Re: Elkhounds are nice, too

[C. Pedri]

This message is from: "C. Pedri" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I also have Welsh Corgi's - Pembrokes like the Queen, and apparently you
Jean.  They are wonderful dogs.  I raised and showed them for about 11
years and did breed rescue for another 5.  Now I'm down to two who are
wonderful.  One has some real herding instinct - the other vaguely recalls
that some distant relative once did SOMETHING with stock.  

I also have two standard poodles, who seem almost human in their ability to
understand.  Both breeds are wonderful.  In showing obedience I "met" a lot
of breeds, each with something special about them.  Diversity in is
wonderful - something for everyone, including the Heinz 57!

Cameron Pedri
Chandler AZ 
Where it's back to being a dry heat of 105 today.  I love the fall! :-(

--
> From: Jean Gayle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: Elkhounds are nice, too
> Date: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 11:47 AM
> 
> This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> 
> Well, speaking of dogs!!!  The Queen and I have Corgis and they are
terrific
> with the horses, herding and bringing them to wherever I want them..
Great
> for varmints and the easiest of all to train.  Loves.  Jean
> 
> 
> Jean Gayle
> Aberdeen, WA
> [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter"
> Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ]
> http://www.techline.com/~jgayle
> 

Re: crop...leg aids

[OLSENELAIN]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Marsha,

 To reply to your post about bits used on Fjords... I just wanted to add that 
it depends on what type of riding you will be doing with your Fjord. I think 
for pleasure riding, anything that works well for both horse and rider is OK, 
but it you compete in any kind of discipline, there are bits that are 
considered "legal" and can be used and some that are not allowed in the ring. 
For instance, if I showed up at a dressage competition at the lower levels 
with anything other than some kind of snaffle, I would not be allowed in the 
ring. There are ring stewarts that often check bits and the metal they are 
made of. I know this holds true for other disciplines, too. The AHSA handbook 
outlines what tack and bits are allowable. A lot of people will switch back 
and forth between bits, too, maybe schooling in a snaffle and switching to 
something else for trail. This really seems to help keep a horse "listening." 

Elaine

speaking of dogs

[Bushnell's]

This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


I love this dog talk! Sure, we're off track but Steve's probably gone by
now anyhow (while the cat's away the mice will play!) =)

My dog breed of choice is German Shepherd. On the dog scale of IQ they are
second only to poodles. We have two, and a Rottweiler, and a Fila Mastiff.
(all purebred) They're all very well behaved and good around the Fjords
(although we do watch the Rott closely =) If we ever get around to an
updated website I hope to include them on it.

This spring I introduced the Shepherds to baby chicks and geese and they
daily call on them, coexisting beautifully. Positive reinforcement works
wonders!

I've long been intrigued with the Anatolian dog as a stock dog; anyone have
one of those?

I may have mentioned before that I've seen heelers pester horses
unmercifully, hanging on their tails even and plucking them short.

We're sure looking forward to the Libby horse show, though unable to
participate this particular year we will be going up each day, if we can do
anything for any of you from this end let us know.

Ruthie (and I did use the word "Fjord" too)

Libby

[Laurie Pittman]

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

Well, I'm all packed and ready to leave for Libby in the morning, camera
packed and LOTS of film. See you all there. : )

Laurie

Top Newsletters - Jayde.com Bulletin!

[Jayde Search Smart!]

***Note: Simply reply to this email to unsubscribe.***


=

   Jayde.com Member Newsletter
   September 8, 1999
< http://www.jayde.com >

=
Got A Website, Get A Portal at ... http://www.osonet.com/jayde
=

IN THIS ISSUE:

1.)... About This Newsletter

2.)... Free Newsletters Available To Jayde.com Members
  
=

 INSTANT ALERT --- ONLINE TRADING ADVANTAGE! 
DAY TRADERS --- SMALL CAP TRADERS --- LARGE CAP TRADERS
   A 'Members Only' Stock Play Service
   (Free one week trial now available)
   The real-time advantage! Watch us trade online!
 
   < http://www.thestockboys.com >

=

1.) About This Newsletter

JaydeNews is an optional bi-weekly newsletter available to those who
submitted their website to the jayde.com search engine and directory. 

