This message is from: "Stephen Nasby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi to all. I live with my family (7 of us) on a 160 acre farm in
Saskatchewan. We haven't owned a farm before, so I am enjoying it immensely
with my 7 Dexters, 1 sweetheart Jersey, 2 Herefords, Arabian gelding who I
have had for 11 years, 80 chickens, a Great Dane (who I tried to show till
she told me she wanted to be a farm dog instead), cats and this summer we
are getting goats, sheep, pigs and bees - I'm one of those people that loves
self sufficiency, gardening, horse farming etc.
Unfortunately before we moved to the farm, the place we owned was restricted
to one horse (due to a by-law), so I had to sell all but my Arabian who will
be with me till he dies. We were also moving across 2 provinces and the
price of moving 4-5 horses was too much for me Now that we have lots of
pasture (and no cities to dictate what animals I can have), I am looking
forward to starting again.
I purchased my Arab as a 3 yr old colt, and up until 3 years ago, we were
doing free ground work (no equipment) and bridleless riding till he lost
most of his sight. Now he is a slightly spooky pleasure horse who is
thoroughly enjoying our latest venture, hauling manure and bales and my
sister with Down's syndrome (not in that order:<), on a home made sled.
Part of my self sufficiency ambition is to include some dual purpose horses
for riding and doing chores ie. mowing, hauling hay, spreading manure etc.
And after riding on my own for 10 years it would be nice to have a horse for
a family member to join me on my rides.
I have never worked with Norwegian Fjords (I owned and trained Quarter
horse, Arabian, Welsh cross, Paints, thoroughbred etc), but when we lived in
BC, the property beside us was selectively logged with horses from Anvil
Acres. That was my first glimpse of them including their working ability and
gentle natures.
I really don't know quite what I am looking for and have just started
contacting different breeders to see what is available. I would love to have
another colt or filly to work with and eventually get back up to the
bridleless work and free lunging, and maybe the Fjords mellowness will rub
off on my Arabian. I am also considering a program for handicapped children
and maybe do some special shows - I taught my Arabian to do tricks (bow,
kneel, plie, shake, give a hug etc) and had wild dreams of some day giveing
bridleless demonstrations with tricks etc. But I would also like to work
under a local trainer (when I find one), to learn more advanced work as in
proper collection etc. And after going to a local reining competition it
really grew on me - especially those gorgeous spins and sliding stops.
I am also looking for something with a big personality. I have been spoiled
by my Arab who follows me around, whinnies when he sees me, picks up tools
and is a nuisance when I'm working, is gentle with my handicapped sister,
and in general just loves people. Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure
of owning another horse with a personality like that, but I'm still looking.
And the other horses all had their own unique personalities and traits that
I loved also - it broke my heart to sell them.
Well, enough rambling. It is time to go milk.
Heather
From Saskatchewan, Canada
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