MVF Erlend earns Hall of Fame and Registry of Excellence Awards
Erlend [3.pr, NFHR Gold and Silver Medallions of Quality] has done it again! And again! This grey stallion was born in 1987 to Anvil’s Solvgraen and the Norwegian imported mare, Froya [2.pr], daughter of Lidaren [2.pr, 1 avk.pr]. Lidaren, andoutstanding Norwegian stallion, has had a strong positive influence on the Fjord breed in America and abroad, siring such stallions as Astrix, Gramann, and Felder. Lidaren’s 1 avk.pr recognizes the high quality of progeny, as does the NFHR Hall of Fame Award.
First, the NFHR description of the Award of Excellence:
“This award recognizes outstanding Fjord Horses who have accumulated 100 points in halter and performance classes and gives these animals the formal recognition their achievements deserve. The award will be indicated by means of an E after the horse's name. Winners of the award receive a certificate and a trophy and are permanently listed by the NFHR.”
As the fortunate owners of this stallion, we are delighted that Erlend has earned this recognition of his quality and his versatility in performance. We truly appreciate this honor from the Registry -- many thanks.
At the same time, we, as breeders, are focused on maintaining the standards of this wonderful breed. Personal achievement is exciting and gratifying, but even more important is a sire’s ability to pass along his high qualities to his offspring. So the Hall of Fame Award is especially exciting to us.
The NFHR Evaluation Handbook describes this Award:
“The NFHR Evaluation process also qualifies horses to receive an offspring award for recognition of the quality of a horse’s offspring. A ribbon will be awarded & the award will be noted on the pedigree.”
To qualify, a stallion must have a minimum of five offspring who have been evaluated in the NFHR Evaluation system, and have received Medallions of Quality. To date, four of Erlend’s daughters and one of his stallion sons have earned NFHR Silver Medallions of Quality by receiving a Blue or Red Ribbon in Conformation and Movement, plus a Blue or Red Ribbon in at least one Introductory Performance test.
Ladies first, of course -
OH Sadie Breeder – Julia Will Owner – Peg & Doug Knutsen
WSF Lady liberty Breeder – Karen Cabic Owner – Jan Bonner
OH Tira Breeder – Julia Will Owner – Phil & Deborrah Juran
OH Tess Breeder – Julia Will Owner – Phil & Deborrah Juran
And the gentleman –
LFF Ulend Breeder – Hannah Lapp Owner – Marsha Korose & Curtis Pierce
Congratulations to the breeders of these fine Fjords and to their owners, who have spent the time, energy and money necessary to earn these Medallions and to support the NFHR Evaluation system!
Erlend’s positive influence on the Fjord breed is further illustrated by the fact that five of his offspring have been awarded top honors by Bob and Joke Van Bon, evaluators from the Netherlands. Norwegian Evaluators Jon Hegdal and David Klove evaluated Erlend as a three-year-old. They awarded him a 3.pr, the highest honor for his age, and the equivalent of a Norwegian breeding license.
In addition to his descendants in the USA, he has progeny in Australia, Canada, and Costa Rica. More requests for his frozen semen have come from Europe and Mexico. Erlend is featured in the official new Norwegian brochure advertising the Fjord Horse. We were contacted by Norges Fjordhestlag to ask whether they could use his picture to illustrate the grey color in Fjords. Of course we replied with an enthusiastic, “Yes,” and continue to be delighted that he has become so well-known.
Five excellent young stallion sons continue Erlend’s heritage -- RT Gandalf, OH Kevlar, LFF Ulend, and Eitan in the USA, plus Tamboriver Yahzuo in Australia. Erlend and his sons have four times taken the Overall Grand Championship at Woodstock, Vermont, and have won or placed in countless open and breed halter and performance classes.
At Libby, Montana, Erlend won the Versatility Award, given for the best combined performance in Open Western, Open English Pleasure, Open Pleasure Driving and Single Horse Log Skid. The year was 2001 and Erlend was 14 years of age. At the NFHR Evaluation there he received his Gold Medallion of Quality, with a Conformation and Movement score of 84.5. Currently, the NFHR has 92 of his progeny registered. One daughter, OH Sadie, has earned her Gold Medallion of Quality, and others from this group are well on their way. We believe that MVF Erlend, the product of a North American sire from Anvil Acres and an imported Norwegian dam with excellent bloodlines, contributes to the advancement of the Fjord breed world-wide.
As the lucky owners of this wonderful stallion, variously referred to around our farm as His Majesty, Our Pride and Joy, and MVF Lady Killer, we would like to acknowledge our debt to Julia Will and her husband Darryl Wolford, owners of Old Hickory Farm. When Julie called and offered to sell us Erlend, she changed our lives.
Julie was known as one of the foremost breeders and supporters of the Norwegian Fjord Horse throughout North America and Europe. Her knowledge and integrity attracted buyers who also were interested in preserving the high quality of the breed, and who would work hard with their animals to that end. She trained him well. She showed him widely. She saw to it that Erlend was bred to many, many excellent mares and encouraged new owners to show and use their horses as she did. Had she not done all this, Erlend would have received none of his honors.
We, newcomers to horsekeeping, were the beneficiaries of her vision. Julie, we couldn’t thank you enough.
Peg and Doug Knutsen
Knutsen Fjord Farm
