Re: Weight loss- Cushings

[Jo]

This message is from: Jo 


 that is really something. My hat is off to you. Nice of you to share
with us.  Thanks,Jo On 09/30/14, Debbie Shade
wrote: This message is from: Debbie Shade 

Since I have had a few people ask how I got weight off my Fjord here it
is. I
started by putting her on Thyroid meds, per the vet, though her thyroid
was
okay, the vet thought it would help with the weight loss. That didn't
help.
Here is the routine that worked. First the environment. I'm in northern
New
Hampshire and she is out with 2-3 other horses, Connemara, QH mares and
in
winter also an Appy gelding. She is low pony so gets pushed around but
can eat
twice as fast as anyone else. Turn out is grass pasture but on a mountain
and
thus not lush. Outside from 7am to 4pm then stalled with an adjoining 15
x 20
individual paddock. in and out all night Grain- just a balancer, Nutrena
Empower Balance 1 pound a day divided into 3 feedings, am, pm and late
night.
Hay- 1st cut 3 pounds in a small whole hay net at each feeding pm and
late.
Soaked a minimum one hour usually longer then fully drained. Weighing the
hay
is vital as I have discovered volume/weight can really change between
bales
and can easily fool you. I have set this up with a ring on the wall and I
just
pull the bag up and hang it on the wall over the wheeled tub and then
empty
the water in the tub each time.Pasture- muzzle all spring and summer,
though
my soft hearted husband would often take if off in the afternoons. In
August
no muzzle as the grass is pretty much gone. When I start putting hay out
mid
September the muzzle goes back on each day until the hay is gone. I put
out
about 30 pounds for three horses. This is second cut hay as that is what
I
feed my others. If they eat all the hay, I will take the muzzle off her.
I
still think she eats the hay faster than the others even with the muzzle
on. I
feel bad seeing her with the muzzle in the snow and ice of winter but she
doesn't seem to mind and her health is what matters. This is what helped
me
get the weight off. I do think the Smartpak metabo-lean has also helped
with
the weight loss. I could definitely see a difference when that was added.
I got my mare back after someone had her on a hay field for two years
with no
work. When I got her back she was diagnosed with Cushings and IR. She is
19.
In just over a year I have reduced her weight by almost 200 pounds 1050
to
879. She doesn't show any signs of a horse with cushings. She is on
prascend
and smartpak metabo-lean. and Previcox. Is it worth testing her again or
would
the test be false due to the prascend? If anyone is interested I can let
you
know how I managed the weight loss. She looks great now. Like a much
younger
horse.

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Weight loss- Cushings

[Debbie Shade]

This message is from: Debbie Shade 


Since I have had a few people ask how I got weight off my Fjord here it is. I
started by putting her on Thyroid meds, per the vet, though her thyroid was
okay, the vet thought it would help with the weight loss. That didn't help.
Here is the routine that worked. First the environment. I'm in northern New
Hampshire and she is out with 2-3 other horses, Connemara, QH mares and in
winter also an Appy gelding. She is low pony so gets pushed around but can eat
twice as fast as anyone else. Turn out is grass pasture but on a mountain and
thus not lush. Outside from 7am to 4pm then stalled with an adjoining 15 x 20
individual paddock. in and out all night Grain- just a balancer,  Nutrena
Empower Balance 1 pound a day divided into 3 feedings, am, pm and late night.
Hay-  1st cut  3 pounds in a small whole hay net at each feeding pm and late.
Soaked a minimum one hour usually longer then fully drained.  Weighing the hay
is vital as I have discovered volume/weight can really change between bales
and can easily fool you. I have set this up with a ring on the wall and I just
pull the bag up and hang it on the wall over the wheeled tub and then empty
the water in the tub each time.Pasture- muzzle all spring and summer, though
my soft hearted husband would often take if off in the afternoons.  In August
no muzzle as the grass is pretty much gone. When I start putting hay out mid
September the muzzle goes back on each day until the hay is gone. I put out
about 30 pounds for three horses. This is second cut hay as that is what I
feed my others. If they eat all the hay, I will take the muzzle off her. I
still think she eats the hay faster than the others even with the muzzle on. I
feel bad seeing her with the muzzle in the snow and ice of winter but she
doesn't seem to mind and her health is what matters. This is what helped me
get the weight off. I do think the Smartpak metabo-lean has also helped with
the weight loss. I could definitely see a difference when that was added.
I got my mare back after someone had her on a hay field for two years with no
work. When I got her back she was diagnosed with Cushings and IR. She is 19.
In just over a year I have reduced her weight by almost 200 pounds 1050 to
879. She doesn't show any signs of a horse with cushings. She is on prascend
and smartpak metabo-lean. and Previcox. Is it worth testing her again or would
the test be false due to the prascend? If anyone is interested I can let you
know how I managed the weight loss. She looks great now. Like a much younger
horse.

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Weight loss

[me.kint]

This message is from: "me.kint" 


These Fjords are amazing at how "little" they need.  They are like me, Ha!  
I've been watching Clinton Anderson's series down in the outback in the middle 
of Austrailia. He had an expert telling about the brombies...  How these horses 
have adapted & go 3-4 days between drinks of water.  They've even tracked, one 
horse that went 2 weeks between drinks of water!
My 2, I don't know how I can feed them any less,  I would feel so guilty.if 
Tunix feels he hasn't gotten enough to eat, he will come down & stand on the 
back porch & stare me down!  He lets his needs be known.  I haven't ever been 
able to get a rib shown on mine.  I keep them in at night & when I clean their 
pens, I do a pile count each morning.  I've predetermined a target number of 
piles for each Fjord.  If too many over the target, they gain weight,  too 
few-- they aren't getting sufficient food. I put in for the night & turn out in 
AM at about the same time everyday. So the time they are in is pretty 
consistent. That's how I determine if they are getting too much to eat.

>From Mary's iPad
 
PLEASE REMOVE ALL E-MAIL ADDRESSES BEFORE SENDING  OR FORWARDING THIS  EMAIL.

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Re: Weight loss- Cushings

[gemma koontz]

This message is from: gemma koontz 


I would be interested in your weight loss program as this sounds very much like 
my horse.

Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 30, 2014, at 6:59 AM, "Debbie Shade"  wrote:
> 
> This message is from: Debbie Shade 
> 
> 
> I got my mare back after someone had her on a hay field for two years with no 
> work. When I got her back she was diagnosed with Cushings and IR. She is 19. 
> In just over a year I have reduced her weight by almost 200 pounds 1050 to 
> 879. She doesn't show any signs of a horse with cushings. She is on prascend 
> and smartpak metabo-lean.Is it worth testing her again or would the test be 
> false due to the prascend?
> If anyone is interested I can let you know how I managed the weight loss. She 
> looks great now. Like a much younger horse.
> 
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Weight loss- Cushings

[Debbie Shade]

This message is from: Debbie Shade 


I got my mare back after someone had her on a hay field for two years with no 
work. When I got her back she was diagnosed with Cushings and IR. She is 19. In 
just over a year I have reduced her weight by almost 200 pounds 1050 to 879. 
She doesn't show any signs of a horse with cushings. She is on prascend and 
smartpak metabo-lean.Is it worth testing her again or would the test be false 
due to the prascend?
 If anyone is interested I can let you know how I managed the weight loss. She 
looks great now. Like a much younger horse.

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Fw: Carriage driving lead weight for sale

[jfriz]

This message is from: "jfriz" 


Hi folks,

Ballast is needed on the rear step if you don’t have a person to balance the
carriage.   I am asking $35 dollars.   I can ship using the USPS shipping box
anywhere in the US for $20 dollars. Or, pick-up  local, in the Sea-Tac area.

Call, me at 253-268-3471, for more info. I can send  more images.This lead
is worth more at the recycle yard   It was a lot of work making this
weight, so would like to see it used the way it was designed.

  Click on this link to see the weight
http://imgur.com/delete/ufAdxvE63BQja6X


Thanks,
Jerry in the NW

PS I only have one left, the others sold fast

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Re: Reasonable Weight

[divingduoandcorgis]

This message is from: divingduoandcor...@comcast.net


I am interested in a two horse cart (something lighter weight to get started
with?) for my medium build 14.1 mare like a meadowbrook...    How do I
know something is the right size if I come across one?   I don't know if
there are standard sizes that fit a fjord?   I know that width of the horse
is important and height of the wheels, just starting to look into the local
driving club too...any insight would be appreciated!!


Beth, Bob, the Corgis and the Fjord

- Original Message -
From: "Mary Nelson" 
To: fjordhorse-dig...@angus.mystery.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 11:40:42 PM
Subject: Reasonable Weight

This message is from: Mary Nelson 


I have asked different people and heard several theories about how much a
horse can comfortably pull.  Is there a formula or something to determine
what
I can pull with my Fjord mare?  I have heard things about the size and type
of
the wheels, the type of terrain, and various other things.  I would really
like to get a wagonette.
Mary

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RE: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Julia Webb]

This message is from: Julia Webb 


That's sort of what I've thought looking at them.  It really needs a blunt
locking clamp on the outer rim to prevent the insert from sliding out once
it's in.  Something human removable, horse safe, and not operational by
pony-types.


I love my Amazing Graze toys (and so do the horses), but they're not suitable
for hay.  Just cubes and carrots and such.  It would be nice if these Porta
Grazers could be adapted so that they can't be so easily subverted... by being
inverted.  ;-)



-Julia
Colorado

> Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:56:05 -0800
> From: siljakn...@yahoo.com
>
> This message is from: Silja Knoll 
>
>
> I recently purchased two of these Porta Grazers.  Initially I liked the
idea
> that the horses could move the tub all over the paddock and increase
movement,
> but then the Fjord learned how to get the insert out by tipping the tub
over,
> not on its side but on its top.  This would cause the insert to fall out,





> Overall I rate the Porta Grazers at a B-.  I look forward to having it with
us
> when we go camping or they are confined in smaller areas to reduce boredom.

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Re: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Silja Knoll]

This message is from: Silja Knoll 


I recently purchased two of these Porta Grazers.  Initially I liked the idea
that the horses could move the tub all over the paddock and increase movement,
but then the Fjord learned how to get the insert out by tipping the tub over,
not on its side but on its top.  This would cause the insert to fall out,
giving her full access to the hay.  :(.. so I have chained the tub to a
post in her pen and now it seems to work the way it was intended. 
 
The type of hay you use has a lot to do with how fast or slow they get the hay
through the holes.  The stemmier it is the slower it comes out, to the point
where they can't get it out at all and give up.  I figure it had to be pretty
impossible to get the hay out if it resulted in a Fjord giving up on
trying.    But if you have 'easter basket' type hay (which I don't believe is
the best kind of hay for Fjords) then they get it out pretty easy.
 
My Paint gelding gets along with the grazer perfectly, the way it was
intended.
 
Overall I rate the Porta Grazers at a B-.  I look forward to having it with us
when we go camping or they are confined in smaller areas to reduce boredom.
 
Silja
 


--- On Fri, 1/14/11, Lori Albrough  wrote:


From: Lori Albrough 
Subject: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions
To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com
Date: Friday, January 14, 2011, 12:32 PM


This message is from: Lori Albrough 


On 1/14/11 12:15 PM, Mary Poe wrote:

>  Goggle 'porta grazer' or go to www.Porta-grazer.com.  Hope this helps.

Mary, I watched the video and this looks like a good way to feed hay! Very
interesting. I would be interested in hearing about the experiences of anyone
else who has tried them with Fjords.

On the subject of weight control, I believe exercise to be one of the most
important factors in the equation. I have never had to "starve" a Fjord horse,
even those that come in here morbidly obese. Perhaps this is because they are
worked five days a week.

Basic Pony Club rules apply to feeding Fjords, feed little and often (I feed
hay four times a day and concentrates twice a day) and ensure regular exercise
(which is simple in concept but I know can be difficult to implement with
everyone being so busy these days). Unlimited access to forage is not
generally going to work with a Fjord (with some exceptions.)

I think weight tapes are very good to monitor relative changes. Like any
testing method, consistency in timing and technique is important. Testing at
the same time of day and the same time relative to exercise and feeding
schedules will give a more realistic picture of progress. As well, be very
detail oriented as to where you place the tape and how much pressure you exert
and so forth. My belief based on comparing weight tape readings to scale
readings at OVC is the weight tape reads about 100 pounds (45 kg) lower than
actual.

My opinion is one of the best things you can do for your horse's health is to
keep them at a proper body condition (not too fat, not too thin). I like to
see a well developed musculature (remember, the more muscles you have the more
you can eat :) with "just enough" fat covering over top. With a Fjord they
should look rounded, not like the flat planes of muscle you might see in a
Thoroughbred.

