Re: Carol's Comments re MUCH MORE PUBLICITY the Gypsy Horse
This message is from: Arthur Rivoire [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - Val Littfin wrote a one of the most interesting and informative posts I've ever read on the List. -- It was in response to my posting about our need for MORE PUBLICITY and my citing the Gypsy Horse breed organizations wildly effective promotional programs. I apologise for any inaccuracies in my comparisons of the Fjord and the Gypsy horse. When I was writing it, I was aware that there was a lot I didn't know about the breed, but my aim was to show what a terrific job the Gypsy Horse breed organizations and the breeders were doing to promote their breed, and by comparison to them (and most other breeds) what a dismal job the NFHR was doing. My posting to the list was in response to the impressive spread on the Gypsy Horse in the Equine Journal magazine --- Eleven pages 47 photos! -- It was extraordinarily effective in making any magazine reader 100% aware of the Gypsy Horse breed. -- And my first impression on seeing this was -- What's the matter with Fjord people and the Fjord Registry? Well, all I can say is that the Fjord people should take a long, hard look at what the Gypsy Horse breeders and organizations are doing, because they're doing things right! They are promoting their breed, and supporting their breeders. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN THE FJORD BREED! At Beaver Dam Farm, we've been working away promoting this breed for 25 years with almost no support from the NFHR. All Fjord breeders deserve much more than we've gotten all these years --- In fact, it's not just breeders who deserve more --- All owners and NFHR members deserve much more. - Promotion is the name of the game! And I believe PRINT PROMOTION is the most effective because more people get to see it than see other forms of promtion; such as breed demos. Most definitely, demos are important and very valuable, but the fact remains that more people see ads in big publications. People have said that - getting out and doing it - is the best breed promotion. -- I agree that without those people doing it, the promotion would be only so much hot air. But, I don't agree that showing is the most efficient way of promoting, simply because not enough people get to see the good performances. However, if good, professional photos are taken of those good performances, they can be used in very effective ads for the breed. Still photos can be studied by people looking for certain characteristics in a horse breed. A collage of really good photos on a page (or double page) showing different horses, different riders/drivers/different ages doing good stuff is IMPRESSIVE and those images will be kept and remembered. This video the NFHR is doing may be good, but is it the best use of OUR money? And it is OUR money! -- The video will be promoted in the Herald, for sure. -- That's good as far as it goes, but it's definitely preaching to the already converted. --- Will it be promoted in the big horse publications? Hopefully, but how much impact will it have That depends on how big and well-done the video ad is - - Speaking as someone who has advertised heavily promoting the Fjord breed over the last 25 years, I can tell you that teeney weeney ads just don't get noticed. --- They're lost amidst the big, splashy full-page or multiple page ads. I suggest this video be marketed in conjunction WITH the big, splashy full-page or double-page ads the NFHR should run. The wonderful performance photos will attract attention to the breed, and to the video which will bemuch more attractive given the preview the photos will have provided. Please do not forget, and DO NOT let the NFHR forget that their Mission Statement is --- . . . . . EDUCATION and PROMOTIONof the breed. ~ I have a couple of questions regarding this new NFHR video which is in the works - ~~~ What's it all about? --- I heard it was going to be a dressage video with tapes from Ann Appleby --- Were any other dressage riders asked to contribute. Riders such as Lori Albrough and Elaine Olsen. If it's not going to be a Dressage Video, but a versatility, performance video, then I'd like to know what riders, drivers, and horses are going to be on this video? -- And, AGAIN, did the NFHR ask for membership input and contributions? I would have thought that if such a video were in the planning stages that an announcement would have been made and contributions and suggestions from the full membership would have been solicited and considered. Don't you think so? IT'S OUR MONEY OUR REGISTRY! And speaking of money --- I believe the Mane Cutting video cost somewhere around $5,000. Is that so? How much will this new one cost? - How many people will end up seeing this video? - Will they be
Novice questions + Carol's comments.
