The first group (exp. arrival May 12/13th)
Handling
The mares are sweet and well-socialized. They all know how to lead, tie, and stand for basic care. Their personalities differ, but they are generally easy to manage. If something arises that requires handling, it is safest to take one horse out at a time.
The mares are accustomed to hand feeding and behave politely (most of the time lol).
If something is up with a stallion, take one out individually. If You Need to Enter the Stallion Area:
Bring a whip—not to use, but to carry. It serves as a visual boundary, a spacing tool, and a signal for respect. We never use a whip for correction.
Wear a helmet.
If you need to handle a situation that feels even slightly unsafe, wait and contact us instead. We’d rather reassess than take risks.
Never feed any of the stallions by hand. Use buckets or feeders only. This helps maintain respectful distance and prevents nipping or testing behaviors.
Individual Notes
Livs Gulltind (palomino): Young, halter-broke, ties well. Sweet natured. No stud chain needed (but could change over summer).
Bekk Basse (bay): Halter-broke and ties, but can be feisty. Handle with calm confidence. Stud chain over the nose.
Marisvarten (black): Not halter-broke. Avoid handling. He arrived just before departure and will begin his handling training later. Stud chain needed.
Hoove Care
All horses are in good health and used to receiving regular hoof care on a 6–8 week schedule. Unfortunately, due to unexpected circumstances—our farrier was out sick during the final two weeks before departure—we weren’t able to trim hooves before transport. We attempted to find a backup farrier, both locally and during the layover in Belgium, but that didn’t work out either.
That said, none of them are in urgent need of attention. This is not about skipping care—it’s about pausing briefly and reassessing once they’re settled. If we’re not there within a reasonable timeframe, we’ll reach out to make a plan and revisit trimming logistics based on how they’re doing.
Individual Notes
Bekk Basse (Monty): He’s on a hoof schedule, but trims can be tricky. He requires sedation to be handled safely, and even then it’s hit or miss. His hooves are a bit overdue and reflect that challenge. For now, it’s best to leave them be unless you notice any signs of discomfort—we’ll handle it ourselves once we arrive.
Marisvarten: He arrived only a few days before export, so we don’t yet know his farrier history or behavior. From what we saw, it’s definitely time for a trim, but we’re assuming he hasn’t been taught to lift his feet reliably. There’s no rush. Let him settle in. This one is fully on pause until further notice.
Bruna: She previously had a hoof abscess (right front)—it’s healed, but good to keep in mind.
The horses that are staying in quarantine for longer will get the farrier over during their time in quarantine.
And just from a previous horror-story from another breeder: manes, forelocks, feathers and tails are NOT TO BE CUT lol.
Mares
Gullbruna - Bruna
Phonetic: BROO-nah
“Broo” as in “brew,” with a soft ‘nah’ ending. Simple and pretty.
2-year-old bay mare
Bruna is a sweet, gentle soul with a naturally cautious temperament. She’s sensitive, easily overwhelmed by new experiences, and needs ample time to process her environment. What may appear as stubbornness is usually her insecurity—especially in unfamiliar situations like moving from trailer to pasture. When unsure, she tends to shut down and freeze rather than act out. As the most insecure member of the herd, she should always be handled with the most caution (and patience).
She’s physically large for her age, which means she still has a lot of coordination and confidence to grow into. Bruna previously had a hoof abscess in her right front—it’s fully resolved, but worth keeping in mind.
She enjoys soft, quiet interactions and especially loves it when you let her rest her head gently in your hands. Earn her trust, and she’ll meet you there. She also enjoys trying to step in and knocking over the water buckets.
Elstad Vanja - Vanja, Vanjabananja
Phonetic: VAHN-yah
“Vahn” like ‘fawn’ and “yah” like ‘yeah’ but softer.
2-year-old black mare
Vanja is as sweet as she is curious—always the first to check out whatever’s happening. She’s social, easygoing, and gets along with just about everyone, horses and humans alike. A healthy, balanced horse with a natural charm.
She gives off “born broke” energy and is incredibly willing, but keep in mind: she wasn’t handled much in her early life. So while she feels like she knows the drill, there are moments she’s genuinely unsure—it’s just not always obvious. Be patient and clear, and she’ll catch on fast.
She also really, really likes sleeping. Vanja will lay down anywhere, anytime—honestly, she’d nap in the middle of a highway if she could. Comfort is her love language.
Vanja thrives on being in the center of attention. Whether it’s nudging her way into a group or posing for the camera, she loves to be where the action is.
