This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello everyone again!
I have been contemplating the comments made concerning bloodlines and stallions for a few days. I realize the Fjord is described a great deal as being docile, patient, an all-purpose horse, etc., but it almost sounds as if the desired characteristics are actually complete servitude with a total lack of spirit! This is my take, as a novice, on what I have been reading both online and off. My question is simple; is this actually what is desired? It sounds as if any stallion shows any undesirable behavior, he is gelded. However, this undesirable behavior has certainly not been explored and from my position, it appears that if these horses show any high-spiritness, any proudness, any trainable problems concerning handling, they are simply gelded as this avenue is certainly easier. What is the big problem with two handlers for halter showing? This is almost ludicrious, in my opinion. It has been theorized humans are born either extroverted or introverted. One would think animals are similar, all it takes is to observe herds, flocks, packs, etc., in the wild to see this. If this is indeed the case, what it sounds like is essentially happening is the strongest stallions are gelded due to people not wishing to deal with them. I am not in any way deploring the desire for good temperment. I am simply commenting on the fact that it appears people are expecting too much from these lovely horses. Is it possible that perhaps the horse needs a different owner/handler? Not every animal will react positively with every person. What about mares? If they show undesirable temperment but have good foals, are these mares no longer allowed to breed? What does one do with them as they age? As for the gelding in CA.......It is obvious he is spoken highly of in many aspects, temperment, conformation, performance, movement, etc. Why was he gelded in the first place if he had all of these characteristics? For a novice buyer this is mind-boggling. Interestingly enough, everyone seems quite proud these horses are from Norway, and artifacts date back at least 2000 years ago. While these traits of docility and patience are certainly evident throughout early literature, it is also blatantly evident these horses were both independent and proud. To ride a stallion was an honor, for these animals were strong and high-spirited. Are people actually trying to remove these later traits? Lynda temporarily from Texas
