This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Sam & Sue Banks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Monday, August 23, 2004 6:46 pm Subject: Versatility
> This message is from: "Sam & Sue Banks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I was notified by Rebecca Mayer that my horse, BDF Lillehammer, has > congratulations - This is the characteristic of the breed that many of us > find so attractive and will further the recognition of the breed. My first > fjord, now a just turned five mare saddled with an amateur owner and timid > rider ( me) has made me very proud this year. She and I have successfully > done team sorting ( cowboy games with cows) she has served as a substitute > horse for an 11 year old girl, competed and placed in her first real show in > cones, carriage and obstacles, gone camping and trailriding, and packed a > load, carried me through some steep mountain trails, wearing bells and stood > quietly hobbled in camp at night. This weekend she pulled an antique > spring wagon for a wedding, up and down hills in a small western town, in the > rain ( read umbrellas), and then transported bride and groom to the reception > through traffic and crowds. This is a 100 year old heavy wagon with the > original steel rims, noisy brakes and bells. I stained it to match the horse. > I had numerous people stop their cars and ask what the beautiful horse was. What made me the proudest was that I was alone, had to transport, load, unload, tack, hitch and drive with no assistance and a mangled left hand. Her behaviour and work ethic were incredible. No dancing, no balking at a load that was considerable, patience through practice runs, bathing, decorating, and just standing around. When we got home after a 10 hour day she took three laps at a gallop leading her herd around the big pasture and came up for a pet. Next week at the state fair she will compete in draft, carriage, cones, halter and riding categories. I do not particularly like showing but it is the best way to get these horses out and seen. The point is, This horse has done more for my enjoyment of horses than any other I have ever owned. This is the outstanding feature of the Fjord - physical beauty and balance, versatility, personality and work ethic. For any discipline that a Fjord excels in there are other horses which can do better, but with the possible exception of my mule, there is not one which could have done as well for ME in all of the thngs I have used her for. And I need a ladder to ride the mule. In entering the breeding arena, I want to share this experience with other more mature riders who would certainly get more enjoyment out of a fjord than a handful of other horses. I have purchased a stud ( brother to Lillihammer) , acquired a lovely filly from Peg Knutsen out of Erland, and bred my mare to Erland. In my opinion for what it is worth, there should remain at least a few breeders whose primary goal is to produce an all around competent horse with the conformation and stamina to support all those activities and a willingness to work. They should also look pretty. As Carole has said in the past, These horses will not only sell, but they will be wonderful ambassadors for the breed. Kathy SE Idaho