Idun Gjeldaker - Idun
Phonetic: EE-dunn
Like “eden,” but swap the second e for a soft u sound, like in fun
2-year-old cremello mare
Idun is the most handled horse in this group of 2 year old mares. From day one, she’s been taught all the basics—and she knows them inside out. She leads, ties, stalls, stands for the farrier, and generally handles new situations with confidence.
She’s extremely social, positive, and sweet—but unlike Vanja’s soft curiosity, Idun brings a bit more spice. She can be a tad pushy or rude at times—not in a dangerous way, but you’ll definitely know when she’s in the room. She’s the instigator, the play promoter, and the first to activate the group for a little movement or mischief.
She loves being right on top of you while you’re working, your personal space is basically her favorite parking spot. Like Vanja, Idun loves a good nap. Together, they’re lovingly known as double trouble.
This is our first summer together, and we’ve noticed she squints a lot when the sun is out. Please monitor for signs of discomfort and use a UV fly mask if needed—we of course will provide one when the time comes.
Stallions
Bekk Basse - Monty, Becky, McMonty
Phonetic: Beck BAH-suh
Not “bass” like the fish. Think “Bah” like a sheep, soft ‘uh’ ending.
2-year-old bay stallion
Bekk Basse is striking, social, and incredibly loud—he’ll often come running to say hello. Charismatic and beautiful, he’s hard not to love at first sight. But don’t let his charm fool you.
He ties, he leads, and he’s been handled consistently, but let’s be clear: He’s a teenage stallion with strong hormones and unfinished training. His behavior is unpredictable and at times challenging.
He is powerful and may try to run off with you. Unlike our mares, he can handle a firm hand—you can be strict, even a little rough, and he won’t take it personally. In fact, he needs clear leadership to stay safe and manageable.
For everyone’s safety, extra precautions are required when handling him:
Always wear safety gear and use a stud chain. A bridle may be used if needed. Bring a whip (for show, not for use).
He has no concept of personal space and may challenge handlers without warning.
If you need to handle another stallion from his turnout group, go in mindfully to halter the horse and take him out. Never handle another stallion in-field with Monty present.
He’s not aggressive, but he is powerful, curious, and confident—and still learning where the lines are. With firm, consistent handling and clear boundaries, he’ll continue to improve. But until then, treat him as high-risk and stay one step ahead.
He really likes playing with things in his mouth (stick, feeding bucket, whatever he can find).
He hasn’t met Marisvarten yet—expect some initial fireworks. That intro might get a little spicy.
Marisvarten - Marisvarten
Phonetic: MAH-riss-var-ten
“Mah” like 'mama', “riss” like 'wrist' without the 't', and “var-ten” like ‘var’ in 'varied' + 'ten'. Strong and sturdy, just like it sounds.
2-year-old black stallion
Marisvarten arrived just two days before departure, so we haven’t had much time to get to know him. He comes from the same breeder as Vanja and Bruna, which means he wasn’t handled from birth. He has been trained to tie, but beyond that, we can’t say with certainty what he knows or how he’ll respond in new situations.
Our early impression: he’s a gentle soul. He shows very little stallion behavior so far, and if anything, he leans toward the cautious side. His vet care was managed at the breeder’s prior to arrival, and everything was in order when he came to us.
What he likes: Eating. That’s about all we confidently know right now.
Note: Marisvarten has never met Monty or Lille Gutt before. A bit of jostling and posturing is to be expected while they sort out the dynamics—we hope things settle quickly.
Livs Gulltind - Lille Gutt
Phonetic: LEE-leh goot
“Lee-leh” with soft short syllables, and “goot” like ‘boot’ with a G. Means “little boy” in Norwegian
1-year-old palomino stallion
our youngest stallion—a sweet, curious yearling who’s been well-handled from birth. He’s social, easy to work with, and not currently showing strong stallion behavior. He leads and ties well, and doesn’t need any special handling at this stage. But if you feel more comfortable using a stud chain, you do you!
He’s been turned out with Monty from the start. While Monty can be a bit rough and dominant in play, Livs Gulltind manages just fine—and honestly seems to enjoy the dynamic. Their bond is strong, and it’s been a positive social setup so far.
What he likes: Sleeping. Anywhere, anytime. He’s a laid-back little guy at heart.
As with any young stallion, things can change as he matures, so just keep an eye on any behavioral shifts over the summer. For now, he’s an easy, friendly presence.
You might notice a lump on his nose—this has been checked by multiple vets and confirmed to be a harmless fat deposit. It doesn’t require treatment or special care.