fjordhorse-digest Friday, February 21 2003 Volume 2003 : Number 051
In this issue:
bells and history
Re: Fjords at Waverly Horse Sale
Re: ... history
Re: ... history
Re: Proud Bottom Ranch
Re: ... history
Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
La Crosse Wisconsin Evaluation announcement
Re: ... history
horse logging
Re: ... history
Re: Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
Grabbson
Marketing Fjords, the TWIST!
Re: Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
Re: horse logging
See the end of the digest for information on how to retrieve back issues.
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Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 18:21:37 -0800
From: "fjordcountry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: bells and history
This message is from: "fjordcountry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hello to all,
An amusing story about our "jingle bells" and fjords. Since this year
was the first for our business to do sleigh rides I wanted to get all the
horses used to the bells. There would be four teams that would pull the
sleigh but several of the other non-fjord riding horses needed to be used to
the noise also in case the riding string passed the sleigh team along the
trail. The first couple times I simply hung the bell belt around my shoulders
when I went out to feed the herd. Non fjords flew all over the place but
being true to form the fjords were more interested in "chow time"!. From
there I began buckling the bells around the girth area on Telde, who isn't
rattled by much of anything and let her wander around the rest of the herd all
through feeding time. In a few days nobody gave a care about the bells and
they have been ringing happily ever after!
On another note, does anyone know if there was a gentleman by the name of
Parker from somewhere in Montana that imported some of the first fjords to the
United States? Thanks, Rock'n Kathi
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 20:43:44 -0600
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Fjords at Waverly Horse Sale
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In regard to Hamlett's horses, I strongly advise against anyone thinking
these horses are "dead broke" and trail ready. My observation of the
situation is that Tim has too many horses, too little time, and not
nearly enough qualified help. I think he cares in his own way, but not
in the right way for the good of his horses.
The younger man and his daughters who have worked with most of Tim's
horses is pretty rough with them, from what I have personally seen. He
uses force to accomplish what should be done with patience and time.
(The one exception I know of is Tim's new Danish stallion who is at
Patti Jo Walters, I believe.)
My husband and I looked at Tim's horses in early 2002 and I was not
happy with what I saw, especially with the state the young stock was in.
One of his yearling fillies had worn a halter for so long, she had an
open infected sore on the side of her face. All of his younglings were
head shy and timid. They had obviously not been handled very much and
were wary of humans.
Perhaps others feel differently about Hamlett's horses. If so, please
keep in mind that I don't mean to offend or step on toes. I just want to
give my perspective, having been to his place in Arlington, Iowa,
several times and seen his stock at Blue Earth.
DeeAnna
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 20:56:44 -0800
From: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: ... history
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> "fjordcountry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> does anyone know if there was a gentleman by the name of Parker from
> somewhere in Montana that imported some of the first fjords to the
> United States? Thanks, Rock'n Kathi
One of the early breeders of Fjords was Dave Parker, of Reed Point,
Montana. My 1990 copy of the NFA stud book shows him as having had
several horses that were registered as "foundation stock"; this
included Sally (2022-A) and Sjona (2023-A), both of whom are listed as
having "Sire: Unknown, Dam: Unknown, Breeder: Unknown"! (Note that
this sort of undocumented "foundation" stock has been a source of
contention amongst the various North American registries, for years!)
Interestingly, Parker was also a "major player" in my other "chosen
breed"---pinto donkeys. From what I've read about him in the donkey
and mule literature, I doubt that he was an importer of Fjords (he's
certainly not mentioned in an NFA article on the early importations).
I think it's more likely that Parker got into Fjords by buying them,
probably at an auction---maybe ones that "got away" during the sudden
dispersal of the Purdy herd?
I had a short exchange of letters with Dave Parker when I was looking
for my first Fjord, in 1986. He said that he had sold all of his
horses (and I see some of them listed on Bev Tarmina's sale list dated
1985). He also told me, "You will love the horses". He was right....
Marsha Jo Hannah Murphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 22:16:37 -0900
From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: ... history
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Mrsha,
can you find "Buck #Fs2743" in your copy of the NFA stud book? This was
one of the stallions used on the ranch whre the 5 Mares are coming from
mentioned a while ago. We were trying to figure out if this was the same
"as Buck-34 in the CFHA book.
Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, clear and cold, but sunny and beautiful during
the day. +15 high, -15 low.
>One of the early breeders of Fjords was Dave Parker, of Reed Point,
>Montana. My 1990 copy of the NFA stud book shows him as having had
>several horses that were registered as "foundation stock"; this
>included Sally (2022-A) and Sjona (2023-A), both of whom are listed as
>having "Sire: Unknown, Dam: Unknown, Breeder: Unknown"!
