Fjords are small draft horses, although they are making some dressage models now. They are powerful horses even though they are not really big and if not trained with lightness can feel like you're driving without power steering! Tyra is like a small SUV! She'll just plow through anything. Fjords are sometimes considered to be stubborn, Tyra isn't stubborn but she gets bored easily and once she gets something is not a fan of lots of repetition. If she doesn't agree with or understand something I ask of her she might kick up her heels or argue slightly, but she always tries again and is never cranky for long. When Lilja (Icelandic) doesn't think something is safe or isn't sure what she's supposed to do, she shuts down and goes away in her head to contemplate the situation. In that mode, it is almost impossible to coerce her, but if you let her mull it over, she'll usually do it! I've worked with two other Icelandics that did that, others just seem to go with the flow. >>What is the difference in their personalities? My vet says he thinks >>of Icelandics as miniature draft horses.
>>Anna >>Southern Ohio Most of the Fjords I've met are really mellow and some are a bit lazy. I know very few pokey Icelandics. Properly trained Icelandics will mosey along when you ask them to, but many also like to go. Most of the other Fjords I know and Tyra are very people oriented, even with strangers. Tyra is absolutely fearless, and loves to steal tools, undo knots, climb into and stand on things she shouldn't. My Icelandic mares and most of the others I worked with really wanted to get to know me before fully trusting me, but once they did would do anything for me. While usually gentle around people they don't know, they seem to really want to bond to their own person. They seem to be wise souls. Even my 1 1/2 year old acts fairly mature. Riding-wise, I think of most Icelandics as little sport cars! Both breeds are easy keepers, smart, most are not very spooky. I love the looks of both breeds. Cherie Western North Carolina Lilja, Roka (Icelandics)and Tyra (Fjord)