This message is from: Janne Myrdal [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lynda temp. from Texas. I for one, am glad you posted these questions. They are not novice to me, but very well put and even though I've had my fjords for several years now, I will look forward to the numerous answers I am sure you will get, as I am curious about alot of the same stuff. Thanks for posting them. P.S. You should have cheked out N. Dakota before you decided where to move, smile. And as for Carol and her educational pedigree postings, KEEP IT UP, please! It is very educational to those of us not having been in the breed for long. I for one am eating up all I can get from Norway, Holland etc, so I will know how to ever proceed if I breed my mares again, and to find the stuff I am looking for. You should be proud of your breeding as I hope all of us should be, and as for eloquent writing, it is refreshing in a world of mostly movies, videos, nintendos and lack of good language. Greetings from Janne in N. Dakota where it was 10 below this morning, and I am jazzed to see my coming two year old gelding Tinngutten doing just great ground driving etc.
Novice questions + Carol's comments.
This message is from: Janne Myrdal [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lynda temp. from Texas. I for one, am glad you posted these questions. They are not novice to me, but very well put and even though I've had my fjords for several years now, I will look forward to the numerous answers I am sure you will get, as I am curious about alot of the same stuff. Thanks for posting them. P.S. You should have cheked out N. Dakota before you decided where to move, smile. And as for Carol and her educational pedigree postings, KEEP IT UP, please! It is very educational to those of us not having been in the breed for long. I for one am eaqting up all I can get from Norway, Holland etc, so I will know how to ever proceed if I breed my mares again, and to find the stuff I am looking for. You should be proud of your breeding as I hope all of us should be, and as for eloquent writing, it is refreshing in a world of mostly movies, videos, nintendos and lack of good language. Greetings from Janne in N. Dakota where it was 10 below this morning, and I am jazzed to see my coming two year old gelding Tinngutten doing just great ground driving etc.
Re: Re. Carol's comments on chat room ethics etc.
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) Hi, I am new and just checking in. Have lost my Fjord recently and have been heartsick. So trying to find another. We were at second level dressage, driving, jumping, tugging, western and trail. Jean Gayle Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re. Carol's comments on chat room ethics etc.
This message is from: Myrdal Bros [EMAIL PROTECTED] greetings from the first blizzard in North Dakota. Horses are tucked in for the winter, - and so are we. I'm a bit late in responding to the following, but had not checked in for a while, - Carol, please keep putting horses for sale on here, - I think it is very interesting as well as educating to read, both bloodlines and training levels. So, tho I do not speak up often, I give my vote for letting people advertize on here, including equipment etc. And since we're at it, for anyone in the upper mid-west, we have a beautiful yearling for sale. Smile!! Janne Myrdal Edinburg, ND
Carol's comments.
This message is from: Pat Wolfe [EMAIL PROTECTED] I agree l00% with Carol's comments cancerning Wayne and Jim. They are the most knowledgable judges in North America of the Fjord horse. These two people have judged thousands of horses over the years. They both have an eye that can pick up any fault a horse may have. I was fortunate enough to be at the 1996 Worlds Judging Çlinic in Norway with Wayne and Jim on one of their many visits to that crountry. Over the years, they have done their very best to learn from the Norwegians what a Fjord horse should be. Both Wayne and Jim have the ability to evaluate a mother-land Fjord. Pat
Re: Carol's comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 07:13 AM 9/23/98 -0400, you wrote: This message is from: walker [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm sure Carol's comments are accurate but may strike some as being too direct, but I think we all need to hear the truth and deal with it head on. Although I did not attend Blue Earth or Libby, I attended both days in Woodstock at the NEFjord show in August. I saw fewer attendees in Vermont this year than in the past - some key breeders/competitors were at Myopia rather than the breed show due to the level of competition offered there. I received a response from Lindsay Sweeney from some of the messages I have forwarded to her. She is a newly elected BOD member. She has been a BOD member in the past also. Her is her comment about the Woodstock show size. As far as the Woodstock show losing it's Big Breeders there were only two parties who chose Myopia over the Fjord Show and that was the Wich's, who are chasing year end points, and Dave Mcwethy who later said he wished he'd gone to the Fjord show instead just because it is the Fjord show. There were others who chose the Fjord Show over Myopia, specifically Jim, who was leading the New England Preliminary Pair Pony Challenge and