Winona
This message is from: "Dave and Patti Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> SECONDS to Mike and Renee -the Show on Sat. Night at Winona was UNBELIEVE, THE BEST SHOW EVER and I am not just talking Best Fjord Show, I'm talking BEST PERFORMANCE BY ANY BREED. JUST AN AWESOME AWESOME SHOW. There are not words to describe how incredible it was to see such versatility, creativity, and best of all DISPOSITION in this breed. I was proud to be in it with my stallion, Fair Acres Ole, we did vaulting off of him with two teenage girls, Keelie Finnel and Megan Holschbach. They did all sorts of moves on him, even dismounting with spread eagles and round off's off of him, I'm VERY PROUD to own such a GREAT stallion to allow us to do WHATEVER we want to and with him. IT JUST MAKE YOU PROUD-watching this show- TO OWN A FJORD PERIOD! Beth Beymer and her crew were outstanding in all their performances, actually just as Mike said A the acts were outstanding, it was just amazing to watch. I don't wish to leave anyone out as EVERY ACT was GREAT!Several times people were giving standing ovations. If that was all we did all week it would have been well worth coming hours and hours just to see and/or be in this event. BUT.that was not all there was, the horse show had SEVERAL outstanding horses in the classes, from riding, to driving to draft, to dressage, it was wonderful to see top quality Fjord horses. I thought the stallion review was wonderful. Believe it ended up to be 27 stallions at Winona. That is quite the record, to all be in one place. They were AL VERY well behaved I might add too. AND let me tell you, we had TIGHT quarters with little to no warm up area, due to cold weather. Sowe all had to warm up with stallions, mares, geldings all together in tight quarters. You really would not have been able to tell which horses were the stallions, unless you looked underneath, they were all that quiet. The banquet was totally enjoyed by all, our European quests were the highlight of the evening. Educating us with their knowledge and joining us closer in our unity as their love for this breed is quite evident. I'm home now, grateful to be here, there is nothing like home, but am thrilled to have been a part of this great event. Lots of hard work went into it. Those in every aspect should know they did a job well done. It never could have come together without all those that volunteered. Some minor problems along the way, some Major weather glitches, BUT...as usual our horses put up with it all and EVERYONE should be proud to be a Fjord Owner! I know I am Patti Jo Walter Francis Creek Fjords Two Rivers WI Back to work tomorrow :-) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Catching up
This message is from: "sandra church" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi-I've finally caught up with the reading of several months of posts & whew, many of you have been very busy! Loki & I have been enjoying some unique ventures. We had a blast last summer at the Fjord Fun Festival at Blowing Rock & plan to go back next year. We've participated in horse camping & in trail obstacle clinics & trail riding at unique places such as Chippokes Plantation where we could ride on the sandy beach of the James River and we rode at Hogs Island Wildlife Refuge. What an experience to have to go through the Surry Nuclear Power Plant check point to get to the refuge...serious looking men with big guns checked out everything for explosives! Although we don't show, we get to do a variety of fun things. I do have a question...does anyone know how Alex Wind is doing? I've emailed her but haven't heard back. So Alex, if you're reading this...how are you??? Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone. Sandra & Loki in Va. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
25th Celebration
This message is from: "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It is over and it was wonderful! It was great to see so many people with whom I have corresponded or talked with over several years as well as seeing friends from my years at Blue Earth. I, as a board member, couldn't have been more proud with how well the whole event came together. It was a first class affair and does the everyone in the NFHR proud. Susan Cargill as event manager for the last few months and Curt Pierce who did a lot of upfront planning as the previous event manager are to be congratulated. Susan, in particular, brought the whole thing together and gave it a final polish that was just awesome. And, what to say about Beth Beymer's organization and personal participation the Night of Dancing Fjords. I was expecting something great but that hardly describes how fun and wonderful it was. Our International visitors were very impressed. The people from the surrounding area who came were extremly impressed and there was standing room only. So now back to Omaha tomorrow and then back home on Tues. to my critter family whom I miss. But the memories will be with me a long time. The trip was totally worth it. -- Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM Check out nfhr.com for 25th Anniversary Souvenirs personal: [EMAIL PROTECTED] NFHR: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.geocities.com/cmadden88011 My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am... The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: (FjordList) What to do, what to do?
