This message is from: "Pat Holland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dear List - I got this post from a client I sold one of Susan Crawfords horses to a few months ago. This is what its all about. The times I get to be the in-between - its great. Esten was one of the 8 yr olds - like Axel, whom were being readied for a four-in-hand, when due to a family tragedy was relegated pasture pals. Susan took excellent care of them, but did not have the ability to bring him along in training. Esten ended up in the right home for sure. I don't think Dottie is on the list - you should write her privately and congratulate her - its her first Fjord. Pat Holland
----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Pat Holland Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 9:36 AM Subject: Re: quick note Hi ! It was so good to hear from you! It's been craZy around here too!! I meant to write but I kept putting it off til I had more time. Good thing you wrote!! It was much easier to hit the reply button! Esten is a dream come true! He fits in like you would not believe. My guy Rocky just loves him. Rocky is still the boss but he and Esten do "withers" and whinny for each other when I take one or the other away. The donkey and Esten get along really well. They are all so cute together. My family loves Esten too! Harry is happy I am happy! Poor Esten gets the most work. I ride him about 5-6 x week (sometimes 2 x a day!). Mostly in the ring. But we are getting out more, especially on the weekends. I took Esten to Fair Hill (a park about 45 minutes away which is HUGE - about 25,000 acres and public) - there are bicyclists, hikers and wildlife galore. I went with 2 - 16 year old girls on thoroughbreds (that took nerve, let me tell you)!! Esten was shorter and rounder (they make fun of him because he doesn't have the "look" they like) - it was his first time to go out to jump with the kids and over natural obstacles. He was doing a fair job in the ring but he needed a little more "oomph" for me. Well.....we went. The kids are used to me taking the lead - Esten gave it a shot but just like at home...he would pop his front legs over and just walk his hind legs over the logs (they were about 2 feet in height). I finally convinced the kids to take the lead and after 2 jumps, Esten got the idea and was cantering over the jumps! He "aired" them but that was ok, because he was really jumping for the first time!! He felt wonderful! After about 4 more jumps, I again took the lead and he went over every jump (which got progressively higher up to 2'7-9" or so) at a canter happily leading the way!! He stopped "airing" the jumps - just cleared them. He is SO clever. He may be "short" but he has a tall heart!! He really likes to please. I also took him to my friend, Sue's place. It was the first time he was ridden in a strange ring with another horse going a different direction from him. Also the first time I took him where there were other horses - thought it might be stimulating and wanted to see what he would do. He walked/trotted/cantered and jumped in their ring (he jumped following their horse). The rest of the time, he went opposite of Ruby. He just looked whenever she passed us going the other way. That is what got me to try him at Fair Hill. I felt (Fair Hill) would work and it did!! He truly amazed me with his honesty and attitude. Two Sundays ago Esten and I (Thumper too) went for our first "solo" trail ride. I was a little tentative. He was an angel in the ring but some horses get "stuck" when alone. I thought he might have a fit if we met other horses and riders and he could not go "with them". Sure enough we came across some other riders. He willingly and with manners turned around to lead them to a place where we could "pull over" safely. He let them pass by - looked questioningly - but went back the way we had come opposite of the other riders. He looked back a few times and nickered but he went ahead without a problem. Let me tell you!! THAT was a milestone! My heart flipped - what a horse!! Some of my other horses would have flipped their heads, tails, bucked or whirled to get their way. He "questioned" but did as he was asked. AND it was NO fluke! I rode him this past Sunday as well on a solo trip in a smaller park. He faced 3 deer jumping out of the creek and never turned a hair. He loads himself in the trailer and comes off like a champ! He works hard when we go out and willingly gives me all he's got! I APPRECIATE HIM!! He is more than I could have asked for in a horse. THEN........last weekend an 8 year old rode him. She has had a year of lessons but was not very brave. He was a saint. I did not put a bit in his mouth. I used the "bitless" bridle and that works well on days I ride him bareback. They got along wonderfully! Her mother and father even rode around in the fenced ring on him. He was so polite and wonderful! I was VERY proud of him. I rode him the next day to make sure he did not develop any problems from their riding but he seemed to remember "my way" and was his usual wonderful self. I like his personality and take great pleasure in feeding and taking care of him. He has had all his shots - is a perfect gentleman when trimmed and works his heart out. He comes everytime I call him. He loves food but I'm sure he likes me too! He "does it" for me. I truly like that horse - he has a home for as long as I can ride and take care of them. Harry (my husband) is sick of hearing me sing Esten's praises!! He thinks I've gone "daft" or worse. But he's glad Esten is like Rocky and takes care of me when I ride him. I have to work to keep Esten's mind "with me" and not thinking about being with Rocky when we work in the ring but Esten has learned I mean business when we work. I have even stopped carrying a whip. He goes easily off my leg. He is leg yielding and doing a wonderful shoulder in. He knows his leads (for the most part). He is a saint when I ride bareback. He is learning to go in the "frame" - head carriage has really improved. I hope to get a video of him going. I am sure you would appreciate all he does. Nobody else seems to think too much of his performance. But Esten is barely "broke"!! They keep thinking because he is 8 everything is "old hat" for him but I know better. He has come a long way!! I'll take some of the credit, but this horse is HONEST and has a wonderful disposition. He even goes through mud and water for me now!! Even alone!!! Now THAT is something!! I'm even thinking of taking him on a judged trail ride and a small local event at 2' fence height this fall. I will have fun with all the "oh's and ah's" that come with owning a Fjord! He never knows what we are are going to do next. Everything is an adventure with him. I keep him guessing. But he can count on me to be consistent and fair. And I count on him too! It's so nice to have a horse that is so "predictable". It makes me a much more relaxed rider for sure! But honestly, I believe it is because he was "started right". thank you again for accurately estimating Esten's abilities - starting him for riding - you gave me the confidence to give Esten my best effort. You sure picked the "right" horse for me! He was worth the trip. I wish we lived closer. I would visit often. Your way is so pleasant and I enjoyed our short interaction! You sure are good at what you do! Have a wonderful Fall!! I'll keep in touch! Promise!
