This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello from Wisconsin: My name is Liann Tetzlaff. I live with my husband George on a small farmette in Central Wisconsin nearest to the small town of Fairwater in Green Lake County, which is about 35 min. west of Fond du Lac. My first introduction to the Norwegian Fjord was in 2001 at the Midwest Horse Fair in in Madison WI. As I wandered with girl friends through the horse barns I was immediately drawn to the most unique looking horse I had ever seen. The owner of the handsome steed was inside the stall mucking out and when I inquired about his horse he invited me into the stall to meet him. I wish I could remember the name of the fine horse and owner. I was instantly taken with the friendly nature and smiling face of the Fjord. I watched them in the breed demo later in the day and knew I had to learn more about this beautiful animal. From that point on I researched the fjord horse as a breed and everything I was learning continue to impress and intrigue me, but even better I now had my husband on the fjord band wagon. He figured that any horse whose name so closely matched "FORD" had to be good. I had boarded my last horse and it was a less than positive situation. My quarter horse had fallen ill to "neurological" illness ( a conclusive diagnosis was never found) and after 5 months of varying treatments the heart wrenching decision to let him go to softer, greener pastures had to be made and on May 4, 2000 he was laid to rest. At the time I didn't think I would ever be able to commit to or love a horse again, and I knew that if I did it would have to be in another time and place where I would be able to keep him at home with me. I continued to educate myself on the Norwegian Fjord horse and had several gracious hosts who welcomed us to their farms to see their horses - (Thank you Karen Peterson of Pine River, the Schultz's at Maple Lane Fjords and Sally Korsivig in South Dakota). What a thrill it was to meet all of these very kind people and their horses. All of these visits and research over 2 years time told me that when it was time and life made it possible for us a Norwegian Fjord would be my next horse. Then it happened - in the spring of 2004 we were made an offer on our property that at the time we would have had to been delirious not to accept. We had a matter of weeks to find a new place. Well, low and behold just 5 miles south was our dream come true. A five acre farmette with renovated farm house, a barn set up for a horse with fenced pasture and ll the out-buildings we needed. We snapped er up and quickly named our new home Prairie Wind Farm. After taking Ohhh about 1 week to settle, clean the barn and mend a few spots in the fence it was time to go shopping. Yes, this was better than any Christmas shopping trip I have been on. We were fortunate to find "our boys" less than 50 miles from home. Yes, plural-boys. You see you can't have just one fjord. It just wouldn't be right after all. Thank you to Theresa of Circle S Stock Farms for selling us: Timothy (Grabbson X Guri) & Dustin (Hunibun's Lars X Sweetheart). "Our boys" who quickly stole our heart, and our hats, and gloves, and the dogs jolly ball.... They arrived home on July 2, 2004 at 10 & 11 months old. We have watched them grow in girth, mind and spirit and enjoyed every minute of it for we too have grown in our "horsey" habits. Last summer I began my "formal" ground training. I have never started a young horse, but with Parelli level one, Rfd TV, and every once of information and advice I can get my hands on I head to the round pen for what just could end up being the most rewarding experience of my life. That is why I joined this list, where better to get solid advice than from the fjord experienced. I am a green horn with a passion for my horses, getting it done right and no more confidence than a barn mouse being stared down by the resident cats, but hey is that not what life is about? We work with what we have, improve what needs improving, always work with kind hands and words and make friends along the way. I have days where my jitters do get the better of me, but with my forgiving and eager fjords I can't miss. I envision long leisurely trail rides, driving into town in a shiny new cart only to stop for an ice cream, and when ready take on the adventure of participating in local parades. Simple dream really! Right? I thought so. I do believe I have overstayed my welcome and really need to wrap this up. I thank you for your time and patience and look forward to being a part of your forum. Until next time - hug your horses and Happy Trails. P.S. If I have misspelled any one's name mentioned I do apologize. Thank you.
The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