This message is from: "Linda Lottie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jamie..I missed this story..can you email me privately and share? Thanks.Linda Baker Lottie From: Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: (FjordList) What to do, what to do? Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 05:32:37 -0700 (PDT) This message is from: Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jamie, if you don't mind my asking, how did you end up with these two anyway? I know that I am probably in the minority but unless you can find someone to take them who would give them a good home, I think you should feel some responsibility to them because you took them in the first place. I rescue chows and when I take a chow, I keep that chow until I can find a suitable home and if that doesn't happen, I keep it until it dies. Sometimes that becomes stressful or inconvenient for me. I have a chow that I took that has glaucoma, is blind in one eye, had heartworm disease, had periodontal disease, has required expensive veterinary and vet opthalmology care and still gets 3 kinds of eyedrops twice a day. On top of that, he decided after about 6 months that he didn't like one of the other dogs and attacks him if they get together. I could go on about some of his other character defects. I didn't know what his problems were when I took him but knew he was likely to have so! me problems. Unfortunately, I know that no one in their right mind would take this dog but to me, he has redeeming qualities as well and he is enjoying his life so I feel that I have a responsibility to him. Some people may say " well, you must not have anything else to do" In fact, I am quite busy with 4 dogs, 3 horses- two of which I compete in dressage and until recently was the only pediatric infectious diseases specialist between Tampa and Miami. I just have a soft spot for animals especially ones with special needs. There are other people like me and you might find someone who would give your two fjords a good home. Until then, I think you should focus on their positive qualities and provide for them the best you can. I don't think it is right to euthanize an animal just because they are not perfect or have become inconvenient. I think if they are in pain or are so unmanageable that they are dangerous then you might consider that as a solution. Robin in SW FL - Original Message From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 12:26:03 PM Subject: Re: (FjordList) What to do, what to do? This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Ellen, Well, I actually have two other retired ponies in addition to Heidi and Brecken - I really don't have a problem keeping ponies I can't use, it's just that these two can cause so much stress. I don't see them being suitable as pasture ornaments for anyone else, either. While they are sweet and friendly (I realize I didn't make this clear in my first e-mail, but they really are...while they're obnoxious at times, they can be so sweet too), they are expensive to maintain. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to take them on knowing the problems. I don't think they're unhappy...which is part of what makes my decision so difficult. Believe me, if I thought they were suffering, I wouldn't hesitate to put them down. I just don't feel like it's fair to do that to a pair of animals that, while full of problems, seem happy and comfortable most of the time. I have thought about retirement homes and rescues as well, but if I'm still going to be responsible for them it really doesn't make things easier. I'd just be trading time for money. As far as rescues go...that, to me, is another "give up" option that I just don't feel right about. They would not be easy to place, and I'd be concerned that they wouldn't receive the care they need as it pricey. I know not all places are shady...but I'm such a worrier. Jamie In the Mountains SW of Denver, CO In a message dated 10/13/2006 3:14:50 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jamie, This is such a hard question. What's wisdom here? All I can think of are a couple of counter questions like: 1) Can it be financially done to have another sound horse to use for riding and keep the two others as pasture ornaments? 2) If not, Is their health such that they can be sold? Will they at least make a good pasture ornament for others? 3) Or is their health so bad that it's almost impossible to keep them happy? IE are they suffering mentally or physically? 4) Would you consider a retirement home/animal welfare home for them? The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw _ Share you
Re: WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike, It would be really great if someone with the talent for editing could put together a half hour or hour program to send to RFD-TV and try to get them to run it. They have national shows for other breeds on quite often. This sounds like there would be enough to submit several programs. Barb Lynch -- Original message from "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: -- > This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" > > At 02:41 PM 10/15/2006, you wrote: > >This message is from: Ellen Barry > > > >Yes, rub it in.(LOL) > >Wish I could have been there. > >Can't wait for the Video? (DVD???) > > The whole event was video taped so yes there will be DVD's available > for those of you that could not attend. There will probably be at > least 3 of them the way it looks right now. One of them will be the > Dancing with Fjords event & I am sure there will be a way to > purchase the whole set too. > > Mike > > >Ellen. > > > > > >- Original Message > >From: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" > >To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com > >Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:38:23 AM > >Subject: WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! > > > > > >This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" > > > >Well any of you that missed the "Dancing With Fjords" event last > >night in Winona, MN missed the most awesome display of fjords ever > >presented for sure in North America & maybe in the World. > > > >I can't say enough or find the words to explain how impressive it > >really was. We were entertained for 2 hours by non stop beauty & > >then action & comedy all rolled up into the best show ever. Talk > >about Versatility!!! WOW again... > > > >It started out with a color guard procession with people & Fjords > >parading in with the flags of all of the countries that were > >represented. I am sure I will miss someone but there were guests > >there from Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, > >Scotland, Switzerland and probably some that I have missed. if I did > >I am sorry & please someone let me know. > > > >Then the Norwegian Wedding procession started out. All in Norwegian > >costumes and too beautiful to describe in words. By the way no one > >really got married but they were a pretty good looking couple. > > > >"How the West was Won" was very exciting with roping, riding, sliding > >stops, barrel racing etc all going on at the same time. > > > >Following them then we were entertained by Teams of 4 & 6 horse > >hitches - 6 horses pulling a stagecoach, 4 horses pulling very large > >logs around the arena and then a 4 abreast pulling a wagon which then > >came back in and showed us how to get someplace in a hurry. Thanks > >to Rich Hotovy, Mike Sadlon & Bob Gudknecht with Bob & Sally > >Kjorsivg's Stagecoach. And of course all of the behind the scenes > >people doing all of the real work. > > > >Then there were other 4 in hands driven by Dave McWethy & Jeff > >Pedersen. Dave's was put together with 4 white duns > > > >We had a single handed driving demo (Aachen Bach style) by Henrich > >Dahl of Denmark also that was very elegant. > > > >Then there was the Circus Circus act - Just plain fun. These guys > >really put on a show- tricks, horses rearing, vaulting & much more. > > > >Marsha Korose did a "Hot Wheels" demo of some very fast driving as a > >CDE demo in a cow pasture - again you had to be there to see > >it. (There was an unfortunate accident in the ring during the setup > >of the cows when Curt Pierce went down & almost had to be shot right > >there in the ring!) (just kidding of course) > > > >Sammie Poirier put on a Roman Riding demo (standing on the backs > >of two horses & riding the horses with only halters on - no bits at > >all in their mouths. Simply amazing and very impressive > >indeed. This was while Beth Beymer was riding a "Reverse Ridden Unicorn" > > > >Then there was the Jump for the Fun of it - in the dark with lights > >on the horses & lit jumps held by 4 crazy volunteers. Very cool also. > > > >The DQ crew was also very impressive with Lauren Chumley & Beth > >Beymer putting on a very impressive dressage demo. > > > >Then we were surprised to learn that Fjords can play soccer in the > >World cup Fjord Soccer match that pitted the Red team against the > >Blue team. The red team did win with a 1 - 0 lead. These horses > >really liked playing with that 5 foot high soccer ball too! > > > >The Starfire Farm Quadrille team wound up the evening with an amazing > >performance. There is no describing it I am afraid you just had to > >be there for it. Just plain Awesome! > > > >I am sure I have left some of the acts out of this but they were all > >very entertaining & very memorable for sure. I wish all of you could > >have been here to see it. There was video taken of it & I think it > >will be available soon for sale from NFHR. > > > >Than
Re: WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 02:41 PM 10/15/2006, you wrote: This message is from: Ellen Barry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes, rub it in.(LOL) Wish I could have been there. Can't wait for the Video? (DVD???) The whole event was video taped so yes there will be DVD's available for those of you that could not attend. There will probably be at least 3 of them the way it looks right now. One of them will be the Dancing with Fjords event & I am sure there will be a way to purchase the whole set too. Mike Ellen. - Original Message From: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:38:23 AM Subject: WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Well any of you that missed the "Dancing With Fjords" event last night in Winona, MN missed the most awesome display of fjords ever presented for sure in North America & maybe in the World. I can't say enough or find the words to explain how impressive it really was. We were entertained for 2 hours by non stop beauty & then action & comedy all rolled up into the best show ever. Talk about Versatility!!! WOW again... It started out with a color guard procession with people & Fjords parading in with the flags of all of the countries that were represented. I am sure I will miss someone but there were guests there from Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland and probably some that I have missed. if I did I am sorry & please someone let me know. Then the Norwegian Wedding procession started out. All in Norwegian costumes and too beautiful to describe in words. By the way no one really got married but they were a pretty good looking couple. "How the West was Won" was very exciting with roping, riding, sliding stops, barrel racing etc all going on at the same time. Following them then we were entertained by Teams of 4 & 6 horse hitches - 6 horses pulling a stagecoach, 4 horses pulling very large logs around the arena and then a 4 abreast pulling a wagon which then came back in and showed us how to get someplace in a hurry. Thanks to Rich Hotovy, Mike Sadlon & Bob Gudknecht with Bob & Sally Kjorsivg's Stagecoach. And of course all of the behind the scenes people doing all of the real work. Then there were other 4 in hands driven by Dave McWethy & Jeff Pedersen. Dave's was put together with 4 white duns We had a single handed driving demo (Aachen Bach style) by Henrich Dahl of Denmark also that was very elegant. Then there was the Circus Circus act - Just plain fun. These guys really put on a show- tricks, horses rearing, vaulting & much more. Marsha Korose did a "Hot Wheels" demo of some very fast driving as a CDE demo in a cow pasture - again you had to be there to see it. (There was an