Jayde.com is a search engine that contains only the best and most 
relevant sites on the web! The Jayde newsletter focuses on improving
and popularizing all web sites in our directory. If you would like
to submit an article for a future issue of this newsletter please 
send it to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

TODAY'S JAYDENEWS FEATURE ...

2.) Free Newsletters Available To Jayde.com Members

This month's issue of JaydeNews takes a detour from our standard 
fare of search engine and site promotion tips to focus on the new 
additions to Jayde.com's list of Free, quality newsletters. In the 
past, we invited you to subscribe to informative newsletters like 
InternetDay, the Year2000News, JaydeNews and most recently, the 
entertaining DailyComix. If you passed these by before, you may
want to re-consider and subscribe below. If they weren't to your
taste, then you may find our most recent free newsletter offerings
more to your liking.

Take a moment to review the newsletter descriptions below. You can
subscribe to one or more newsletters just by sending an email message
to the email addresses provided below each newsletter description.

If you don't want to be bothered with sending multiple emails, you
can subscribe to one or more of the newsletters with the click of
a button by visiting the following page:

  < http://www.jayde.com/free.html >

=

   Improve Your Search Engine Position with WebPosition Gold

Submitting alone is NOT enough to bring new traffic to your site.  
People must be able to FIND your site in the top 10 to 30 matches.  
Check out the award-winning new product WebPosition Gold which 
optimizes pages to rank in the top 10, submits, reports your 
positions, tracks your traffic, and much more. ZD Net 5 Star rating! 
Get your FREE download at:

< http://www.webposition.com/cgi-local/d.pl?DS1=jdnl-sept99 >

=

A.) DAILYCOMIX

A daily HTML newsletter guaranteed to put a smile on your face and 
start your day off right. Side-splitting jokes and colorful cartoons 
from top, professional cartoonists. 

To receive the free DailyComix newsletter simply send an email to:


  OR
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---

B.) MacLinx

We've neglected our Macintosh members in the past but no longer. 
MacLinx is a daily HTML newsletter dedicated to the Mac user. The 
latest Mac news and tips for Mac addicts around the world. 

To receive the free MacLinx newsletter simply send an email to:

 
  OR
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---

C.) TRUE ACCOUNTS

A daily newsletter that will bring you true-life stories, ranging
from kids, pets, romance and adventure to the extraterrestrial and
paranormal. This newsletter will be written by regular people for
regular people. If you have a great, true story to share, send it
to us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To receive the free TrueAccounts newsletter simply send an email to:

 
  OR
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---

D.) TOP CASINO NEWS

A daily HTML newsletter for the gaming and gambling enthusiast.
TopCasinoNews will bring you the latest casino and lottery news,
winner profiles, online games, gaming and gambling tips and
related industry information.

To receive the free TopCasinoNews newsletter simply send an email to:


  OR
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---

E.) TODAYS FAITH

A daily interdenominational newsletter focusing on t

Re: crop...leg aids

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

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

> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> I wanted to ask some of you which you think is better to reinforce
> with, i.e., a crop or spurs.  I have a mare who RESENTS and works
> against spurs (humane type) but will respond with a crop even if it's
> not even used.

For me, personally, spurs are not an option.  I'm not a good enough
rider to use them when, and ONLY when they're needed.  A crop is less
likely to be used accidentally.

But, yes, at a beginner's clinic many years ago, I drove a pony who'd
apparently read the ADS rule about drivers having the whip in hand---
her motto was No Whip, No Trot!  I really didn't have to USE it, just
carry it, and gently touch her with it, once, to prove that I could.

> can some of you tell me what type of bits you use.  I use a full
> cheek snaffle and feel like I have no control over my gelding at
> times.  I have to pull very hard just to get him to stop and I don't
> like doing that.