Vivian Creigh who is a fiercely dedicated CDE competitor, because of their devotion to the breed and also the overwhelming desire to have fun amongst Fjord friends. This year's show was the most pleasant I've been to (I've been to 14 out of 15!) In addition, the lack of fjord information, products, and opportunities to purchase anything Fjord related was astounding! Yes this is kind of disappointing. Why not contact someone in the group and see if you can help them with getting the sales going again? There was an ad in the program about the NEFjord group, but no phone #, mailing address or registration form so one could join! I picked up not only membership forms at the booth but also copies of the NE groups By-Laws that are going to be up for revision. They were there. The judges at the show did not comment on the classes or the winners over the speaker - we had a good judge 2 years ago from Michigan, I believe, who gave very interesting feedback to entries in various classes. I have only been a spectator for the past 3 years but I can tell you that the show was not exciting as it has been in the past. It is not a requirement for a judge to make comments. Some do some don't. Some feel that the placing of the class was their comment. I came back with my family on Sunday to see the fjord western reining demonstration (because it was so interesting and professionally presented, very educational!) which was promised at noon and it was cancelled! Didn't those wonderful ladies travel an incredible distance to promote the Fjord in western mode? Why is the Registry NOT involved?? Here is the answer to that question also from Lindsay Sweeney. (Hopefully she will be joining the list soon): For instance the little things about the show in Woodstock whoever walker is was obviously unaware that the show management didn't cancel the reining demontration (which was actually a western pleasure demo, anyway!) the colorado ladies did because their horses were so tired out that they were showing fatigue lameness, hyperflexing of the hind pasterns, and since their real desire was to to ridden dressage later in the day on Sunday they bagged in the best interests of the horses. Now who shall we BLAME for that? Hope that clears up a few things for you. == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Carol's Comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 03:07 PM 9/24/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Sharon L. Falck) When we discussed new brochures for the NFHR there was always the concern about the cost. I gave them the name of our member who had printed ours and told them to contact him. To my knowledge the contact was never made. The only reason the contact has not been made is that we had so many printed that we still have some left. We are going to need to make a new one (or more than one) soon. I for sure will be contacting him soon. I didn't forget. Mike == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Carol's comments
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings, Very interesting discussion recently, BUT, a lot of replies have encluded the entire original message (including sosme VERY LONG ones). I belive that Steve M once said that one of the few groundrules for the list was to NOT reprint the entire original message. Can people get back to this? Please?
Re: Carol's comments
This message is from: john bolinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] In regard to the promotion of the breed, what better opportunity to do so than to show the Fjords in open competition against other breeds. Most of us at the breed shows already know the attributes of the Fjords. Those people who find the regional breed shows to be less than their level of competition expertise need to compete in the higher rated shows. We all know how we like to hear that a Fjord beat out the Warmbloods at a dressage show, or how they placed high against other breeds in ADS shows. When mention was made regarding having advanced driving classes at the Blue Earth show, I believe most people who were present at the meeting were of the mind to keep these regional shows geared toward the novice performer. Those who wanted the advanced driving classes were for the most part, people who mostly showed their horses in the driving events. I would like to see these people compete in the other classes offered at the show, such as the under saddle events or draft classes. They talk about developing the horse to its fullest potential, but only show in one discipline. The term professionalism also came up in Carol's letter. And I agree that we all need education in that respect, but I find it hard to compete against the professionals. I cannot afford a full time trainer, or even a part time one. Nor can I afford to have a handler show my horses for me. Our entire years vacation time is our annual trip to the Blue Earth show. I purchased the best horse I could afford. And I just spent a lot of money to buy a saddle that fits my horse. But I can't afford to have a show saddle sitting in my basement only to be used one or two times during the year. I don't want the Fjords to go the way of the Quarter Horses. By that I mean I don't want to have to commit a fashion faux pas by showing my horse in the wrong color saddle, or wearing the wrong color