Re: FJORDS AND DRAFT WORK?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Amy K White) John, Have you ever read Small Farmer's Journal? There have been numerous articles in there about farming with the single horse and some directed specifically at using Fjords. Back issues are available that contain these articles as well as information on buying and using horse drawn implements both new and used. Also, I would like to add my two cents on the sheath cleaning issue. When I clean sheaths, I like to use one of the waterless hand cleaners like mechanics use (i.e. Go-Jo, Goop). It is amazing how the debris in the sheath just melts away with this. Although, I would suggest getting the kind without pumice. The scented kind is nice so you aren't left with the smell on your hands, but I use the unscented just in case the fragrance might be irritating to their skin. Little if any rinsing is needed and if you have a horse that is shy in this area just scoop up a big glob in your hand and smear it just inside the sheath. It melts quickly and spreads thru the area. This is my first time writing here, although my wife, Amy, has introduced us and corresponded here before. I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments and think this is a great forum for all us Fjord lovers. -Steve On Wed, 22 Apr 1998 16:58:54 -0400 john bolinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This message is from: john bolinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Martie Bolinski/Twin Oaks Farm) I have a couple more questions about using Fjords. First, I read in one of the previous messages (sorry, I am new to Internet Mail and don't know how to save the messages I want without clogging up my Inbox) about using Fjords for general draft work around the farm. What type of work could be done by a single Fjord? Kilar had been used for raking hay, mowing and hauling by his previous owners,but as far as I know, he was always used in double harness. I think he was mainly the 'trainer horse' for younger stock. Since I have to do farm chores anyway, it would be more fun to use the horse at the same time. There are a lot of Amish farms near us in Lancaster PA, but I never see them work less than 4 horses at a time, mostly 8-12 for plowing and mowing. Where would I look for equipment for this farm work? Are there catalogs? Next question is clipping. I keep Kilar's mane about 4-6 inches and have no problem with it, but I don't know what I should do about his legs. He has very heavy feathering on the back of the legs. I have a lot of trouble keeping him clean and dry in the Maryland muck and ice. I looked at the latest Fjord Herald and it looks like most of the horses have some feather on their fetlocks but not the long stuff higher up. Should I be clipping this longer hair? Thanks again for such a great forum! _ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: KK Schooling bit
This message is from: Alison Barr [EMAIL PROTECTED] GAIL RUSSELL wrote: Jean, Gunthar must have bigger bones AND a filthier sheath than every other Fjord! :) The 5 5/8 snaffle I got for him is just barely big enought (I know no one makes a 5 5/8 bit - bit this one is - I measured every snaffle in the tack shop - meticulously.). The 5 3/4 Glory Bit was still a bit snug. Finally had to get a 6 inch Glory bit, although I think a 5 3/4 snaffle loose ring or egg butt snaffle might do. Would be interested in other's experiences with bits. Gunthar, like Jean's Bjorken, appears to have very little space in that mouth for anything that is not food! Fj takes a 6 inch bit (tightly, if it is loose ring, he needs 6 1/4. his nose is probably his worst conformation fault) and what I do is order his bits from germany. they make 6 1/4 inch bridoons (a loose ring snaffle that's a litte thinner and with smaller rings) for those big dressage horses, but they only come in german silver. It's a little bit more expencive, but I could'nt find anything bigger in any of the catalogs that our tack store carries. Question,what is a KK bit, exactly? I think this was discussed before, but I never got a clear image of what it was. Is it just a french link, ir is the centre link raised, liks a dr. bristol, or is it just a linked bit, like a deformed ring in the middle? Also, is there anything that makes this bis better than the rest?
