This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Paula,
I think you have brought up some very interesting points. I too, am relatively new to Fjords (5 years) and I have both "types" of Fjords. Oddly, the one that is heavier in body mass and bone and shear bulk, is the one that I have started to compete in dressage. My other one, the first Fjord I purchased has an outstanding face and appeal, but struggles with his canter and has been a stumbler from day one. I had my neck "whiplashed" by his stumbles more times than I wish to count. Shoeing, vetting, training, did not really change this. Recently, I was looking a a Norwegian magazine that had featured the top Norwegian Studs and was amazed how big and beautiful their gaits looked. I was especially taken with a stallion, Buggedals Foss whose grandfather was Rei Halsnaes. The Norwegian breeders that were there went on to tell me how great Rei Halsnaes was and sired many great moving Fjords. I assume this is definitely to the Fjord Standard or they wouldn't be in the stud book. Maybe some of the breeding of late has strayed from the standard. I think the Fjord still needs to be functional and safe to ride, but unfortunately quite a few that I have ridden are almost scary to canter because you feel they are going to wipe out.
