Spend a year with the Fjord Horse in the heart of its homeland
Do you dream of pursuing a career with horses and competing in show jumping, dressage, driving, or eventing?
Why choose Fjordane Folk High School?
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Train with the best in the breed
You will learn from highly qualified and passionate instructors with deep knowledge of riding, driving, horse welfare, and education. We work closely with the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre, giving you access to high-level expertise, excellent facilities, and some of the finest fjord horses in Norway. You can expect structured feedback, hands-on learning, and support that helps you level up your horsemanship every week.
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Fjord horse in focus
At Fjordane Folk High School, you will work closely with fjord horses, known for their calmness, strength and character, alongside other well-trained and reliable breeds. You will build real partnerships through daily routines, thoughtful training and clear communication. With horse welfare as a foundation, we focus on trust, calm leadership and mutual respect — in the saddle, on the ground or behind the reins.
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From passion to profession
Whether your goal is to become an instructor, equine therapist, vet, or stable manager, this year will provide you a solid foundation. You will gain hundreds of hours of horse experience, learn to reflect on your own development, and explore your direction within the horse world. This is a stepping stone into further education, career pathways, or simply becoming a more capable and confident horse person.
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A year where the nature is your backyard
Fjordane Folk High School is located in Nordfjordeid, the home of the fjord horse. We are surrounded by steep mountains, valleys and fjords. This is a beautiful place where nature is close. Right outside your door you will find trails, mountains to climb or forest paths that you can explore from the horseback or by walking, skiing or cycling.
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Student life that feels like home
You will live in a small, supportive campus community where students look out for each other. From shared meals to movie nights, you will feel the rhythm of a year built on connection, and not competition. Many students say the friendships they make here last forever.
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Small Footprint. Big Impact.
At Fjordane Folk High School we care about how we live and how our choices shape the world. That’s why we travel with care, source food locally when we can, and teach routines in the stable that reflect sustainable, responsible horsemanship. Whether we are hiking close to home or flying to the Philippines, we aim to keep our footprint light and our values strong.
FAQs
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Folk high schools have a big presence in the Nordic countries but are relatively unknown in the rest of the world. The pedagogical focus is on the students’ motivation, which is why the schools do not have exams or give grades. We believe that you learn the most if you want to learn.
We welcome international students: they add exciting diversity at school and can give us new insights into how Norwegian students view the world.
As part of the pedagogical arrangement, you will live at the school, together with your fellow students.
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No. We provide well-trained school horses, including many fjord horses, suited to various levels and disciplines. You will be matched with well-trained fjord horses suited to your skill level. If you want to bring your own horse, please contact us.
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You should have some experience with horses, at least basic handling and riding. You don’t need to be advanced, but this is not a beginner course. Motivation and willingness to learn matter more than technical perfection.
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Yes! Most of our school horses are fjord horses, but we also have other breeds. Since we work closely with the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre, you will meet and learn from some of the finest examples of the breed.
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You will have approximately 25 hours with riding, driving, stable work and theory each week. In addition you will also take part in stable routines and horse care every day.
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This is for young adults (18–28 years) who:
Are already familiar with horse work and want to get better
Seek practical, everyday training and a professional rhythm
Are open-minded, curious, and committed to growing
Want to prepare for further studies in veterinary, training, therapy, or agriculture
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Our program runs from mid-August to mid-May, following the standard folk high school calendar in Norway.
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Yes. Many of our students go on to study horse science, veterinary medicine, animal therapy, or become instructors. This year gives you both practical experience and a deeper understanding of what path you want to take.
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Yes. Some of the teaching is in Norwegian, but we are used to international students so we will adapt accordingly. Staff and students speak English, and horse work is highly practical, so you will learn by doing.
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You will live in a shared student pavilion with shared facilities. Four meals a day are included.
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What do our students and their families say?
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“Hestelinja på Fjordane hjalp meg i stor grad å få nok kunnskap og erfaring til å komme inn på ridelærerutdannelsen.”
– Astrid Maria Årdal | Former student
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“I wholeheartedly recommend Fjordane Folk High School.”
– Alex Lofting | Father
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“Etter året på Fjordane har jeg utvilsomt hatt lettere for å kaste meg ut i nye situasjoner og snakke med nye folk.”
– Helena Mobech Eriksson | Former student
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![Bilde av Kamilla Elise Aaby]()
“Gjennom året på Fjordane har jeg lært å bli tryggere på meg selv.”
– Kamilla Elise Aaby | Tidligare elev
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![Bilde av Peder Næshiem]()
“Ein lære veldig mykje av dei kule ansatte på skulen.”
– Peder Næshiem | Tidligare elev
Experience the world and Norway together with us.
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Philippines
On our school trip to the Philippines, you will experience breathtaking landscapes, warm-hearted people, and a rich culture. You will also encounter powerful contrasts — from visiting orphanages, slums, and prisons to seeing the more glamorous sides of the country through the eyes of a tourist.
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Europe
Each line takes its own study trip to Europe. Countries we have visited include France, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, and the UK. The best part? You will help decide the destination together with your classmates.
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Norway
You don’t have to travel far to have amazing experiences! Join us for local trips in Nordfjord and across Norway. We have many hidden gems we would love to share with you. Yes, it is possible to get both vibrant cities and spectacular nature with a low climate footprint.
Enjoy fresh, local and delicious food every day!
Here are a few people you will spend time with
Do you have any questions?
Whether you are wondering about practical details or what everyday life is like a student here, don’t hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you!