Introduction
This message is from: Jim Quade [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Authentication-Warning: mailing-list.net: Host [EMAIL PROTECTED] [205.164.216.1] claimed to be rapidnet.com Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 15:00:44 -0600 (MDT) X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Jim Quade [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Introduction Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Jim Quade [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone Jim and Donna Quade here. We now have seven fjords and expecting another one in July. Our stalion is Paradise's Denim, which is also for sale,and the mare that we have is NFH Darlynn from Nancy's Fjords in Bigfork Mt.. We also have two fillys and a stud colt out of Darlynn, this colt is also for sale, a gelding out of another mare and Denim, that is also for sale, and a young stud that we bought in Nov. of '96 that we plan on using to replace Denim. We live in eastern South Dakota in Madison on a 20 acre little farm with 15 acres in alfalfa that I mow and rake with the horses I have. I also have two half belgien(?) geldings that I raised now 13 14 yr's old, I used to use them all the time for the field work but now am working the fjords into the routine also. I don't go to any shows with them because I work a 40 hour week and Donna is on call at the hospital in town most of the time. So we don't get away much.I just checked my mail about a week ago and downloaded 81 letters from the list on it so it's taking a little while to get them all read, then yesterday I downloaded another 14. So it's keeping me busy. Well its getting late for me, so till next time Jim Q.
Parade of horses in Pennsylvania
This message is from: Julie Will [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello out there in Fjord-land. Is there anyone in Pennsylvania, or close by, who would be interest in having their Fjord star in a Parade of Horses in late May? Bonnie Morsette, 717-568-8222. I don't have all the details, but Bonnie will be calling me back with them. Or interested parties could call her. Sounds like a good place to do some promoting of our wonderful breed! If anyone does call Bonnie, post a note on our mailing list. Thanks!!! Julie
Re: KK Schooling bit
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi all, Jean says:At 01:56 PM 4/22/98 -0800, you wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] The french mouth bits usually have a center piece that's too long in the 5 1/2 inch, (they make up the size by making the center peice longer!) So here I go, yet another bit to try. BTW Somewhere I have a 23 mm 5 1/2 KK bit that I will sell (if I can find it) It's too fat. I also have a pair of 5 1/2 Buxton driving bits with the bar on the bottom of the shanks for pair work, as well as a couple of 5 1/2 liverpool bits. Jean, Gunthar must have bigger bones AND a filthier sheath than every other Fjord! :) The 5 5/8 snaffle I got for him is just barely big enought (I know no one makes a 5 5/8 bit - bit this one is - I measured every snaffle in the tack shop - meticulously.). The 5 3/4 Glory Bit was still a bit snug. Finally had to get a 6 inch Glory bit, although I think a 5 3/4 snaffle loose ring or egg butt snaffle might do. Would be interested in other's experiences with bits. Gunthar, like Jean's Bjorken, appears to have very little space in that mouth for anything that is not food! Gail Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: KK Schooling bit
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am thinking about getting a KK bit for riding. snip And if you use a KK, which one to you recommend - schooling or training bit? snip I don't know what a schooling bit looks like, as I don't have a catalogue in front of me which carries the KK schooling bit. I just got a KK schooling bit from Libertyville to try on my big Fjord Gelding, Bjorken. It has a solid mouth shaped to fit, like the KK curb sort of, and egg butt rings. Bjorken goes pretty well in the mullen mouth Glory butterfly bit (I ride mostly on the snaffle setting), but opens his mouth in an ordinary two piece snaffle when I'm trying to ride on contact doing dressage stuff, and sometimes gets his tongue over the bar of the Glory bit when I use that on firm contact, so I have concluded that he has a thick tongue and low pallet also. My Instructor tends to poo poo this, and just cranks the flash tighter and put the bit higher in his mouth. As much as I respect her knowledge and experience, I still think he is opening his mouth because he is getting poked in the pallet and the Glory mouthpiece, as curved as it is, still does not allow enough room for his tongue. When I tried the KK schooling bit on he was instantly comfortable and could even easily chew a carrot, his tongue had freedom. Now to see if he just runs through it, or responds better to it than the others. Bjorken has fleshy lips and loose ring bits tend to pinch, so I'd ideally like the 14mm KK training bit in an eggbutt, but I have never seen one. The french mouth bits usually have a center piece that's too long in the 5 1/2 inch, (they make up the size by making the center peice longer!) So here I go, yet another bit to try. BTW Somewhere I have a 23 mm 5 1/2 KK bit that I will sell (if I can find it) It's too fat. I also have a pair of 5 1/2 Buxton driving bits with the bar on the bottom of the shanks for pair work, as well as a couple of 5 1/2 liverpool bits. All are Stainless steel and never used. WILL SELL REASONABLE. I mostly use the Glory Blutterfly driving bits for riding and driving, even my dressage lesson. Jean in sunny and warm Fairbanks, Alaska. Fjord hair EVERYWHERE! ** Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