shirt and vest in the ring. Yes, I think we should be nicely attired, but please don't take it to the extreme, especially in the regional shows. I, for one, don't want to see the regional shows overtaken by ONLY the large professionally staffed farms, or people that can afford to have their horses professionally trained. There has to be a place for the novices as well. And working towards excellence should be a fun and non- intimidating experience. Having a showmanship class or explaining what is looked for in driving or riding classes would be a great help to people like myself. I wasn't born with this knowledge and would be more than willing to learn. In regards to the promotional aspect of the Fjords, I do not see in ANY of my horse publications an advertisement or promotion for the Fjords. But every month I DO see the Icelandics, Miniatures, Pasos, Friesians, etc. promoted. I would like to see something on the Fjords, even once in a while. A decision would probably have to be made in regards to which publication we need to advertise. Many of you would like to see something in Driving Digest I'm sure, but we need to be seen in other publications as well. The only magazine I see Fjords regularly advertised is The Small Farmers Journal. Mainly I would like to see the Fjord people work towards uniting under only one registry in the United States. As I understand it now, there are two: the National Fjord Horse Registry and the Fjord Horse Breeders of America. But I guess that stems from a former split in ideas of whether we have horses or ponies. Someone could possibly enlighten me on this. Thanks, Carol, for opening up this discussion. I hope we can all benefit from the input and ideas that I'm sure will ensue. Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords Mary et al: I agree with Mary's thought that there is no Fjord advertising in the usual horsey publication circuit. I first got going toward the purchase of my Kilar after reading the article and seeing the beautiful pictures in the Horse Illustraded magazine. The number/address for the registry was in the article, I wrote for a list of breeders and went on from there. No one in my area even knew what I was talking about when I said I was looking for a Fjord, not even the horse buyers. I have not seen another article about Fjords or advertisement since although I see an occassional picture in The Whip. If there are Fjords in the area around us, I do not see them at shows. I do not ride well enough to show in the local 'A' shows and in most of the lower rated shows Kilar is a 'pony' and must be ridden by a 'junior', certainly not me. If I compete against 'horses' I am told he 'is not of hunter-type conformation' or 'a hunter's mane should be braided or roached, but not left half grown' in spite of protests that this is the way the breed is shown. I will not roach him to the bone just to show him in a class he has no chances in anyway.
Re: Carol's Comments
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Sharon L. Falck) Hi Fjord Lovers, I have been reading the responses to Carol's letter. Her comments, as far as I am concerned, were right on target. I served on the NFHR Board for three years and was dismayed to learn, at that time, that there was no operating budget . If some one had a pet project they brought it to the board and asked for funds. Sometimes it was even after the event had taken place and the persons requesting the funds assured the board they were truly representing the breed on behalf of the NFHR. I know a budget committee is now in place and hopefully they will set some guidelines for requesting funds to promote the breed at Horse Fairs sponsored by the various state Horse Councils, Equitana and anyother event. As Secretary-Treasurer of the Midwest Fjord Horse Club I receive many inquiries(50-60 per year) from people who are interested in knowing more about the breed and in joining our group. When we formed the MWFHC, one of the first things we did was to develop a brochure to send to people making inquiries and to use at our regional events. We did it in color, with less written information than is in the NFHR publication, but with many colored pictures showing the horse being used in many different ways. We distributed 10,000 of these brochures the first two years. We are now on our second printing(revised edition) and have distributed about 5,000. When we discussed new brochures for the NFHR there was always the concern about the cost. I gave them the name of our member who had printed ours and told them to contact him. To my knowledge the contact was never made. We have made arrangements for Wayne Hipsley to present a clinic at our winter meeting February 6 7th in Galena, IL. At this point the title of the clinic is Handling and Preparing the Fjord Horse for Judging. If any of you are interested in coming please contact me and I will send you the registration information . There will be a fee of $20 for MWFHC families and $35 for non-member families. When Bill and I started looking for Fjords we talked to several breeders, attended the Blue Earth show and read everything we could get our hands on. I know that other people have done the same , therefore , I think it is time we have accurate information available from our breed registry, the NFHR. Sharon .