Lori

-- Lori Albrough
Bluebird Lane Fjords
R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0
phone: 519-638-5598
email: l...@bluebirdlane.com
http://www.bluebirdlane.com

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Re: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Lori Albrough]

This message is from: Lori Albrough 


On 1/14/11 3:37 PM, Karen McCarthy wrote:


From what I know about the set-up costs for creating rotational plastic molds,

I still can't get over how much these Porta Grazers cost!


Karen I was also taken aback at the cost. I guess it's not something 
I'll be getting for my whole herd (of nine, at present) but I still 
think it looks like a good thing, if it works as advertised. Maybe for a 
horse on stall rest, or one prone to ingesting sand.



I have to hand it to them though, this is a really cool idea, but holy batman,
I think I'll stick w/ my big old indestructible  Rubbermaid water troughs for
now. I've used them for going on 12 years now...


I tried the Rubbermaid troughs one time when I was concerned about 
feeding horses off the ground. My horses would just put their heads 
under the hay looking for the fine leaves and then fling all the rest of 
the hay out onto the ground. Or else tip the whole trough of hay onto 
the ground. So that idea didn't work out for me.


Lori

--
Lori Albrough
Bluebird Lane Fjords
R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0
phone: 519-638-5598
email: l...@bluebirdlane.com
http://www.bluebirdlane.com

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RE: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Gail Russell]

This message is from: Gail Russell 


There are some big ones for not a lot more that take a whole bale and weigh 55 
lbs on the paddock paradise feeders site Jean Ernest sent.

-Original Message-
From: owner-fjordho...@angus.mystery.com 
[mailto:owner-fjordho...@angus.mystery.com] On Behalf Of Karen McCarthy
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 12:37 PM
To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com
Subject: RE: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

This message is from: Karen McCarthy 


>From what I know about the set-up costs for creating rotational plastic molds,
I still can't get over how much these Porta Grazers cost! No kidding Mary.
knowing what they cost I'd hate to come home one day and find them "missing"
from my horses drylot.
I have to hand it to them though, this is a really cool idea, but holy batman,
I think I'll stick w/ my big old indestructible  Rubbermaid water troughs for
now. I've used them for going on 12 years now...

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RE: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Karen McCarthy]

This message is from: Karen McCarthy 


>From what I know about the set-up costs for creating rotational plastic molds,
I still can't get over how much these Porta Grazers cost! No kidding Mary.
knowing what they cost I'd hate to come home one day and find them "missing"
from my horses drylot.
I have to hand it to them though, this is a really cool idea, but holy batman,
I think I'll stick w/ my big old indestructible  Rubbermaid water troughs for
now. I've used them for going on 12 years now...

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The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions

[Lori Albrough]

This message is from: Lori Albrough 


On 1/14/11 12:15 PM, Mary Poe wrote:


 Goggle 'porta grazer' or go to www.Porta-grazer.com.  Hope this helps.


Mary, I watched the video and this looks like a good way to feed hay! 
Very interesting. I would be interested in hearing about the experiences 
of anyone else who has tried them with Fjords.


On the subject of weight control, I believe exercise to be one of the 
most important factors in the equation. I have never had to "starve" a 
Fjord horse, even those that come in here morbidly obese. Perhaps this 
is because they are worked five days a week.


Basic Pony Club rules apply to feeding Fjords, feed little and often (I 
feed hay four times a day and concentrates twice a day) and ensure 
regular exercise (which is simple in concept but I know can be difficult 
to implement with everyone being so busy these days). Unlimited access 
to forage is not generally going to work with a Fjord (with some 
exceptions.)


I think weight tapes are very good to monitor relative changes. Like any 
testing method, consistency in timing and technique is important. 
Testing at the same time of day and the same time relative to exercise 
and feeding schedules will give a more realistic picture of progress. As 
well, be very detail oriented as to where you place the tape and how 
much pressure you exert and so forth. My belief based on comparing 
weight tape readings to scale readings at OVC is the weight tape reads 
about 100 pounds (45 kg) lower than actual.


My opinion is one of the best things you can do for your horse's health 
is to keep them at a proper body condition (not too fat, not too thin). 
I like to see a well developed musculature (remember, the more muscles 
you have the more you can eat :) with "just enough" fat covering over 
top. With a Fjord they should look rounded, not like the flat planes of 
muscle you might see in a Thoroughbred.


Lori

--
Lori Albrough
Bluebird Lane Fjords
R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0
phone: 519-638-5598
email: l...@bluebirdlane.com
http://www.bluebirdlane.com

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Calculating Horse's Weight/Condition

[ewigley]

This message is from: ewig...@mindspring.com

Here is a good horse weight calculator:

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/weight_calculator_052808/

And an article on body condition and further weight/fat calculations:

http://www.equisearch.com/horses%5Fcare/health/anatomy/fathorse%5F102907/

Emily

Emily Wigley
ewig...@mindspring.com
Vashon Island, Washington
breezy and grey outside, but no rain in days!

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Fjord weight

[Dave McWethy]

This message is from: "Dave McWethy" 

I figure when there is no evidence of a backbone, the horse needs to diet.

Dave

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Re: Weight tape

[Sarah Clarke]

This message is from: Sarah Clarke 

You do not need a weight tape.  You need your eyes and your hands.  You should
be able to feel the ribs, but not see them.  There should not be fat pillows
on each side of the spine, nor should the spine stick up from the back.  The
neck should not be too cresty, not too skinny.  the was an article in Equus a
few months (maybe years?) ago on how to rate your horses fatness from 1
(starving) to 10 (morbidly obese).  Maybe somebody else knows a link to a
similar article or post.
 
The problem with the weight tape is that what is the right weight for a medium
build 14.2 fjord is too fat for a lightly built sport pony model and too
skinny for a drafty fjord.
 
I DO use a weight tape to calculate worming dosages, but I use it with a chart
that has you enter not only the circumference around the girth, but also the
should to butt length.  I ordered the chart on- line.

--- On Mon, 11/30/09, jeanne.mil...@pnc.com  wrote:



.
How do I determine if my Fjord is at the proper weight?. What is the best
way to use a weight tape??   She is 14.2

.

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Re: Managing weight

[KateSeidel]

This message is from: katesei...@aol.com

<< Ivar is a 5 yr. old gelding. He is 14.3 hh. For the first time,  he has 
too much weight on him. He currently gets 1/2 scoop of oats twice a day  
with supplement and hay.  >>

 
When I was boarding, the horses were out 24/7 but it was a complete dry  
lot.  During that time, they got 5-7 lbs of hay in the morning, the same in  
the evening.  The only addition was a cup of beet pulp to mix their  
supplements into (Omega-3 multi and some flax seed).
 
Now that they are home and have pasture, the regimen changes almost  weekly 
as we balance pasture management.  Right now, the grass is very  short and 
dying, so I have upped their pasture time to about 6-8 hours, no hay,  and 
just the supplements.  That's fine for two of the fjords, but the third  one 
needs to wear a grazing muzzle for a portion of that pasture time to keep  
her weight down.  When the spring grass came in the pastures were lush,  they 
got 6 hours on pasture (Della had the grazing muzzle on for 4 of that), and 
 the rest in the dry lot.  Depending on what the grass does over the next  
week I may actually have to start adding a bit of hay.



Kate
with Della, Joe, and Hanna
**Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals. 
(http://personals.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntuslove0003)

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RE: Managing weight

[Debbie Hunt]

This message is from: Debbie Hunt 

Gail,

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I let a note for his caregivers to
stop the oats. I left a message for the farm manager to see what my options
are regarding decreasing his turnout time.

One thing we can definitely
increase is the exercise part. It will be good for both of us. I went to the
barn this morning and rode him for an hour. About half of that was trot sets
out on the cross country course. He is currently ridden 5 times a week on
average and for about 30 min. each session. I am going to increase his works
to 45 min to an hour and be sure to include trot sets.

This should help both
of us. I will try this for a month and see if I get results. If that does not
work, I will have to resort to a grazing muzzle.

Thanks so much for
responding quickly.

Debbie and Ivar
--- On Sun, 7/12/09, plumg...@pon.net
 wrote:

> From: plumg...@pon.net 
>
Subject: RE: Managing weight
> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com
> Date:
Sunday, July 12, 2009, 11:04 AM
> This message is from: "plumg...@pon.net"
>

> 
> Hi Debbie and Ivar,
> I will intersperse your post
with some suggestions.
> 
>  Ivar is a 5 yr. old gelding. He is 14.3 hh. For
the first
> time, he has too
> much weight on him. He currently gets 1/2 scoop
of oats
> twice a day with
> supplement and hay.
> 
> Stop the oats right
away.  He does not need them.
> 
> Find a balanced supplement that is designed
for overweight
> horses.  Nutrena
> makes one (and Nutrena sponsors many Fjord
events, so it is
> worth supporting
> them.)  Purina does as well.
> 
> IF you
up his exercise a bit, just doing that much might
> help.
> 
>  He is turned
out 8 hours a day with 4 other horses in a
> medium sized rather
> sparse
paddock.
> 
> Cut down the turnout time if you can.  Try to arrange
> for him
to be turned out
> early in the morning, when the sugars in the grasses are at
> their lowest.
> Something like 4 AM to 9 AM would be ideal, but I doubt the
> barn is that
> accommodating.
> 
> I wanted to solicit opinions from the
group as to
> preference for muzzles vs.
> dry lot schedules.
> 
> Muzzles are
a pain, but I would prefer a horse get exercise
> with his buddies
> to
keeping him on a dry lot.  There is a funny kind of
> bucket muzzle that
>
might help if the normal ones cannot be made to work.
> 
> Finally, if you can
buy him something like a "Nibble Net"
> and have his hay fed
> in that, that
should help as well.
> 
> If all that does not help, there are more things to
be
> done...but these are
> the things to try.
> 
> Gail
> 
> Important
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RE: Managing weight

[plumg...@pon.net]

This message is from: "plumg...@pon.net" 

Hi Debbie and Ivar,
I will intersperse your post with some suggestions.

 Ivar is a 5 yr. old gelding. He is 14.3 hh. For the first time, he has too
much weight on him. He currently gets 1/2 scoop of oats twice a day with
supplement and hay.

Stop the oats right away.  He does not need them.

Find a balanced supplement that is designed for overweight horses.  Nutrena
makes one (and Nutrena sponsors many Fjord events, so it is worth supporting
them.)  Purina does as well.

IF you up his exercise a bit, just doing that much might help.

 He is turned out 8 hours a day with 4 other horses in a medium sized rather
sparse paddock.

Cut down the turnout time if you can.  Try to arrange for him to be turned out
early in the morning, when the sugars in the grasses are at their lowest.
Something like 4 AM to 9 AM would be ideal, but I doubt the barn is that
accommodating.

I wanted to solicit opinions from the group as to preference for muzzles vs.
dry lot schedules.

Muzzles are a pain, but I would prefer a horse get exercise with his buddies
to keeping him on a dry lot.  There is a funny kind of bucket muzzle that
might help if the normal ones cannot be made to work.

Finally, if you can buy him something like a "Nibble Net" and have his hay fed
in that, that should help as well.

If all that does not help, there are more things to be done...but these are
the things to try.

Gail

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Managing weight

[huntdebbie55]

This message is from: huntdebbi...@yahoo.com

Hello All:

Please indulge me with this question as I know the topic comes up frequently 
with regarding to feeding, weight, etc. 

I have been a member of this mailgroup for a year and occasionally post a 
question but most of the time I just read and enjoy all of the great 
information I get when reading your posts.

I have been a Fjord owner for almost 2 years. Ivar is a 5 yr. old gelding. He 
is 14.3 hh. For the first time, he has too much weight on him. He currently 
gets 1/2 scoop of oats twice a day with supplement and hay. He is turned out 8 
hours a day with 4 other horses in a medium sized rather sparse paddock.

I wanted to solicit opinions from the group as to preference for muzzles vs. 
dry lot schedules.

He is boarded at a large boarding facility and they do have a few small dry lot 
paddocks and would accommodate.

Any suggestions or information would be much appreciate.

