Beth Beymer
Starfire Farm
Berthoud, CO
(303) 651-3940
starfirefarm@usa.net
I have been involved with Norwegian Fjord Horses since 1995 when my partner, Sandy, and I purchased our first Fjord mare from a breeder located in Colorado at that time at which point we became members of the NFHR. It has been thirty years and we became life members many years ago.
Sandy and I spent numerous hours, days and years being involved with the NFHR. We formed our farm, Starfire Farm LLC because we attended and competed at the Fjord Horse shows in Libby, Montana and Blue Earth, Minnesota. We have owned several stallions including BDF Obelisk (bred by Carol Rivoire in Nova Scotia, CN), Thordal (imported from Holland by Howard and Sophie Fiedler of Green Valley Farm), Saethersblakken (imported by Janice Lee, then sold to Susan Cargill who transferred him to Starfire Farm prior to her death in 2010). We have bred and sold a number of Fjord horses which have and continue to reside in a variety of locations from coast to coast, even in Hawaii. I have both trained and stood stallions for other Fjord Horse owners. I have assisted numerous people to acquire their own Fjord Horses from a variety of sources, not just from our farm or of our own breeding.
I helped organize the first NFHR Evaluator Training program and am currently the Senior Evaluator for the NFHR Fjord Horse Evaluation system. I was on the NFHR Evaluation Committee during the time that the original system was being reviewed and revised. I have been to the Stallion Show held in Eid, Norway at least 4 if not 5 years. I have been to Fjord Horse evaluations in Denmark and have toured Holland and Germany.
With my own and client's horses I have helped organize and have participated in NFHR Evaluations in California, Colorado, Minnesota and Montana.
I was the NFHR Representative for Fjord Horse International and was on the board/committee that helped revise and update FjHI international Judge's Handbook.
In 2005, while Mike May was still Registrar and Executive Director of the NFHR, the editor of the Fjord Herald unexpectedly resigned. Sandy and I indicated to Mike our interest in helping out by becoming editors and were given approval by the NFHR Board. We (and eventually I) along with the layout person Linda Yutzy, produced the Herald until 2016.
I have organized and coached several different Fjord Horse riding teams (which also included driving), the Norwegian Fjord Quadrille, where we promoted Fjords performing at the National Western Stock Show in Colorado for many years, The Mane Event at the Colorado Horse Expo, the New Mexico Horse Expo, Equestfest in California (associated with the Rose Parade in Pasadena), The Road to the Horse in Kentucky (a ten Fjord drill team) among other promotional events around Colorado.
Together with former NFHR Board member, owner and breeder Susan Cargill and several other NFHR Board members, in 2006 I helped organize the NFHR 25th Anniversary in Winona, Minnesota; produced and performed in the Evening of Dancing Fjords which resulted in delighting at least 300 Fjord Horse lovers from across the county and Canada, including an international contingent of Fjord Horse dignitaries and judges from Scotland, Denmark, Holland, Germany and Norway.
In 2013 I helped organize perhaps one of the last NFHR Annual Meetings that included education and entertainment, including two performances in the Evening of Dancing Horses at the National Western Stock Show which led to our application and acceptance into the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2014. I was organizer and Marshall for our application and acceptance into the Rose Parade in 2022.
Currently we still own thirteen Fjord Horses, with an additional seven belonging to other owners. The majority of ours are aging and we no longer breed.
I retired from the City of Boulder Police Department in 2000, having spent ten years in their employ as a Law Enforcement Officer working the street, as a driving instructor, crime scene investigator, field training officer, liaison to the District Attorney's Office regarding Domestic Violence and detective. Prior to that I was an Animal Control Officer for three years for the City of Longmont. I grew up in Southern California and graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree prior to moving to Colorado.
I continue to provide community service by volunteering on two different mounted teams; the Boulder County Mounted Search and Rescue and the Larimer County Sheriff's Posse. I have two Fjord Horses qualified to be on both teams (with more in the works). I belong to both organizations because we live on the county line between both Boulder and Larimer counties and in addition to Search and Rescue, both teams provide large animal evacuation during disasters. With the Larimer County Posse we also provide law enforcement and security. I am in my second year being Team Leader for Boulder County Mounted Search and Rescue, which is an elected position, and am a certified instructor for mounted police work.
I have a vested interest in the NFHR. I am currently on the Fjord Herald Committee. I understand that there is contention within the current leadership of the Board of Directors and believe that is it time to have members of the Board that have vision, passion and the stamina to withstand any contention that may arise. It is well beyond time to have reasonable discourse regarding the present and future of the NFHR.
I believe in the Fjord Herald and think it should be produced as both a physical and electronic document, giving access to all members as well as a publication that is utilized to promote Fjords, Fjord Breeders and any members who provide products and services related to Fjord Horses.
I believe in the NFHR Evaluation System and in aligning our system with those being utilized in Norway and other influential countries. I believe in giving access to the NFHR Evaluation system to all members by offering evaluations on private farms as well as in larger venues. I believe strongly that the NFHR Evaluation System belongs the agency that registers purebred Fjord Horses, which is the NFHR.
