Caspians and Norwegian Fjords ~ The Super Models of Dowry Farms

I love how inspiration and ideas come from the strangest places and when you least expect it! This morning on WAGM-TV’s Facebook page (if you’re in central or northern Maine you know this station) they announced “This week’s ‘Facebook Fan Photo Of The Week Theme’ is Favorite Hair Styles!” I remembered when I had visited Dowry Farms in Houlton a few weeks ago, my niece, Jess, had told me she calls one of her Fjord horses her “Super Model” because of his gorgeous hair! Dowry Farms is the home to more than 40 Fjord and Caspian horses and I have to say, I thought they all looked like super models. Their hair styles came in every color, shape and style; long and sleek, short and spiky, frizzy with fly aways, and those ever stylish dreadlocks. Jess confessed that it’s probably just burdocks doing its magic but I thought it looked organic, crunchy and oh, so stylish.

Many were as friendly as my golden retriever, and some not too much bigger. I went into one of the pastures with 20 or more, and as I tried to photograph, they had their noses in my ears, my neck, nudging my arms and under my skirt! SO friendly and sweet! I think they may have been hitting on the photographer hoping to make “The Cover!” 🙂

Lots of Hair Styles

I was a little nervous for a minute when I kneeled down to take a low photo and one of the smaller Caspians put his hoof on my shoulder. All of these beautiful horses have names, and Jess knows every one, and who its mother is, and when it was born, etc.. These animals on Dowry Farms are loved and adored. And by all indications, they love Jess and her family right back.

Jess with her Fjord Super Model

Getting some love

Norwegian Fjords

I asked Jess to give me a little background on these intriguing breeds of horses and how she came to have them on Dowry Farms. This is what she had to say about the beautiful light-colored Norwegian Fjord.

“Anyone who has ever owned a Norwegian Fjord can tell you about the look of confusion on their friend’s faces as they listen to the latest pony story. The listener is often convinced that the story is really about an oversized Golden Retriever! They can’t really comprehend it until they spend some quality time with a Fjord themselves. It’s easy to enjoy spending time with a horse that actually looks forward to spending time with you.

At Dowry Farms we’ve been breeding Norwegian Fjords since the turn of the century. We selectively breed for the athletic conformation that makes this breed so versatile. The idea of a horse or pony that can win a dressage competition and then go home and pull the winter’s firewood out of the forest or plow up the 3 acre truck garden is very appealing to me.”

Norwegian Fjord

Here they come!

James and the Magical Norwegian Fjord

And about the adorable, small, friendly Caspians….

” Though small in stature, the Caspian is very much a horse. I’ve read the equivalent of this statement in several books but I couldnt’ really appreciate it until I had the chance to interact with them myself. Sure, they look like a scaled down version of a full size horse but they also move and act like a horse. Because of their size you prepare yourself for a pony mentality, but you won’t get it. The stallions and geldings are proud and brave. The mares are proud and protective. They are beautiful animals.

Here at Dowry Farms our Aroostook Caspian Stud keeps horses that represent 17 of the foundation bloodlines. We have been working with Cornell University to ensure that this breed has a strong future.”

Luke, a Caspian

Caspians in the Pasture

Caspian portrait

These beautiful, funny and friendly horses were wonderful to photograph and to just spend time with. If you, or anyone you know would like more information about the Caspians and Norwegian Fjords at Dowry Farms in Houlton, Maine, I am sure Jess would love to answer any questions. Her email is: mainealaskan@aol.com.

And one last majestic Caspian…..Tall, proud and beautiful super model! Don’t they have the most romantic names….Caspians and Norwegian Fjords.

Love,
Nanette

http://www.nanettefayegordon.com