Re: Is "mouthiness" a Fjord Trait?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) >This message is from: "." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Great stories DeeAnn. I wonder if this isnt their way to simply interact with us as they, like you say, do have hands nor voice. My huge Trakehner and i have a special relationship and he nibbles my hair, my clothes and likes to take hold of my sleeve and throw my arm up and down and i really feel he is laughing, I certainly am. He takes my hat off and throws it up and down. A fellow who works for me especially likes Charlie and Charlie likes him and does this same behavior with him. Not with anyone else. How else could a non speaking being communicate, especially with out hands to emphasize. At least I am happy thinking this way too. Merry Christmas Jean Gayle Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re: Is "mouthiness" a Fjord Trait?
This message is from: "." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I don't know if mouthiness is specifically a Fjord trait, but I will say that it does seem to be so. Of the 3 non-Fjords at our place, only Frosty will pick up non-food items and play with them. He's "helped himself" to hammers, paint brushes, and other tools if I or other people are working where the horses are. Of the 3 Fjords, Sissel and Finn are also inquisitive with their mouths. When I'm grooming one horse, I will often have a Fjord nudging and nibbling on me. Tuopen, the other Fjord, takes first prize at using his lips as surrogate hands. I affectionately call him "Goat Boy" and charge him with having been one of those critters in an earlier life. He will lip my clothing and hair, not really to pull or to bite, but more to explore and be friendly, I think. (Although I call a stop to this behavior long before it could turn into nips.) I always use the least attractive lead rope to tie him, because he always chews on the free end. His specialty, however, is my "lifting" my cotton work gloves. He has pulled them out of my pockets and, once, picked them off the ground where I foolishly laid them. I may as well forget ever wearing them after he gets through with a pair. Thirty seconds after they're in his mouth, gloves are totally shredded, not to mention totally slimy and green. After he stole the (new!) gloves I had laid on the ground, he raced off in triumph with this absurd pair of purple gloves hanging out of his mouth, chewing all the while. When the fun was over, he stopped, allowed me to pull them out of his mouth, and looked sad when I didn't get the joke. Of course, Tuopen is probably wanting to get back at me for putting said purple gloves over his ears so the fingers flopped on either side of his head like antlers. I laughed so hard at my dignified "ReinFjord" that I think I may have hurt his feelings. Spose???;-) Happy holidays from Coyote Run Farm in crispy, crunchy, chilly Iowa! DeeAnna
Spurs
This message is from: "Starfire Farm, L.L.C." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean, Susan I use spurs only after our horses learn to respond to my leg from a very light touch of my calf. I usually accomplish this via the judicious use of my whip and, yes, I have gotten a few bucks (actually, not real bucks, just kicking out) as a result of using the whip. When I get this reaction, I make sure the horse learns that the whip means to go forward by applying it again (only if necessary) after giving him a pre-signal with my leg. It usually only takes a couple of times, and the horse understands that the application of the leg means MOVE! Once he has learned this, my seat takes over the task of sending the pre-signal, backed up by my leg, backed up by my whip. Only when the horse is responding reliably and sensitively to my leg will I wear spurs. The spurs are ONLY for additional finesse when giving the aid (those all to elusive invisible aids that we strive for.) This has worked with all of our Fjords, as well as the other breeds we have. I, all too often, have seen spurs used on Fjords incorrectly (other breeds also) and see irritated, swishing tails and hair worn off of horses' sides where their riders have the spurs constantly pressing into their horses' sides. Are the horses any more forward or responsive? No! Fjords are very sensitive. My experience has been, sometimes a fjord needs a little more of a "mental" warm up, getting him on the aids, moving from lethargy to sensitivity, than some of the "hotter" breeds. This doesn't have to involve using a whip, just good timing. Mouthy? We have one VERY mouthy mare (she too, "came that way." We also use Bitter Apple to keep this mare from chewing on everything, but for her it has to be applied frequently. The other horses smell it once and leave things alone. I should explore working her mouth a' la Linda T. Jones to see if it would make a difference! Jean (in Fairbanks also) Thank you so much for the cold weather. It was -13 last night at feeding time. Currently we also drain our hoses, but have found that, after blowing the hose clear of water, if we coil the hose, it drains the water that wasn't blown out. There is still some water in the hose, however, so we lay the hose on the ground when we coil it, so that any remaining water freezes along the wall of the hose and doesn't create a blockage. We have a frost free hydrant (thank goodness!) It's too bad that the snow doesn't stay here, because it would be fun to go for a sleigh ride! Jeanne, thanks for your story, too! Hi to Hanne! Mery Christmas everyone. Beth and Sandy at Starfire Farm in slowly warming (it was 3 degrees when I fed tonight! Tropical!) Colorado. Jon and Mary, Loved your Xmas poem!