One of our Fjord geldings goes reasonably well in an eggbutt
snaffle---but our trainer did have to "explain" to him that his
choices were stopping on the first light request, or stopping after
he'd been "doubled" via the "pulley rein" maneuver.  Our other two
Fjords seem to need the feel of a curb chain under the chin.  The old
mare hated any jointed snaffle, but went along nicely on a
mullen-mouth pelham, either on the curb ring, or on "roundings"
(thingies to connect the curb and snaffle rings); she'd occasionally
try to "bull past" the bit on just the snaffle ring.  My gelding does
well on a low-port slotted Kimberwick.  We did assorted bit tests on
him, which had my trainer shaking her head---she said it made no sense
to put that much bit on a horse who didn't want to go forward, but
that was the bit he worked best in!  Interestingly, this gelding
ground-drives pulling a log just fine in the loose ring jointed
snaffle that came on his draft harness.

Yes, there are purists who insist that you have to use a jointed
snaffle.  But, not all Fjords have "read that book".  (Maybe it wasn't
printed in Norwegian?)  ;-)

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
30 mi SSE of San Francisco, Calif.
---

Re: Elkhounds are nice, too

[Nathan Lapp]

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

>Congrats on your new babies.  I know Aussies are neat dogs, but I have to
>give my Norwegian Elkhound a pat on the back.

Go ahead, pat her! We list people really DO have things in common. My sister
Rachel and I have been breeding Elkhounds and Aussies for 15 years. Each
breed has a unique value here on the farm, and each individual has a spot in
someone's heart. My favorite of our seven dogs of both breeds is Skippy, a
7-year-old Elkhound. She kills dozens of woodchucks, possoms, and skunks
every summer, comes back to the house every afternoon, and has a heart of
gold with people.

>My sister has
>carefully bred Elkhounds for years since the late 40's (believe it, or
not).


If you don't mind, Philis, give me her name and address off list. We try to
keep track of the best of the breed, and use those genetics for our breeding
program.

Barbara Lyn Lapp

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[Jean Gayle]

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

Sorry about your father in law.

I had a bantie raise a miniature call duck who never went near the water and
was the dirtiest as he would sit under the roost not being able to take the
roosting poles.  Unfortunately, as he did not fly, a mink took him out along
with 26 of my chickens.  Jean


Jean Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
[Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ]
http://www.techline.com/~jgayle

Re: Libby

[Jean Gayle]

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

Thanks Jean, but I am setting out early tomorrow morning and going through
to Yellow Bay, below Big Fork.  Will be at the show Saturday and hope to see
you all.   Jean


Jean Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
[Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ]
http://www.techline.com/~jgayle

Re: Elkhounds are nice, too

[Jean Gayle]

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

Well, speaking of dogs!!!  The Queen and I have Corgis and they are terrific
with the horses, herding and bringing them to wherever I want them.. Great
for varmints and the easiest of all to train.  Loves.  Jean


Jean Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
[Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ]
http://www.techline.com/~jgayle

Re: Elkhounds are nice, too

[Mark and Lisa K. McGinley]

This message is from: "Mark and Lisa K. McGinley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>



Philis Anderson wrote:

> I know Aussies are neat dogs, but I have to give my Norwegian Elkhound a pat
> on the back.

I'm impressed with any dog that weighs 50 pounds and can control an animal the
size of a moose, elk or cow.  That's great that you have such a unique lineage
too.
I wish I could get my dogs to walk behind the horses and not be spastic about
it.

Mark
Mariposa

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[Northhorse]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 9/8/99 8:01:19 Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
writes:

<< Dear Vivian,
 
 Oh!!  I enjoyed the story of Chuck.  Thanks so much for sharing ... we can
 learn so much from our critters!!! >>

Same here.  I enjoyed it immensely.  Would you mind terribly if I shared this 
story with other mothers of autistic children?  It's such a neat love story, 
about raising a child that is "different" and not what you expected!  I think 
it would lighten a few hearts.

Pamela

Re: crop...leg aids

[TAVINC70]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I just wanted to thank you for the good advice...I am having trouble with my 
gelding as far as getting him to "move" at a normal pace.  I don't ask him to 
move mountains just walk with a little more "spring" and trot.  He is slowly 
getting the hang of it, but I wanted to ask some of you which you think is 
better to reinforce with, i.e., a crop or spurs.  I have a mare who RESENTS 
and works against spurs (humane type) but will respond with a crop even if 
it's not even used.  Just wanted a little advice.

