Nordlandshest
Aged Nordlandshest/Lyngshest mare
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| Other names | Lyngshest, Northlands pony |
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| Country of origin | Norway |
The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest also known as the "Northlands horse" or "Northlands pony", is a horse breed originating in Norway. It is the smallest of the three Norwegian national horse breeds. It originated in Lyngen, but was given the name Nordlandshest in 1968 by breeders in that area. The name change was hotly disputed by breeders in Lyngen and surrounding areas, but a compromise was later reached, and today the official name of the breed is both Nordlandshest and Lyngshest.
The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest is a small and sturdy horse with drive and eagerness to work. It is surefooted and very strong relative to its size. It typically has a little feather on its legs and grows a heavy winter coat. Its height at withers varies between 12.1 and 14.1 hands (49 and 57 inches, 124 and 145 cm), with most horses falling between 12.3 to 13.3 hands (51 to 55 inches, 130 to 140 cm). For stallions offered for the studbook, reaching that height at three years old is desirable but not necessary.
The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest should have balanced conformation and a strong, long build, with vitality and good temperament. The head should be dry and in proportion to the body and neck. The neck tends to be unrefined in conformation, but should be well set, and not be ewe-necked or too thick at the throatlatch. The back and especially the loin should be well-muscled. The croup and thigh should have good angles and be well-muscled. The croup may be somewhat sloping. The forequarters of the horse should be well-muscled with a wide and deep chest. Legs should be dry and set correctly with short, flat bone. Strong, hardy legs and good quality hooves are typical for the breed.
The gaits should be smooth, correct, and agile with good overreach. Emphasis is placed on good hock action in all gaits. The trot should be energetic and ground-covering with good suspension. The gallop should be light with good rhythm.
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Wikipedia