Re: "mouthiness"
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) Jean you have simply encouraged his overt oral compulsivity and I think confused his gender re he and the gelding. I do not believe you have caused any distructive behavior tho as the fjords main stimulation zone appears to be the mouth anyway. Im quite relieved to see he has somewhat grown out of this infantile adjustment disorder but see that your possible maternal strivings are still attempting to defeat his maturation. Tsk, tsk we must let them grow up. Jean Gayle :)) >video to America's Funniest, but got no response). > >Bjorken now is eleven and occasionally I can get him to stick out his >toungue for a rub, but it's like "Oh, Mom, I'm too old for that now" I >really have to coax him. However I still see him playing with the others, >persuing them with his tongue sticking out the front of his mouth, trying >to rub it on them. (Jean Gayle, you're the psychoanalyst: what have I done >to this poor guy?) > >Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we're having strange weather: fog and >freezing drizzle in town, +21 degrees. I decided to stay off the roads! >** >Jean Ernest >Fairbanks, Alaska >[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Various
This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> There have been several interesting topics lately and I can't stand it anymore so here is my say so (again!) Mouthiness - we are always highly entertained at Blue Earth watching the Fjords talk to each other in their stalls. They gather in the corner and nose talk. I don't think Fjords can help it - they are just that way. It can get irritating sometimes. I have used chile powder to some effect to get Tank to stop chewing on his lead but then he developed a taste for it. There is an article by Irene Graves on this subject in the Summer 1996 Herald, page 44, with a picture of Tank holding a curry comb in his mouth. If this is not available to some newer folks, send me your address and I will send you a copy. Spurs and Whips - Both are useful aids when judiciously applied and I find them so especially with dull sided Tank. Nothing should be overused and one aid reinforcing the other prevents that. I am finding it curious that everyone has been referring to "crops." My definition of a crop is a fairly short whip (16" to 24") normally used on the shoulder. I much prefer a dressage whip, 42" or 47" long used behind your leg. This encourages the back end to move forward. I almost always carry the dressage whip, but use spurs specifically when I am schooling. Otherwise I am constantly thumping him with my heels to little avail and I don't want him ignoring me. A touch of spur or whip prevents that. He reacts without panic, but he reacts immediately. There is no real reason anyone cannot use a dressage whip even if riding western. It is a most useful schooling tool. I also find it useful to display my whip when Tank insists on being rude and voice commands fail to work. All I have to do is show it to him or gently tap him on the sides and he is all attention. I must be careful to place it, though, where he can't reach it with his mouth! Ah! wintering water problems - the stories make me glad I board. We do check to make sure adequate water is always available but all we have to do when it isn't is complain to some other poor soul to take care of it. One of the few advantages of boarding! >From very cold Nebraska! Cynthia Madden mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Omaha, Nebraska USA
Re: filling the trough in the winter
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Our faucet has a very long valve that goes through the wall into the house. So far its worked for us.
