Re: Spoiled?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Janet, Sorry, Janet -- I wrote to Richard! Anyway, regarding your questions on training. I was told when I bought my 3 yr. old to not start him under saddle until he was 3 or 4. He had already been trained to drive at 2-3. I used my trainer twice a week starting this past May (when he had just turned 3) through this Sept. She worked with him for 1 1/2 hrs. twice a week, which is not ideal -- ideal would be several days a week for 45 min., in my opinion, but my trainer comes to my barn to work with him and because of the drive will only do it twice a week. She spent the first 2 months just teaching him ground work, like a lot of bending exercises involving both his hind end and shoulders, and many hours were spent teaching him to round pen. Only after he had mastered those exercises would she get on him. The last 3 months were spent reviewing groundwork to begin each lesson, and then riding him, teaching him the basics of leg cues. She definitely had to use a crop against his shoulder at times once she got to the point of asking him to lope. One thing that my trainer asked that I not do was get on him and ride him while she was in the middle of teaching him the basics. She wanted me to wait until he grasped the concepts before I got on him and screwed him up. She didn't say it that way, but that's what she meant. At first I took it personally then I took her advice, and just worked the groundwork with him and let her ride. By fall, I was able to ride him on a couple of trailrides and he was a good boy. I'm sure I'll use a trainer again next spring again since he'll have had the entire winter off -- we have no indoor arena. Being in my 40's, with a bad back, I would not have wanted to do some of the heavy lessons she had to do initially with him. I think it is well worth the money to employ a trainer for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this gets really expensive and there has to be a limit somewhere! Hope some of this helps. Susan from frigid Minnesota
shying, bucking, teeth
This message is from: Philis Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Robert, My two cents worth. I have Three Fjord mares (fillies). My four yr old mare I ride and drive. I had her wolf teeth pulled as a three yr old. When the vet comes again this spring I plan to have the teeth of the coming three yr old pulled. I think it just makes them happier and more comfortable. What we tend to forget often times is that the Fjord breed, in their teddy bear cuteness, is a horse, and they need to learn who is herd boss. When I establish on the ground that I'm the boss, it makes it easier to establish it when I'm on their back or in the cart. It doesn't take much when they understand this concept. I've heard horse people talk to their horses like the horses were little play things and I think this is a big mistake. The horse interprets this as being submissive on the human's part and then the trouble of who is herd boss begins. I am always short in my commands and to the point, with no room for goofing off from the horse. My two year old (coming three) drives single and double and she has tried to be dominant at times in her training, but she is understanding where her place in my herd is. My yearling is in the ground driving phase of training and she tried a few things to see if she could be herd boss, but I established my position with her also. It makes training so much easier and the horses are willing to cooperate when they have boundaries. Kind of like kids. They need boundaries. Good Luck, and Happy New Year Fjord people Philis Anderson PS The temp in Grand Marais, MN this AM was -18F :-)
Re: Shying and bucking and teeth
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Robert, Hi, this is Susan from Minnesota. I have a Fjord who, also, is just coming 4, and I am a new Fjord owner -- 1 yr. and am still in the learning phases. We have not tried spurs on our Fjord yet because my trainer does not believe in them -- she obviously has a lot more leg power than I do! I have been reluctant to use them and go against her wishes and also I fear he will buck. I've seen him buck and kick when I free lunge him in the round pen -- looks exactly like a mule with both hind legs exactly together in the air -- I would not want to be on him when he decides to do one of those! Sounds like your daughter got a taste of one of those awesome bucks. So glad to hear she's OK. My bad experience came this summer when I was driving with my friend who has a seasoned horse, down a country road. We had already passed noisy grain bins, trucks unloading gravel, cars, etc., and I was prepared when he sped up when passing them, but some time later, when I was totally unprepared because there was no apparent reason for the spook, Major spooked big time. He suddenly took off in a full lope down the road and was headed for a grassy ditch. All these things passed through my mind in a matter of seconds -- like what side would be safest for me to bail out when we hit the ditch, and the immediate thought to follow, I can't bail out because we're miles from nowhere and he'll run himself to death trying to find home!. It took all my might to get him straightened out enough to stay on the road and miss the ditch, and another block to get him slowed down. My friend said I was white as a sheet and my arms were trembling. Thankfully, she recognized that my bit was not doing a thing for Major. Upon the recommendation of the person whom I bought him from and my trainer, I had