>
************************************************************
Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 07:42:55 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Proud Bottom Ranch
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In a message dated 2/20/2003 9:33:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> How many horses are they keeping?
Gail,
To the best of my knowledge, they are keeping 4 geldings. You would have to
call Denise to double check this, though.
Lynda and Daniel
Bailey's Norwegian Fjords
Quality Fjords--Equine Transportation--Hand-braided Tack & Accessories
White Cloud, MI
231-689-9902
FAX: 775-383-6813
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords
United Equine Foundation
http://www.unitedequinefoundation.org/homepage.htm
Lynda C. Welch
President, PMU and Breed Specific Division
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
UEF Fjord rescue email group: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 08:16:09 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: ... history
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In a message dated 2/21/2003 6:25:40 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> can you find "Buck #Fs2743" in your copy of the NFA stud book?
Hi Jean,
I THINK this is really an old CFHA certificate OR a certificate showing Buck
as being put in the stud book. I believe the FS stands for Foundation Stock.
Lynda and Daniel
Bailey's Norwegian Fjords
Quality Fjords--Equine Transportation--Hand-braided Tack & Accessories
White Cloud, MI
231-689-9902
FAX: 775-383-6813
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords
United Equine Foundation
http://www.unitedequinefoundation.org/homepage.htm
Lynda C. Welch
President, PMU and Breed Specific Division
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
UEF Fjord rescue email group: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 14:33:36 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hello everyone,
Steve has given me permission to post the information I have gathered
concerning Tim Hamlett's herd being sold at the Waverly auction.
I will preface this email by stating that to date, we know of 37 Fjords
currently consigned to go through 3 different auctions in the states. 20
might be added to this number. These are not counting the unconsigned Fjords
and statistically, when consigned Fjords go through a smaller percentage of
unconsigned Fjords go through. We obviously have not had time to explore
other auctions, but if we hear of any additional, we will let everyone know.
The only herd that could be in jeopardy is the Hamlett herd scheduled to go
through the Waverly, IA auction on March, 28. The other groups of Fjords are
going to have minimum bids set on them, therefore, no chance of them being
purchased by "meat buyers", anyway.
However, the Hamlett herd has quite a few Fjords that are considered "high
risk". He has 29, is keeping 4, and 25 are going through the sale. We know
that 24 of his stock is registered, and the other 5 are not. Most likely,
the 5 unregistered ones will be put through the auction.
Some of his geldings and broodmares are being presented as being trained.
Most of these should go through the auction fine, if they truly are trained,
that is. I have been told varying thoughts on this. The high risks Fjords
are as follows:
Grabbson, 18 year old UNTRAINED stallion. Evaluated as red, score 70.
Victor, imported Danish stallion, Evaluated as yellow, score 69. People have
told me there is something wrong with his front legs.
Broodmare, 18, broken leg, did not take.
Youngsters. Various ages from foal to 2 year olds. Some of these will be
high risk depending on their condition.
>From my understanding, his four imports are also being sent to this auction.
One, the stallion Victor, has already been mentioned. Tim had also purchased
a mare in foal, with a filly at her side, at the same time.
We have been told one mare is very pregnant, should be foaling prior to the
auction. Also, these horses, for the most part, have not had kind handling.
Many are head-shy and frightened.
We are really concerned about the mare with the broken leg and Grabbson, and
some of the youngsters.
I was originally trying to pre-puchase some of the high risk Fjords prior to
the auction, but Tim signed a contact with Waverly prohibiting this. So,
these Fjords WILL go to auction, and yes, there will be many "meat buyers"
there, confirmed to me today by the Waverly auction owner.
Of course, most Fjords would not go for such a thing, but these high risk
Fjords, especially considering the numbers of Fjords going involved, the
condition this herd will be showing up in, and their lack of good handling,
are at risk.
Tim has stated he will not have a minimum bid, even if the horses are sold to
a meat buyer. He simply wants them gone.
We are scrambling to get some people to this auction to act on the UEF's
behalf to either keep the bids higher on these at risk Fjords, or help the
UEF purchase and then place them in adoptive homes. We just do not have a
lot of time to get this done.
If any of you can assist us, we and the Fjords would appreciate it! Thanks
much,
Lynda and Daniel
Bailey's Norwegian Fjords
Quality Fjords--Equine Transportation--Hand-braided Tack & Accessories
White Cloud, MI
231-689-9902
FAX: 775-383-6813
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords
United Equine Foundation
http://www.unitedequinefoundation.org/homepage.htm
Lynda C. Welch
President, PMU and Breed Specific Division
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
UEF Fjord rescue email group: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 14:06:10 -0600
From: "Norsk Wood Works" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: La Crosse Wisconsin Evaluation announcement
This message is from: "Norsk Wood Works" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Fjord owners in the Midwest have an opportunity to have their Registered
Fjords evaluated for conformation as well as performance towards the end of
summer or early fall at La Crosse, Wisconsin. La Crosse is located on I-90
on the Minnesota Wisconsin border. The evaluation would be held at the La
Crosse Interstate Fairgrounds. They have an indoor arena and an outdoor arena
with enough stalls for eighty horses. We need from 30 to 40 horses to do an
evaluation.