"mouthiness"
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> When Bjorken was a baby, being a stud colt he was pretty mouthy and nippy so I would pull his whiskers on his nose and tap his muzzle with my finger while reprimanding him. He started sticking his tongue out and I rubbed it and massaged his gums. He would try to suck in my finger to suck on. (He was over a year old). Soon I could say "tongue" and he would stick his tonge out to be massaged. The really hilarious part of all this was that I would see him , when playing "face bite" games with Bjarne the older gelding, bugging Bjarne till he started after him, then Bjorken would stick out his tongue and old Bjarne would suck and chew on it, Looked like they were KISSING!. SOO FUNNY! I took a lot of video of these antics from my window (even sent a video to America's Funniest, but got no response). Bjorken now is eleven and occasionally I can get him to stick out his toungue for a rub, but it's like "Oh, Mom, I'm too old for that now" I really have to coax him. However I still see him playing with the others, persuing them with his tongue sticking out the front of his mouth, trying to rub it on them. (Jean Gayle, you're the psychoanalyst: what have I done to this poor guy?) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we're having strange weather: fog and freezing drizzle in town, +21 degrees. I decided to stay off the roads! ** Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Hello List
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Mike
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) Has anyone heard how Mike is doing with his pain etc.? Jean Gayle PS where is Carol? Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re: braille
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) You are at it again Steve, very funny. And, you are probably right! Jean Gayle >This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Gayle-- > >Tuesday, December 22, 1998, you wrote: > >> I too have puzzled over that. Have wondered if it had anything to do >> with the term "efficient foragers" which is used in our brochure to >> describe Fjords. > > I have theorized on occasion that the mouthy trait was due to > grazing by braille during the long near-arctic winter nights in > Norway. > >-- >Steve McIlree & Cynthia Madden -- Pferd, Keyah, Skipper, Tank -- Omaha, Nebraska, USA > He that would venture nothing must not get on horseback. --Spanish proverb > > Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re: Just chilly water to horses
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) >This message is from: partoy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >It's so cold here in Finland today (-15 Centigrade) I thought I'd write a >few words about water: Many people give their horses warm water in >winter, but according to what we've heard over the years it discourages >the digestive tract and causes colicing. Our vet has noticed this a >number of times, too. >Have been following the list for some time now and enjoy your company a >lot. Thank you all and merry Christmas & happy winter days! >Sini with Kaci, Troia and Somnus > Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #287
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >In a message dated 98-12-22 05:55:21 EST, you write: > ><< I also have wondered if anyone uses spurs with Fjords and what their > >> reaction might be. > > > >I don't use spurs, mainly because my riding skills aren't good enough. > >IMHO, spurs should only be used by someone who is secure enough in the > >saddle to touch the animal exactly when and where (and ONLY when and > >where!) they need to. >> > >Hmm! I find myself beginning to think spurs if used correctly might be as good as the crop. One thing with the crop the horse sees it and knows its purpose. However, i have seen many horses take advantage of the rider without a crop, and when a crop is handed to the rider an immediate improvement in the horse before he is even touched with it. I cannot remember a horse glancing at an approaching rider to see if they have their spurs on! Jean Gayle Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
Re: Frozen hoses, Teeth & Botulism
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) >This message is from: SUSAN L GIARGIARI <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Hello List! >Jean, if your faucets are outside ones against the house , you can get one >that drains back into the house. That way the outside part doesn't freeze. >We had to get water to the barns and tubs when we were first here , using It is not hard to tell you have experience with extreme weather. we usually just have four or five days and, as I recollect, two weeks at the most. I am always not ready for the dogs welfare. the old one comes in the house, reluctantly. the young one who wet on the ladies couch the first time I met him, for his benefit he is a Corgie and had been in a kennel for three years also I see a similarity to the Corgie and the Fjord as they both love people, so he, Rue, stays outside. I rescued him and who cares about his conformation, but truly he has no legs. I tried putting a sweater on him and his little legs walked right into it and scared the wits out of him. Night before last I put a dog coat on him and he would not move. Took it off and worried about him all night in the 20 degree weather. Next day put the coat back on him so I could watch him, and he would not move. Slowly with this strange kennel containing him, he began to move a foot or two but would not bend his neck to eat.. also like the fjord this doggie will eat constantly given the chance. In fact he ate a whole hawk feathers and all the other day. Eventually he became more mobile, so that night I locked him in the hay room where the barn cat (trying to be a house cat) Lucy lives in her heated box. All night he cried and when I got up at four to check on everyone, I found the cat shivering outside afraid of this noisy creature in her domain. I put him out and her in and just gave up. He seems to be doing quite well on his own. I am enjoying the chatting and learning some good things, Jean Gayle Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
