International register for Fjord horses
The 7th and 8th of June representatives from the international Fjord horse countries met in Brussels to discuss the possibilities of an international register for Fjord horses.
In a digitalizing world the idea of an international register for Fjord horses is a hotter topic than ever before. By gathering all the Fjord horses around the world in one register we will have a complete overview of the population. This gives us plenty of opportunities with regards to developing the Fjord horse as a product. It will make it easier to import and export horses across borders. Looking ahead, it will be possible to integrate sports data in the register and with this comes a powerful marketing effect. With respect to inbreeding supervision and regulation, an international register is a very suitable tool.
There are some challenges along the way. The horses are registered in many different registers, in different formats, some horses are registered in more than one register, but with different identities. In addition, the General Data Protection Regulation sets terms for the design of the register. Nevertheless, in Brussels met representatives motivated and willing to work for the project, from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, USA (also representing Canada), Denmark, Sweden, UK and Norway (Sweden and the UK followed the meeting on Skype). The meeting was spent on looking at the current situation; how are horses registered, who owns the data, how can we unite data in one data base and how will it work. The answers will be put together in a full overview report on the international fjord horse, probably published in August/September.
Other issues partly related to an international register, or just regarding breeding, was also discusses. What every country seemed to agree on was the wish for more cooperation between the countries, f.ex. in terms of exchanging judges. Especially Norway has work to do to give more information on their breeding politics, so that the other countries that wish to go in the same direction, can do so. To overall impression from the meeting was the wish for more cooperation between the fjord horse countries. Even though the systems are different, we are all searching for the same; a healthy, functional and good-looking horse. Working together for the same goal this makes a good chance for success in the years to come.
Inbreeding regulations, semen testing, regulations for stallions in the different countries, DNA testing, the use of UELN numbers, the use of the FHI check card and “the red book” was discussed. The report will summarize the practice of each country and make it easier to compare.
The work to come is a financial issue. To fulfill the project of an international register, we need the necessary funding, and this requires a thorough and well written application. More information on the process will be available as soon as we are making progress. Please follow Fjord Horse International on Facebook and on our web page http://www.fjordhorseinternational.org/FjHI/
Jenny Wright Johnsen
Fjord Horse International
Let’s take care of private information
The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), subject to strengthen and standardize the data protection of each individual person within the European Union, was entering into force on May 25th 2018.
Here’s the link to the E.U. homepage where you can find detail and interesting info about this regulation :
Out of the FAQ's :
Who does the GDPR affect?
The GDPR not only applies to organisations located within the EU but it will also apply to organisations located outside of the EU if they offer goods or services to, or monitor the behaviour of, EU data subjects. It applies to all companies processing and holding the personal data of data subjects residing in the European Union, regardless of the company’s location.
What constitutes personal data?
The GDPR applies to ‘personal data’ meaning any information relating to an identifiable person who can be directly or indirectly identified in particular by reference to an identifier. This definition provides for a wide range of personal identifiers to constitute personal data, including name, identification number, location data or online identifier, reflecting changes in technology and the way organisations collect information about people.
Sincerely,
The FjHI Board
In the West part of Belgium, a competition was organized to tow a tree with the fjord horse and the special feature was driving with one single line.
The collar harness is an important tool and should be of a perfect size and adapted for the horse.
The single line starts from both sides of the bit, over the neck pass into one rope. This method is a combination of the voice and the hands and it needs a lot of hours training to accomplish precision work. The technique started in the 16th century and was essential for the farmers: one hand on the plough, one hand to lead the horse.
The Flemish farmers are using terms like this:
AIE or JU (forward)
ARR or GERRE (to the left) and there is a constant contact with the horse line
YEUH or JUTSUME (to the right) and there is an interrupt contact with the horse line
HO or OUW (to stop)
The horse is also going backwards and should be able to do a little step (forwards, left or right).
The competition exercises are varied and based on ability. Succeeding is only possible with calm, serene and respectful contact with the horse.
This article was written by Paul Hallaert, free translation by Michelle.
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