I have long sought to find a way to include Fjord owners who have Fjord Horses that are unable to be registered by the NFHR for one reason or another, and I think that the Norwegian Fjord Horse Alliance has finally fulfilled that role, providing a "home" for those horses and their owners. I do think it would be in the best interest of both the NFHR and the NFHA to find a way to liaise to work together towards promoting Fjords and supporting their owners rather than competing against each other.
I believe every member of the NFHR holds value and should have a voice. I believe in working with NFHR members and other members of the NFHR Board with dignity and respect. I appreciate your vote.
Aletha Carson
Fjellhest Fjords, LLC
Gaston, OR
(503) 781-7959
aletha@fjellhestjfords.com
I am the owner of Fjellhest Fjords in Gaston, Oregon, where we are currently home to around 20 Fjords. Alongside my work on the farm, I practice as an equine veterinarian. My career has spanned many facets of the veterinary industry, from clinical practice to research and development, including leadership roles focused on integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into veterinary medicine. These opportunities allowed me to lead high-performing international teams and speak at conferences around the world. More recently, I have stepped back from corporate leadership to dedicate more time to my farm and part-time equine practice.
I bring to the NFHR Board decades of experience in building and guiding teams, conflict management and resolution, and strategic planning. I am known for a calm, steady presence and an easy-going personality, balanced with a results-driven mindset. Most importantly, I bring a lifelong passion for the Fjord horse and a deep commitment to advancing the Registry’s mission of preserving and promoting this extraordinary breed. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my experience to serve both the Registry and the Fjord community.
Margaret Crespo
Indigo Mountain Ranch
Berthoud, CO
(602) 524-1220
aznj201@yahoo.com
For more than two decades, my family and I have been deeply committed to the Norwegian Fjord Horse, owning, raising, and supporting multiple Fjords with a strong dedication to preserving the integrity, history, and future of this remarkable breed. Our involvement has extended beyond ownership to active participation in NFHR evaluations, policy discussions, and training opportunities, all aimed at strengthening the organization and supporting fellow Fjord enthusiasts.
Professionally, I bring over 30 years of experience in the field of education, where I have served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. Throughout this time, I have cultivated expertise in leadership, governance, and organizational development. Twenty of those years have been spent working extensively with a wide range of boards—nonprofit, educational, and for-profit—where my roles have included advising, leading, supporting, and providing training. This experience has provided me with a strong understanding of effective board governance, the importance of building consensus, and the necessity of clear, forward-looking policies.
Additionally, I have had the privilege of contributing to the NFHR directly by assisting with board training, supporting policy development, and participating in evaluation processes. These experiences have not only deepened my appreciation for the NFHR's mission but also given me practical insight into the organization's strengths and opportunities.
I would be honored to bring my lifelong passion for the Fjord breed and my professional expertise in governance, leadership, and strategic planning to the NFHR Board. I am committed to fostering collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making that will help ensure the NFHR continues to thrive and serve its members while preserving the extraordinary Norwegian Fjord Horse for generations to come.
Beth German
Bosque Farms, NM
505-286-2234
bethghome@gmail.com
My passion for Norwegian Fjord horses began in the fall of 2003 and they have been a huge part of my life ever since. The NFHR is an important part of our Fjord horse community. In my mind it is different from other breed or equine sports organizations because, like our beloved horses, it serves a versatile community of members with many different interests, goals and aspirations. The versatility of Fjord horses and of our membership are both our strength and our weakness. The NFHR has gone through some growing pains in recent years. I believe it is important to continue working to assure that it is a sustainable organization. I fully support the five purposes of the NFHR listed at the beginning of our Bylaws, including maintaining the registry, promoting the breed, and educating the membership. This includes the services provided by our Registrar, the Herald and the Evaluation program. I am an adult amateur Fjord horse owner and rider. I love nothing more than learning as much as possible about our special breed. I have attended four evaluations in the U.S. and the annual Fjord Horse evaluation in Norway, as well as many horse shows and events. I was on the Board from 2009-2014, as secretary for at least three years. In 2024 I was appointed to finish the term of a member who had resigned. During that time, I spoke with our Evaluators and Evaluators-in- training and prepared a report on the revised Evaluation pilot program. I would like to continue working with the Evaluators, breeders, and members to refine and promote the program. I believe that one of my strengths, gained through being a small business owner and practicing lawyer for 41 years, is in helping people navigate conflict and to be productive.
Gee Knopik 
Lazy K Ranch
Halliday, ND
701-548-08708354
knopik@ndsupernet.com
I was approached and asked to consider applying for the NFHR board for the upcoming
election.
I am honored to be asked and will give you a bit of background on myself. I currently
own 6 Fjords and live in the middle of nowhere (Western North Dakota) where our
horses must work for a living. I am a disabled Veteran living my best life! I'll be honest;
I used to hate Fjords with a passion. After leaving the military I worked as a Farrier
(20yrs) and in my string I had a team of very naughty Fjords. We would hitch them up
and drive about six miles just to wear them out enough to stand still for trimming. They
were opinionated, pushy, bad mannered and HEAVY! Then into my life came a little
Fjord mare named Betty (mare in photo). Betty had navicular and was looking for a soft
landing. I took her in, and my world changed. I got to see the other side of the breed...
the loving, loyal, inquisitive, rugged, and unflappable Fjord and I was hooked. Like
pringles you can't just have one and as I downsize from my beloved draft horses the
fjord numbers have grown. I enjoy riding and driving, holding a family pony camp each
summer and just enjoy having them around. I do not show but honestly because
everything is so far away. I have a background in classical dressage as well as our
ranch riding, as well as other disciplines.
