This message is from: "Linda Lehnert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I hope this posting goes through, as my previous postings have not done so. First of all, congratulations to everyone who is winning or placing well in shows and at the evaluations. Ponys aus Hessen, the breeders' organization in Hessen that registers and inspects all of the pony breeds and the 3 breeds of SA gaited horses that we have here, sponsors mare and foal shows. At these shows the handlers are required to wear white pants and red Ponys aus Hessen t-shirts (presumably at the mare inspection after the 30 day test on 4 November, red Ponys aus Hessen sweatshirts will be allowed if it is cold enough, rather than the t-shirts). It looks very professional and, since every one is dressed in the uniform of the day, this outfit neither enhances or detracts from the horses themselves. The focus is strictly on the horses, as it should be. On the other hand, I would never show a fine Fjord or Morgan in a western class, even if it's the local riding club show, without proper attire, which for western is a wool or fur felt hat (no straw), a shirt with a western tie, chaps with fringe and decent pants, riding pants or other dress pants underneath (no jeans under the chaps) and gloves, all of which are in colors that complement both the color of the horse and look good on the rider, with a saddle pad that is also color coordinated and spurs. Western boots are also required. This is what you wear in western classes when you want to look good and accent your fine horse, even at the barn club show. It is demeaning to your horse for you not to be dressed appropriately. If you don't show alot and can find what you want, second hand is OK. And, of course, your horse should be as carefully groomed for the barn club show as for the big regional or national show, according to the standards for the breed. Appearance is especially important when you are showing a breed in an open show that is not well known in that area, such as Morgans years ago in GA and Tidewater VA. We always felt that showing our Morgans in these open shows helped to promote the breed; the same can be said of showing Fjords in them. Jean, I'm sorry to hear about your cougar problem. I love cats, but not that kind and certainly not around small animals or livestock. Some of the list members made some excellent suggestions for dealing with the problem. I will catch up on all of my private e-mail when I get my computer problem totally fixed. Right now, I'm just getting by as I can. Linda in Lindenfels in der Odenwald, where, after an exceptionally hot summer, it has now turned unseasonably cold for so early in the year
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