The Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry (NFHR) announces a national event scheduled for October 12-15, 2006, in Winona, MN, at the Minnesota Equestrian Center. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the NFHR and showcases the breed's versatility.

The four-day celebration features an NFHR evaluation, horse show, Stallion Row and Presentation, "An Evening of Dancing with Fjord Horses" performance, seminars and demonstrations. The Norwegian Fjord Horse Association representatives from Norway, Holland, Denmark, England, France, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and Germany have been invited to attend.

Curtis Pierce, of Mathias, WV, is Event Manager. "Norwegian Fjord Horse enthusiasts from the United States and Canada are expected to participate or attend," reported Pierce. "We hope that horse lovers in general are attracted to our celebration to see and learn more about this wonderful breed."

Minnesota was selected as the national site because Minnesota and Wisconsin are the two top states in registered Fjord horses. In the United States and Canada, there are almost 5,000 Norwegian Fjord Horses registered with the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry. The Registry has approximately 1,000 members.

The event features one of three scheduled NFHR evaluations to be held in 2006, October 12-13. The American evaluation system has been developed as an educational tool for the North American Fjord horse owner to promote the thoughtful breeding of quality horses and to the educate the public about the versatility of the breed. This voluntary program is a carefully controlled system that scores the Fjord horse against the NFHR Breed Standard modeled after Norway 's standard. During the evaluations, the Fjord horses are measured in conformation and movement. Some Fjords also perform introductory and advance tests in riding (English and Western), driving and draft.

A three-day horse show, October 13-15, is part of the event with halter, English, Western, driving, draft, and gymkhana classes offered. One of the highlights of the event is an "Evening of Dancing with Fjord Horses" performance", on Saturday, October 15, featuring well-known Fjord performances by the Starfire Farm Quadrille, which has become a favorite act of the Denver Stock Show Mane Event held each January. Dorothy Donell, "Soprano On A Dancing Horse," performs her West Coast act with a Fjord horse. There is a special presentation of a traditional Norwegian wedding parade. Other features are an all-stallion driving quadrille, a Roman riding and tandem act, a six-horse stagecoach hitch, a packing exhibition and much more.

Over 30 Fjord stallions are to be featured in Stallion Row, with a special evening presentation on Thursday, October 13. The presentation is a showcase for each stallion and displays the versatility of the Norwegian Fjord. In addition, there are several special presentations planned. Seminars and demonstrations are ongoing throughout the celebration to provide information and education to Fjord horse owners and those considering owning a Fjord.

The entire four-day event is open to visitors. For more information, visit www.nfhr.com, or contact Cynthia Madden, Promotion Committee Chair, at [email protected], or call (505) 646-7036, or contact Curtis Pierce, 25th Celebration Event Manager, at [email protected], or call (304) 897-6627, or Mark McGinley, NFHR President, at [email protected], or call (715) 373-2906.


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