Having a strong board is the success of any group. Everyone brings value to the table
and the experience held between everyone is an asset. Having the Horses best
interests takes priority and a few things I am particularly enthusiastic about are
mentorships for youth, retaining horses into the registry, and supporting members in
multiple platforms.
I believe in bringing solutions to the table and being proactive vs negative. You can't
please everyone, I get that, yet we need everyone to continue the registry and be
successful. Thank you for your consideration.
Rory Miller 
Strawberry Hill Fjords
Chehalis, WA
360-269-8678
rorykm@comcast.net
My names is Rory Miller. I am asking you to vote for me to be on the Board of Directors.
Kristin and I have been members of the NFHR for over twenty years. Kristin and I have five
registered Fjords. I have served on the Board and have been the President as well as the
Treasurer.
I support the Evaluation Program as I believe it is important that we have quality Fjords as a
matter of principle as well as to ensure quality breeding programs.
I support greater dissemination of information regarding the Fjords so that we receive more
recognition as well as an expanded membership.
Over the years I have shown our Fjords at driving events. Kristin rode our Fjord Saundra in the
Rose Parade, and I was a safety walker (got the belt buckle!). We have participated in any
number of Norway Days and the 17 th of May Parades in Ballard WA. Recently I drove Sile and
Liv in our Centennial Drive at an American Driving Society sanctioned event, thus becoming a
member of the ADS Centennial Club.
As a family, we have bred Fjords, raised them, and shown them. Simply put, they are our
lifestyle.
Importantly, I agree to uphold and abide by the Bylaws, the Rules of Registration and Transfers,
Ethics policies, and any other policies adopted by the NFHR
Please vote for me. Thank you.
Bonnie Morris 
Morris's Shadow Mountain Stables
Auburn, WA
253-939-5660
morrisshadowmt@aol.com
I am a lifetime NFHR member in good standing, I stand 2 stallions . Kervan Farm's
Norik and Ironwood Lordalen. I own over 25 Fjords . I run a lesson and training
program with 40 plus students weekly . I have been self-employed for over 27
years. I also show at the regional and International Fjord shows. I first got involved with Fjords over 25 years ago. I have done everything from Dressage,
western, showmanship, evaluations of both Warmbloods and Fjords, competitive
trail, to International driving and everything else in-between.
I was appointed to the board for 1 year in 2023, I received professional training
from the NFHR regarding how a successful board should be run . Since then I
have further my education regarding the running of a successful non-profit. And
feel that I would be a very valuable asset to the Mission, vision and goals of the
organization as I am very passionate about the Fjord horse's future . I value the
membership and owners of Fjord horse as they are the heart of the registry and
without them the registry wouldn't be possible. Also the breeders are very important for the future of the Fjord horse . I would like to see programs and tools
developed to help them connect and some positive awards and recognitions . I
would like to see a board that only works on the Misson, Vision , goals of the
NFHR and nothing else. I feel that the current conditions of the board need
much improvement, including a safe, positive work environment. ( After reviewing all minutes, I have some concerns regarding the inner workings, transparency and
communications with its membership, and the growth of new members. )
I am very hardworking in everything I do. My expectations in everything I do
in life are to get things done and make accomplishments. It would be my hopes
to bring a renewed positive energy to the board .
Solveig Pedersen 
Olivia Farm
Clayton, WA
509-828-9029
solveigherbjorg@gmail.com
I'm Solveig Pedersen, owner/operator of Olivia Farm, Inc and I'm running for a possition on the NFHR
BOD. To tell you a bit about myself and my history, I bought my first Norwegian Fjord Horse in 2001
and started putting a breeding program together over the next few years. Since that humble beginning
there are now over 50 registered foals who carry the OFI prefix. I've stood (my own and leased) over 10
breeding stallions over the years, and handled and trained hundreds of Fjords for breeding, foaling, or
training. I know Fjords.
My grandparents immigrated from Norway in 1929. My grandmother was born and raised on a working
farm with Fjords. I've lived and studdied in Norway, have attended the Stallion Show at Norfjordeid, and
have imported two horses from there (both currently on my farm). I've had tons of converstaions with
breeders, owners, trainers, in many countries. I've attended shows, evaluations – I've run them, been show
secretary, and have belonged to local clubs. I have been on a few NFHR committees and attended the
anniversay show way back when.
I've done my best to support the breed and our registry through my own efforts, time, advertising, articles
in the Herald, and all the various ways one can think of - except running for the BOD. However, I feel
strongly that dedicated members who love and value the horses and our registry have a duty to help out as
we can, and so I'm now throwing in my name and offering my time to once again help and serve the
Fjords and the NFHR.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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