Re[4]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 08:25 AM 9/24/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike-- Thursday, 24 September 1998, you wrote: This is important, because if someone wants to take his or her Fjord to an open show that is conducted under ADS rules, they can easily throw a blanket across their knees to satisfy the apron/lap robe requirement. They surely can come up with a pair of gloves and a hat somewhere. They probably are already use a whip when they drive. But if their horse can't deliver three good trots, they might as well stay at home. If it is so easy to do then why not just DO IT??? Because Mike, if we try to do it those for whom the ADS is evil incarnate will holler that the family fun show is being destroyed and it won't happen. If we just ask for three trots, people will learn what's expected in the outside world and we won't have to mention ADS. Whatever == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re[4]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike-- Thursday, 24 September 1998, you wrote: This is important, because if someone wants to take his or her Fjord to an open show that is conducted under ADS rules, they can easily throw a blanket across their knees to satisfy the apron/lap robe requirement. They surely can come up with a pair of gloves and a hat somewhere. They probably are already use a whip when they drive. But if their horse can't deliver three good trots, they might as well stay at home. If it is so easy to do then why not just DO IT??? Because Mike, if we try to do it those for whom the ADS is evil incarnate will holler that the family fun show is being destroyed and it won't happen. If we just ask for three trots, people will learn what's expected in the outside world and we won't have to mention ADS. -- Steve McIlree Cynthia Madden -- Pferd, Keyah, Skipper, Tank -- Omaha, Nebraska, USA There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse. --Robert Smith Surtees(1803-1864)
Re[3]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 01:58 PM 9/23/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] I don't want to beat this to death, but you are following the divergence from the point that Tom started. Nobody really cares about turnout, those of us who usually show ADS are already wearing our skirts. The woman who started the whole discussion simply stated that she thought that we should START ASKING FOR THREE TROTS. I am steeped in ADS rules, and that (three distinct trots) is the only change I would like to see made to what exists. Read what I wrote above. We don't need to change the classes we have, just make sure we're showing well trained pleasure driving horses. I may be wrong, but I believe that that's all any of the pro-ADS people are asking. But why do it half way? This is important, because if someone wants to take his or her Fjord to an open show that is conducted under ADS rules, they can easily throw a blanket across their knees to satisfy the apron/lap robe requirement. They surely can come up with a pair of gloves and a hat somewhere. They probably are already use a whip when they drive. But if their horse can't deliver three good trots, they might as well stay at home. If it is so easy to do then why not just DO IT??? Carol, do you see the problems we are about to be up against if we try to tell the local groups how to run their shows? Mike == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re[3]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike-- Wednesday, 23 September 1998, you wrote: I think that there is some major misunderstanding regarding the call for so-called advanced classes at the regional shows. I heard what was said in the Blue Earth meeting, and all that was mentioned was that perhaps it was time we asked for three trots from our horses in driving classes. I don't care what other people wear in a class as long as they don't ridicule my turnout. In fact I really don't care if someone competes against me wearing overalls and barnboots. However, the horse that the guy in overalls is driving should be able to show a slow trot, a working trot and a fast trot. This is not advanced it is simply well trained. Leave the classes as they are, just make sure that the judges ask for all they should from a good pleasure driving horse. The topic I was refering to was the one that got the response from Tom that he wasn't going to wear a skirt to show in. I do remember a lot of the members wanting to see a class that went by ADS rules. I don't know If you happened to notice but there were an awful lot of turnouts that were already attired properly. I guess I don't see the big deal in trying it. What is one class for one show? If no one enters it then don't do it again. If 10 people enter it then I think you might want to rethink it. Maybe you don't want to call it advanced. Call it whatever you want. I don't want to beat this to death, but you are following the divergence from the point that Tom started. Nobody really cares about turnout, those of us who usually show ADS are already wearing our skirts. The woman who started the whole discussion simply stated that she thought that we should START ASKING FOR THREE TROTS. I am steeped in ADS rules, and that (three distinct trots) is the only change I would like to see made to what exists. Read what I wrote above. We don't need to change the classes we have, just make sure we're showing well trained pleasure driving horses. I may be wrong, but I believe that that's all any of the pro-ADS people are asking. This is important, because if someone wants to take his or her Fjord to an open show that is conducted under ADS rules, they can easily throw a blanket across their knees to satisfy the apron/lap robe requirement. They surely can come up with a pair of gloves and a hat somewhere. They probably are already use a whip when they drive. But if their horse can't deliver three good trots, they might as well stay at home. -- Steve McIlree Cynthia Madden -- Pferd, Keyah, Skipper, Tank -- Omaha, Nebraska, USA There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse. --Robert Smith Surtees(1803-1864)