The Joy of Watering
This message is from: Doug Knutsen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all - Have really been enjoying reading about everyone's ingenious strategies for watering in freezing weather. Last winter we didn't have freezing weather, so this is our first coping experience. Nevertheless, we've stumbled on some creative approaches, which I thought I'd share for everyone's benefit. 1] Do not consider covering outside faucets to keep them from freezing 2] Even if you have a sloping driveway which would make draining hoses easy when a freeze is forecast, don't remember to do it 3] Have no suitable clean buckets available 4] Fill green plastic bucket 1/2 full with hot water and drag across snow, gravel, down steps, making sure to slosh much of the water on yourself and the path to the troughs, so the paths will immediately freeze, ensuring that your future trips will prove much more interesting 5] Attempt to lift bucket over 5 1/2 foot fence and pour only into trough below, in the manner of servers at fancy restaurants pouring hot coffee into your cup from high above. 6] Realize that you should have gone to server school, as most of the water hits the sides of the through while Super Stud tries to drink it as you pour. (And we thought it was so cute to teach him to drink from the hose) 7] Repeat with Mama and Giant Filly, (This is easier, since you don't try to pour from on high, choosing instead to drag green bucket across frozen manure) 8] Attempt to keep Clark, the goat formerly known as Prince, from forcing his whole head into bucket, causing it to spill down your legs instead of into the trough. 9] Repeat 3 times for each trough, until you can't tell the difference between your kitchen floor and the paddocks. 10] Knock ice off clothing while removing it in mud room, then dash upstairs in little more than your birthday suit, to change into dry garments. 11] Snap 2x2 garden stake while breaking ice every 2 hours. Watch horses laugh at you. (This is nothing new) 12] Hoping to improve on above, wash much smaller blue plastic can without handles, fill it 3/4 full in house and carry it in your arms to high fence, trying not to splash too much down neck. 13] Lift and balance on top rail of high fence. Loose grip on container and drop it into trough, shattering bottom of blue bucket. 14] Curse. 15] Find one reasonably clean white bucket with good handle, scrub it, and try all of the above, discovering that the handle makes the bucket easier to catch when it slips off fence, though it does bruise your arm in process. 16] Wish you were 20 years younger. 17] Wonder if you were out of your mind when you bought a horse. 18] Notice Giant Filly is nuzzling your ear, and decide you weren't nuts after all. 19] Resolve to have hot and cold running water in next barn. I hope this information proves helpful to someone out there who hasn't tried these creative solutions. Cheers - the days getteth longer! Peg Knutsen
Re: equine dentists
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Steven A White) Brian, Very good report on the state of equine dentistry today. I'm glad you didn't bite your lip on this very important topic in horse health. I practice here in Nebraska which is one state that enforces it's practice act. A few years back we had an "equine dentist" here that not only did dentistry, but had a school in which he trained other people to be dentists. If you took his 3 DAY COURSE and then bought some of his tools, you were then "certified" and were sent out into the horse world to practice dentistry. The state eventually sued him for practicing veterinary medicine without a license and forced the closing of the school. Now, if any veterinarian sees one of these dentists practicing we can send their name to the state's attorney's office and they will prosecute. I have on many occasions been asked to examine a horses mouth for a second opinion after a "dentist" has told the client that it requires $200-$300 worth of work. I then examine the horse's mouth and find it requires only a routine floating. The decision to use a lay dentist or a veterinarian is yours, but you should always get a second opinion before allowing any extensive procedures on your horse. Horse owner's these days are knowledgeable and demand a high standard of care for their animals. The veterinary profession is responding to these demands. At almost every veterinary conference you can find topics of dentistry to attend. Also, there are advanced courses available to veterinarians to teach them special dental techniques. I believe that veterinarians for a while did drop the ball on dentistry, but they are quickly coming back to speed with the industry. Just because these people have the tools and the knowledge to float teeth gives them no right to do so. I could easily train a client to castrate their horse, but that in no way entitles them to start castrating other horses even though it seems to be a fairly easy procedure. There is a living animal attached to these teeth that needs to be attended to. What if complications arise; a fractured tooth or jaw, swelling that obstructs breathing or swallowing. Perhaps there is another reason the horse is having trouble chewing or loosing weight. Maybe that drooling horse has EPM or rabies! -Steve Steve & Amy White Waterloo, NE, USA
just curious
I've become very interested in the Norwegian Fjord horse. before I start seeking one and learning about them. I need just one question answered: is it possible to purchase one for around $2000.00? if they are in the $4,000+ range, I might just as well quit while I'm behind. they are a very beautiful animal and I would like to learn more about them. please let me know a.s.a.p., I'll only be at this address for a short time thank you [EMAIL PROTECTED]
a little help from your fjord...
