Re: Birth Announcement
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Congratulations to all with new foals! Enjoy! Lynda and Daniel Bailey's Norwegian Fjord Horse Farm White Cloud, MI 231-689-9902 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords/
Horses for Sale
This message is from: "Nancy Hotovy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have recently taken in a nice 7 year old gelding to sell. He is trained English, has been jumped, and also been taken camping! He pickets well. I have taken him on a few trail rides to check him out and have been pleased. He is a very forward gelding, moves out nicely and is interested in where he is going - a really fun horse to ride. Has nice barn manners and has been handled since birth. His "girls" have gone off to college and find they do not have the time for him anymore. His sire is Anvil's Torbjorn and his dam is Alvina, a King Gjestar daughter. This gelding is 14 1 and although he is by our Toby, he is not at all draft-type. We also sold a colt last year (now 2 years old) to a lady who just lost her husband to cancer and is dealing with many new problems. She would like to sell this colt very reasonably. He is out of our favorite mare "Frida" and by Tom and Ann Hans' stallion, Rokida's Haakon. She also has a new nylon draft style harness for him and would like to sell that also. The colt has not had any formal training as he was ready to go to the trainer's when all this took place. He also has been handled since birth - clips, loads, ties, leads, etc. This next package is aimed for someone who would seriously like to start breeding quality Fjords. We will sell these horses individually but will give a 10% discount if anyone would like all three. Anvil's Torbjorn - "Toby" is now 20 years old and doing well. We have owned him since 1989 and had him evaluated by the Norwegian's in Woodstock, VT where he received his 2nd premium. He also has a gold medallion under the American Evaluation System. We have been keeping replacement fillies and find that Toby has worked himself out of a job as most all of our broodmares are now his daughters and granddaughters. He is a stallion that is easy to handle and easy to breed with. We have hand bred with him and also collected him for A.I. Toby is gentle and produces great babies. TUF Juli - silver medallion as a 3 year old. TUF Reba - gold medallion. Toby's get have won the Get of Sire class every year in Blue Earth. Last year's judge, Phil Callahan, after looking over TUF Reba, TUF Kelsey, and TUF Tana remarked "That stallion sure puts his stamp on his colts - they look great". We've put much time, effort and thought into our breeding program and this is what we have aimed for! It takes literally years to see your efforts pay off but comments such as this is what it's all about. Hedvig - (Anvil's Haugull x Helga x King Gjestar). "Heidi" is a 15 year old mare that has produced 6 fillies and 1 colt for us. She is 15 hands, healthy and sells bred back to Toby for a 2003 foal with weanling filly by her side. (We will sell them separately but the filly will not be weaned until the 1st of August). This filly exemplifies just what Heidi and Toby have produced over the years - a real head turner! I realize these horses have some age on them, however, they are proven producers ready to give a breeder a good start on quality Norwegian Fjords. We have sold Heidi's babies from $3,000.00 - $8,000.00. These Fjords have quality written all over. All our horses are wormed every three months, vaccinated regularly, have farrier work done, stand to be clipped (electric clippers) and have great barn manners (very important if you live here!) Please e-mail me privately for prices or any questions. Delivery is also a possibility - we love to travel. Nancy Hotovy The Upper Forty P.S. Just in case anyone is wondering - we are not getting out of Fjords. I still have plenty to keep me busy, along with our Jr. Stallion, Anvil's Buliwyf. We just need to reduce our herd. I think Carole said it well - a lot of work and a lot of worry. We're not quitting - just slowing down a little especially since our son, Michael has grown up and left home - my chief barn help! BTW he turned 21 today. Hardly seems possible that the little boy who thought "vacation" and "Blue Earth" were synonymous has grown up. I know the last couple sentences have nothing to do with Fjords but what's a Mom to do? Just can't help it.