unfortunate accident in the ring during the setup of the cows when Curt Pierce went down & almost had to be shot right there in the ring!) (just kidding of course) Sammie Poirier put on a Roman Riding demo (standing on the backs of two horses & riding the horses with only halters on - no bits at all in their mouths. Simply amazing and very impressive indeed. This was while Beth Beymer was riding a "Reverse Ridden Unicorn" Then there was the Jump for the Fun of it - in the dark with lights on the horses & lit jumps held by 4 crazy volunteers. Very cool also. The DQ crew was also very impressive with Lauren Chumley & Beth Beymer putting on a very impressive dressage demo. Then we were surprised to learn that Fjords can play soccer in the World cup Fjord Soccer match that pitted the Red team against the Blue team. The red team did win with a 1 - 0 lead. These horses really liked playing with that 5 foot high soccer ball too! The Starfire Farm Quadrille team wound up the evening with an amazing performance. There is no describing it I am afraid you just had to be there for it. Just plain Awesome! I am sure I have left some of the acts out of this but they were all very entertaining & very memorable for sure. I wish all of you could have been here to see it. There was video taken of it & I think it will be available soon for sale from NFHR. Thanks to all of you who helped put this together for the NFHR's 25th Anniversary & especially Beth Beymer who put it all together for us. Also a big round of thanks to all of our international guests for coming & celebrating with us. And of course without Susan Cargill (who I know doesn't want any recognition for this) as our Chair person none of this would have come off. thank you Susan (& Jim) from the bottom of our hearts. Mike & Renee, from Winona, MN === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar PO Box 685 Webster, NY 14580-0685 Voice 585-872-4114 FAX 585-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] The FjordHo
Re: WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Well any of you that missed the "Dancing With Fjords" event last night in Winona, MN missed the most awesome display of fjords ever presented for sure in North America & maybe in the World. Mike THANKS for the recap Mike.. sounds wonderful! Glad there will be a chance for a DVD re-run. Ruthie, nw mt The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: blanketing in winter
This message is from: "Teressa Kandianis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mine appear to be mostly Weatherbeetas of different models and styles. I also just buy at the end of the season and usually just use a medium weight blanket or rain sheet. I also sometimes use a cooler under to absorb the sweat. I didn't like the high necked blankets I've bought as they just crushed the lower part of the mane. I bought a couple on sale a few years ago and ended up having them cut down to a normal neckline. I have a couple of heavy blankets for the really cold, wet, blowing snow weather we have for a couple of weeks every winter. The only time I've blanketed the horses at home in the pasture that aren't clipped is if the weather is icky and they are going to be ridden the next day - and that is just for my convenience, not their comfort. The first couple of rainsheets I bought, I bought cheap ones and they needed lots of repair to be reused and then didn't last another season. The Weatherbeetas rarely need a repair and clean up nicely. I also wash my coolers in my home washing machine (also my saddle pads which means I need to wash another load or two of water after to get rid of all the hair) but the blankets go out for washing. My little 13.3 mare wears a 72 but her 15 hh brother needs a 75 in some brands. As an aside, the Canadian tack shop, Greenhawk, has a very reasonable line of blankets that have fab colors and are lined with a cooler like material - I haven't used mine heavily as I save it for shows. But its like a durable rain sheet material with an extra layer for warmth and for absorption of sweat. The rust color is great on my little mare. Teressa -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 8:48 AM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: RE: blanketing in winter This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I also have some interest in this issue, and I wonder if Teressa and others who do blanket could suggest some brands that actually FIT Fjord bodies? The standard blankets I've tried are just not broad enough across the chest to accommodate my boy's big neck and shoulders. The larger sizes that are broad enough are just too long in the body... Thanks for any suggestions! Cindy Kalamazoo, MI -- Original message -- From: "Teressa Kandianis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Teressa Kandianis" > > I clip my mare who is stalled and with paddock turnout in the winter - > though this year, her winter coat came on in August and I clipped her in > early September - I clipped a total close body clip except for a patch under > the saddle and it has already grown out quite a bit. My fjords at home > won't get clipped unless they are working and we usually start with chest > and neck and work from there depending on the level of work. They are in an > open stall with a paddock at home and often stand out in the rain or snow > instead of going in. Or are finally getting to graze once the grass loses > its potency in late fall. The difficulty with not clipping is that it takes > forever for them to cool off and dry out in cold, wet, windy weather as you > can't just put a blanket on them with them still soaking wet. Mine keep > their blankets on pretty well - they are no more hard on them than the other > breeds at my training barn. But the winter blankets always need a good > repair job when they get cleaned - I've found the inexpensive ones end up > costing more as the hardware pulls out and they rip more easily than the > higher priced ones. > > We're lucky though with fjords that unless we change the climate for them > (as in moving to Florida or clipping them for our convenience), they do just > fine with their own coats. > Teressa in