This message is from: "Dave Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Everything that everyone has been talking about as Fjords for kids is true with ANY breed. Why do you just say Fjords. Sheri Kane hit the nail on the head, it is a respect issue. That is true with any breed, just like she said. So the Fjords will show their strength or go their own way if they don't respect you. Do you know what other breeds do, bolt, rear, buck, bite, they too will shove, evade the bit, etc etc etc. Fjords can do these too, but for the most part they get "bully". I am a 4H leader, I see all year long what other breeds do with kids. Some kids are naturally talented both in the saddle and handling horses, they are strongwilled and let the horse know it, other kids are timid and afraid. Guess who has the problems? Those timid kids want to ride, but they literally just want to be a passenger up there. They command no respect from the horse. Those are the kids that need the most well broke honest horse around. Basically most kids don't want to "learn" to ride they just want to ride. Think it has to do with the "I want things now" mentality of our society. Kids have to be taught HOW to handle horses, along with riding. I agree that young Fjords and young kids aren't the best answer. I tell buyers please go out and buy an older well trained suitable horse for your child, any breed.
I just think we sometimes forget that Fjords are horses. A good majority are great horses for kids and a lot aren't. You need to know your horse and your kid. I think the breed in general is by far better off better for kids than other breeds. I have had several other breeds of horses and see the Fjords as the best with kids yet. I have had some of my 4H'ers bring my horses to shows. I have had some take lessons and even some have bought some Fjords for their kids. We even have taken many out on trail rides. I THANK GOD, and I mean that, nothing has ever happened, not even close. I contribute that to the Fjords! When I was in Germany, a large stable there gives riding lessons to kids. I believe they have something like 100 kids a week. He has been doing it for 30 yrs, NEVER having a serious accident, he too said it was due to having FJORDS. They also teach the kids VAULTING on the horse. Think you better have a steady breed to do what he is doing, he knows it, that is why he has Fjords. Being a breeder, trainer, and active in our local Fjord club. The biggest thing that gets me with this breed is the lack of thinking these are horses. I think when we have them for a while we forget how other breeds are, and/or we forget they are a horse. All different with their own personality and disposition. My Fjord may not be like my neighbors, in looks, color and disposition/personality. One Fjord is not the same as every Fjord. That is what a horse in general is, in any breed. You have to consider personality and disposition. I have not had much terrible with my Fjords, I expect them to behave. No ifs, ands or buts. I have had trouble with outside Fjords coming in for training. I know, Rich Monheim who is a certified John Lyons trainer in Eagle River Wi would say the same thing. A lot of very disrespectful Fjords, who's owners have not taught them to be respectful. Fjords are horses, they are very smart animals and will walk all over you, your child, whomever if you let them. Please people learn HOW to teach your horse manners. If you send it off to a trainer, learn from them, otherwise that horse will come back home and within days or hours it will be the same as before, walking all over you. I guess I should get down from my soap box. I could go on and on but I think (hope) I got my message across without anything get mixed up in cyberspace. Patti Jo Walter Francis Creek Fjords Two Rivers WI
