Submitted by Inka Störmann: Sina-Christin Joesten and my stallion Solfin Skova won L** Dressur.
The feisty Norwegian Fjord is our September Breed of the Month on YourDressage! We recently asked our social media followers to share a photo of their favorite Fjord and received an amazing response from Fjord fans around the world. We will be sharing stories and galleries all month long about this wonderfully versatile breed!
My Fjord journey started with me doom-scrolling social media and stumbling on an incredible dressage Fjord in Denmark. I was in between horses, and something about that pony I had been following just got me. Before I really thought it through, I was two glasses of wine deep on Facebook Marketplace looking for Fjords, and I bought Elenor sight unseen as a newly started 4 year old. I hadn’t ridden her, hadn’t met her, just went with my gut after two decades of riding OTTBs and all the highs and lows that came with that chapter. It ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. Fjords are so smart, with a work ethic and resilience that just amazes me, and honestly, being closer to the ground has been such a change for me at 5 feet tall. What I love most about dressage is that it really is about the training. The quiet, unglamorous work of getting a little better every day and slowly moving up the levels. But if I’m being real, this is all just for the fun. I ride after work, for fun, not for a living. And there is nothing in my day I look forward to more than walking into the barn and seeing my mare’s face, knowing she is going to try her heart out for me and have just as much fun hopping into the trailer for our next show. That is the whole reason I do this, to have that willing, enjoyable partnership as an adult amateur rider. This year we went to National Dressage Pony Cup for the first time at Training and First Level and came home with Training Level Reserve Champion, First Level 3rd Place Overall, 2026 Fjord Breed Award Winner, and the Neil Sorum Perpetual Trophy. Watching her carry the Fjord name, having been the rider to bring her there myself, is something I am still sitting with, and still so proud of. Winslow Photography – Paige P.SNF Hanna , 2006 mare, shown through first level. Bred by Sorum Fjords in Ohio. The best partner you could ask for, sweet and willing (if you ask with clarity LOL!). – Kathy G.Our first dressage show this weekend! I got Isbjorn, a 6 year old gelding, this spring. He was previously a trail horse but he’s learning how to dance now. I’m a busy equine vet and this little polar bear is reminding me why I love horses 🐻❄️❤️ – Alyson W.My Fjord stallion, BDF Obelisk. Competed to 3rd LT3 with scores in the high 60’s back in the day. Bred by Carol Rivoire of Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia. He schooled piaffe/passage and had a very nice canter pirouette. He performed in numerous exhibitions. – Beth B.In addition to his weekly dressage training with me, I use Prydar for lessons for my students with disabilities. He gives the students confidence WTC and innately knows to stop if he feels the rider getting unbalanced. He works in a bitless bridle to preserve the integrity of his mouth. It is such a pleasure to be able to work with such versatile breed that is so trustworthy. – Laura F.My best girl Kjor Rosie was a cow horse before changing careers to be a Dressage pony! – Maria M.Greenbriar Jock was my “heart horse”! Jock did it all! Trail, log kidding, skijoering, driving, parades, jumping and his most important job-therapy with special needs kids & adults! He was a great ambassador for the breed! 💖 – Joni G.I love my Fjords!!!!!!!! 💕🩵 – Erica J.Me and my heart horse Sebastian (Sherret’s GreenAcres Sebastian) – at a USDF recognized show in Longmont Colorado 2023. He passed away in 2024 from sudden colic. He was competing, sound and in wonderful condition at the age of 23 – Becca G.My fjord Rogan. I acquired him from a Rescue Horse Program. He has taught me so much. Because of him I’ve regained confidence that I’d lost after a riding accident on a different horse. We also do a lot of trail riding and camping. I guess we needed each other. – Jurita F.This is my Fjord 1DR Korner aka Casper the friendly fjord. We are both dressage newbies and entered our first schooling show this summer. – Erica G.Our beautiful Fjord, Penelope, made us so incredibly proud last week! 💜🐴 At just four years old, Penelope competed in her very first dressage show with her wonderful trainer, Maggie O’Leary riding her at Training Level 2 and she came home with an amazing SECOND PLACE! ♥️✨
For such a young horse, Penelope has already accomplished so much, and watching her grow, learn, and gain confidence has been such a joy. We couldn’t be prouder of this special little mare and everything she and Maggie have achieved together. Here they are practicing for the competition! – Lynda D.Landevejens Naur is my buddy and dressage partner. He is very kind and sweet and I’m so blessed to have him. We are showing First and Schooling 2nd. We show in Region 3. I love his size and his gaits are comfortable. I knew the first time I rode him—he just felt right. Kimberwick Visuals LLC – Jennifer S.Mr. Boombastic a.k.a Bubba! He’s the coolest Fjord pony I know. He’s funny, loving, brave and sassy all in one.
He fights against all odds with his lovely trunk like neck that is made more for driving than dressage, but he still strikes a good pose in dressage!
He’s also an overachiever and has qualified for, and is competing in the American Eventing Championships at Kentucky Horse Park this month.
There’s nothing my sweet Bubba can’t do! – SofiaMy 3yo TE Hálfdán Z or Bjørn. Unregistered but still very much a Fjord. Hopefully he’ll be my eventing partner. I’ve only had him since March and this summer has been too hot to really work, but we’re figuring things out quickly in true Fjord fashion. – Allie T.My mom Mary Gessler with her lifelong dream horse “DD Ty” who she calls “Tynamite” 🧨 – Krista K.Snowy’s Flash, Thorncroft Equestrian Center’s therapeutic riding horse, who supports our adaptive riders in their lessons. He has the best temperament, a wonderful, steady gait, and is a joy to work with! – Thorncroft Equestrian Center
