TARCOMBE FJORD HORSE STUD
Tarcombe Fjord Horse Stud started with a connection—one of those rare bonds you don’t forget.
“When I welcomed my first Norwegian Fjord Horse, Greenfields NF Myklebust, into my life, I had no idea how deeply I’d fall for the breed. Their quiet strength, intelligence, and kindness left a mark.
Then came Blackwood Ridge Haagen—whose journey back to health changed everything. Helping him heal only deepened my love (and addiction) for the breed and set me on a new path – breeding these wonderful horses.”
~Harrie Phillips
Tarcombe grew from that love. It’s not just a stud—it’s a promise to do right by these horses. Nestled on the old Tarcombe property, the stud was founded with one clear goal: to care for and contribute to the future of the Norwegian Fjord Horse in Australia, with ethics and welfare at the heart of everything we do.
When our first foal, Tarcombe Tedi Bér, arrived, it was a quiet but powerful moment—the beginning of something meaningful. Every foal here is raised with care, not just for where they’re going, but for who they are. Their physical and emotional wellbeing is always the priority.
We follow the five domains of animal welfare and manage the land with the equicentral method, supported by a track system when the paddocks need a break—like now, during drought. It’s all part of our commitment to raising healthy, happy horses in a way that respects both the animals and the land they live on.
Tarcombe is a small stud by choice. We’re not chasing numbers. What matters here is doing things thoughtfully, with purpose. It’s about giving each horse the best possible start and showing that responsible, welfare-first breeding isn’t just an option—it’s the way forward.
TARCOMBE HOMESTEAD
Tarcombe is one of the original properties of Little River, Victoria and was originally settled by pastoralists North & Grass in around 1840. Charles Thomson, the local railway inspector, purchased the land in 1864 from the crown and the existing bluestone house was built and named Sunnyside. In the early 1900s the property was sold to local farmer William Gleeson where is was amalgamated into his existing holdings and renamed Tarcombe. The property has had a few owners across the late 20th century and was purchased by the Phillips family in 2021 and is currently being lovingly restored.
This restoration not only represents a personal endeavor to create a family home but also contributes to the preservation of the historical and architectural significance of rural properties like Tarcombe. Such efforts are crucial in maintaining the cultural landscape and heritage of rural Australia, providing continuity and a sense of identity for future generations.