If you have your horse evaluated by NFHR sanctioned evaluators you will find
out how your horse compares to breed standards. The evaluators will score the
horse's head, neck, front legs, back legs, overall, body, movement at a walk,
movement at the trot, and very importantly fjord type. You can also have your
horse evaluated in entry as well as advanced performance tests in draft,
driving, and riding. Through this process you will learn more about your
horse. You will also learn more about what you should look for in horses you
may want to purchase. As a breeder you can use this knowledge in your breeding
program. This is a tool to maintain and improve the overall quality of the
fjord breed.
Please email me privately if you are interested in bringing horses to this
evaluation. We already have several horses committed. Phillip Odden
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 13:20:47 -0800
From: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: ... history
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> can you find "Buck #Fs2743" in your copy of the NFA stud book? This was
> one of the stallions used on the ranch whre the 5 Mares are coming from
> mentioned a while ago. We were trying to figure out if this was the same
> "as Buck-34 in the CFHA book.
Unfortunately, the 1990 copy of the NFA stud book only lists NFA
horses that were alive in 1990---each with its 3-generation pedigree.
So, Buck C-34 (a Canadian-registered stallion) isn't listed
directly---only mentioned in the pedigrees of his decendants (like my
gelding, Trondleif, aka Sleepy). Likewise, King Harald 101-A isn't in
the 1990 NFA stud book, despite being the first NFA-registered horse,
with many descendants, because he died circa 1985.
It is interesting to compare Sleepy's "official" pedigrees from NFA
and NFHR. Sleepy goes back thru Andre 221-B to Prince C-39, who is
Buck X Thora. NFA lists Buck C-34 as being by Solvfast, out of
Brunhoppe; Thora 2052-A is listed as Sanko X Unknown. But, NFHR shows
Prince's parents as Buck C-34, who is Sanko X Purdy-mare and Thora
C-36, who is Solvfast X Purdy-mare. (Mike May told me that was what
the Canadians had in their records, and NFHR follows their lead.)
Methinks Mike is in for some "fun", when it comes time to merge the
NFA and NFHR registration records! But, at least the NFA records
should fill in many (but not all) of the "Unknown"s in various NFHR
pedigree pages (mostly info on birth dates and breeders).
Anyway, there is no "Buck #Fs2743" in the NFA studbook. NFA numbers
started with 101 for stallions (and geldings) and 2001 for mares. NFA
numbers end in -A (foundation stock) or -B (born of already-registered
parents). So, Fs2743 isn't an NFA registration number. Maybe FBA?
Several years ago, there was an article in the Fjord Herald about Buck
C-34. (Had to be before 1998, as I mentioned it on this list, back
then.) At that time, he was about 27, had been gelded, and was living
out his retirement as a pasture pet. How old are those horses that
"Buck #Fs2743" is supposed to have sired?
Marsha Jo Hannah Murphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 17:24:04 -0500
From: Sara Faull <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: horse logging
This message is from: Sara Faull <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
We use minimum equipment for a single horse twitch, dragging the log and not
pulling it behind a cart or logging arch- this is a wiffle tree that hooks
to the tugs on the harness and has a grab hook on it, and a length of chain
to go around the log with a slip hook on it. In the woods- we twitch off
paths with a single horse to a yard- either a larger clearing or edge of the
woods- where we accumulate enough logs to haul up with a team on the sled or
with a truck or wagon to take back to the barn area (it is too far for a
single twitch).
I would start your training -once you are very confident ground driving- by
hauling a light but long log around (a short piece will jump around and is
more dangerous). Start on the road or in the open where you can get used to
how the log moves when you are turning sharply etc. You want to walk behind
the butt of the log- and always keep an eye on it! Become comfortable moving
all around the log stepping from one side to the other as you will have to
in the woods. There is a lot that goes into horse logging but it is so
rewarding and satisfying to take wood out with so little impact and to work
so fluidly with your partner in the woods.
The best advice is to find someone to mentor with- as there is so much to
it- Good Luck!
Sara Faull
Mandala Farm
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 17:30:40 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: ... history
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hi Marsha,
> Several years ago, there was an article in the Fjord Herald about Buck
> C-34. (Had to be before 1998, as I mentioned it on this list, back
> then.) At that time, he was about 27, had been gelded, and was living
> out his retirement as a pasture pet. How old are those horses that
>
Thanks for that info. This must be a different Buck, then, but it is
confusing for this one came from Clover Farms, LTD, was registered with the
CFHA, but the only Buck that fits this criteria is Buck-34. According to the
rancher, his Buck died on his farm.