New subscriber
This message is from: Sharon L. Falck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Fjord lovers , I have just subscribed and am excited about the exchange of ideas and information. I am secretary-treasurer of the Midwest Fjord Horse Club. We organized in 1963 and have 138 families as members. The Upper Midwest Fjord Horse Show on July 28 29 , 1998 will be proceeded by an NFHR sanctioned Fjord evaluation on July 26 27 at the Faribault County Fair Grounds in Blue Earth, MN. Contact me if you would like more information . Sharon Falck
FJORDS AND DRAFT WORK?
This message is from: john bolinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Martie Bolinski/Twin Oaks Farm) I have a couple more questions about using Fjords. First, I read in one of the previous messages (sorry, I am new to Internet Mail and don't know how to save the messages I want without clogging up my Inbox) about using Fjords for general draft work around the farm. What type of work could be done by a single Fjord? Kilar had been used for raking hay, mowing and hauling by his previous owners,but as far as I know, he was always used in double harness. I think he was mainly the 'trainer horse' for younger stock. Since I have to do farm chores anyway, it would be more fun to use the horse at the same time. There are a lot of Amish farms near us in Lancaster PA, but I never see them work less than 4 horses at a time, mostly 8-12 for plowing and mowing. Where would I look for equipment for this farm work? Are there catalogs? Next question is clipping. I keep Kilar's mane about 4-6 inches and have no problem with it, but I don't know what I should do about his legs. He has very heavy feathering on the back of the legs. I have a lot of trouble keeping him clean and dry in the Maryland muck and ice. I looked at the latest Fjord Herald and it looks like most of the horses have some feather on their fetlocks but not the long stuff higher up. Should I be clipping this longer hair? Thanks again for such a great forum!
Re: New subscriber
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 01:27 PM 4/22/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Sharon L. Falck) Hi Fjord lovers , Hi Sharon! glad to see you are finally on the email circuit! === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry http://www.nfhr.com Mike May, Registrar mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 ===
Re: Trail riding, sheath cleaning, etc.
This message is from: Starfire Farm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, everybody, from Colorado. The weather her has just turned gorgeous and I am having difficulty getting to work! Maerta, Magnum and John Arthur are soaking up the warm sunshine and the mud is finally drying. Hope this lasts for a few days! I am thinking about getting a KK bit for riding. Tell me, someone, are they really worth their cost? I sure want Tank to have a comfortable non-abusive bit, but they are s expensive! I currently use a German loose-ring snaffle on him and he goes fine in it. Though it is getting a bit small also. And if you use a KK, which one to you recommend - schooling or training bit? Reference KK bits, the important thing about a bit is that it fits the conformation of your horse's mouth. The great thing about the KK training bit is the connecting piece in the middle, which allows the bit to lay gently across the tongue and the bars of the jaw. When pressure is applied with the reins, you don't get the nutcracker effect that you get with an ordinary snaffle (which is jointed in the middle of the mouthpiece.) The nutcracker effect of the ordinary snaffle can send the joint of the mouthpiece into the upper palate of the horse's mouth, which is very uncomfortable. I don't know what a schooling bit looks like, as I don't have a catalogue in front of me which carries the KK schooling bit. If it is something like an ordinary snaffle, my choice would be to purchase the training bit. Our Fjords seem to have pretty thick mouths, with low palates and thick tongues. Therefore, I use a French snaffle for riding. A French snaffle is similar to the KK training bit, with a small piece in the middle. My bits are stainless steel and the horses' mouths get nice and foamy (which keeps them soft and sensitive), so I haven't felt the need to buy a German silver or Aurigan alloy bit. The German silver bits contain nickel, which creates a mild electrical current in the horses mouth, which promotes salivation. The Aurigan alloys also promote salivation in this manner, by using copper as the main ingredient. My experience has been that proper, tactful, reinsmanship promotes salivation and sensitivity just as well as using an alloy metal bit! There are some good books out there on bits and bitting. Many are listed in several popular catalogues. My favorite is Tack in the Box because they include anecdotal stories and educational information about the equipment they are selling. They have a web site at www.tackinthebox.com. Also can be reached at 1-800-456-8225. Re: Sheaths - I can't believe how dirty our Fjord geldings are! They, however, don't seem to mind being cleaned. Happy Spring! From the Fjords, Beth and Sandy @ Starfire Farm.