Also, can some of you tell me what type of bits you use.  I use a full cheek 
snaffle and feel like I have no control over my gelding at times.  I have to 
pull very hard just to get him to stop and I don't like doing that.  I would 
appreciate any help.  Thanks again!!!
Tracy in hot and humid Indiana where we are SUPPOSEDLY supposed to have some 
rain this eve.

crop...leg aids

[Ingrid Ivic]

This message is from: Ingrid Ivic <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Mary Anne! Welcome to the List...


>  I do use a crop to reinforce, and try to be consistent, giving him 3
> to 4 squeeze-kicks before using the crop. How can I get him to respond to
> less cue?
>


...I'm no expert, and I'm sure there are others here that know more than
I, but here's what's worked for me in the past:

I'd recommend using the crop/whip after no more than ONE squeeze or
AS you are giving the leg aid. It's a bit more "immediate", if you know
what I mean. You'll be saying, listen up and I mean NOW! That way he'll
see that he isn't allowed to wait you out, to see how much more you will
squeeze and how much more he can get away with.
We have one of those "pokey" types too...love him to pieces, very
trust worthy, but he knows when he can get away with murder too, with
riders who squeeze and kick till they are all tuckered out. He'll win
every time, if you let him. As soon as I give the new rider a crop (just
to hold...mind you), he knows it's time to work and stop fooling around.
He needs to respect you...that's #1!
As far as the barn sourness goes...keep working on going farther and
farther away (as you are) and make it a rewarding experience for him.
Every time he goes just a little bit further, he gets his favorite treat
and is allowed to graze...whatever. Going out with a friend and her
horse can help you, I agree. My quarterhorse was barn sour at first, but
he soon realized that staying around the barn didn't mean I'd cancel
riding him. We'd work very, very hard close to the barn and relax away
from the barn...he soon would much rather ride out, than "work" just to
be close to his buddies. You are right, it takes time. Hang in there.
They are smart little cookies...aren't they? Gotta love 'em!
:o)   Ingrid

Re: Libby

[Jean Ernest]

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

Anybody need a ride to Libby from Spokane Airport on Thursday AM?  I am
meeting Gail Russell at the Spokane airport and we'll rent a car to drive
to Libby.  Would have room for another person.  Jean Gayle?  
I arrive in Spokane about 8:00 AM,(after an all night flight down from
Fairbanks) Gail Russell is due about 9:45.  We would probably be heading
out about 10:00 or so (depending on on if planes are on time, etc.)  Pretty
late to plan, I know, but just a thought!  I am not driving directly back
to Spokane, tho, going to head down to Hamilton and Victor, MT to visit
friends from Faibanks after the show! So you would have to arrange a ride
back or go down to the airport at Missoula with us on Monday.

Jean in fabulous Fairbanks, AK, Another glorious fall day, more gold and
less green on the hills!  I'll miss the peak of color, tho.




Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re: Elkhounds are nice, too

[SSlotness]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I have to agree with Phylis. We have an Elkhound (not as carefully bred as 
hers, however) that we just adore. She has such a personality. 
Suzan

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[Carl and Sarah Nagel]

This message is from: "Carl and Sarah Nagel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Dear Vivian,

Oh!!  I enjoyed the story of Chuck.  Thanks so much for sharing ... we can
learn so much from our critters!!!

I am sorry to hear that your father-in-law passed away.  Our thoughts and
prayers are with your family.  May God richly bless all of you.

Best of Luck to you and Marnix on your upcoming adventures.

Sarah Nagel -- who is so very excited as Libby approaches -- this is our
first year to attend!!!

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 5:35 AM
Subject: Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks


