Photo: RNZ/Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Norwegian Fjord horses were domesticated about 4000 years ago and were famously used by the Vikings as war mounts in their travels to Scotland and Iceland. There are about 36 registered purebred Fjord's in New Zealand. They were introduced 25 years ago by Gabrielle Mathiesen who has a herd of 12 at her stud in North Canterbury. Gabrielle has teamed up with equine trainer Megan Hopkinson who feeds and exercises the horses. Megan says interest in the rare breed is growing and, as a result, so is their worth. A gelding can now fetch up to $8000.