stayed with a simple snaffle. Until that experience, I had not had a big problem with control, so I was trying to use the kindest bit possible for my young Fjord. My friend had a liverpool, straight bar bit in her horse's mouth and she stopped right then and there and said, We're switching bits!! We did, and Major was a sweetheart all the way home. I've since bought one like hers as well as a liverpool with a broken bit just to see which he works better with and to have a variety. If only for my peace of mind, I need to go to these bits. As a new driver, my confidence has certainly been shaken, but my friend, who grew up on a farm where they trained trotters -- the ones that race with the sulkies -- has enough confidence for both of us and she has made sure to get me out as often as possible. I don't know if the bit had anything to do with your experience, but I share my story so you won't feel alone and as a reminder that even though we are dealing with a calm breed by nature, we are still dealing with a young horse who is very much still in the learning phases. I hope your trainer can help you through this phase with your Fjords. Good luck!! Susan from Minnesota, where the outdoor Nelson heated waterers failed today. Back to hauling buckets and using a blowdryer to unthaw pipes!!
SV: Axel Ender
This message is from: Ingvild Nygaard [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anybody on this list have any information on Axel Ender an artist who has painted wonderful winter scenes with Fjord horse. I have sent several people on the list one picture I scanned from a Christmas card and have gotten back two more of his wonderful pictures. If there is a book of a collection of his work I'd like to find it! Axel (Hjalmar) Ender (1853 - 1920) was born in Asker just outside Oslo in Norway. He was both a sculptor and a painter, and his most famous work is the Tordenskiold-statue outside Akershus castle in Oslo. He also painted a lot of altarpieces, to mention a few: Molde church and Sundby church in Denmark. He is a rather neglected artist here in Norway, he never really reached up to the big ones in his time:, Werenskiold, Kittelsen,Tidemann and Gude. But his winterscenes are quite popular as christmas postcards, both the one with the sleigh in front of the cabin, and the sleigh on ice. As soon as christmas is over, I'll go to the Norwegian National Gallery here in Oslo. I know he has at least one picture there, and they'll probably have more information on books etc. I will send you a mail (private) as soon as I know more. Ingvild Nygaard http://home.sol.no/~snygaard The Fjordhorse page http://home.sol.no/~snygaard/fjord.html
Dagmar's love of the Fjord
This message is from: Bushnell's [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Dagmar, a warm welcome to the Fjord list! I can relate to your enthusiasm for finding your next fjord and learning all that you can about them.. it's so exciting isn't it? It was of interest to me that Fjords are called Norwegers in Germany, I'd forgotten that. I'm hoping you will share your insights into the Fjord horse in Germany as we've not heard much at all from that country yet. I would be happy to take the time to answer any question the pros may miss or deem insignificant, regarding your average trail or driving Fjord. I enjoy correspondence, especially with someone from Germany. Are your dogs German Shepherds :o) (I have two) or maybe Rottweiler (I have one of those too). Best Wishes in your Fjord Quest! Ruthie Bushnell, Troy, MT, Bushwhacker Fjords http://www.libby.org/~bushnell
Re: Introduction
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 01:26 PM 12/30/98 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I need info on selecting a healthy horse, questions to ask the breeder, which healthproblems to look for, books to read, I need to brush up on husbandry, healthcare, vaccinations, worming, etc. training, driving, any bookrecommendations, websites? What to look for in a good equine Veterinarian, which questions to ask the Vet., basically anything that has to do with general horsecare here in the US. Well I can recommend the NFHR's web site for one. From there you will find a lot of links to other sites as well. For the Vet info I think probably Brian Jacobsen will be able to help you out there. He is on the list and he and his wife are both Vet's in North Carolina. He is a great help to all of us here on the list. There are several other Fjord owning Vets here as well. Mike == Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Webster, NY, USA (Suburb of Rochester) Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #295
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] this message is from Mike Joyce Cook,West Church Fjords/Swanton,Oh. Happy Holiday's Everyone! It's COLD here in Swanton! In response to the problem with the Fjords in the arena.I believe we all expierience problems with our Fjordies from time to time and I get a great amount of respect from them just by using a very STERN tone of voice and deliberate yet kind action. In other words, get after those Fjords by being forceful action and more determined attitude than they have! We've never used violence as a means of responce to their reactions of refusal. All it takes is for the human to be more dominant than the horse in question and you WILL be successfull in getting them to respond to you as opposed to reacting to youJust my 35cents worthcost of living you know! Happy Holiday's to all Fjords and their pets err owner's! Mike Joyce Cook West Church Fjords
Spoiled?