Debbie and Ivar in Kentucky

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hay weight

[fjords]

This message is from: 

At the hunter jumper barn I co-owned years ago. We used plastic baskets and
a hanging fish/meat scale for the longest time so that everyone that was
feeding could get the hang of what is 5 pounds and what is 10 pounds. Each
horse had baskets. This worked well for the self serve boarders. They were
to place their baskets full of food by their stalls so that at feed time we
just dumped feed from the basket into the feeders. The baskets were the
dollar store type and all weighed the same. :-)

 

Catherine Lassesen

fjo...@hughes.net

1-541-825-3027 Southern Oregon

 www.Hestehaven.com www.NorwegianBuhund.us

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Re: heights & weight

[jen frame]

This message is from: "jen frame" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Good point Sarah: I also ride 15.2 hand Tennessee Walking horses, and
they feel very "right" (although they are hard for me to get on while
trail riding!) And my 13.2 Fjord feels "right" too--just different.
Jen

On 11/14/07, Sarah Clarke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> This message is from: Sarah Clarke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> My smallest is about 13.2, about 800#; largest 14.1, about 950#.  I am 5' 7" 
> and suffering from some "middle age spread".  I think I look "right" on all 
> of them, and this has been confirmed by observers at shows and lessons.  They 
> feel right too, a good place to put my leg and no feeling that they are 
> struggling to carry my weight or height.  I also ride a 16 hand warmblood, so 
> it's not that I have just gotten "used" to the feeling of riding a smaller 
> horse.
>   Sarah in Jamul (getting used to trail riding in the ashes of the Harris 
> fire)
>
> kate charboneau <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>   This message is from: kate charboneau
>
> If you ride your Fjord, how tall is he/she, and how much does he/she weigh?
> How tall are you, and do you look "right" on him? :) Thanks
> _
> Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Café. Stop by
> today.
> http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWLt
> agline
>
> The FjordHorse List archives can be found at:
> http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
>
>
>
>
>
> -
> Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how.
>
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Re: heights & weight

[jen frame]

This message is from: "jen frame" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Kate.
I ride my Fjord mare. She is only 13.2 hands and is very chunky at
about 900 lbs (that is an estimate). I am 5'2" (i.e. vertically
challenged!)
Do I look "right" on her? I'm not sure!
I just asked my husband and he said that I look just right on her!!
But honestly, looking right is so low on our priority list that I'm
not sure you can trust what my husband says! I just LOVE riding my
Fjord, and that makes it a right fit!!!
Hope that helps,
Jen

On 11/13/07, kate charboneau <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> This message is from: kate charboneau <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> If you ride your Fjord, how tall is he/she, and how much does he/she weigh?
> How tall are you, and do you look "right" on him?   :)  Thanks
> _
> Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Café. Stop by
> today.
> http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWLt
> agline
>
> The FjordHorse List archives can be found at:
> http://tinyurl.com/rcepw

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Re: weight tapes and Fjords

[FjordAmy]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 5/26/2007 6:26:15 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

*So I  figure he weighs almost a 100 lbs more than what the weight  tape
*measures.  


 
I too have used a weight tape on my fjords  and verified their weight on a 
scale. I found that the weight tape was actually  VERY close to actual weight. 
That 100 lb difference can come from something as  simple as having the tape 
and inch or two too far back on the body, or holding  it a bit too snug. I 
usually had differences more like 25 - 40 lbs between tape  and scale. Also, 
the 
tapes may not be perfect but they are great for monitoring  changes in weight - 
if they've gained or lost weight according to the tape, they  have probably 
actually gained or lost that weight...
 
Amy
 
 
Amy Evers
Dun Lookin' Fjords
260 May Creek Rd
Days  Creek, OR 97429
541-825-3303
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED])  



** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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Re: taking weight off...

[ruth bushnell]

This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have
worked with and consulted with many vets and I have never had a
problem with good quality straw. >>> Catherine Lassesen



YES, I too recall this subject from the past.

Straw is listed as a cause of impaction on Wikipedia...though I
realize that's not the last word insofar as references go. I think the
potential for over ingestion of straw is greater with Fjords because
of their voracious appetites. This is the reference

Pelvic flexure impaction This is caused by an impaction of food
material at a part of the large bowel known as the pelvic flexure of
the left colon where the intestine takes a 180 degree turn and
narrows. Impaction generally responds well to medical treatment, but
more severe cases may not recover without surgery. If left untreated,
severe impaction colic can be fatal. The most common cause is when the
horse is on box rest and/or consumes LARGE VOLUMES OF STRAW, or the
horse has dental disease and is unable to masticate properly. This
condition could be diagnosed on rectal examination by a veterinarian.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_colic

We never use straw for bedding on this account.

Ruthie, nw mt, US 


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Re: weight tapes and Fjords

[Sarah Clarke]

This message is from: Sarah Clarke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

using a weight tape that only measures the girth is not as accurate as using 
girth and length.  I have a chart but I also found a formula that goes

Weight = (girth squared times length) divided by 300
   
  where weight is pounds and grith and length are inches
   
  Also, even if your weight isn't precise the important thing is you can track 
gain or loss.  that way you can see a trend sometimes before it's obvious.

Onna Kulaja <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  This message is from: "Onna Kulaja" 

I just took my Fjord to the vet and he has a scale to weigh cattle and
horses. Aron weights 965 using a weight tape and 1054 when weighed on the
scale. So I figure he weighs almost a 100 lbs more than what the weight tape
measures. I don't know if this would hold true with all Fjords, but it does
give one some idea of the possible difference between what a weight tape
measures and their actualy weight. Aron is 13.2 hands. Onna

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weight tapes and Fjords

[Onna Kulaja]

This message is from: "Onna Kulaja" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I just took my Fjord to the vet and he has a scale to weigh cattle and
horses.   Aron weights 965 using a weight tape and 1054 when weighed on the
scale. So I figure he weighs almost a 100 lbs more than what the weight tape
measures.  I don't know if this would hold true with all Fjords, but it does
give one some idea of the possible difference between what a weight tape
measures and their actualy weight. Aron is 13.2 hands. Onna

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RE: taking weight off...

[Jean Ernest]

This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Some straw is NOT low calorie!  Oat straw, for instance, especially 
if there are some grain heads left in it.


we are  feeding at least three times daily, hay for the most part, 
but my senior fjords get equine senior as well. This is while I have 
a friend feeding for me, until I am healed up enough from knee 
replacement.  In the winter I was feeding hay five to six time daily.


Jean in warm Fairbanks, Alaska, 80 degrees yesterday, and it's light 
all night, altho the sun does set for a few hours.




Dear List,
I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have worked with
and consulted with many vets and I have never had a problem with good
quality straw. I mix it with the hay and I am sure it is good fine quality
before I use it for bedding and or feeding. Impaction comes when a poor
quality straw is used or ate that was not to be used as feed. Also plenty of
water is a MUST in all feeding programs.


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RE: taking weight off...

[fjords]

This message is from: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Dear List,
I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have worked with
and consulted with many vets and I have never had a problem with good
quality straw. I mix it with the hay and I am sure it is good fine quality
before I use it for bedding and or feeding. Impaction comes when a poor
quality straw is used or ate that was not to be used as feed. Also plenty of
water is a MUST in all feeding programs. 

Reducing calories and increasing exercise is the only way to reduce the fat
on a horse. I am concerned with people that allow the gut of a horse to
become empty. 

I have always been told... a horse does not colic as easy when the gut and
stomach is full. It is when they are empty that colic and other problems
occur. Remember, horses in nature graze 80% of their time. Horses in stalls
are fed and eat only 20% of their time 

Have a great weekend!

Catherine Lassesen
Hestehaven - The Horse Garden
www.hestehaven.com / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Southern Oregon
 

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Re: taking weight off...

[jgayle]

This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Watch out for that straw!!! I used straw, farmer's grade, to cover a mud 
path to my riding arena. Both my Trakehener and my then fjord ate till full 
and both colicked.  They impacted.  So be careful with straw.  Jean Gayle 
whose Grumpy Gunnar has finally gained back his lost winter weight.







Author of:
'The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949
Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press
7403 Blaine Rd
Aberdeen, WA 98520 


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fjords losing weight

[jaimie benoit]

This message is from: "jaimie benoit" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Teresa,

Is there anyway that you can free lunge them?  Are their feet too sore for
that?  When we get horses here on consignment there are usually a few that
are overweight and that is how I start them off-- in the ring free lungeing
them.  A good cardio workout.  It is very important not to overdo it
though and give them plenty of rest in between.  Just trotting is fine.
Nothing frantic.

In regards to there diet.  NO GRASS.  Dry lot only please.  With the correct
management weight control becomes much easier.

Walking them up and down hills will help as well.  It should be a forward
walk though not just plodding along.

I hope that helps.  It's sad to see fjords so overweight.

Kind regards,  Jaimie Benoit- BDF Manager and Head trainer

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taking weight off...

[fjords]

This message is from: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Ok. some methods I have used may not be the best methods. but here is what
has worked with several of our fjords and fjords that we have managed for
their owners.

 

A long time ago, a dear older vet told me that good quality straw was a
great tool in keeping hungry horses satisfied.  This means clean fresh straw
that is mixed with good quality grass hay.  The situation is that we want to
keep the belly full as we decrease the calories of the hay. You also need to
up the exercise. With the extreme overweight this means 5 minutes of HAND
walking a day building up to 5 minutes of riding. mainly bareback because
you cannot sit proper on the back. (kinda like a Barbie doll sitting on a
beyer.) 

 

I had vets tell me that they have never seen horses colic on a FULL stomach.
The straw helps keep the stomach full. It is also a mental game. Fjords LOVE
to graze. 

 

You increase the exercise as you decrease the calories. eventually they
horse will lower the fat and gain the muscle. It takes time. It takes
patience and it takes work!  If you have questions, ask your vet. Also. a
good supplement of vitamins is necessary. 

 

This is the short of a long conversation. 

 

 

Catherine Lassesen

Hestehaven - The Horse Garden

www.hestehaven.com / [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Southern Oregon

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Treeless saddles and weight

[Autumnhaus]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Maybe some Treeless saddles have weight limits on them. But the StarTrekk  
was designed for any rider.
Might want to check it out at...
_http://www.startrekk.de/cms.php?entry=164&lid=6_ 
(http://www.startrekk.de/cms.php?entry=164&lid=6) 
 
_http://www.trekkingsaddles-webshop.com/default-en.htm_ 
(http://www.trekkingsaddles-webshop.com/default-en.htm) 
 
Abby is the only US Dealer and has a good Demo program on them.Her email  is  
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) 
 
 
 I have one and it fits my Fjord great.
 
 
Shari

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horse weight

[David McWethy]

This message is from: "David  McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Sample weights from scales of horses I've had:
13.2H medium to slightly drafty - 950
14.1H medium   1050-1100
15H medium  1150-1200

Nothing works better than the scale!

Dave

Re: Estimating your horses weight

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> A few weeks ago I mentioned a Texas A&M method of determining your horses
> weight that is supposed to be accurate within 50 lbs. I found the web site
> describing it. See below
>
>  http://tinyurl.com/syly5

Oh, goodie, another equine weight formula for my "collection"!

However, their formula,

   weight = girth x girth x length/330

has been around for a long time.  I first heard of it on the old
newsgroup, rec.equestrian, in August of 1992---it was credited to an
article in The Chronicle of the Horse.  The above URL does have one
small "wrinkle" on the old version---it defines the equine's body
length a little differently (measures a little further around the
"corner" of the butt).

Note, however, that the researchers in the article tested it on 12
horses, all of QH, TB, or Arab ancestry.  To my mind, that sample is
rather small in size, and of insufficient diversity.  It would be
interesting for someone with access to a livestock scale and lots of
Fjords to take data and "run the numbers".  I'd expect a light-horse
formula to be off more than 50 lb for our "chunkier" breed.

The older formula UNDER-estimated the weight of my then-420-lb donkey
(the only one of my equines that I can weigh on a bathroom scale) by
63 lb, which is a rather large % error!)  OTOH, when I redid the
calculations some years later, her scale weight had gone up a lot, but
her measurements hadn't changed---donkeys store their fat further back
on their rib cages, as do my Fjords, to some extent.  That's why I
measure and record both heart-girth and rib-girth, to track my
equines' "weights".