This message is from: Ingrid Ivic <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I hate to give human characteristics to > horses, but I swear she knew what was going on and intervened on our > behalf. She's done this before, but I just attributed it to coincidence. > This time I know she did it on purpose. I wonder if anyone else has had > this experience? > > Mary Ofjord, from squeaky-cold northern Minnesota > Happy Solstice everyone! > Hi Mary! :o) Yes, I can safely say our little old gelding falls into that catagory...he has intervened on my behalf many times, just recently with our newest mare. This new gal isn't a fjord, but rather a fairly large friesian mare, who up until now has had the life of being a broodmare only, handeled little and spoiled when she was. No, she isn't bad tempered (deep down she's a good girl), but very, very pushy and nippy. She doesn't know the meaning of "her space" and "my space" YET! We are on the road to teaching her this, but our gelding has put himself between her and me on several occasions. OK, OK... it's probably because he wanted to make sure that he was first to be fed, or scratched and petted (he is the boss here) but whew, when she comes running up, she's a formidable sight! All fiery and snorty...good thing we have a brave little fjord she's respectful of...makes my life easier for now. Ingrid...in Bbb, it sure is cold here too, Ohio HAPPY YULE to all!
Re: Frozen hoses, Teeth & Botulism
This message is from: SUSAN L GIARGIARI <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello List! Jean, if your faucets are outside ones against the house , you can get one that drains back into the house. That way the outside part doesn't freeze. We had to get water to the barns and tubs when we were first here , using the outlet on the house and had to do this. Now we have those nice frost free hydrants outside at different locations. We use the biggest black tub for the pigs and just throw it on the ground and jump on it to break the ice. Dick found a reel that is very sturdy with wheels to wind the hose up with and wheel into the house. We also have one of the biggest steel tubs that is over the stone wall and the hydrant is about 25' away. After filling the tub, we run the hose up over a low branch and hold both ends stretched until all the water runs out .Then the hose stays hanging in the tree and even if it snows out it can still be used as it doesn't have water frozen in it. When the tub gets too much of a build up , Dick fires up his welder and we use a tub water/heater to defrost the whole tub and start all over again. We also have a handy two by four to bang the ice and I use a flour sifter (the largest one you can get) and fish out the ice. We do end up with a big ice mound, but it is way down the stonewall as far as we can throw it. I keep a sifter & brush hanging by all the outside tubs or water buckets to get the ice out or clean when necessary. Maybe some of these ideas will help someone! Thanks Brian, for the info on equine dentisits and the law. Good to know. With Wayne , we are always right there while he is doing the horses and he tells us what he's doing and shows us what is going on and we see it before and after he is done. We get to feel before and after, also. I haven't honestly noticed the horses to be fighting him when he has pulled teeth or when he is going at it with his file in their mouths. I just got my The Horse magazine and there is a very good article about Botulism and horses. Everyone with horses should read this. It does, at the end, list the prices of the Anti-toxin as being from $1000 to $2000 for treating a foal to an adult, which I don't think is right . When Ceacy's horses were dying and I talked to the maker of the anti-toxin, it was $300 for an adult dose(for the ones exposed) and $100 for the only weanling that was left. The two Stallions, who had no access to the bale the mares and foals had access to, only had to have the $100 shot. It was just over $2000 for the anti-toxin for the horses. The ones who were on oxygen and ventilators($800/day) were given a dose, as the vets did not have any idea what the cut off point was for when the anti-toxin would do any good, or not. Three of the mares who were just starting to show the symptons and were on IV solutions, and the weanling, Sonja, did survive. One of the bred mares was too far gone , and the anti-toxin did not help. The decision to humanly put her down was made as she would not stop fighting the ventilator and they couldn't sedate her as then it is very hard to tell if what was going was because of the botulism or the sedative. Sorry, for going on about this. It is very hard for us as this is the first anniversary for the lost horses as well as a celebration for the ones who survived.They become such a part of you and it is very hard, still, to know that they are gone.We are going to get together at Ceacy's with all the people who were there during this and have a combo birthday/x-mas get-together for Ceacy and Dick! Ceacy actually has decided that it would be a good thing to be doing something positive & fun! We are going to help her hook up one of her mares in draft harness for the first time and bring our horses and do some twitching out of logs from the woods. Her neighbor , Joe, is bringing his team of Oxen and he'll do the logging with him! (good bomb-proofing for the horses!) That should be a good time. Too bad there probably won't be any snow! Happy Holidays from Sue G. where the sun just broke through and it is 50 degrees with the wind blowing and no sign of snow!!