Ferndale, WA > > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ellen Barry > Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 6:58 AM > To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com > Subject: Re: blanketing in winter > > > This message is from: Ellen Barry > > Robin, > should I do the same here in TN? If so; > which parts do you clip, how short do you clip it? (Like down to the skin or > do you leave some) Perhaps you have a picture of what they look like > clipped? > Thanks, Ellen. > > - Original Message > From: Robin Churchill > To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com > Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 7:49:19 AM > Subject: Re: blanketing in winter > > > This message is from: Robin Churchill > > If you are going to work him significantly in the winter then he will sweat > and you will have to spend time every day getting him dry after you ride if > that is even possible with a heavy fjord coat or clip him. If you clip him > then you have to blanket him to protect him from the weather. I have always > ridden in the winter even when I lived up north and was lucky enough to have > access to an indoor arena so I have always clipped m
Re: What to do, what to do?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Having been in the situation twice with cats of being told the best thing would be to put them down, that is an agonizing decision to try to make. (In my case, where the situation was a dreadful physical one, the cat was put down. Where the situation was an emotional/behavioral one, we kept the cat and worked with it and found a good home). I'm not clear from your posts whether the stress is more from dealing with the physical issues, or the behavioral ones. If it's behavior - and you decide it's best to keep them, I would invest a bit more money in getting some good natural horsemanship based training that focuses on ground manners. Even if their intelligence seems a bit compromised in connection with some of the other breeding issues, you may be able to greatly improve their manageability. Kate The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Well any of you that missed the "Dancing With Fjords" event last night in Winona, MN missed the most awesome display of fjords ever presented for sure in North America & maybe in the World. I can't say enough or find the words to explain how impressive it really was. We were entertained for 2 hours by non stop beauty & then action & comedy all rolled up into the best show ever. Talk about Versatility!!! WOW again... It started out with a color guard procession with people & Fjords parading in with the flags of all of the countries that were represented. I am sure I will miss someone but there were guests there from Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland and probably some that I have missed. if I did I am sorry & please someone let me know. Then the Norwegian Wedding procession started out. All in Norwegian costumes and too beautiful to describe in words. By the way no one really got married but they were a pretty good looking couple. "How the West was Won" was very exciting with roping, riding, sliding stops, barrel racing etc all going on at the same time. Following them then we were entertained by Teams of 4 & 6 horse hitches - 6 horses pulling a stagecoach, 4 horses pulling very large logs around the arena and then a 4 abreast pulling a wagon which then came back in and showed us how to get someplace in a hurry. Thanks to Rich Hotovy, Mike Sadlon & Bob Gudknecht with Bob & Sally Kjorsivg's Stagecoach. And of course all of the behind the scenes people doing all of the real work. Then there were other 4 in hands driven by Dave McWethy & Jeff Pedersen. Dave's was put together with 4 white duns We had a single handed driving demo (Aachen Bach style) by Henrich Dahl of Denmark also that was very elegant. Then there was the Circus Circus act - Just plain fun. These guys really put on a show- tricks, horses rearing, vaulting & much more. Marsha Korose did a "Hot Wheels" demo of some very fast driving as a CDE demo in a cow pasture - again you had to be there to see it. (There was an unfortunate accident in the ring during the setup of the cows when Curt Pierce went down & almost had to be shot right there in the ring!) (just kidding of course) Sammie Poirier put on a Roman Riding demo (standing on the backs of two horses & riding the horses with only halters on - no bits at all in their mouths. Simply amazing and very impressive indeed. This was while Beth Beymer was riding a "Reverse Ridden Unicorn" Then there was the Jump for the Fun of it - in the dark with lights on the horses & lit jumps held by 4 crazy volunteers. Very cool also. The DQ crew was also very impressive with Lauren Chumley & Beth Beymer putting on a very impressive dressage demo. Then we were surprised to learn that Fjords can play soccer in the World cup Fjord Soccer match that pitted the Red team against the Blue team. The red team did win with a 1 - 0 lead. These horses really liked playing with that 5 foot high soccer ball too! The Starfire Farm Quadrille team wound up the evening with an amazing performance. There is no describing it I am afraid you just had to be there for it. Just plain Awesome! I am sure I have left some of the acts out of this but they were all very entertaining & very memorable for sure. I wish all of you could have been here to see it. There was video taken of it & I think it will be available soon for sale from NFHR. Thanks to all of you who helped put this together for the NFHR's 25th Anniversary & especially Beth Beymer who put it all together for us. Also a big round of thanks to all of our international guests for coming & celebrating with us. And of course without Susan Cargill (who I know doesn't want any recognition for this) as our Chair person none of this would have come off. thank you Susan (& Jim) from the bottom of our hearts. Mike & Renee, from Winona, MN === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar PO Box 685 Webster, NY 14580-0685 Voice 585-872-4114 FAX 585-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: (FjordList) What to do, what to do?