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Estimating your horses weight

[Cynthia Madden]

This message is from: "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

A few weeks ago I mentioned a Texas A&M method of determining your horses
weight that is supposed to be accurate within 50 lbs. I found the web site
describing it. See below

*http://tinyurl.com/syly5*

--
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
personal: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
NFHR: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http:/www.geocities.com/cmadden88011

An unconscious people, an indoctrinated people, a people fed only on
partisan
information and opinion that confirm their own bias, a people made morbidly
obese in mind and spirit by the junk food of propaganda, is less inclined to
put up a fight, to ask questions and be skeptical. That kind of orthodoxy
can
kill a democracy – or worse.
- Bill Moyers, National Conference on Media Reform
  St. Louis, Missouri  May 15, 2005

Re: regarding fjord weight and conditioning

[HapDayBMF]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Thanks to everyone who sent a post to me on the fjords weight and  condition. 
 I would like to say it was a 50/50 toss up, with half thinking  he sounded 
'perfect', half thinking he needed 'something'.  
His pasture grass is of good quality, we ruled out that.
He has had his teeth recently floated and wolf teeth removed, we ruled out  
that.
He is wormed reg. and for tape, so we ruled out that.
The only thing that makes the most since is he's working harder, since  she's 
been home from college, then he was over the winter (was ridden weekly  
through the winter)   We are going to try adding a supplement to his  diet, see 
if 
this helps.
Thanks again,
Aimee Day

RE: fjrod weight and conditioning

[Karen Keith]

This message is from: "Karen Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Please reply on list.  This sounds like my gelding.  He came back from Amish 
driver's ed lean as a whip -- not ribby and skinny -- and he's slowly put on 
some weight, but still lacks that lovely Fjordie roundness.


Karen Keith



You can write me personally if you'd like.  Thanks.
Aimee Day
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


_
Sell your car for $9 on carpoint.com.au   
http://www.carpoint.com.au/sellyourcar

Re: fjrod weight and conditioning

[Jean Ernest]

This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

It sounds to me that he is just a good fit weight!  If you can't see his 
ribs, but can just barely make out his backbone..sounds like the "type" of 
fjord build that mine have.  Mine are on the slimmer type of build... They 
are all a bit too fat this  summer, in my estimation, but I can still see 
some indication of their backbone.  My friends here have Fjords of  a 
different bloodline who tend to be rounder in type..and tend to have a 
broader back, lower withers and more of a groove down the backbone 
area.   I think many fjords are too fat, really!What are HIS bloodlines?
Gee, if he is fit and energetic, he is much healthier than being loaded 
with grain.

At 07:20 AM 7/23/2005 -0400, you wrote:
>This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>I know this has probably been asked and answered 100 times, but when you  are
>not really looking for that answer you sometimes over look the  question.
>Now I'm in need of the answerand wishing I'd paid more  attention :)
>
>Ok...I have a young lady who owns a fjord, that she keeps here on my farm.
>He is 7 yrs old, just shy of 14 hands, med. boned, weighs 795 lbs.  He is
>worked daily for roughly 30-45 min. he is on grass pasture 24/7 - (but 
>it's very
>short and well eaten.)  Everyone either thinks he's very young or he's
>too thin.  You can just barely make out his back bone, you can't see 
>his  ribs
>but you can feel them with no problem, his hips may be just a 
>little  pointy.
>Her farrier told her he's in perfect weightdon't let him gain  any.(he's
>not a fjord owner)

Re: fjrod weight and conditioning

[SSlotness]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

He sounds like the perfect weight to me.
 
Suzan

fjrod weight and conditioning

[HapDayBMF]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I know this has probably been asked and answered 100 times, but when you  are 
not really looking for that answer you sometimes over look the  question.  
Now I'm in need of the answerand wishing I'd paid more  attention :)
 
Ok...I have a young lady who owns a fjord, that she keeps here on my farm.  
He is 7 yrs old, just shy of 14 hands, med. boned, weighs 795 lbs.  He is  
worked daily for roughly 30-45 min. he is on grass pasture 24/7 - (but it's 
very  
short and well eaten.)  Everyone either thinks he's very young or he's  
too thin.  You can just barely make out his back bone, you can't see his  ribs 
but you can feel them with no problem, his hips may be just a little  pointy.  
Her farrier told her he's in perfect weightdon't let him gain  any.(he's 
not a fjord owner)   Her mom likes her animals on the thin  sideso she 
thinks he's perfect.  I think personally he's too thin for a  fjord - but mine 
are 
all on the "round" side :)  She is really getting  distressed over this.  She 
doesn't want him gaining too much, but she  doesn't want people thinking 
she's starving him either.
Any suggestions?  Does he sound "too thin"?  
She really doesn't want to heat him up with grain if she doesn't have too.  
He's got plenty of energy.  He's wormed every 6 weeks, and is UTD on all  
vaccines.  He's in the pasture with 2 of mine who have plenty of weight on  
them, 
so it's not due to lack of feed in the pasture.
You can write me personally if you'd like.  Thanks.
Aimee Day
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: Weight a fjord can carry?

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi,
I am not a breeder, but will say that everytime I hear the work taller 
or 15 hands describing a Fjord, I cringe.  Have said it before and will 
always say it.  Leave the breed alone.  We do not need and I don't want 
taller.  The 14 hand Fjord is just perfect for not falling too far to 
the ground when it happens.



This message is from: "MARK DANIELSON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I really enjoyed the copy of Dr. Bennett's paper concerning growth plate
maturation rates.as breeders, do you think there is a trend to breed
larger fjords?   Or should the breed standard remain the same?  
 



--
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: Weight a fjord can carry?

[Larry Goss]

This message is from: "Larry Goss" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I am a new owner and missed the article by Dr. Bennett.  Could someone
forward it to me at [EMAIL PROTECTED]  thank you> This message is from: "MARK 
DANIELSON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> I really enjoyed the copy of Dr. Bennett's paper concerning growth
> plate maturation rates.  As a new fjord owner I was wondering how much
> a mature fjord is expected to safely carry?   Previously I have had
> larger horses - 16 hands and over, but my 14.3 fjord mare seems very
> able to perform, in fact she is learning to "go round" much quicker
> than other horses I've started. Another related question:  as breeders,
> do you think there is a trend to breed larger fjords?   Or should the
> breed standard remain the same?  It seems as if sometimes the taller
> height of a fjord for sale is highlighted as a desirable feature.
>
> Patti
> Washington


Larry Goss

Weight a fjord can carry?

[MARK DANIELSON]

This message is from: "MARK DANIELSON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I really enjoyed the copy of Dr. Bennett's paper concerning growth plate
maturation rates.  As a new fjord owner I was wondering how much a mature
fjord is expected to safely carry?   Previously I have had  larger horses - 16
hands and over, but my 14.3 fjord mare seems very able to perform, in fact she
is learning to "go round" much quicker than other horses I've started.
Another related question:  as breeders, do you think there is a trend to breed
larger fjords?   Or should the breed standard remain the same?  It seems as if
sometimes the taller height of a fjord for sale is highlighted as a desirable
feature.

Patti
Washington

Weight of Fjords at birth

[Frederick J. Pack]

This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Patty,
I haven't seen another reply to your question.

Although I haven't weighed our youngsters at birthmy back tells me that
they are between 80-90 lbs.  

Perhaps some others on the list have actually weighed their "kids"

Anybody???

Fred


All Mail is scanned in AND out by Norton Anti-virus 2004.
Fred and Lois Pack
Pack's Peak Stables
Wilkeson, Washington 98396 
http://www.geocities.com/friendlyfred98 
   
  


--


What is the average weight of a Fjord foal when it is born?
Patty in  Yakima, WA.

Re: weight

[CrystalZak]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 5/22/05 5:53:49 AM, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


> I am fortunate enough to have a town dump (one advantage of living
> rather rural) 10 miles from me and I just load her up and take her there
> for an accurate weigh in.
> 

duh, slapping forehead.thanks, carol. i am rural and i didn't even 
think about our dumpand we have certainly been there enough after cleaning 
up all the stuff around our farm.

laurie and oz, who at least has one advantage in the weight department with 
the strength of the winds we have had for the last two days. our chickens are 
all walking sideways, and the geese can even get into the air if they run the 
right direction..sheesh

RE: weight

[Skeels, Mark A \(GE Healthcare\)]

This message is from: "Skeels, Mark A \(GE Healthcare\)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 980 lbs, I missed how tall she was?  980 on a 13.2 hand horse is
different than 980 on a 14.3 hand.  Is she on the drafty side or finer
side? Or in between?
Mark 

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Carol J.
Makosky
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2005 3:13 AM
To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com
Subject: Re: weight

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi,
I am fortunate enough to have a town dump (one advantage of living
rather rural) 10 miles from me and I just load her up and take her there
for an accurate weigh in.  She was 980 this time and our DumpMaster
loves to see her come for a visit.  

--
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: weight

[Warren Stockwell]

This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Carol,

Where and when is the drive on the 5th?

Roberta

- Original Message - 
From: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2005 3:12 AM
Subject: Re: weight


> This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> 
> Hi,
> I am fortunate enough to have a town dump (one advantage of living 
> rather rural) 10 miles from me and I just load her up and take her there 
> for an accurate weigh in.  She was 980 this time and our DumpMaster 
> loves to see her come for a visit.  So we had originally hooked up to do 
> a club drive 40 miles away, but it was looking so bad in the rain dept., 
> that I opted to just take Heidi to the dump for weigh in and go to the 
> drive minus horse.  In the meantime conditions improved, so it was 
> scramble to get it all together (thank goodness for my trip list) and 
> off to the drive.  The weather was good and nice and breezy.  About 10 
> to 15 rigs showed up and it was a good drive (meaning no 
> wrecks/run-a-ways)  I stayed mostly on the very nice sand roads by 
> ourselves, so did not have much chance to work on iron jaw.  We did 
> about 8 miles and even gave a short ride to a newbie to the world of 
> driving.  Then it was pack up and go to the hosts house for potluck 
> which was close by and a shelter in case the rain did appear.  The food 
> was as good as the outing with the horse and table chat was all horse 
> talk too.  I host the next drive on June 5th at a bird refuge (largest 
> in WI) with a 15 miles route if one wants to go that far.  I expce this 
> to be well attended for the 2nd year as word has gotten around that it 
> is a nice place and I have joined my two clubs for this event.  Before 
> this I will be camping (in the trailer minus the horse) for 4 days at 
> another nice start/county area with Heidi over the holiday and am 
> looking forward to this.  So the busy horse season is upon me and I am 
> making up for the lost time of last year when I spent 3 months of summer 
> in a wheel chair from foot surgery.  In between these busy weekend 
> drives, I get out almost everyday for a drive.  Heidi is a busy girl and 
> takes care of me at home on drives. 
> 
> -- 
> Built Fjord Tough
> Carol M.
> On Golden Pond
> N. Wisconsin

Re: weight

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi,
I am fortunate enough to have a town dump (one advantage of living 
rather rural) 10 miles from me and I just load her up and take her there 
for an accurate weigh in.  She was 980 this time and our DumpMaster 
loves to see her come for a visit.  So we had originally hooked up to do 
a club drive 40 miles away, but it was looking so bad in the rain dept., 
that I opted to just take Heidi to the dump for weigh in and go to the 
drive minus horse.  In the meantime conditions improved, so it was 
scramble to get it all together (thank goodness for my trip list) and 
off to the drive.  The weather was good and nice and breezy.  About 10 
to 15 rigs showed up and it was a good drive (meaning no 
wrecks/run-a-ways)  I stayed mostly on the very nice sand roads by 
ourselves, so did not have much chance to work on iron jaw.  We did 
about 8 miles and even gave a short ride to a newbie to the world of 
driving.  Then it was pack up and go to the hosts house for potluck 
which was close by and a shelter in case the rain did appear.  The food 
was as good as the outing with the horse and table chat was all horse 
talk too.  I host the next drive on June 5th at a bird refuge (largest 
in WI) with a 15 miles route if one wants to go that far.  I expce this 
to be well attended for the 2nd year as word has gotten around that it 
is a nice place and I have joined my two clubs for this event.  Before 
this I will be camping (in the trailer minus the horse) for 4 days at 
another nice start/county area with Heidi over the holiday and am 
looking forward to this.  So the busy horse season is upon me and I am 
making up for the lost time of last year when I spent 3 months of summer 
in a wheel chair from foot surgery.  In between these busy weekend 
drives, I get out almost everyday for a drive.  Heidi is a busy girl and 
takes care of me at home on drives. 


--
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: weight

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> > measurement from the point of shoulder joint to the point of rump.
>
> this could perhaps be the problem. i am pretty sure i was not measuring the
> right spot. is this measured along his side, or on top? and where exactly is
> the point of the rump? on top, over the curve by the tail?

It's measured along the side of the animal.  If you've got a book that
shows you the equine skeleton, the landmark is the "ischial tuber"---
the furthest rearward "wing" of the pelvis (where it sticks out behind
the joint that attaches the femur to the pelvis), on each side of the
tail.