Re: spurs
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > In a message dated 98-12-22 05:55:21 EST, you write: > > << I also have wondered if anyone uses spurs with Fjords and what their > >> reaction might be. > > We also wear spurs whenever we train, and most of the time when just riding. We ride western, and the spur in our case is used as Gayle said, to remind the horse that it is nice to respond lightly. When he does not respond to leg pressure, the spur is rolled up along his ribs to get the desired response. Soon you have a horse that responds lightly to leg only. These spurs have dull rowells on them and would never actually injure a horse. Fjords seem to be more dull-sided than other horses - say Quarter Horses - so just using your leg often results in a horse that ignores you completely. We also use the spur as a "preventer" in situations where we anticipate a horse may shy away from one thing into a more dangerous situation, ie. off the side of a trail or into traffic. The down side to training your horse to move away from the spur is that you MUST remember you have them on, keep your heels down, don't "goose" him with them unexpectedly - give him the leg cue first. I never used spurs myself until a year ago when I took lessons and learned to use them properly. They are one handy tool for training, and in tight places. Mary == Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #287
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/22/98 3:55:21 AM Mountain Standard Time, owner- [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I also used them when we were jousting, mostly for safety reasons. Even > though the audience are supposed to stan on the other side of the ropes one > never knows...you might need to turn away quick to avoid somebody who > "trespasses". H Jousting. I would love to see a picture of that on the Fjord page... :) very interesting and fun to watch, never seen it done on a Fjord.
Re[2]: fjordhorse-digest V98 #287
This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Gayle-- Tuesday, December 22, 1998, you wrote: > I too have puzzled over that. Have wondered if it had anything to do > with the term "efficient foragers" which is used in our brochure to > describe Fjords. I have theorized on occasion that the mouthy trait was due to grazing by braille during the long near-arctic winter nights in Norway. -- Steve McIlree & Cynthia Madden -- Pferd, Keyah, Skipper, Tank -- Omaha, Nebraska, USA He that would venture nothing must not get on horseback. --Spanish proverb
Just chilly water to horses
This message is from: partoy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It's so cold here in Finland today (-15 Centigrade) I thought I'd write a few words about water: Many people give their horses warm water in winter, but according to what we've heard over the years it discourages the digestive tract and causes colicing. Our vet has noticed this a number of times, too. Have been following the list for some time now and enjoy your company a lot. Thank you all and merry Christmas & happy winter days! Sini with Kaci, Troia and Somnus
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #287
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 98-12-22 05:55:21 EST, you write: << I also have wondered if anyone uses spurs with Fjords and what their >> reaction might be. > >I don't use spurs, mainly because my riding skills aren't good enough. >IMHO, spurs should only be used by someone who is secure enough in the >saddle to touch the animal exactly when and where (and ONLY when and >where!) they need to. >> I wear spurs everytime I train or ride. That doesn't mean I "use" them all of the time, but they are if I need them to remind "Snidely" that when I request the pleasure of a response by putting a leg on him, I expect his undivided attention and the right answer. Horses can be very good at ignoring your legs, but if you consistantly remind them that it's not nice to do that by lifting your heel, you can develop a nice soft-sided horse that learns to stay focused on the work at hand. And, yes, you do need to learn to ride with your heels down so that you are not accidently poking them unnecessarily.