Lynda and Daniel
Bailey's Norwegian Fjords
Quality Fjords--Equine Transportation--Hand-braided Tack & Accessories
White Cloud, MI
231-689-9902
FAX: 775-383-6813
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords
United Equine Foundation
http://www.unitedequinefoundation.org/homepage.htm
Lynda C. Welch
President, PMU and Breed Specific Division
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
UEF Fjord rescue email group: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 14:14:37 -0900
From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I noted that Grabbson has sired a number of greys, mares I think, with
more grey descendants. Check out his descendants in the NFHR Pedigree
search. From his picture in the Record book he almost looks like a
"grey" himself, I rather liked him from that picture. The dark face
typical of a "grullo" in othr breeds, could indicate the grey genes,
actually he might be termed an "olive grullo" in quarterhorse or
spanish mustang tems?
Grabbson, if handled properly, cleaned up, trained, and had some
muscle tone, might have certainly placed higher in the evaluation process,
so I have been told. Anyway he has sired some good fjords, it would a
shame to lose him. I suspect he is a much better producing stallion than
many now currently breeding in the US and Canada.
Jean in Sunny but cold Fairbanks, ALaska, +10.
>Grabbson, 18 year old UNTRAINED stallion. Evaluated as red, score 70.
>
>Victor, imported Danish stallion, Evaluated as yellow, score 69. People
have
>told me there is something wrong with his front legs.
>
>Broodmare, 18, broken leg, did not take.
>
>Youngsters. Various ages from foal to 2 year olds. Some of these will be
>high risk depending on their condition.
>
>>From my understanding, his four imports are also being sent to this
auction.
>One, the stallion Victor, has already been mentioned. Tim had also
purchased
>a mare in foal, with a filly at her side, at the same time.
************************************************************
Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 18:31:53 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Grabbson
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hi Listers;
With the news that Tim Hamlett is liquidating his herd I thought I would talk
about my mare, Lena, who is out of Grabbson, Tim' s 18 year old stallion.
>From past post's, you already know how much we love Lena ....... she is the
first mare I have ever owned, first mare in foal I have ever owned and gave
us our first foal, Hasse. From the time we brought her home she has been
easy to work with, I have never been afraid of her, her occassional
"bossiness" is easily dealt with and she is smart!! She was a great mom - is
a good pasture mate - loves attention and grooming.
I feel she is a nice specimen of a fjordhorse - a nice mover - great
temperment - good work ethic - and she is nice to look at.
Lena is by no means "perfect" - but, she did not cost $12,000 either. She
has not been evaluated - will be this fall. While I am interested in her
evaluation score I did not buy her to reproduce - I bought her to ride/drive
and enjoy for many years. Whether I rebreed her is unknown - at this point 5
horses is plenty for me!!!
Some comment has been made about Grabbson not being trained. I have a
quarterhorse that is out of a well known quarterhorse stallion from
Wisconsin. My daughter and I visited the stallions home and discovered he is
not trained - is never ridden - used for breeding only - but, he has thrown
wonderful pleasure prospects in the past 20 years.
If anyone is contemplating buying one of Tim's fjords and would like to see
an offspring of Grabbson please come see my Lena - I would be happy to show
her to you.
Linda Lottie in Corcoran MN
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 16:23:22 -0800
From: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Marketing Fjords, the TWIST!
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Ok, I confess, I watched the last episode of Joe Millionaire. And I was not
even in the "target audience." (They were after the young folks, who like
to spend their money on consumer goods available at WalMart...not tack and
horses, pastureland and hay.) It was really, really boring...but I stuck it
out. And, lo and behold, I was sufficiently repulsed/fascinated that I read
the *follow-up gossip.* Guess what, Zora really liked the horses at the
chateau! Maybe we should send her a group letter recommending she spend
part of her $500K check on a Norwegian Fjord.
Waddya think!
(I am finally out from under the worst pressure....so have time to think of
these things!)
Gail
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 20:11:33 -0500
From: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Waverly Auction, Hamlett Herd
This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Victor, imported Danish stallion, Evaluated as yellow, score 69. People have
> told me there is something wrong with his front legs.
Not that it really matters in this discussion, but just for the sake of
accuracy - the stallion Viktor fra Skarhaug was imported from Norway, not
from Denmark. We were in Nordfjordeid the year that Tim Hamlett bought him
as a yearling.
Lori
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 22:01:44 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: horse logging
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
End of fjordhorse-digest V2003 #51
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Back issues are available by sending the following message to
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