Stand back and look at him, from the side.  The rump will curve over
the top and down past where the tail hooks in.  About the level of
the anus (or a little lower, depending on the animal), the curve
changes from sloping backward, to sloping forward.  That's the "point"
of the rump, also called "point of buttock"---sort of where "rump"
becomes "thigh".

What you're trying to do with these formulas is to approximate the
equine torso as a cylinder.  So, the length you want is the maximum
"straight" line from the front-most point on the torso (point of
shoulder) to the rearmost point (point of buttock).

BTW, it's a good idea to do the measurement on both sides of the
equine.  Most of mine turn to see what I'm doing, which artificially
shortens the measurement, somewhat.

> his heart girth is 84". however, he is also just over 15 hands, and drafty.

Uff-da!  My 14.3hh gelding is of fairly drafty type, but the biggest
his heart-girth has ever been is 77"; he's now down to 72".  My old
mare was 14.2hh, and at one point got up to 83"---that was when we
figured out that her thyroid was out of whack.  Putting her on Thyro-L
slimmed her down to a more reasonable 72--74".  She eventually tested
positive for Cushings, so was probably insulin resistant for most of
her life.

Methinks Oz is half-past due for a diet

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Re: weight

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> help. i tried the formula yesterday that i got from the list to determine 
> weight. it said to take girthxgirthxlength divided by 330. i must be doing 
> something wrong, since i come up with oz weighing under 800 lbs..nope, 
> not 
> right.

I've played around with some of these formulas over the years.  There
are a lot of them, but it seems like each one of them uses a different
version of "length".  Probably the most common definition is the
measurement from the point of shoulder joint to the point of rump.
These are the sort of knobby points at the front and back "corners" of
the animal's torso.  Girth is heart-girth, taken just behind the
withers and elbow.

Based on the 3 Fjords that I've had, the last time I ran thru the
calculations, I got the following.  (Unfortunately, I do not have
scale weights for any of these creatures.)

Rom was 14.1hh, had heart girth 68" and body length 61".  I
"guess-timated" his weight at 950 lb; the Purina weight tape that I
had said he was probably between 910 and 960 lb.  The formula you were
given would say 855 lb.  (Other formulas I tried gave 940 and 990 lb.)

Nansy was 14.2hh, girth 72", length 65".  Guessed weight 1100 lb;
Purina weight 1070--1130 lb; your formula 1021 lb; other formulas 1123
and 1173 lb.

Sleepy was 14.3hh, girth 74", length 65".  Guessed weight 1150 lb;
Purina weight 1130--1190 lb; your formula 1079 lb; other formulas 1186
and 1236 lb.

For purposes of assessing my feeding plan, I measure both heart girth
and rib girth, in inches, every week (at the same time of day, and
trying to get the animal in the same posture---usually while they're
busy eating their breakfasts).  I write it down on the calendar, so I
can keep an eye on trends.  There will be some random up/down between
measurements (differences in when they drank or shat last, and tension
levels), so don't take any single pair of measurements as a trend!

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Re: fjord ideal weight

[CHERYL GARNICA]

This message is from: CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Good point on the nutrient/dust component.  Many of us at the mercy of the 
local feed store for hay however.  Remember reading an article where a trainer 
said you should have your hay analyzed for nutrition content.  Local feed store 
had a howling laugh at that one!  Quality  varies every load they get.  Funds 
not endless and many of us don't have the luxury of pastures growing out own 
food supply or ordering from all over the continent for the primo feed, don't 
even know where I would begin with that., I suppose like us humans the horses 
diet will be better some days than others and will survive with the supplements 
and over all  diet balances out..
 
I appreciate whoever wrote about the fjords being more fuel efficient.  I 
apparantly have one that is NOT an overeater.  Actually leaves food behind.  
Only been 2 weeks and does not appear to be losing wt.   ..kind of watching it 
overall and sounds like I will have to make feed adjustments.  Thanks to all 
for info. everyone...food for thought (pun inteneded!)
Cheryl in Ca. 

Warren Stockwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" 

- Original Message - 
From: "Marsha Jo Hannah" 

> > CHERYL GARNICA wrote:
> >
> > I am a 2 week newbie fjord owner and wondered about the wt. issue. [...]
> > I am going by rule of thumb and feeding by weight, meaning feed 2%
> > of body wt.>
> I agree that hay ought to be fed by weight. Bales come in a lot of
> different sizes and densities, so it's hard to feed consistently based
> on bales, or flakes, or even inches.


No matter how you feed hay you need to be aware of the quality/ food value
of the hay you are feeding. I cut and bale my own so I know what I have.
Many horse owners don't have that luxury to know at what stage it is being
cut, and when it was baled.

I just did a job ( pet sitter ) where I was to feed 1 bale A.M and the bale
weighed at least 45 lbs. When I opened it up I found heavy packed dusty hay
with (I would bet if tested little food value). SO if fed by weight these
horses wouldn't get what was expected for food. I'm glad these horses have
pasture I would bet most of the hay will be left or stomped into the mud.
This was cut at the right stage ( looked like it ) but most likely baled to
early and to tight. Leaving moisture content to high and became dusty/
moldy. Reduced quality.

weight is good but you need to know the quality of what you have no matter
how you feed.

Re: fjord ideal weight

[Warren Stockwell]

This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

- Original Message - 
From: "Marsha Jo Hannah" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> > CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > I am a 2 week newbie fjord owner and wondered about the wt. issue. [...]
> > I am going by rule of thumb and feeding by weight, meaning feed 2%
> > of body wt.>
> I agree that hay ought to be fed by weight.  Bales come in a lot of
> different sizes and densities, so it's hard to feed consistently based
> on bales, or flakes, or even inches.


No matter how you feed hay you need to be aware of the quality/ food value
of the hay you are feeding. I cut and bale my own so I know what I have.
Many horse owners don't have that luxury to know at what stage it is being
cut, and when it was baled.

I just did a job ( pet sitter ) where I was to feed 1 bale A.M and the bale
weighed at least 45 lbs. When I opened it up I found heavy packed dusty hay
with (I would bet if tested little food value). SO if fed by weight these
horses wouldn't get what was expected for food. I'm glad these horses have
pasture I would bet most of the hay will be left or stomped into the mud.
This was cut at the right stage ( looked like it )  but most likely baled to
early and to tight. Leaving moisture content to high and became dusty/
moldy. Reduced quality.

weight is good but you need to know the quality of what you have no matter
how you feed.

Re: fjord ideal weight

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> I am a 2 week newbie fjord owner and wondered about the wt. issue. [...]
> I am going by rule of thumb and feeding by weight, meaning feed 2%
> of body wt. estimated as I do with the other horses.  The others
> will gain or lose depending on season or activity.  I will adjust
> feed by about a pound depending on the gain or loss.  It has worked
> pretty well for me with other horses with only a few changes in
> feed. In my area and probably everyone elses, the way they bale hay
> can be dense feed or pretty lose so weighing is safest way to go
>   Cheryl in Ca.

I agree that hay ought to be fed by weight.  Bales come in a lot of
different sizes and densities, so it's hard to feed consistently based
on bales, or flakes, or even inches.

However, for a maintenance ration on a lightly-used Fjord, I'd suggest
1.5% of body weight, per day, as a baseline, then adjust up/down as
needed.  Fjords are highly "fuel efficient", and will turn any extra
calories into fat.  (I once compared notes with a neighbor, and found
that I was feeding 2 Fjords and a donkey on what she was pouring into
1 TB gelding!)  Right now, my guys are getting grass hay at 1% of body
weight per day, plus 1 hour of pasture time (for which the tubby one
wears a grazing muzzle)---no grain, and just enough alfalfa hay
pellets to get them to eat their supplements.  They are slowly losing
weight on this, whereas the above, with 2 hours of pasture led to
weight gain.  Think air ferns

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Re: fjord weight

[coyote]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In my opinion, it's the total body condition that determines the correct
weight of a horse, not just the fat deposit over the ribs.

One horse with one body type can have more padding over the ribs than
another horse with a different body type, but each can be at a weight
that is correct for the horse.

Even when our Fjords are trim, there usually is more padding over their
ribs than I would expect on horses of other breeds. But a trim Fjord
doesn't have excess pads of fat over the rump, along the underside
belly, between the thighs, over the withers, or down the crest of the neck.

I know what a seriously underweight Fjord looks like -- depressions on
either side of the tail bone, gaunt hips, protruding spine and withers,
and listless attitude. But the ribs on this horse were not sticking out
like a picket fence, as I might expect on a horse of another breed.

http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/conditionscore.shtml
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/livestock/horses/facts/98-101.htm

DeeAnna

Re: fjord ideal weight

[Reena Giola]

This message is from: "Reena Giola" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Cheryl

thanks for bringing it up about the density.also the richness of the hay
has to be considered.   When we moved from CA to MI the hay was much richer in
CA, so a very small flake was requiredwe also do it by weight.and
after a while you can pretty much tell how much a flake
weighs...roughlyso when in MI I didn't realize how much less the
quality was..poor Gus was so hungry there as I had them feeding him a very
small amount after we arrived..then after I discovered the difference he
got a HUGE flake of hay, gosh sometimes it was up to 3 flakes, but loosely
packed and didn't weight much, nor was the hay very rich..and believe me,
he never got fat!!!

so it's not just the size of the flake, it's the quality of it and the weight
of it.

  This message is from: CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

  I
  I am going by rule of thumb and feeding by weight, meaning feed 2% of body
wt. estimated as I do with the other horses.  The others will gain or lose
depending on season or activity.  I will adjust feed by about a pound
depending on the gain or loss.  It has worked pretty well for me with other
horses with only a few changes in feed. In my area and probably everyone
elses, the way they bale hay can be dense feed or pretty lose so weighing is
safest way to go

  I

RE: fjord ideal weight

[CHERYL GARNICA]

This message is from: CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I am a 2 week newbie fjord owner and wondered about the wt. issue.  The trusty 
measuring tape I think MIGHT be ballpark accurate within 100# or so, 
MAYBEdon't think it takes into consideration the heavier boned legs 
compared to other horses and who knows what is that makes fjords different!
 
I am going by rule of thumb and feeding by weight, meaning feed 2% of body wt. 
estimated as I do with the other horses.  The others will gain or lose 
depending on season or activity.  I will adjust feed by about a pound depending 
on the gain or loss.  It has worked pretty well for me with other horses with 
only a few changes in feed. In my area and probably everyone elses, the way 
they bale hay can be dense feed or pretty lose so weighing is safest way to 
go
 
I have no idea what the wt. of your horse should be...after looking at fjord 
ads and pics for 2 years and being a fjord novice, I would say depends on the 
type (drafty vx. light boned) and the muscling, muscle weighs more than fat but 
not sure the wt. tape picks that up.  I use the old eyeball approachthen 
pull out the wt. tape if they obviously are getting porky...
 
Dont' know if that helps and if there is a better method, I'm interested
Cheryl in Ca.

RE: fjord weight

[Teressa Kandianis]

This message is from: "Teressa Kandianis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:23 AM
To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com
Subject: re: fjord weight


> I would ask how much they are feeding/day.  We feed about 6-8 inches off
> a small square bale to each horse 2 times/day.
>
We had a heck of a time keeping our horses at a good weight - even after I
moved them to a training barn where they became very fit.  I was feeding a
supplement that was mixed with sweet feed - tdi 10 - along with grass hay.
Still overweight.  Finally, we quit with the tdi 10 and fed them just a
plain supplement mixed with a scant handful of oats.  Their diet now
consists of 5 lbs local grass hay each morning and evening.  And for lunch,
they get a fluffed up probably 1/2 lb of hay just to make them think they
get fed when everyone else does.  Also their handful of oats with their
Milleniium Gold supplement mixed in each evening.  But they are not skinny -
I can feel the ribs but not see them.  Their butts and chests and necks are
well muscled - Nina not so much as she is still getting fit after coming
back to work in January when she weaned her baby.  But her girth holes are
back to normal.  They are worked 5 or 6 days a week.  Merit is so strong, he
can canter for 15 minutes without a break or slow down and not be breathing
heavy when he's allowed to walk.  And still they are on these sparse
rations.  Dane had been on pasture for a few years and was incredibly cresty
and fat when we bought him last spring - he was put on these same rations
and training plan and was trim and muscular by the end of summer.  Though
still bull headed - diet doesn't fix everything.

We learned we just can't feed a supplement that has the junk mixed in with
it.  They did not get those last pounds off until we switched to a
supplement that is only a teaspoon a day.