Fjord Fun Pranks
This message is from: Betsy Bauer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Welcome Jackie, Jami and Gail R. Gee is it fun to hear from all of you with your excitement about the Fjords. As for me, I own two geldings in the San Joaguin Valley of California... Gail we need to rendezvous My 7 yr old daughter is my student and she has been bitten by the girl and her horse (ponies) bug. She will attend summer camp in Michigan where the equestrian emphasis is strong. Any other campers out there? Our Fjords do also enjoy their pranks... they pull the shank into the paddock and play with it. Their gate is Very enjoyable and for my daughter her fjord (as usual) loves to trot - on on- on also good for driving Fjords. I'll help you find one if you want Jackie - it's so nice to hear from you. As a rider, you know the big heartedness that the Fjords have. They are so forgiving tolerant ask Marge Littleboy (she's a list member and maybe she'll tell us her story) Alison - Hi and thanks for the walking through the grass technique. It is a struggle every day. And I am 5'10 but my Fjord is 14.3 and willfull. But I can't blame him. Ingrid - Whow what cute stories about your guy getting out, hope Lilla doesn't pick up that rowdy behavior :) Julie - What an adventure... to actually go to Norway - shopping... please keep an email journal of your experience so we can appreciate the process. If anyone wants more Fjord Fun, Facts and Fantasies check out: http://thesocket.com/~betsyb Betsy
Trail riding, sheath cleaning, etc.
This message is from: Cynthia_Madden/OAA/UNO/[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tank and I have been enjoying the trails a lot the last few days. I am so glad the time has changed again and I can do things with the horses in the evening. I have been getting in all the riding I can as I have to go out of town for five days and I can't stand the thought of being away in such good weather after a winter of so little horse activity and the woods are so pleasant right now. Tank has stopped seeing trolls and is concentrating instead on going up and down our little hills. I'll bet you thought Nebraska was flat (Illinois is flat, west Texas is flat). It is great conditioning for him. We will hit the roads in the cart when I get back if I have been able to get a new driving bit for him. He has outgrown his current one over the winter. I am thinking about getting a KK bit for riding. Tell me, someone, are they really worth their cost? I sure want Tank to have a comfortable non-abusive bit, but they are s expensive! I currently use a German loose-ring snaffle on him and he goes fine in it. Though it is getting a bit small also. And if you use a KK, which one to you recommend - schooling or training bit? Thanks for all the tips on sheath cleaning. Keyah and Pferd (the Morgan's) don't mind it, but Tank doesn't like it. I will try some of the ideas. Also, I have used the spreading hands trick on Tank and he stops and doesn't invade my space. It works great. We are also learning to stand - I think he is mentally more ready for the concept now, but I am also being more demanding about it. Welcome all you new subscribers! This list is so much fun and so informative. Happy trails! Cynthia Madden, Coordinator Office of Sponsored Programs Research University of Nebraska at Omaha.