This message is from: Robert Merkle [EMAIL PROTECTED] My name is Janet---I forgot my son's name is on this email thing. I think we may have been too easy on them . We have very little experience except for just a few clinics and several lessons. I am careful about their ground manners--not to let them walk on me . My trouble the other night was not the first time little Coby had pulled that on Tawnia . She has just had a few riding lessons too and not on this horse. So her hands may have been tight on the reins. The bits are copper snaffles. She was riding in a 13 inch with a tree wide enough for him. My saddle is a new one with full quarter horse bars. My trainer pointed out that the saddle I was sold was not wide enough for him and the company agreed to put in a new tree. I bought real nice saddle pads. So I'm pretty sure my equipment is correct for them. When the trainer stopped using spurs he started using what he called a bat--kind of a short whip and used it only as a gentle reminder of what to do if legs didn't work. When I ride Rex I usually use a short little whip to tap him on his shoulder if I don't get movement. I try not to over use it. The night of the big shy and the bucking I didn't have it with me . I guess some work with a trainer with us on the horses might have to be my next step. How many days do some of you trainers usually put on these horses before they might be suitable for a person that hasn't had too much experience. Or does the horse just have to be older? Speaking of age-- do any of you think these horses should have been started at a younger age? Janet in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Introduction
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi listers! My name is Dagmar, I am 34 years of age, I am a German citizen, have 2 children ages 11 and 12 years, am married, have 2 dogs, have Guinea Pigs, almost forgot the fish and we all live happily in WA state in the US. I am no newbie to Fjords but I am a newbie to Fjords in the US. I owned a beautiful Fjordhorse mare (Laikar) in Germany, I had to sell her when my now Ex husband ETS'ed from the military and we moved to the US. What a sad day that was for me :(. Now almost 11 years later I am on a quest to be owned by a Fjordhorse again, but I need some (A LOT of it) help because I know nothing about breeding practices in the US. I need info on selecting a healthy horse, questions to ask the breeder, which healthproblems to look for, books to read, I need to brush up on husbandry, healthcare, vaccinations, worming, etc. training, driving, any bookrecommendations, websites? What to look for in a good equine Veterinarian, which questions to ask the Vet., basically anything that has to do with general horsecare here in the US. I don't intend to buy the horse for another year, but want to start early, I also want to start buying the accessories early cause I know that they can be quite an expense. What do you all feed your horses? How are Fjord ridden over here? I rode mine either english or bareback. She was not a horse for the cart, at least I never tried it and I am a total newbie in that department, but defenitely want to learn more about that as well, because I want my horse to be an all around horse, used for riding and driving alike. Of course there is the question on carts. Another thing I need to familiarize myself with is the english terminology when it comes to horses. Any websites explaining the specific bodyparts of horses, including accessories, general and medical supplies etc. This may seem like a lot, but I know there is more, I will be asking lot's of question and will be most likely asking for translations of terminology which I, with my German brain, don't understand, so I appologize in advance and promise to be open to your teachings. :) Thanks so much for having me and I am looking forward to getting my brain filled with the english version on my beloved horsebreed the Fjordhorse or as we call them lovingly in Germany: Norweger! One funny thing I would like to mention, when I was riding my Fjord in Germany people always got confused about the breed, they thought it was a Haflinger, does that happen over here as well? Take care and happy trailing Dagmar (missing Laikar)
Re: Introduction
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) Hi Dagmar, I would like to ask where you lived in Germany and where you live now in Wahington State Jean Gayle Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