We also bought grazing muzzles, so on the occasions when we have them on
pasture, their intake is very limited.  Of course, this doesn't apply to
Nina when she was nursing or to the baby who is growing like a weed.  We
don't even feed treats - its not good for ground manners when we feed them
by hand anyhow.  We are rank novices and have learned most of our lessons
the hard way...though we now have good healthy fit horses, its a tribute to
the fjord breed as much as to our learning curve.

Teressa in Ferndale, WA

Re: need information or good source for information on good fjord weight

[Don Brackett]

This message is from: Don Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

They are all different, probably with a huge range.  You should be able 
to feel the ribs easily but not see them.  I see an awful lot of fat 
Fjords.  Mine are still too fat and I'm always struggling to provide 
more exercise to keep them trim.  Osa, 13.2, drafty build tapes 1025, I 
can barely feel her ribs when I push quite hard.  Geilo, 14.1 a little 
lighter build tapes 1000.  My vet feels they should both loose 
more...so hard.


ConnieBennett wrote:



What should a fjord filly, 5-6 years, 14.1h high weigh? 

re: fjord weight

[CrystalZak]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 5/17/05 12:11:15 PM,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


> I would ask how much they are feeding/day.  We feed about 6-8 inches off
> a small square bale to each horse 2 times/day. 
>

mark, this is the most definitive description of the amount of hay to feed
that i have come across. thank you i tell DH not so much hay, but he still
doesn't know how much. now i can say with certainly how much i want him to
have. i am very embarassed at how heavy Oz got over the winter. he's been on
pretty flat grass (he's eaten down pretty well), but even that may be too
much. i
know he's not getting enough exercise, but i am working on that part. he's
also
going to spend more time in our dry lot. ok, it's not totally dry, since he
always finds a wet spot to sleep in..last night it was on the poop pile.

i bought a weight tape yesterday in the hope of getting an approx weight on
him.turns out he doesn't like white paper streamers any more than white
plastic bags. i though i would drape it quietly over his back.nope, wasn't
gonna happen. now i will have to work on him getting used to it before i can
really tell how much work we have to do.

thanks very much
laurie, and oz
central minnesota where it's been raining FOREVER

RE: need information or good source for information on good fjord weight

[Skeels, Mark A \(GE Healthcare\)]

This message is from: "Skeels, Mark A \(GE Healthcare\)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I would say if worked good several times a week, maybe between 1000-1100
lbs, if a pasture ornament probably 1100-1250.
All of our horses are around 14.1-14.2 and when they get worked several
days a week the probably loose 100-150 lbs from when they weren't
worked. And the ones that aren't worked are around 1250 lbs.

I would ask how much they are feeding/day.  We feed about 6-8 inches off
a small square bale to each horse 2 times/day.  If they are being worked
that hard they will also need some grain. If they are being worked hard
they will probably need a little more hay than that also.  Also does
their hay have much nutrition in it, or is it overly dried out swamp
grass?

Could the horse have a infestation of worms or parasite?  

Also,  I think what we call driving or riding in some horse arena's is
child's play.  Some people, especially rodeo type people, work their
horses quite a few more hours a week than most typical Fjord owners, so
I don't know if most of us really know what a Fjord would look like if
worked real hard.  And I don't mean standing for a hour waiting for
someone to load a wagon of wood to haul back a half mile to the house
once in a while or someone that has 10 fjords and rides each one at a
trot a few times around the arena 5 times a week working up a 15 minute
sweat or maybe a carriage ride a couple times a week.  These things, to
hard core rodeo types, is child's play.

But I do admit, 800 lbs seems like there would be more rib showing than
any 14.1 healthy horse with normal body fat content would have, much
less a Fjord.

The same is true of people and horses.  If we burn more calories than we
consume in a day, we loose weight. I don't know if there is a way to
figure out actual body fat percentage on a horse, but there must be a
way.  What is the actual healthy body fat percentage for horses?  Other
than just standing back and looking at the horse and feeling the ribs,
anything scientific and reproducible that takes out human error on the
market?

Also, there is a limit to how lean a animal or person can be before it
can start to affect body organs.  And of course the opposite is true
also,  overly obese horses probably can be subject to similar health
problems as overly obese humans.  And it don't take much to be
considered obese,  I being 6'1" at 210 lbs am considered borderline
obese.  How about my 14.2 horse at 1250 lbs.  They would eat until they
pop if given a chance it seems at times. We must be careful as we care
for our precious ponies, either way, starving or over indulging them.


Mark Skeels  Helena MT. 


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of ConnieBennett
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 5:53 PM
To: fjordhorse digest
Subject: need information or good source for information on good fjord
weight

This message is from: ConnieBennett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I have been using a trainer who mostly works with arabs, qtr horses.
She's
excellant but I think a little nutty about horses being on the lean and
mean side.
Last fall my then 5 year old fjord was there.  A NOVICE who really
wanted a fjord fell in love with my fjord and bought her from me.  I
thought things would be ok as she was going to leave the fjord at this
stable and trainer.
My grandson who was co-owner on this fjord needed the $for college so we
went ahead.  Also, I was in a car acciddent a year ago and 5 horses
seemed a bit much to shovel up after.
I just took my youngest fjord over to the trainer and she said that she
was grossly obese (my vet said 100 lbs overweight).  I went and looked
at the fjord that was mine last year and I got sick.  She looks so thin
and not like a fjord at all.  In six months I would guess that she
weighs 800-850 lbs.  She said "it's all muscle" and I said "she doesn't
even look like a fjord any more and you're trying to turn her into a
blooming little arab.

What should a fjord filly, 5-6 years, 14.1h high weigh? 

need information or good source for information on good fjord weight

[ConnieBennett]

This message is from: ConnieBennett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I have been using a trainer who mostly works with arabs, qtr horses.   She's
excellant but I think a little nutty about horses being on the lean and mean
side.
Last fall my then 5 year old fjord was there.  A NOVICE who really wanted a
fjord fell in love with my fjord and bought her from me.  I thought things
would be ok as she was going to leave the fjord at this stable and trainer.
My grandson who was co-owner on this fjord needed the $for college so we
went ahead.  Also, I was in a car acciddent a year ago and 5 horses seemed a
bit much to shovel up after.
I just took my youngest fjord over to the trainer and she said that she was
grossly obese (my vet said 100 lbs overweight).  I went and looked at the
fjord that was mine last year and I got sick.  She looks so thin and not
like a fjord at all.  In six months I would guess that she weighs 800-850
lbs.  She said "it's all muscle" and I said "she doesn't even look like a
fjord any more and you're trying to turn her into a blooming little arab.

What should a fjord filly, 5-6 years, 14.1h high weigh? 

birth weight

[BlkHorseAntique]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Our foals have ranged in weight from 80 to 94 lbs.  All strong and healthy 
as...well, healthy as horses.  Little Tarmo who weighed 80 lbs at birth is now 
eight months old and almost 13 hands tall.  You can barely tell him apart from 
the adults when they are standing in the pasture together.

Janice in Nebraska

Re: Foal Birth Weight

[FjordAmy]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 3/9/2005 9:22:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I had several that weighted right at 95 lbs.


The smallest one [Fjord Baby] I've had so far was around 95 (39"). Then two 
were a little over 100 (41"), and one that was about 125 and 42" at the 
shoulder. Catherine Lassesen had one last year that weighed in at 140 at 3 days 
old! 

Amy


Amy Evers
Dun Lookin' Fjords
Redmond OR
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

RE: Foal Birth Weight

[jerrell friz]

This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

When I was in the breeding business, I had several that weighted right at
95 lbs. I also found that they gain about 3 pounds a day. I weighted them
by holding them,[in my arms] and stepping on the bathroom scales. An old
timer once told me that if I picked them up each day, and weighted them,
that I would always be able to pick them up.  This worked, for awhile, and
then I would miss a day, and would not be able to lift them after that. 
Must be like riding, don't ever stop, cause you might not be able to
restart.
 I did go skiing today, after a couple of runs was flying down the
mountain, what fun.
Regards,
Jerry Friz,
Anderson, Ca.

every farm needs a "team"

Foal Birth Weight

[Judy Ryder]

This message is from: "Judy Ryder" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Does anyone know the average range of weight of newborn foals?

Thanks!

Judy

Re: determining weight of Fjords

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Here is a neat weight calculator for Draft horses on the Rural Heritage
> website...maybe it will work for Fjords?
> http://www.ruralheritage.com/horse_paddock/horse_weight.htm

I poked a few numbers into it, then did some "reverse engineering".
Their "draft horse" calculator uses the formula

   weight = girth x girth x length / 330

Interestingly, that is exactly the formula that was published years
ago for estimating weights of all horses, by the Chronicle of the
Horse---which I think of as catering to the sport-horse world!  I've
found this formula to agree fairly closely to the generic horse weight
tapes that you get at the feed store.


> Jean in RAINY Fairbanks, ALaska, lHooray for the Rain: maybe stop the fires!

Glad someone is getting some dampness!  It has been 100+ here for a
couple of days, and we could do with a few clouds

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Re: determining weight of Fjords

[jgayle]

This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hooray Jean that you have rain.  I have been worrying about your fire
situation there.  We had 97 degrees today and no wind. Horses are sweating
but old Gunnar still has his head down on the dry grass in the usual Fjord
position,   Jean G.





Author
"The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 46-49
Send $20 to:
PO Box 104
Montesano, WA 98563

determining weight of Fjords

[Jean Ernest]

This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Here is a neat weight calculator for Draft horses on the Rural Heritage
website...maybe it will work for Fjords?
http://www.ruralheritage.com/horse_paddock/horse_weight.htm

Jean in RAINY Fairbanks, ALaska, lHooray for the Rain: maybe stop the fires!

Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: Fjord weight bearing

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I have a question about how much weight a Fjord can handle. I have noticed 
that some of the Fjords listed for sale are noted as to be "a ladies horse". I 
am assuming this means they can't handle a lot of weight. But how would you 
know if you went to look at one for sale? 
 


I believe a horse can safely carry 1/4 of it's weight.

--
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: Fjord weight bearing

[Quilter855]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I have a question about how much weight a Fjord can handle. I have noticed 
that some of the Fjords listed for sale are noted as to be "a ladies horse". I 
am assuming this means they can't handle a lot of weight. But how would you 
know if you went to look at one for sale? If we bought another horse, I would 
definitely want one that both my husband and I could ride without injuring it.
Patty

Re: weight tapes and such

[FjordAmy]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 4/27/2004 2:06:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I agreed and Emily rode Nina in 4 flat classes where Nina won a blue and 2 red
ribbons!  Then Brittany rode Merit in two hunter classes over cross poles and 
2 flat classes.  Merit won 2 blues and 2 reds and the overall championship 
for that  group. 
Wow, that's great Teressa! Sounds like you need to come down and give us some 
real competition here for the Oregon Gold show!!!

Amy


Amy Evers
Dun Lookin' Fjords
Redmond, OR
Fjord [EMAIL PROTECTED]

weight tapes and such

[Teressa Kandianis]

This message is from: "Teressa Kandianis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Merit and Nina are progressing nicely at training so when my training barn
scheduled a schooling show for hunter/jumper for this past Sunday, my
trainer suggested that two of her best young students show the fjords.  I
agreed and Emily rode Nina in 4 flat classes where Nina won a blue and 2 red
ribbons!  Then Brittany rode Merit in two hunter classes over cross poles
and 2 flat classes.  Merit won 2 blues and 2 reds and the overall
championship for that group.  Mark and I couldn't have been prouder.  They
were ridden in green horse classes but others clearly had lots more
experiences showing than my two in their first ever.  The comments around
the ring were "cute" and "adorable" but also "That's the winning horse."
and "That's the best ride yet."  I didn't know what I looking at as this was
also my first show to watch, the two girls presented the ribbons to me and
now they are on the fjord's stall doors. Now the two riders are very good
and rode later in the day in advanced jumping classes on advanced jumping
horses.   But I'm told there were other good riders in the early classes as
well and that the horse still has to do what they are asked.  It was a
beautiful day here in northwest Washington so all in all, one of the best
days of my life.  I just wish there were driving facilities nearby as having
training so close to home makes it much easier.

I don't know if any of you recall my angst about Merit tripping in his
younger years and Nina being so antsy all the time.  Merit is over jumps
with ease, never a trip, and has a wonderful canter.  And Nina is standing
square waiting for her name to be called curving her neck to accentuate her
good looks.  Both were sights I never thought I'd see.

