Horse breeds / Nordlandshest/Lyngshest
Photo: ABTiede · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Nordlandshest/Lyngshest
The Nordlandshest, also called the Lyngshest, is a small, hardy horse from northern Norway, traditionally used as a working and farm animal on rough, often mountainous terrain. Its ancestry is closely tied to the Nordland and Lyngen regions, where it carried loads, pulled sledges and worked the land. Its compact build and sure feet suited harsh northern conditions.
Nordlandshest are typically calm, willing and sociable, with a steady, sensible nature that makes them approachable for many owners. They are usually comfortable under a saddle or in harness, and their sure footing and even pace make them enjoyable on trails. Many are a good match for relaxed riders and first-time owners who value reliability over flashy movement.
Day to day, these horses do best with regular turnout, reasonable exercise and the company of other horses. They are robust and thrive in a natural routine, but they still need consistent handling, hoof care and a steady work schedule to stay content and fit.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, calm family horses
| Size | small |
| Weight | 772–992 lb |
| Height | 51–57 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Norway |
Expect an easy keeper that gains weight readily, so monitor feed and body condition closely from the start.
Living with a Nordlandshest/Lyngshest
Exercise
Most Nordlandshest need regular daily work, such as riding, driving or in-hand exercise, along with turnout that allows free movement. With too little work they can become overweight, bored or unfit, which may lead to behavioral issues. A consistent routine helps keep them healthy and manageable.
Grooming
Their dense winter coat is weather-resistant and needs regular brushing to remove loose hair, especially in spring. Manes and tails are usually left natural or lightly trimmed. Hooves need routine trimming or shoeing, and clipping is rarely necessary unless the horse is worked hard in winter.
At home
Nordlandshest are hardy and cope well with cold, wet weather when they have shelter and turnout. Many do well out most of the year with access to a windbreak and dry bedding. They are happiest in a small herd and tend to be sociable and settled. Their feed needs are modest, so they are often easy keepers, though owners should monitor body condition and grazing intake.
Training
Nordlandshest learn steadily and tend to be willing, patient partners when handled with consistency and fairness. They are well suited to trail riding, driving and general riding, and they can do well in light dressage or pleasure work. A green horse of this breed is usually sensible and forgiving, though it may take time to build confidence and fitness before more demanding work.
Health
Nordlandshest are generally considered hardy, but owners should be alert to conditions commonly seen in easy-keeping and small horses, such as laminitis and metabolic issues. Diet and body condition management are important for prevention. Please ask your veterinarian about breed-specific health screening and an approp
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Nordlandshest/Lyngshest
Forage and water, adult
13–22 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 772–992 lb, and 8–14 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,750–$4,750
Hay about $1,533, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Nordlandshest/Lyngshest is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Nordlandshest/Lyngshest
Shelters and breed rescues list Nordlandshest/Lyngshests and Nordlandshest/Lyngshest mixes every week. Search adoptable Nordlandshest/Lyngshests on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Nordlandshest/Lyngshest right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sure-footed horse for trail riding
- Yes if you have a cold climate and can provide shelter
- Yes if you enjoy driving or light harness work
- Think twice if you need a fast or flashy performance horse
- Think twice if you cannot offer regular daily work and turnout
Questions owners ask
Is the Nordlandshest good for beginners?
Yes, many are calm, steady and sensible, making them a good choice for first-time owners who want a reliable, approachable horse.
How much does a Nordlandshest cost?
Prices vary by region, age, training and bloodlines. Contact breeders or breed associations in Norway and the US for current listings.
How tall is a Nordlandshest?
Adults typically stand about 130 to 145 centimetres at the withers, which is a compact, pony-sized horse.
How long do Nordlandshest live?
With good care, they often live into their mid to late twenties or beyond, though individual lifespans vary.
Are Nordlandshest easy keepers?
Often yes. They tend to maintain weight well on modest feed, so monitor grazing and body condition to avoid obesity.
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Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.