>This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>I wanted to wish everyone going to Libby good luck, some of you are already
>on the road. I hope you have wonderful weather and a great party.
>Unfortunately Marnix and I will not be able to compete at The Laurels ASHA
>Pony CH. this weekend as my father-in-law passed away yesterday and Sam
needs
>to be with his mother in Arizona. My oldest is coming home to help out so
>I'll be taking Marnix to The GMHA Pleasure show instead since it is a day
>trip for me, and I have to keep conditioning for Gladstone on the 23rd.
It's
>alot more interesting to condition at a show than on the roads alone.
>
>Now for something completely off topic
>
>I own two female ducks, a Muscovy and a Pekin The Muscovy, named "Oakie
>from Muscovy" was incredibly broody this season, but with no male around to
>fertilize  her eggs her many attempts to hatch a brood ofcourse failed...
>Until she ousted a banty hen from her nest and sat the chicken's eggs as
well
>as some of her own. Well miracle of miracles she managed to hatch a chick
as
>in chicken chick. The little black banty chick was vigorously protected by
>his"mother" and about day three "Oakie" managed to get the chick across the
>road to my mother's pond. My son rescued them as we were certain the duck
>would insist her baby swim and the chick would drown. A week later my
>daughter and I heard splashing and plaintive cheeping coming from the
plastic
>pool we keep near the house for the ducks. When we went to look there was
the
>Muscovy swimming around the pool followed by a frantically flapping baby
>chick doing it's best to keep it's head above water. We drained the pool
>after rescuing the chick. The chick whom my husband has named "Chuck" -Half
>chicken half duck- is about a month old now. His "mother" has enlisted the
>baby sitting skills of the Pekin female so that she may fly across the road
>for frequent swims. In the evening you'll find the chick proudly sitting on
>his "mother's" back or tucked under her wing with her "Nanny" the Pekin in
>close attendance. My daughter considers this arrangement to be the essence
of
>the true 90's family. In the beginning I wouldn't have given this
arrangement
>a chance of success. Just goes to show the power of a Mother's Love as well
>as making the best out of the cards one has been dealt as I am sure in many
>respects "Chuck" is a huge disappointment to his doting "mother".
>Good Luck to everyone this weekend Vivian Creigh
>

Elkhounds are nice, too

[Philis Anderson]

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

Hi Mark and Cheryl and List,
Congrats on your new babies.  I know Aussies are neat dogs, but I have to
give my Norwegian Elkhound a pat on the back.  Lotte goes on every trail
ride, cart ride and hike with me in our North woods.  She brings up the rear
on the trail and covers the "back side" of the horses.  They know she's
there and are at ease.  Lotte comes from good "stock"  My sister has
carefully bred Elkhounds for years since the late 40's (believe it, or not).
She imported frozen sperm from Norway several years ago and has had several
litters of "Popsicle pups".  Bred well, they too are a great breed!
Philis Anderson

Re: Aussies and leg aids

[Northhorse]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 9/8/99 7:05:12 Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
writes:

<< Usually, January is our only down month in the winter, and not every 
 year.Gail in Albuquerque >>

!?!   I remember when we moved to New Mexico 3 years ago a horrible 
snowstorm on Thanksgiving!  Had to drive from Albuqerque to Peralta in that 
mess.  But then, we didn't have fjords then just the QH and the grade 
mare.  We were looking at Andalusians when the snowstorm hit.  They didn't 
know what to do with that weather.  I think it would have been a blast, had I 
known Juniper at that time.

Pamela

Re: Aussies and leg aids

[GailDorine]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re the leg aids, thanks.  Those are exactly the problems I've been having.  
She is pokey and doesn't know aids, and I didn't know what was normal or  
what to do.  And my trainer was a bust and wanted her to be an Arab -- which 
I like, but she isn't.  Speaking of which, instead of Aussies, I have smooth 
fox terriers.  When the horse vet came, I said, "Aren't you lucky you aren't 
my dog vet?  What would you do if my horses acted like that?"  He said, "I'd 
call them Arabs."   I like smart animals but obedience in dogs isn't, 
obviously, that high on my list.  Horses are different; you could get hurt if 
they acted like that.  
  And while some of you get read to shut it down for the winter, it's finally 
cool enough to work my horses and summer is our down time.  Yay, fall and 
winter and boo summer.  When it's 100 degrees, you dont want to hit the 
trails.  Usually, January is our only down month in the winter, and not every 
year.Gail in Albuquerque

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[BKFJORDS]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Vivian,

So sorry to hear of your family's loss!

We raise ducks here, so I got a big laugh out of your 'Chuck" story!  Thanks 
for sharing it!

Also, belated 'kudos' on your recent win, and good luck at the Pleasure Show!