As for my subject line, the vet came to do shots and sheath yesterday and
used the weight tape on Merit - 1250 lbs.  He's still overweight and is on 5
lbs grass hay in am and 5 lbs grass in pm and a handful at lunch so he
doesn't feel left out.  He gets tdi 10 as a supplement - half scoop at
night - and is worked every day.  He does have a back bone which he hasn't
had in a while but still we can't feel his ribs.  This is one thrifty fella.
I recall some discussion a while back about people who did a fjord
adjustment for weight tapes?  Can anyone refresh my memory?

As for Nina, she is very fit and expecting Raynor's baby in mid summer.  She
has just started to look like she's pregnant, its not that she's gotten
wider, it's like her belly dropped.  Her weight is excellent and she has the
best attitude she's ever had.  I will be riding her this coming sunday in a
walk, trot intro test in a dressage schooling show.  I've been changing my
mind every other day but after practicing the tests this morning, decided it
was good experience for me.  Nina is already an old pro in the ring - she's
doing great among other horses and mares, stands still and waits patiently.
This will be her last hurrah before heading home to await her foal.

>From sunny dry western washington, Teressa

How much weight can a horse pull?

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> "Sheri E. Kane" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Husband is making a wheelchair acessable driving cart for my fjordhorse.
> What is the reasonable amount of weight that is recommended, for a driving
> horse to pull?  (cart + weight of people etc.).

It depends

What footing?  (Deep dry sand is a lot more work than pavement.)  What
grades?  (The horse can pull much more on the flat than up a steep
hill.)  What kind of wheels?  (Narrow wheels bog down in sand; wide
truck tires have more rolling resistance on pavement.)  How long will
the horse be expected to sustain the effort?  Etc

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

Re: Fjord Weight

[FjordAmy]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 2/2/2004 7:59:53 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
there is a line on the tape measure about 3 inches
from the end that says to stand to this line when measuring the horses
You aren't the only one to make that little goof Mark! I did the same thing 
when I was measuring a horse for a bridle... 3 or 4 inches can make a BIG 
difference some times!

Amy


Amy Evers
Dun Lookin' Fjords
Redmond, OR
Fjord [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: Fjord Weight

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Skeels, Mark A (MED) wrote:


This message is from: "Skeels, Mark A (MED)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

OK,  Going to try this again, maybe I won't get jumped on this time.

My 19 month old filly is 750 lbs and the 21 month old gelding is 820 lbs.


So I guess the measuring I did a couple months ago was operator error. Got
to read the directions, but then usually men don't need those, d
they.

Also we are now feeding 1/6 bale morning 1/6 bale evening and about a cup of
12 percent protein grain mixture, so we have changed our feeding per
feedback from this group.
 

Good for you on cutting back on the feed Mark.  I'm no expert,  but 
remember those youngsters are still growing and may need a bit extra.  
What do the rest of you say?  On the lighter side.  Isn't it too bad we 
humans can't adjust our weight tapes/scales to read to our advantage.



Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Fjord Weight

[Skeels, Mark A (MED)]

This message is from: "Skeels, Mark A (MED)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

OK,  Going to try this again, maybe I won't get jumped on this time.

We decided to worm the horses again today, got some of the wormer that is
ivermectin, plus it has another drug that also kills tape worm, as we have
heard from a couple vet type folks that a couple horses have died from tape
worm and it is a good thing to worm them for it in winter worming.  

Anyhow, another try at the tape measure I figured out what I did wrong
the first time.  You see, there is a line on the tape measure about 3 inches
from the end that says to stand to this line when measuring the horses
height, well I was using that line to also measure the horses weight.  I
guess a dumb mistake, anyhow I read the small print on the weight side of
the tape, and it says to measure weight to the end of the tape. So thus my
horse weights are maybe a little more normal.

My heaviest horse was 1240, my lightest was about 1130 of the mature horses,
4 year olds to 12 years old. I could pull the tape and vary the weight
probably about 100 lbs, I could have maybe made them a hundred pounds
lighter with putting enough tension on the tape to pack down the winter
fuzzy's.

My 19 month old filly is 750 lbs and the 21 month old gelding is 820 lbs.

I think in the summer their weights will be at least 50 pounds or so less
after the winter coat shed.

So I guess the measuring I did a couple months ago was operator error. Got
to read the directions, but then usually men don't need those, d
they.

Also we are now feeding 1/6 bale morning 1/6 bale evening and about a cup of
12 percent protein grain mixture, so we have changed our feeding per
feedback from this group.

That's it for now.
Mark Skeels

weight tapes

[brass-ring-farm]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

What Connie says made sense, using the tape measures to tell if a horse
is gaining or loosing weight. On our Morgan gelding, who is prone to fat,
we have his own tape and have marked it with the dates, to keep track of
him. The only problem is as he ages, his belly is bigger and saggier, so
the tape doesn't reflect that.
Sometimes you have to have an extremely accurate weight, like the
new EPM medication "Navigator" requires it while the older "Marquis" does
not.
Valerie Pedersen
Columbia, CT

Feeding, weight tapes, blankets, barns, etc.

[coyote]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Jean wrote:
"...I figure an average of 1 50 lb bale/day  of grass hay for
four Fjords over the year"

Sounds about right to me, Jean.

In the winter, I feed two 45-55 lb bales of alfalfa or mixed 
grass-alfalfa hay to 7 fjords and 1 small belgian mare. (We live in 
dairy country -- not too much all-grass hay produced around here.) The 
horses get more hay if the weather is cold + windy + rainy and less if 
there's grass to eat. I also feed oats occasionally for a treat.


Our elder pony Biscuit who lives in my front yard gets her own hay + 
oats + oil combo to keep her weight on.



I don't worry too much about the weight tape numbers to figure out if a 
horse is overweight or not -- instead I feel the neck, ribs, loin and 
rump for excess fat. Even when the horses are looking trim and fit, it 
seems like Fjords keep a little more padding around their ribs than 
other breeds. So with them I worry more about an excess of padding on 
the neck and loin/rump area.


Mike, a Fjord we bought a couple of months ago, had a "bubble butt", a 
cresty neck, and lumpy fat deposits on his abdomen when we got him. 
Yikes! He's losing his excess weight slowly -- and he will be a heck of 
a nice looking horse when he's trim again.


When I worm our horses, I do sometimes use a weight tape, but I have no 
real idea if the tape is accurate. It sounds like it's not, from what 
you all have been saying here. I usually use ivermectin and other 
wormers with a wide margin of safety on the dosage, so I don't get too 
worried about this issue.



I don't own any horse blankets and only have a run-in area for the 
horses to get out of the wind and rain if they want. Most of the time 
they don't seem to care about the shed.


I've noticed a difference this fall and winter though, now that we have 
Agnes, born 7/30/03. The big horses take her into the shed so she can 
sleep dry at night -- it's kinda cute how they all protect her. Her 
momma Sissel (from the Jensen's Trinity Fjords) feeds Aggie very well 
and Aggie is quite willing to chow down her alfalfa with her doting 
uncle Mike, an older fjord gelding. She's quite the butterball with an 
unusually thick woolly curly coat.


I have only seen a horse shiver when it's cold + windy + rainy -- the 
shivering ones were were a thin skinned paint gelding and our Biscuit. I 
have used my own barn coat or an old people blanket as a makeshift 
blanket. Although I watch Aggie closely, especially in bad weather, she 
seems quite comfortable so far this winter.


DeeAnna
Northeast Iowa

Re: weight tapes, 1500#

[Jean Ernest]

This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Jerry, I feed this when the temps are averaging -20F to -30F, not all the
time! Obviously, you wouldn't feed that much in California?  Yet you said
you're feeding 18-20 lbs grass hay...I feed only about 12 lbs grass hay in
warmer seasons, (Brome/timothy IS grass hay, you know) and only about 1/2
lb grain and supplements.  Old Bjarne seems to need the greater amount of
senior feed and supplements to keep his weight up, he is 28 1/2 years old
and was extremely thin, poor condition last spring. He is in great shape
now. So I believe he needs the Equine senior as he doesn't seem to get the
nutrition he needs out of just hay and the cob I was feeding him last year.
equine senior actually is a lower carbohydrate feed than COB, so they are
actually getting LESS "grain". 

Basically, you're feeding 3-5 lbs more grass hay than I do even in the -20
degree weather, and your horses live in a mild climate!
And I seem to remember that your Fjords were always much fatter than mine
when you lived in Wasilla, AK! LOL 

Jean in Fairbanks, ALaska, warming up to -8 tonight!

 >Jean feeds
>15 lbs of Brome/Timothy hay to each fjord plus about 1 lb Equine senior,
>1/4 lb calf manna, 1 oz Sho-glo vitamins and 1/4 cup ground flax.  Old
>Bjarne gets 4 lbs Equine senior and 1/2 cup ground flax plus the calf manna
>and vitamins in addition to the hay..
>
>---
> I  feed only grass hay, about 18 to 20 pounds, and  1/2 cup of TNT
>[supplement] by Dynamite. That's it, unless they are in hard competition ,
>and/ or, working, than I feed  [several pounds] Dynamite grain [dry cob], and
>a small amount of alfalfa. I do increase the grass hay when  it's cold
and
>rainy.


Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

weight tapes, 1500#

[jerrell friz]

This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Jean feeds


15 lbs of Brome/Timothy hay to each fjord plus about 1 lb Equine senior,
1/4 lb calf manna, 1 oz Sho-glo vitamins and 1/4 cup ground flax.  Old
Bjarne gets 4 lbs Equine senior and 1/2 cup ground flax plus the calf manna
and vitamins in addition to the hay..

---
Wow Jean, If I feed this much grain, and the other stuff my horses would weigh
1200, to 1500 pounds.

 I  feed only grass hay, about 18 to 20 pounds, and  1/2 cup of TNT
[supplement] by Dynamite. That's it, unless they are in hard competition ,
and/ or, working, than I feed  [several pounds] Dynamite grain [dry cob], and
a small amount of alfalfa. I do increase the grass hay when  it's cold and
rainy.

My four year- old Fjord gelding ,14.2h, taped 920 # yesterday. [He has
whithers!] Although he weighs about 15 percent more. He will weigh about 1050#
on the scales.  This is because of dense bone, slow growth .  He was not
raised on a high protein diet.   Mares milk is 10 percent protein, why feed 20
percent or more???  I figure he will continue to grow for another 2 years.  I
also find that tapes can be quite accurate.  Just need to find how much your
horse weighs on the scales, then use the tape, with the correction up or down.
If your horse has been on a high protein diet ,then the tape will be more
accurate.  [ less dense bone] They discovered this in race horses some time
back. Track T/B's, are constantly being weighed.

I use the Henneke chart for body condition.  I try to maintain a 5.  If you
want to look at the chart go to
www.kritters.net/hen/hen.html

Please,, don't read into this that I am against alfalfa.  Alfalfa is a great
feed, a little goes a long ways. Alfalfa roots can go down into the soil
30 or more feet. Alfalfa contains a lot of minerals.  A big problem with all
hays now is the huge amount of nitrates, chemicals, that growers are using.
And the chemicals that they inject into the hay as they are baling. It's all
about the dollar, never mind the health of the horse or cow. [Good idea to
know your grower, ask them what they use]  It is very hard to get good hay
here in Ca.  Oh, it looks good nice and green BUT, high in nitrates. If in
doubt have your hay tested.


Regards,
Jerry Friz

Anderson, Ca.



" every farm needs a team "

Fjords and Weight Carrying

[Fhtrp]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In our therapeutic riding program we love the short coupled body of 
the fjord or smaller draft crosses for carrying weight. A horse with a nice 
short back and good conformation can always out carry a long backed one.
   One important aspect is whether the weight is dead weight or mobile 
weight. A well balanced 3oo lb. person would be much easier to carry than a 150 
lb. 
person who is nonmobile or sliding everywhere. Many times our equine 
therapists let us know what they are comfortable with.
Hope that helps. Robyn in MD

Re: weight of rider for Fjords

[Kathleen Spiegel]

This message is from: Kathleen Spiegel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

"Frederick J. Pack" wrote:

> This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> Shelly,
>
> I think a general rule is 20% of the horses weight.
>
> Fred
>
> All Mail is scanned in AND out by Norton Anti-virus 2003.
> Fred and Lois Pack
> Pack's Peak Stables
> Wilkeson, Washington 98396
> http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/3158

I think there was a discussion a while ago on this list and a formula
given.  Does anyone have it?.  At 20% of a horses weight most of these
quarter horses with heavy western saddles would be over mounted.  I think
it had less to do with weight than structure of the legs?

Kathy

RE: weight of rider for Fjords

[Frederick J. Pack]

This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Shelly,

I think a general rule is 20% of the horses weight.

