The following is the transcript of a talk given by Tor Nestaas at a Norwegian Fjordhorse Conference.

The Colors of the Norwegian Fjordhorse

THE FJORDHORSE has several different sorts of dun color. This is the same kind of color as the wild horse of Central Asia, the Przewalki, and the Tarpan, the European wild horse. This kind of color is also called wild color.

The basic wild colors are brown dun, red (chestnut) dun and grey. In addition, uls dun and yellow dun are genuine colors of the breed. At the annual general meeting of Norges Fjordhestlag in 1980, it was agreed upon and decided that these five colors shall be acknowledged as the genuine and typical colors of the Fjordhorse. This decision is also supported by scientific facts.

In some countries, there is confusion as to what genuine and accepted colors of the Fjordhorse are, and what the correct terms should be. In the breed's motherland, Norway, there has through the years been established fixed names of the different colors. These names have been official since 1922. It would undoubtedly be an advantage if these Norwegian terms could be used in all countries where there are Fjordhorses, either directly or by adjusting the different countries own terms to the Norwegian terms.

Primitive Markings

An important part of the description and identification of a Fjordhorse, are the so-called primitive markings. These are the dark midsection in the forelock, mane ("midstol") and tail ("halefjaer" = tailfeathers), a dark dorsal stripe (eel stripe) and dark horizontal stripes on the legs (zebra stripes), especially on the forelegs. Some individuals can also have one or more dark stripes across the withers ("grep" = grip). The last marking is very seldom seen. Some individuals can have small brown spots on their body, for instance on their thigh or cheek. The last one is called "Njals-merke" (Mark of Njal) after the founder of the modern Fjordhorse, the stallion Njal 166 who had such spots on his cheeks.

As mentioned in the preceding description of the colors, the color of these markings differs according to the main body color. On a red or yellow dun horse with a monochrome forelock, mane and tail, the dorsal stripe can be indistinct and the horse may not have the zebrastripes at all. On very light shades of brown dun, the zebrastripes can be very weak, or lacking.

The zebrastripes have the same color as the "midstol" and the other markings, but are often of a lighter shade. They are most prominent in the horse's summer coat. Foals lack zebrastripes when they are foaled, but the stripes will appear by the first shedding of the foal-coat. The stripes are most prominent and in greatest numbers on the forelegs. In some cases, the zebrastripes are lacking on the greys and uls duns. On these, the legs can be of the same color as the body, or they can be dark up to the knees and hocks.

Other Markings

White, or flesh-colored, markings are very seldom seen amongst Fjordhorses. By study of the Stud Book, and also according to other sources, one can establish as a fact that a white star on the forehead has existed as far back as we have written records. White and flesh-colored markings are inherited in a recessive way. That means that the genes can be carried hidden, and that both parents must have these genes if the offspring shall get visible markings.

The famous stallion Rosendalsborken I-8, foaled in 1863, had a sire of whom it is recorded that he had a white star. The same marking was borne by the stallion Hakon 60, foaled in 1877, of whom it is said that he was a beautiful horse and very typical for the breed. So one can not state that a white star on the forehead is not typical for the breed. Other white or flesh-colored markings are undesirable. At the annual general meeting of Norges Fjordhestlag in 1982, it was agreed upon and decided that stallions or colts with other visible markings than a small white star, can not be licensed or awarded a rosette. The same rule also applies to fillies and mares.

The Extent of the Colors

The different kinds of dun colors have varied in numbers within the population of Fjordhorses through the times. Among the earliest registered Fjordhorses in the Norwegian Stud Book, the uls dun was the dominant variety of color. This color was also called "borket". Uls dun came in disrepute because at the time, no one knew how the different colors were inherited. So uls dun was bred to uls dun, and that resulted some times in white and walleyed foals. The brown dun color later became increasingly popular, especially the lighter shades, and it is now the dominating color.

The extension of the colors can also be caused by the fact that the color of the most popular and most used stallions, was brown dun. On the other hand, these stallions could also be more popular because of their color. Changing opinions of what is thought to be fashionable has also been a strong factor. At the present, there is interest in preserving all the five dun colors.

Regarding the stallions, there had undoubtedly been a "color selection" prior to being prepared for a show. Stallion owners would perhaps not present a horse for evaluation if they felt he had the "wrong" color. This occurred especially in earlier times, when for instance red dun was not so popular. The division of colors of registered mares gives a more reliable picture of the real division of colors in the whole population.

The division of colors in % of registered Fjord stallions

Year foaled	Number	Brown Dun	Red Dun	Grey	Uls Dun	Yellow Dun	Other/ Unknown
1857-79	102	27.4	--	1.0	48.0	--	23.6
1900-09	179	65.9	0.6	3.4	19.6	--	10.5
1930-39	252	89.7	0.4	1.6	8.3	--	--
1960-69	95	95.8	--	4.2	--	--	--
1990-92	41	85.4	2.4	9.8	2.4	--	--

The division of colors in % of registered Fjord mares