This message is from: "Karen Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Dear List:
Thanks to everyone who replied to my inquiry both on and off list. Although
I don't know anything further about my new mare, you were all very positive.
I once again marvel at having a community of friends whom I've never met
yet receive such support.
To amend my last listing, however, let me say I suspect she may be from
Nevada, not New Mexico -- OOPS! The reason I suspect that is it turns out
my gelding, which I bought from this same auction last fall, came from the
same folks in Fruita or Grand Junction as this mare. The gelding was bred
in Baker, Nevada, and is FBA registered.
To those of you who didn't think she was quite 200 lbs. overweight, here's
where I get that. My gelding weighs right at 1,000 lbs. according to the
body weight tape. The mare weighed (on purchase) 1,239 lbs. They are both
the same height, although the mare is always going to be draftier than the
gelding. Remember, these two are both just under 14hh, so they're not big
Fjords. The mare has fat pads over her hips, at the base of her tail, and
around the shoulders and elbows. Since she's been here (a month), the
bottom side of her neck has loosened up, kind of like a wattle. I assume
this is a good sign. She's been started to work in harness (I had to have a
bigger girth made for her so she'd fit in my stuff!), and that work should
aide in bringing the weight down to an acceptable range. Don't worry -- I
won't starve her or overwork a fat, unfit pony. :^)
BTW, last weekend I decided to take her out for a Sunday ride. Put my son
(very non-horsey) on my gelding, and since none of my saddles fit my mare, I
decided to ride bareback with a hackamore. Her first time off my property,
and she was a peach. About halfway around the block she thought we should
turn around and go home. You know, stop, turn around, back up. Urging
forward with heels wasn't convincing her to go forward, so I tapped her
behind my leg with an open hand. Oh, she said, fine, I'll go forward. We
got a little way farther and she stopped again. This time just slapping my
thigh got her moving forward. This kind of rebellion I can live with. :^)
Once again, thanks to all who replied. I'll keep you updated on what's
happening and if I find out anything further.
Cheers!
Karen
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