Fred

All Mail is scanned in AND out by Norton Anti-virus 2003.
Fred and Lois Pack
Pack's Peak Stables
Wilkeson, Washington 98396
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/3158 

weight of rider for Fjords

[Epona1971]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Hi Shelley-

Contact list member Betsy Bauer at www.fjordpony.com. She does Fjord 
consignment and helped me find my boys.

I think a stout horse can carry up to 300lbs. Maybe the vets on this list 
could elaborate. From my own experience, it seems that balance and good riding 
skills are much more important than weight. I've seen big riders move with 
grace 
and style, staying completely out of the horse's way. I've seen 120lb model 
types bounce up and down like a sack of potatoes ;-)




/ )_~
/L/L
Brigid Wasson
SF Bay Area, CA
www.Brigid.Clickryder.com

Re: weight pull & log skid

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

This is from Joel Harman.

Gandolf is the gelding C-1390. He'll beswitching gears next week for the Pendleton Round-Up parade, something I've been trying to recruit fjords to for 10 yr now. Novel concept here -  one gets PAID for bringing a team to this parade. 


Hi Joel,
I sure enjoy hearing about your life with the Fjords and appreciate you 
taking the time out to update us on all of your activities.  Keep the 
tales coming.


 


--

Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: weight pull & log skid

[wandawoman9]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

This is from Joel Harman.

Gandolf is the gelding C-1390. He'll beswitching gears next week for the 
Pendleton Round-Up parade, something I've been trying to recruit fjords to for 
10 yr now. Novel concept here -  one gets PAID for bringing a team to this 
parade. One pulls a wagon or whatever owned by the Round-Up assoc. Geir will be 
there as well as Honey, & that world renowned author of "Life on the Ground, 
Jord. Jord will hold up the other end of the tongue for Mom, C-1404, Who is 
looking for a new home.

Alas, Jord has had a change of heart & graciously decided to stay here at the 
ranch to replace Mom in the working string. Little brother Baar has also 
decided to stay but only if I get him a new sweetie for next year. Mom out, 
sweetie in. So goes the life of the punks at the ranch.
Since Baar is coming 2 & still basically useless he will continue to be a full 
fledged punk next year unless he gets lucky with Mom's replacement. 


Bye 

Joel Harman
Brass Ring Ranchcustom farming & logging with fjords
Mosier OR

nancy, get the colt a swimming pool to hang out in. Also a gteat opportunity to 
teach him about baths.
Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!

Re: Weight Pull + Log Skid

[Hope Carlson]

This message is from: "Hope Carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Congrats, Joel, on your wins at the State Fair, where the competition is
usually pretty stiff.  What is the name of this gelding, that at one time
pulled almost 3x his weight!  That is pretty impresive!  I bet the light
horse people would like to see you in the draft division, and the drafts are
glad to see you in the light division!  Every once in a while out here there
is a draft pony division.  So were the halfingers in the light horse
division?

I saw Pat Wolfe do a single horse log skid, lots of quick foot work
required!  Never seen a team.  The time difference between your team and the
runner up was excellent, congrats all around.  The ponies definitely deserve
the extra carrot award for jobs well done.

Hope
N IL

Weight tape issue

[blackcat]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Weight tapes and Fjords
Of course weight tapes aren't accurate on Fjords, becaue of their build.
BUT it does give you a standard for comparison other than your eyes.  
It's like standing on the scale, or putting on your jeans.  The scale
says you weigh the same - the waist band of your jeans says that over the 
winter, your muscle has turned to flab.  Muscle weighs more, but occupies 
less space.  So - scale or tape? 
R.Taylor, Straw Hat Stables



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Re: weight measure

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Carol;

How funny with the dump scale - I am laughing outloud.  Thing iswhen 
we move we will be frequenting "the dump" for disposal of various items and 
my brother said he looks forward to hauling stuff to the dump together (I 
think he is desperate for a social life - hahahaha!! ) .wait till I 
tell him we will be taking Sven and Lena to be weighed.  


Hi,
I can't wait to hear your stories from the Boonies.  Our friend mans a 
small dump and on Wed  and Sat. afternoon, that is the social gathering 
place in town.  And you should see the stuff he brings home from there. 
I won't complain because we have gotten some worthy things from him. 
Like bags and bags of cedar shavings for the garden and an unlimited 
supply of used tennis balls for the dogs.  I will be working at the expo 
sales booth on Sat. and Sun 8-12.  I'll wander by your stalls and see 
what help I can be.  First I have to shop though.  I will also hope to 
be bringing my old extra Fjord journals to give away.  How can one be 
packing a whole house full and be on the internet a lot? ;-)


 


--

Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: weight measure

[HorseLotti]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Carol;

How funny with the dump scale - I am laughing outloud.  Thing iswhen 
we move we will be frequenting "the dump" for disposal of various items and 
my brother said he looks forward to hauling stuff to the dump together (I 
think he is desperate for a social life - hahahaha!! ) .wait till I 
tell him we will be taking Sven and Lena to be weighed.  He thinks I am a 
little "off" anyway to have so many horses and goats and cats and dogs and 
birds... 

Our house in Corcoran is sold - we close on the new house in 9 days 
the remodel begins and I will relocate ..OMG  This is NOT 
a dream!

Getting excited:):):)   Linda in MN

RE: Weight Measure

[Cynthia Madden]

This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I use the weight tape on Tank but as more of a plus or
minus measurement that anything. I don't know his
exact weight but I can keep track of what he is
gaining or losing by using the tape - especially when
I am carefully watching  his weight due to training or
other factors. I mostly depend on my eyes to see if he
is looking OK. Right now, he is what I would call
trim. He has been known as big piggy in the past! I
think he looks good.

BTW, I had to laugh when a European women who purports
to know Fjords thought that Tank's reluctant manner of
going was due to his being too thin! She said she had
never seen such a slim Fjord. I told her to find his
ribs if she thought that. I've never found them!

Also, since our Jeff Morse Clinic, Tank and I doing
much better with our forward movement.

=
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online
http://webhosting.yahoo.com

Re: weight measure

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

We have covered this once before, of course, but I still disagree with
   


using
 

the weight measuring tape on fjords.  

I agree about trusting the weight measuring tape.  I took Heidi to our 
local garbage dump or transfer station and walked her on the scale 
there. The dump manager thought that was the funniest thing ever and 
wanted to know which bin to put her in.  Anyway, she weighed 940#, but 
she is not real drafty.  I'll have to do it again when it is summer and 
the dump hrs. are everyday to compare her with the last time which was 
about 2 yr ago.  It is nice to know exactly how much your horse weighs 
and not to be sort of guessing.


   


--

Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

Re: weight measure & our new Fjord

[Jon A. Ofjord]

This message is from: "Jon A. Ofjord" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 12:00 PM 3/11/2003 -0800, you wrote:

This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

" Has anyone
actually weighed their Fjord on a scale?  Jean"


Yes, Jean.  We had to take our Fjord mare down to the University of 
Minnesota Vet Hospital several years ago and they weighed her on their 
scale.  Right after foaling, she weighed in at 1225 Pounds! However, the 
weight tape showed her to be around 1000 pounds.  We have found the weight 
tapes to be off by about 20% on Fjords.


We also welcome the newest member of our fine family of Fjords - Rokida's 
Draugen.  We just purchased him from Ann Sigford.  He's so handsome!  He 
joins his full sister, Vedas, his half brother - Rune, his niece Vesla Mai 
and Pookie (no relation) as part of our herd.  If it ever warms up, we hope 
to use him around the farm and on trail rides, and show him this summer.


Mary Ofjord
North Coast Fjords
Grand Marais, MN

Re: weight measure

[Lori Albrough]

This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Jean Gayle wrote:
>  Has anyone
> actually weighed their Fjord on a scale?

Yes, we weighed Prisco on a horse scale. He stands 14 hh, 8 1/2" cannon
bone, and weighed 1,050 lb on the scale. He is in fit condition. The weight
tape correlated closely with the scale.

Lori

Re: weight measure

[Jean Ernest]

This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

>My 16.2 hand warm blood mare (for sale) is 1300 to 1400 pounds.  Has anyone
>actually weighed their Fjord on a scale? 

When I had Bjarne up at the University for his shoulder surgery/staph
infection the vet weighed him on a scale there that he was led onto.  We
neglected to weigh him when he first came in (he had lost weight with the
infection/surgery) but then he gained a lot while in "the hospital" as
everybody that walked by fed him more hay! He was the only horse there and
all the technicians loved him, had to stay 16 days until he got rid of all
the Penicillin resistant Staph. When he left there he wasn't really fat ,
but not thin, he is 14-2 and weighed at that time 1150 lbs. I suspect he
weighs at least 1200 lbs now. Too bad I didn't use a weight tape on him to
compare.

Jean in sunny but cold Fairbanks, Alaska, winter carnival and ice carvings
going on!  http://www.icealaska.com/

Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: weight measure

[Bossmare]

This message is from: "Bossmare" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I've thought mine could not possibly weigh as much as the tape says but I
cannot deny a weight gain when I come to the ends of the weight tape and can
barely get it to the last # which is in the 1300 lb. range.  When I got both
of my mares they "measured" (not weighed) 1000# and 800# respectively.  Both
had been in regular work prior to coming to my fat farm.  Now a year later
for one and 6 months for the other they "measure" 1259 and 1100.  I  keep
thinking it's hair or perhaps I'm not measuring in exactly the same spot but
there is no denying the increase.  Diet consists of timothy hay (not
free-choice) and low-carb Triple Crown Lite pellets (1 lb. each for the
vits. & minerals).  I believe it's the exercise that keeps the weight in
check much more than the diet.

Lois in NJ where it might be looking like spring.
- Original Message -
From: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 3:00 PM
Subject: Re: weight measure


> This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> We have covered this once before, of course, but I still disagree with
using
> the weight measuring tape on fjords.  Their legs are shorter than the bulk
> of their bodies compared to horses.  At least the drafty types. My tape
> measured my 13.2 Fjord as weighing 1200 pounds.  My Vet agrees that he can
> not be that heavy.  Granted you have to push a bit to find a rib through
> flesh and fur.
>
> My 16.2 hand warm blood mare (for sale) is 1300 to 1400 pounds.  Has
anyone
> actually weighed their Fjord on a scale?  Jean
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Jean Walters Gayle
> Aberdeen, WA
> Author:The Colonel's Daughter
> $20 PO Box 104
> Montesano, WA 98563

Re: weight measure

[Jean Gayle]

This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

We have covered this once before, of course, but I still disagree with using
the weight measuring tape on fjords.  Their legs are shorter than the bulk
of their bodies compared to horses.  At least the drafty types. My tape
measured my 13.2 Fjord as weighing 1200 pounds.  My Vet agrees that he can
not be that heavy.  Granted you have to push a bit to find a rib through
flesh and fur.

My 16.2 hand warm blood mare (for sale) is 1300 to 1400 pounds.  Has anyone
actually weighed their Fjord on a scale?  Jean






Jean Walters Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
Author:The Colonel's Daughter
$20 PO Box 104
Montesano, WA 98563

RE: weight and Fjords

[DT]

This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Ruth, I agree with you. I know when I decided to become involved with horses
again before I even thought of a breed my consideration was their weight
bearing capability. I am a large woman and don't want a horse that runs when
he sees me coming to get on him. :-)

So I started looking at breeds that typically have shorter canon bones,
shorter backs, etc. The Fjord was one of those that fit my criteria for
weight bearing. Then I read all I could on the internet and then read
Carol's book and was sold. All I could think of was Fjords. I mean it was
electrifying when I touched my first Fjord. Anyway when I talked to people
about purchasing a Fjord I wanted to know if he could carry my weight
easily. Since then I have had many people say to me something about, "hey
that would be a good horse for me as I am a large rider".

Deb

re: weight gain

[Peter & Deb Coggiola]

This message is from: "Peter & Deb Coggiola" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

We had a Fjord colt that had a tough time keeping weight on. We did two things
which seemed to help. We added rice bran to his diet and we changed the
company he kept. The rice bran added fat and calories (we only added 1 oz
twice a day) and we removed his energetic playmates and left him with the more
easy-minded adults. We also have a five year old Trakahner gelding who was
terribly thin when we purchased him last summer. He had had a bout with
founder and we knew upping his grain ration was not the answer. We added rice
bran (1 oz X 2 daily) to a performance feed and give him all the grass hay he
can eat. He has put on weight very nicely and his coat is beautifully shiny.
One caution on the rice bran with Fjords, they get a great coat but the mane
also gets soft and must be kept trimmed more closely to keep it erect.
Deb