Sincerely,
Bernadine Karns
Marshall, Michigan

Blain Whitcomb Benefit Fund

[ceacy]

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


I am writing on behave of Ceacy, as her business partner, to thank all of
you who have responded to Blain's benefit fund.  Special thanks to Mr. &
Mrs. Bruce Werme, Jean & James Ruhan, Mary & Linden Barsness, andDarryl
Wolford & Julia Will. Your names have been entered into the raffle and your
caring  is much appreciated.
To Courtney, again thank you for the pertinent information regarding
insurance. The information has been forwarded to the Whitcomb family.  All
options are welcome.
To Anne, your words are always heartfelt. Yes, Penfrydd Farm  faired quite
well at the NFH Show in Woodstock, Vermont. Konggard was Champion Stallion,
Get of Sire. Tedra was first in the yearling  division and Reserve Champion
Youngstock many more... not to forget Penfrydd's Vera (4 months old!)
won Grand Champion! The camp kids deserve much praise as they worked
extremely hard with Ceacy throughout the summer.
It's off to Libby! A three day  plus journey with Sue Giargiari of Felicity
Farm.
They are currently in MN. So be nice to them upon arrival as  travel
jitters will have set in.  Safe journey to all and enjoy the show.

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[Lynn Mohr]

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

Nice to see you have your priorities straight.  Horses and self before
family.

Re: Libby, The Laurels & ducks

[Reinbowend]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I wanted to wish everyone going to Libby good luck, some of you are already 
on the road. I hope you have wonderful weather and a great party. 
Unfortunately Marnix and I will not be able to compete at The Laurels ASHA 
Pony CH. this weekend as my father-in-law passed away yesterday and Sam needs 
to be with his mother in Arizona. My oldest is coming home to help out so 
I'll be taking Marnix to The GMHA Pleasure show instead since it is a day 
trip for me, and I have to keep conditioning for Gladstone on the 23rd. It's 
alot more interesting to condition at a show than on the roads alone. 

Now for something completely off topic

I own two female ducks, a Muscovy and a Pekin The Muscovy, named "Oakie 
from Muscovy" was incredibly broody this season, but with no male around to 
fertilize  her eggs her many attempts to hatch a brood ofcourse failed... 
Until she ousted a banty hen from her nest and sat the chicken's eggs as well 
as some of her own. Well miracle of miracles she managed to hatch a chick as 
in chicken chick. The little black banty chick was vigorously protected by 
his"mother" and about day three "Oakie" managed to get the chick across the 
road to my mother's pond. My son rescued them as we were certain the duck 
would insist her baby swim and the chick would drown. A week later my 
daughter and I heard splashing and plaintive cheeping coming from the plastic 
pool we keep near the house for the ducks. When we went to look there was the 
Muscovy swimming around the pool followed by a frantically flapping baby 
chick doing it's best to keep it's head above water. We drained the pool 
after rescuing the chick. The chick whom my husband has named "Chuck" -Half 
chicken half duck- is about a month old now. His "mother" has enlisted the 
baby sitting skills of the Pekin female so that she may fly across the road 
for frequent swims. In the evening you'll find the chick proudly sitting on 
his "mother's" back or tucked under her wing with her "Nanny" the Pekin in 
close attendance. My daughter considers this arrangement to be the essence of 
the true 90's family. In the beginning I wouldn't have given this arrangement 
a chance of success. Just goes to show the power of a Mother's Love as well 
as making the best out of the cards one has been dealt as I am sure in many 
respects "Chuck" is a huge disappointment to his doting "mother". 
Good Luck to everyone this weekend Vivian Creigh

Samson

[Don & Jane Brackett]

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

Hi Mary Anne -
Samson's reluctance to leave his buddies is something that all horses
share to some extend but they have to learn to go.  I found it helpful
to have someone on the ground to help lead if things got out of hand
when I first approached this problem with my Fjord mare.  I am not a
strong rider and when she would start to insist on turning around my
husband was there to help lead her for a few paces.  It didn't take long
for her to realize that there was no point in disagreeing!  Now she is a
happy and willing partner on long solitary rides and drives.
Don't ride in the field with others though, it isn't safe and only
rewards him for bad behavior.  Good luck and enjoy.
Jane, in Maine where we still have had no rain.  The leaves are turning
brown and falling with no display of color and the grass crunches!  :(