Re[2]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 12:54 PM 9/23/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike-- Wednesday, 23 September 1998, you wrote: This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] I think what is really needed is not to change all of the classes to requiring ADS rules but rather to add a class or two. Maybe put in an Advanced Driving Class see how it goes. Require all of the proper clothes, tack, whip etc. Have one class that goes by ADS rules. See if people like it or not. This way the people that Don't want to wear a sjirt won't have to enter this class. I think that there is some major misunderstanding regarding the call for so-called advanced classes at the regional shows. I heard what was said in the Blue Earth meeting, and all that was mentioned was that perhaps it was time we asked for three trots from our horses in driving classes. I don't care what other people wear in a class as long as they don't ridicule my turnout. In fact I really don't care if someone competes against me wearing overalls and barnboots. However, the horse that the guy in overalls is driving should be able to show a slow trot, a working trot and a fast trot. This is not advanced it is simply well trained. Leave the classes as they are, just make sure that the judges ask for all they should from a good pleasure driving horse. The topic I was refering to was the one that got the response from Tom that he wasn't going to wear a skirt to show in. I do remember a lot of the members wanting to see a class that went by ADS rules. I don't know If you happened to notice but there were an awful lot of turnouts that were already attired properly. I guess I don't see the big deal in trying it. What is one class for one show? If no one enters it then don't do it again. If 10 people enter it then I think you might want to rethink it. Maybe you don't want to call it advanced. Call it whatever you want. Mike == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re[2]: Carol's comments
This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike-- Wednesday, 23 September 1998, you wrote: This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 11:41 AM 9/23/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Jon A. Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] In re Carol's comments: When mention was made regarding having advanced driving classes at the Blue Earth show, I believe most people who were present at the meeting were of the mind to keep these regional shows geared toward the novice performer. Those who wanted the advanced driving classes were for the most part, people who mostly showed their horses in the driving events. I would like to see these people compete in the other classes offered at the show, such as the under saddle events or draft classes. They talk about developing the horse to its fullest potential, but only show in one discipline. I think what is really needed is not to change all of the classes to requiring ADS rules but rather to add a class or two. Maybe put in an Advanced Driving Class see how it goes. Require all of the proper clothes, tack, whip etc. Have one class that goes by ADS rules. See if people like it or not. This way the people that Don't want to wear a sjirt won't have to enter this class. I think that there is some major misunderstanding regarding the call for so-called advanced classes at the regional shows. I heard what was said in the Blue Earth meeting, and all that was mentioned was that perhaps it was time we asked for three trots from our horses in driving classes. I don't care what other people wear in a class as long as they don't ridicule my turnout. In fact I really don't care if someone competes against me wearing overalls and barnboots. However, the horse that the guy in overalls is driving should be able to show a slow trot, a working trot and a fast trot. This is not advanced it is simply well trained. Leave the classes as they are, just make sure that the judges ask for all they should from a good pleasure driving horse. -- Steve McIlree Cynthia Madden -- Pferd, Keyah, Skipper, Tank -- Omaha, Nebraska, USA Far back, far back in our dark soul the horse prances. --D.H. Lawrence(1885-1930)
Re: Carol's comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 11:41 AM 9/23/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Jon A. Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] In re Carol's comments: When mention was made regarding having advanced driving classes at the Blue Earth show, I believe most people who were present at the meeting were of the mind to keep these regional shows geared toward the novice performer. Those who wanted the advanced driving classes were for the most part, people who mostly showed their horses in the driving events. I would like to see these people compete in the other classes offered at the show, such as the under saddle events or draft classes. They talk about developing the horse to its fullest potential, but only show in one discipline. I think what is really needed is not to change all of the classes to requiring ADS rules but rather to add a class or two. Maybe put in an Advanced Driving Class see how it goes. Require all of the proper clothes, tack, whip etc. Have one class that goes by ADS rules. See if people like it or not. This way the people that Don't want to wear a sjirt won't have to enter this class. The term professionalism also came up in Carol's letter. And I agree that we all need education in that respect, but I find it hard to compete against the professionals. I cannot afford a full time trainer, or even a part time one. Nor can I afford to have a handler show my horses for me. Our entire years vacation time is our annual trip to the Blue Earth show. I purchased the best horse I could afford. And I just spent a lot of money to buy a saddle that fits my horse. But I can't afford to have a show saddle sitting in my basement only to be used one or two times during the year. I don't want the Fjords to go the way of the Quarter Horses. By that I mean I don't want to have to commit a fashion faux pas by showing my horse in the wrong color saddle, or wearing the wrong color shirt and vest in the ring. Yes, I think we should be nicely attired, but please don't take it to the extreme, especially in the regional shows. I, for one, don't want to see the regional shows overtaken by ONLY the large professionally staffed farms, or people that can afford to have their horses professionally trained. There has to be a place for the novices as well. And working towards excellence should be a fun and non- intimidating experience. Having a showmanship class or explaining what is looked for in driving or riding classes would be a great help to people like myself. I wasn't born with this knowledge and would be more than willing to learn. Again I don't think it is meant to keep any one out of the classes. I agree we need to keep the novices in that ring. But they shouldn't have to stay novices forever. I don't think we all need to be professionals either. Mainly I would like to see the Fjord people work towards uniting under only one registry in the United States. As I understand it now, there are two: the National Fjord Horse Registry and the Fjord Horse Breeders of America. But I guess that stems from a former split in ideas of whether we have horses or ponies. Someone could possibly enlighten me on this. Well actually we are called the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry not the National Fjord Horse Registry. There is also the Norwegian Fjord Horse Association of North America and the Fjord Breeders of America. The NFHA of NA is next in size to the NFHR. We are currently in the talking stages regarding combining our 2 registries. Hopefully it will work out. Mike == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Carol's comments
This message is from: Jon A. Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] In re Carol's comments: You mentioned that Wayne Hipsley no longer wanted to do NFHR evaluations because he was concerned with the lack of education provided members of the NFHR. Exactly in what areas do we need this education and how can we acquire it? I also feel like Suzan Johnson did at the Blue Earth evaluations that we also had to wing it. When I asked what we needed to do for the evaluation process, I was told by more than one member Just get out there and show, just bring your horse. But watching video tapes and getting little if any advice from other people in regards to showmanship and how to present your horse just doesn't cut it with me. Experience is the best teacher in that respect, but we would have liked to be better informed. We are new to horse showing and need to gain experience from the people who have shown before. I'm sorry we didn't measure up to Mr. Hipsley's expectations as a whole. In regard to the promotion of the breed, what better opportunity to do so than to show the Fjords in open competition against other breeds. Most of us at the breed shows already know the attributes of the Fjords. Those people who find the regional breed shows to be less than their level of competition expertise need to compete in the higher rated shows. We all know how we like to hear that a Fjord beat out the Warmbloods at a dressage show, or how they placed high against other breeds in ADS shows. When mention was made regarding having advanced driving classes at the Blue Earth show, I believe most people who were present at the meeting were of the mind to keep these regional shows geared toward the novice performer. Those who wanted the advanced driving classes were for the most part, people who mostly showed their horses in the driving events. I would like to see these people compete in the other classes offered at the show, such as the under saddle events or draft classes. They talk about developing the horse to its fullest potential, but only show in one discipline. The term professionalism also came up in Carol's letter. And I agree that we all need education in that respect, but I find it hard to compete against the professionals. I cannot afford a full time trainer, or even a part time one. Nor can I afford to have a handler show my horses for me. Our entire years vacation time is our annual trip to the Blue Earth show. I purchased the best horse I could afford. And I just spent a lot of money to buy a saddle that fits my horse. But I can't afford to have a show saddle sitting in my basement only to be used one or two times during the year. I don't want the Fjords to go the way of the Quarter Horses. By that I mean I don't want to have to commit a fashion faux pas by showing my