This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/16/00 9:49:48 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< YEP! That's why I have a Fjord. No need to worry about them getting cold. I love seeing the snow stay on Heidi's back all day. About the next best critter for our winters is a buffalo, but I've not tried to ride one of them lately. LOL >> When you mentioned (with tongue in cheek, I'm sure) riding a buffalo, just had to share this story with you. It was a memorable occasion for us, to say the least! When we first moved to Eugene, OR, we were invited to perform with the Fjords twice a day at the county fair. The event was called the 'Cavalcade of Horses'. It was something that the fairboard provided for the horse loving audiences. Several acts were booked (yes, we actually got PAID) and the house was always full. You'll notice the use of 'past tense.' That was the last year it was offered. The following story may be part of the reason?? One of the acts booked was a fellow that dressed like an Indian chief (have forgotten his name) who rode a buffalo named 'Harveywallbanger.' Harvey was touted as being the only buffalo in the world who did dressage. The fellow also brought 3 other younger buffalo that were on display in a pen. He did ride one of the younger bulls too. Since we were booked right behind them, I had a hard time getting to see their performances. I did find one chance to poke my head in to watch. It was pretty 'interesting' to say the least - not exactly my idea of a smooth ride, but it was entertaining for the audience. When we lived in MT., a rancher there had a small herd of buffalo which the public could go see. There were several rules posted, however, due to the buffalo's quirky, often volatile nature. You had to be careful about sudden movements and loud noises, particularly with small children. Dogs were absolutely forbidden. Sometimes the bull would perceive such movements as aggressive behavior or would just be having a 'bad hair day' and he would charge! One needs an extremely WELL BUILT FENCE to contain buffalo when they get ticked! Knowing that little bit about the nature of buffalo, I kept a wary eye on the ones at the fair, to detect any perceived agitation. The pen they were in was just Powder River panels. Hardly sufficient to contain a 'p---ed' off buffalo! For the most part, they seemed pretty relaxed - until one day - this poor Indian fellow! Things really went to H in a handbasket. He got Harvey a little too close to the arena wall and Harvey accidentally hooked a horn on some of the wiring to the spotlights, huge sound system, etc. They tore out quite a bit of wiring before the fellow got things back under control. It was actually rather comical! Then later when he was performing with the younger, less experience bull, the youngster figgered he had about enough fun for one day and decided to exit stage left, right over the fence into the audience! Fortunately, no one was hurt! The audience definitely had a thrill-a-minute that day! That fellow's complexion changed suddenly to ashen - he looked more like "Casper" than "Tonto"! After all of that commotion, the Fjords looked pretty darn good when they sauntered in, calm, cool, and collected!! Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR www.fjordhorse.com
