The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest horse is a rare horse breed that originated in Norway.
This horse is known for being hardy and versatile, making it perfect for use in many different disciplines.
If you are interested in learning more about the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest horse, or are thinking of adding one to your herd, then read on for everything you need to know.
Nordlandshest/Lyngshest Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest:
| Height (size) | 12.1 – 14.1 hands high |
| Colors | Chestnut, bay, black, palomino, buckskin, silver dapple bay, silver dapple black, silver dapple buckskin, gray. Small white markings are rare, and big white patches are discouraged. Blue eyes and white markings on the body are not permitted. |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
| Common Uses | Riding, light draft work, equestrian tourism, driving |
Nordlandshest/Lyngshest Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest is the smallest of Norway’s horse breeds.
Even though it originated in Lyngen, it 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 Lyngshest and Nordlandshest.
The Nordlandshest/Lyngshest is a very old breed.
An equine like this was mentioned in a document dated around 890.
They were used by the Vikings, and they were an important component of the breeding stock that went into the formation of the Icelandic horse.
There is also the possibility that they are a direct descendent of the Asiatic Wild Horse and the Tarpan.
Because of decades of established trade with Russia, some believe that the Nordland had its origins in the east.
Asian horse breeds, such as the Tatar horse, the Kyrgyz horse, and other steppe horses, also exhibit features and characteristics that are similar to those of the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest horse.
There has been very little study done so far about the origin of the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest, and due to the fact that the breed was on the point of extinction in the 1930s, it is likely that some genetic material has been lost.
Because of this the connections to other horse breeds may be lost forever.
Their numbers began to decline with the industrial revolution, but systematic breeding didn’t start until the 1930s.
The breed suffered significant setbacks as a direct result of World War II when some horses were taken by the Germans, while others were lost, however the breed survived.
Following the war, breeding activity resumed, and the first breeding team was established in 1946.
Even though there was only one stud left (Rimfakse), and only about 15-20 (older) mares, the breeding work started again after the war, and the first breeding team was formed in 1946.
Today all Nordlandshest/Lyngshest are descended from those horses.
There are around 3000 horses that are registered in the world today, and approximately 200 foals are born each year.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Northlands horse”, “Northlands pony”
Temperament/Personality
Friendly and gentle
Physical Characteristics
In reality, it is a large pony, yet it has the form of a horse and is stronger than its size would imply.
With this breed, there is a wide range of physical characteristics, and there are both light and heavy built individuals.
The head is large with a broad forehead, but in proportion to the body.
The neck is well set.
The chest is deep and broad.
The back, the loin and the croup are muscled, and the croup is somewhat sloping.
Legs have little feathering, and are strong and set correctly.
The hooves are hard.
During the winter, they grow a thick coat that protects them from the cold, which enables them to live outside all year round.
The gaits should be smooth and agile, and they should have a decent overreach.
Emphasis is put on good hock action at all gaits.
They are very surefooted.
Colors
Chestnut, bay, black, palomino, buckskin, silver dapple bay, silver dapple black, silver dapple buckskin, gray.
Small white markings are rare, and big white patches are discouraged.
Blue eyes and white markings on the body are not permitted.
Height (size)
12.1 – 14.1 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Pony
Common Uses
Riding, light draft work, equestrian tourism, driving
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Norway
Ancestors
Unknown