses have high values of genetic diversity indices and show no evidence of a serious loss of genetic diversity and the inbreeding coefficient was not significantly different from zero. Belgian, Percheron, Breton and Dales Pony, unlike the light French horses, may have common ancestries with the Canadian and could be important founders. However, the Shire and Clydesdale influenced the Canadian to a lesser extent than French and Belgian draft breeds. Furthermore, our finding indicated that there was no evidence of a clear relationship between Canadian and Oriental or Iberian breeds. Also, the Canadian likely contributed to the early development of the Morgan. Finally, these findings support the ancient legends of the Canadian Horse as North America’s first equine breed and the foundation bloodstock to many American breeds and may help in the management and breeding program of this outstanding breed in North America.

[@marialundqvist9444]

❤💯

[@cameron858]

❤🐴

[@petram7130]

so sweet

[@liesjelualockse6377]

Tears❤

[@katethomas2996]

my mom used to have the same book on horse breeds!! I used to bring it to her and point and she'd read it to me, it was so nostalgic to see that little treasure!! my copy isn't in good shape though, i circled around the fjord horse with a blue crayon because i thought it was pretty lol

[@ZielOmizu]

We have a couple Fjords where I volunteer! One's a senior that was owned by the family for many years and a kid's horse, another is (was? she may have moved) owned by a volunteer here as her riding horse. I haven't had much direct experience working with them or riding them (I'm a bit on the bigger side now? I CAN ride stuff smaller than 15hh but I worry about it lol), but they seem so lovely and sweet. 💖

[@petram7130]

yay

[@SomniiLinn]

I was at first a little disappointed when I saw that you weren't going to Norway to try them, but this was nevertheless a beautiful tribute to the breed (and in turn, my country), and a lovely look in to your wonderful experiences & introduction to the world of horses! The first horse I ever rode was a Fjord named Prins Nobel ("Prince Noble"), as gentle an good looking as his name suggest. The first horse I ever took care of was another Fjord, called Vesla ("Little One"), a feisty little mare

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Ive seen them in Montana mountains. This is an breed that can mostly do it all. Amazing horse breed.

[@jennrodriguezdaluz]

while i am not and never was a horse girl, i have always loved the fjord horse specifically, having seen them in a book similar to the one in this video. it may not be coincidental that i also love fjords, the geographic feature, and i hope to visit both on my bucket list someday!

[@joannesmartens9442]

They're easy to recognice by their manes. In the netherlands are a few youtubers with a fjord. One GP amazone even had a fjord in sub top level, who passed away recently.😊

[@patperrier4599]

I was at the Kentucky Horse Park with my mom and we were wandering amongst the various pens. A worker came up to us and said to us, "I bet you don't know what that horse over there is?" as he pointed. I said, "Do you mean the Norwegian Fjord Horse there? He's adorable!" He looked at me as if I'd just sprouted 3 heads, and my mom cracked up laughing... "Don't test her, she knows them all!" she said to the guy. I don't think I made his day!

[@wildedibles819]

This is a great one :)

[@wildedibles819]

Oh too cute good memories your making me cry happy tears for you!! Great story a new favourite video!!

[@wildedibles819]

I'm in my 40s and got my first pony this summer he is great and definitely takes my mind off the world he's a good buddy 💞

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Aww, thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Congratulations on your first pony, that is so exciting!

[@nancysueleske7819]

I want one❤

[@DJYaackles]

My Wife and I Event (Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country) our 16 year old Gelding. He came to us for training and we just had to keep him. My wife also taught our Red Healer cattle dog to ride him.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Aww, that is so awesome!

[@eflarsen]

the fjord IS the perfect horse you're so right

[@caro5797]

You are such a beautiful person , inside and out. Will you be my friend? ;) and Fjords are awesome horses.

[@alisskanetos1229]

Owned one for 8 years, the funniest and most cleaver horse with a lot of common sense. I sure love those yellow horses...I live in Sweden, and when I grew up(80's) people had a tendency to look down on them as worthless, hopefully times have changed.