This message is from: Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jamie, if you don't mind my asking, how did you end up with these two anyway? I know that I am probably in the minority but unless you can find someone to take them who would give them a good home, I think you should feel some responsibility to them because you took them in the first place. I rescue chows and when I take a chow, I keep that chow until I can find a suitable home and if that doesn't happen, I keep it until it dies. Sometimes that becomes stressful or inconvenient for me. I have a chow that I took that has glaucoma, is blind in one eye, had heartworm disease, had periodontal disease, has required expensive veterinary and vet opthalmology care and still gets 3 kinds of eyedrops twice a day. On top of that, he decided after about 6 months that he didn't like one of the other dogs and attacks him if they get together. I could go on about some of his other character defects. I didn't know what his problems were when I took him but knew he was likely to have so! me problems. Unfortunately, I know that no one in their right mind would take this dog but to me, he has redeeming qualities as well and he is enjoying his life so I feel that I have a responsibility to him. Some people may say " well, you must not have anything else to do" In fact, I am quite busy with 4 dogs, 3 horses- two of which I compete in dressage and until recently was the only pediatric infectious diseases specialist between Tampa and Miami. I just have a soft spot for animals especially ones with special needs. There are other people like me and you might find someone who would give your two fjords a good home. Until then, I think you should focus on their positive qualities and provide for them the best you can. I don't think it is right to euthanize an animal just because they are not perfect or have become inconvenient. I think if they are in pain or are so unmanageable that they are dangerous then you might consider that as a solution. Robin in SW FL - Original Message From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 12:26:03 PM Subject: Re: (FjordList) What to do, what to do? This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Ellen, Well, I actually have two other retired ponies in addition to Heidi and Brecken - I really don't have a problem keeping ponies I can't use, it's just that these two can cause so much stress. I don't see them being suitable as pasture ornaments for anyone else, either. While they are sweet and friendly (I realize I didn't make this clear in my first e-mail, but they really are...while they're obnoxious at times, they can be so sweet too), they are expensive to maintain. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to take them on knowing the problems. I don't think they're unhappy...which is part of what makes my decision so difficult. Believe me, if I thought they were suffering, I wouldn't hesitate to put them down. I just don't feel like it's fair to do that to a pair of animals that, while full of problems, seem happy and comfortable most of the time. I have thought about retirement homes and rescues as well, but if I'm still going to be responsible for them it really doesn't make things easier. I'd just be trading time for money. As far as rescues go...that, to me, is another "give up" option that I just don't feel right about. They would not be easy to place, and I'd be concerned that they wouldn't receive the care they need as it pricey. I know not all places are shady...but I'm such a worrier. Jamie In the Mountains SW of Denver, CO In a message dated 10/13/2006 3:14:50 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jamie, This is such a hard question. What's wisdom here? All I can think of are a couple of counter questions like: 1) Can it be financially done to have another sound horse to use for riding and keep the two others as pasture ornaments? 2) If not, Is their health such that they can be sold? Will they at least make a good pasture ornament for others? 3) Or is their health so bad that it's almost impossible to keep them happy? IE are they suffering mentally or physically? 4) Would you consider a retirement home/animal welfare home for them? The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw