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**************************************************************************** ********************** The Fjord List conversations around white markings and genetic propensity certainly need to be aired and discussed fully with mutual respect to the respondents. Compared to other more serious faults found in some Fjord horses, white markings may be getting too much attention. Maybe it is just a safe topic to discuss?? We do not wish to have white markings present on our farm. It is our personal choice. I have had the unique opportunity as Past FHI Director to tour various European FHI member countries and to Guest Evaluate in some cases. I got to see first hand what guidelines other countries were following and how it was working for them. Each and every FHI country believe they are doing what they believe is right for the Fjord Horse and its future. Each and every country has a Fjord type they believe is a template or model for the future. Since there is no such thing as a perfect horse, then possibly with this limited gene pool they are all offering quality towards future Fjord betterment. Each and every FHI country is making its own small contribution to the bigger Fjord future. From my perceptions I can say that the NFHR and the CFHA are closely aligned in their description and recognition of type and what makes a good Fjord Horse in their eyes. Fjord Association members of Canada and the USA have similiar standards and parameters of what makes a good Fjord Horse. Associations of both American countries recognize the Draft Type of Fjord which is now disappearing in Europe. There was a list concern stated about the breed moving towards a lighter more sporty Fjord Horse. For those interested look up a picture of Njal, a Norwegian Fjord stallion at the turn of the last century. This example is what Norwegians believe is representative of true Fjord type. Njal is a Fjord of intermediate type retaining good bone and frame. Today, America is producing three types of Fjords which are Riding, Driving, and Draft. Njal is in the middle of these types. The genetic pool of Fjords is dangerously small in the world, but that does not mean compromising the quality of selective breeding. American Evaluations offer education, and third party feedback on breeding stock and selectivity for future breeding. American Evaluations have discovered Fjords with Parrot mouth, monkey mouth, broken axis pasterns, roach back, ewe neck, and many other serious faults. It is recomended that these Fjords not be used for breeding purposes. In Europe, Fjords with these faults would be removed from the breeding program. I leave the question with you; do these Fjords have anything to contribute to American Fjord genetic diversity? I think it was President Obama who said " We all do better working interdependently than in isolation. The real fjord family is world wide and we are but one member of this family. As stewards and advocates of the Fjord Horse in America it is our responsibility to sometimes step over our personal Fjord pet peeves and do what is right for the Fjord Horse. That means moving Fjords at times from country to country and using human intervention to assist the breed to grow in quality and genetic diversity. I am for knowledgeable and wise selective breeding for Fjords. The NFHR Evaluation Program is but one of the tools offered to members to assist them in making their own choices. Brian Jensen Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