photos
This message is from: "Dave McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wow, Percy! What a bunch of great pictures. I immediately printed a copy of the Hungarians' "cirkus" riding. Is that Inger on the horse on the right? I once tried standing on the backs of two well trained geldings I had. I got as far as getting up on my knees, and they simply spread apart, dumping me in between. They saw no reason to be ridden this way! I was obviously missing some essential training step. I don't think anything in horse handling impresses me as much as watching folks do this. Hello, Gayle, and welcome to the List!
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #287
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 98-12-22 05:55:21 EST, you write: << Do you think "mouthiness" is a Fjord trait? > > I ask because I have one Fjord who always wants to lip and mouth at > everything: crossties, leadropes, clothing, etc. . Often I have to fish 3 feet > of leadshank out her mouth when I'm done haltering her friend. >> Having been a trainer for more years than I'd care to mention, I have dealt with a wide variety of breeds. The Fjords do seem to have a pretty intense "oral fixation". If they were humans they would definitely be thumb suckers! Some are worse than others for sure. I too have puzzled over that. Have wondered if it had anything to do with the term "efficient foragers" which is used in our brochure to describe Fjords. I've never had one that's intention was to actually bite, but just need to keep their mouths doing something. I do intend to try the bitter apple. Have yet to find anything that works for very long. Thanx. Gayle Ware
Re: Spurs
This message is from: Anneli Sundkvist <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi! I used spurs when I trained my mare (that I've now leased out) in dressage. I somtimes needet them when we were moving sideways in different patterns, to get a quicker reaction. I also used them when we were jousting, mostly for safety reasons. Even though the audience are supposed to stan on the other side of the ropes one never knows...you might need to turn away quick to avoid somebody who "trespasses". Tina's reaction to spurs wasn't any different from other horses. But 99% of the time I have spurs on my feet I just WEAR them, very seldom USE them actually. I haven't used spurs on my gelding Cider so far, he's education hasn't come that far yet. In Sweden, you actually MUST wear spurs when you compete in dressage, apart from the very easiest level, so if you want to compete in dressage you have to learn to wear spurs. The crop is not allowed on dressage competitions. Regards Anneli At 14:34 1998-12-21 PST, you wrote: >This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> >> I also have wondered if anyone uses spurs with Fjords and what their >> reaction might be. > >I don't use spurs, mainly because my riding skills aren't good enough. >IMHO, spurs should only be used by someone who is secure enough in the >saddle to touch the animal exactly when and where (and ONLY when and >where!) they need to. > >However, there was the time that we were out riding on the trails. >Sleepy was apparently itchy, because he deviated somewhat from the >center of the trail, to rub his side along a convenient bush. I was >somewhat irritated by having my leg included in his "scratching >session", so gave him a firm heel nudge to get him back in the middle >of the trail. He made a sudden (and highly uncharacteristic) sideways >leap of about 3'! When I had regained my balance, I looked down--- >there were several leafy twigs of the bush hung up on my western-style >stirrup, with the broken end of one of them between the stirrup and >his ribs. > >Yes, I'd say spurs would probably work well on Sleepy > >Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- >[EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! >30 mi SSE of San Francisco, Calif. >--- >
