This message is from: "Pat Holland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I had a long talk with Fred Brandt
Mark, you and Fred are very much right on in your thinking. It seems everyone wants to raise a baby and have no idea how much work it takes to finish a horse under saddle or to a cart. The problem is not just in the Fjord world. The Warmblood world is also going through this. There are people importing aged animals from Europe - broke to death - with all the bells and whistles - cheaper than it is to raise and train your own American Born horse here. I know I'm always quoting the Chronicle but there's been discussion about this for a few years. It seems after a few Fjords are purchased by more than the average owner - a stallion has to be bought - to be THE breeder, then without forsight they have babies out the ying yang. Because the Fjord has been touted as born broke - some people believe this - and don't take the time to really train them. There are an inordinate amount of appeared trained Fjord horses out there - because of their inherent stoic nature. It takes a long time and allot of daily work - to make any horse well trained - and often owners do not want to spent the time, or have the money to do this or just want to rush the whole deal to make their operation more profitable. There's an old saying if your rush a horse (in training) he's going to make you wait at some point. It is true, if you have a well trained Fjord he sells fast - and often stays put. Since Ive been in business for myself I have had a nice constant flow of the begun trained Fjords - but not finished - some have had some major issues that I would not recommend for the beginner, some just needed the time I can provide. I have even fallen into the trap of letting my own Fjord go - when I am swamped with others. I understand both sides of the story. Pat Holland