horse in the wrong color saddle, or wearing the wrong color shirt and vest in the ring. Yes, I think we should be nicely attired, but please don't take it to the extreme, especially in the regional shows. I, for one, don't want to see the regional shows overtaken by ONLY the large professionally staffed farms, or people that can afford to have their horses professionally trained. There has to be a place for the novices as well. And working towards excellence should be a fun and non- intimidating experience. Having a showmanship class or explaining what is looked for in driving or riding classes would be a great help to people like myself. I wasn't born with this knowledge and would be more than willing to learn. In regards to the promotional aspect of the Fjords, I do not see in ANY of my horse publications an advertisement or promotion for the Fjords. But every month I DO see the Icelandics, Miniatures, Pasos, Friesians, etc. promoted. I would like to see something on the Fjords, even once in a while. A decision would probably have to be made in regards to which publication we need to advertise. Many of you would like to see something in Driving Digest I'm sure, but we need to be seen in other publications as well. The only magazine I see Fjords regularly advertised is The Small Farmers Journal. Mainly I would like to see the Fjord people work towards uniting under only one registry in the United States. As I understand it now, there are two: the National Fjord Horse Registry and the Fjord Horse Breeders of America. But I guess that stems from a former split in ideas of whether we have horses or ponies. Someone could possibly enlighten me on this. Thanks, Carol, for opening up this discussion. I hope we can all benefit from the input and ideas that I'm sure will ensue. Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords
Carol's Comments
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have forwarded Carol's comments and the several responses to them to the BOD members that DO have email. Surprisingly 6 of the current BOD members have email. I think the one new member also has email.
Carol's comments
This message is from: walker [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: walker [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm sure Carol's comments are accurate but may strike some as being too direct, but I think we all need to hear the truth and deal with it head on. Although I did not attend Blue Earth or Libby, I attended both days in Woodstock at the NEFjord show in August. I saw fewer attendees in Vermont this year than in the past - some key breeders/competitors were at Myopia rather than the breed show due to the level of competition offered there. In addition, the lack of fjord information, products, and opportunities to purchase anything Fjord related was astounding! There was an ad in the program about the NEFjord group, but no phone #, mailing address or registration form so one could join! The judges at the show did not comment on the classes or the winners over the speaker - we had a good judge 2 years ago from Michigan, I believe, who gave very interesting feedback to entries in various classes. I have only been a spectator for the past 3 years but I can tell you that the show was not exciting as it has been in the past. I came back with my family on Sunday to see the fjord western reining demonstration (because it was so interesting and professionally presented, very educational!) which was promised at noon and it was cancelled! Didn't those wonderful ladies travel an incredible distance to promote the Fjord in western mode? Why is the Registry NOT involved??
Carol's comments
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Today Carol wrote: When I returned home to Nova Scotia, I had a call from a customer who'd taken her mare to the Blue Earth Evaluation (Wayne Hipsley Evaluator), and also participated in the driving classes of the Horse Show. This woman said she'd probably not return to the Blue Earth Show as they did not wish to have Advanced Classes. Their reasons being that it was a fun family show. My customer also likes to have family fun, but says that she has only so much time and so many dollars to compete (which is her family's recreation), and wishes to train her horse to the mare's full potential, and would like the opportunity to compete in more advanced classes; therefore, she probably won't return to the Fjord Show. I was at the meeting in Blue Earth. The statement above is not entirely true. While there was overwhelming applause for the idea to keep the Blue Earth show a fun family show, I believe there was also support for more advanced classes. A member volunteered to chair a committee to look into the more advanced classes. If advanced classes are all that are offered, you will lose the members who are not into the sophisticated driving and riding events. Their membership is just as important as the membership of the advanced people. There may even be more members who are not into the advanced stuff, I'm not sure. As for the education for evaluations, I think the Fjord Herald missed an opportunity in the last issue to report only that an event was held in the Northwest to instruct people in the evaluation process. They could have reported what was learned and educate the entire NFHR membership. I for one, would have appreciated it a great deal. As it was, I kind of had to wing-it when the evaluation came up in Blue Earth. The NFHR could pay Wayne Hipsley to write an evaluation handbook. Not everyone can attend an extra event for learning how to evaluate their horse. Suzan
