Norwegian Fjord horse

Couldn't believe how beautiful these horses were. We came across several of these gorgeous animals in a field next to a path we were walking on for our Christmas Bird Count in Canmore, near Banff, in the Rocky Mountains. They seemed really friendly. Not sure if I'll lighten this photo a tiny bit. I did try it, but somehow the colour of the horse seemed too light. I love their light mane with the black stripe that goes all the way along it, and the little bit of snow below his/her nose.

"The Fjord Horse or Norwegian Fjord Horse (known in Norway as a Fjording or Fjordhest) is a relatively small but very strong horse breed from the mountainous regions of Western Norway. It is an agile breed of light draft horse build. All Fjords are dun in color, with five variations in shade recognized by their breed registries. One of the world's oldest and purest breeds, it has been used for hundreds of years as a farm horse in Norway, and in modern times is popular for its generally good temperament. It is used both as a harness horse and under saddle.

It is believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Herds of wild Fjord Horses existed in Norway after the last ice age. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord Horse has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. The Fjord horse also has a long recorded history of pure breeding without crossbreeding from other sources. Archeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate the Fjord horse has been selectively bred for 2,000 years. The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. Even as late as World War II, they were useful for work in mountainous terrain." From Wikipedia.