A huge horse trailer with two Fjord horses, a carriage, horse feed, grooming supplies and a happy Washington family are on their way to Pasadena, California, to participate in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade.
A typical Fjord mare and foal
When the Finnoe family was offered a spot in the Tournament of Roses Parade, they knew it was a great opportunity to showcase part of their herd of Fjord horses.
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It is a new experience for the family who fell in love with these special horses just four years ago. With their spikey manes and laid-back personalities, these horses clicked with the Finnoe family, and when they were offered a spot in the Rose Parade by the Pacific Northwest Fjord Promotional Group, they knew it was a great opportunity to showcase part of their herd of horses that now numbers nine horses.
Fjord horses are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and are big favorites in Norway. Their remains have been found in Viking burial sites, suggesting that they have been bred selectively for more than 2,000 years.
Standing between 13 and 14 hands, the horses are not tall, but they are strong both physically and mentally and have a reputation for being somewhat stubborn.
The two geldings chosen to participate in the parade, Indi and Deilig have welcomed the extra attention received during their training.
Their wooly winter coats, which are too heavy for Pasadena weather, need a trimming and some careful grooming before participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade, but the theme of the Rose Bowl parade, "Dreams Come True" pretty much sums up the delight and anticipation of the Finnoe family with their relatively new herd of horses.