Re: barefoot Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Dee Anna- << Sissel does very well barefoot on trails and running around our hilly, rocky pastures, but she is ouchy with me on her back if we have to ride on gravel. I can certainly see why, and have thought horse boots would be a nice compromise -- leave her barefoot most of the time, but put boots on her when she needs them. * Yep, those gravel roads seem to be the thorn in the side of horses, barefoot & shod alike. It's the hard packed surface with a scattering of sharp stones -- ouch! The weight of the rider seems to exacerbate the problem. My friend's Fjord is sensitive on this type of surface, and she uses the Old Macs. With them he can be ridden/driven on any footing. I also have adopted an old pony who was foundered for years before she came to live with us. I have no hope of fixing this problem, but I do what I can to make her comfortable. Ursula Jensen thought Old Mac's might help Biscuit when her feet are really painful when it's really dry or icy out. *Good for you for helping this pony in need! With good trimming and pasture life she will be as comfortable and sound as possible. The boots may help, but I would guess the discomfort is caused more by internal damage to the laminae, coffin bone, and surrounding parts, especially if she was treated "conventionally." Old Mac's are a bit spendy -- found them in the Valley Vet catalog recently for $145, item #27604 -- but they look like they would work nicely. I wonder if they go on with less struggle than Easy Boots. Any comments about that from your friends, Brigid? * Considering a standard iron shoeing (in my area) costs $125, $145 is a good investment! They are super easy to put on and will last a year or more of hard riding. Brigid M Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Our http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Fjords http://www.ourfjords.freeservers.com/fw/Fjordings_Wesx.html";> Fjordings West / )__~ /L /L
Re: Safety and easy entry carts
This message is from: The Mercers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, Ursula, I'm really glad you and Raynor are ok. That sounds like one harrowing experience. I am really glad to have postings like this on the list. I'm a complete newbie at driving (heading up to Ursula & Brian's in June for a driving weekend). I haven't purchased a cart yet so the more I learn about the different ones available the better. I would love to hear which carts all of you prefer and why. Also, where is your favorite place to buy one? Does this type of stress happen on the oak meadowbrook carts, too? I just brought home my first Fjords last Friday! A wonderful 9 year old mare from Chip Lamb in Sand Point, ID named Reina and her '02 filly (no name picked out as yet) who was foaled April 28th. Mom and baby are settling in well. Our 3 year old AQHA gelding was thrilled to have a "herd." I also am buying a 16 year old mare, Malla, from Dennis and Marge Johnson in Hayden Lake, ID. Malla melted my heart when she nickered at me! She and Reina are both "talkers" and I love that. Both are well trained, experienced mares and of course are much smarter than I am! I'm headed out to watch the mare graze and the foal charge around the pasture...sheer bliss to see! Taffy Mercer
Another One,
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello All, We want to announce that the Fjord horse world has again increased by one. Our mare "Siri" gave birth to a beautiful daughter in the wee hours of Monday morning. (1:45 am) She has a papa of Erlend from the home of Peg Knutsen. She is running like the wind here in Othello, Washington on the second day of her life. We are going to name her "Sanvika" after a town and school in Norway. Mother "Siri" has become very possessive and so we have to keep our donkey away at this time, although she tolerates the pigmy goats and the sheep. Sanvika is a very light brown at this time. She is attracting lots of attention in the neighborhood. It is nice reading about all the other new arrivals Take Care, Dave and Ann Sperl
Birth Announcement
This message is from: "Wild Flower Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello everyone, Saturday May 18th and Sunday May 19th we had the arrival of two new fillies (not yet named) Both are healthy and went outside for the first time today. We are now only waiting the arrival of one more foal. I just wanted to let everyone know that we do have a 2 year old mare, 14.1 hands, out of sire: Anvil's Artur and Dam: Green Briar Lady for sale. Has had ground work and lunges, beautiful conformationa nd will make great dressage horse or driving horse. For More information please contact Renee Lafleur Wild Flower Fjord Farm 2565 Airport Road Timmins, ON P4N 7C3 1-705-268-0848 e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] web site: www.geocities.com/Fjords2000
Midwest Fjord Horse Show
This message is from: "Nancy Hotovy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello Everyone - All packets for the 17th Annual Midwest Fjord Horse Show in Blue Earth, MN were sent out yesterday. All Midwest Fjord Horse Club members and anyone who requested a packet will receive one. If anyone has any questions or would like to receive a show packet please let me know. This year seems to have rolled around quickly. July will be here before we know it. For anyone staying at the AmericInn, when calling for a reservation tell them you are with the Fjord horses. They have reserved a block (actually almost all) of their rooms just for us. Read your packets carefully. There have been a few changes made. The show will actually start on Monday afternoon and we will have a longer mid-day break on Tuesday and Wednesday - - - gives us some time to visit. Our judge this year will be Sarah Freeman Runyan from Kansas City, MO, approved by the NFHR. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help, HOWEVER, we still could use some more ringmaster and gate person help. Will see you there! Nancy Hotovy The Upper Forty
Competitor Conduct at Fjord Shows & Evaluations
This message is from: "Ursula Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dear List from Brian Jensen; After another E-Mail about show conduct by competitors I thought it imperative to write the list about these issues. As we conduct ourselves in life-there are standards and guidelines for conduct at shows and Evaluations. If my information is an indicator there is an increasing amount of improper, impolite, and disrespectful conduct by some competitors at our shows and Evaluations. This conduct- be it profanity in public; unfair gossip and criticism of fellow members or Show Committees or Judges is not acceptable under any circumstances. Conduct--as outlined in CEF Rules. All participants are obliged to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and in the best interest of the horse and show. Management, or the Show Committee shall bar violators from further participation for the remainder of the show. A report of continued violation or incident be forwarded to the designated authority for any disciplinary action deemed necessary. If a competitor acts in a manner contrary to the Show Rules, or in a manner deemed improper, unethical, dishonest, unsportsmanlike, or prejudicial to themselves, others, committee members, or well being of their animals; is not acceptable. Making remarks considered offensive, or with the intent to influence or cast aspersions on the character of the Judge or any other person at the show is not acceptable. Examples of infractions I am aware of are profanity in public. Throwing hay forks at other competitors , Deformation of the character of officials.Knowingly breaking show rules to suit oneself. For some time now I have encouraged the NFHR to adopt a standard set of show rules for all shows they have sanctioned and insured. In Canada our show insurance is void if the standard set of show rules have not been followed. It is unfortunate that I have to address these issues. Competitors naturally become very emotional and sometimes say or do things they would later regret. The present incidents now seem to have occurred sometime-somewhere in all Fjord shows, and does not seem to be diminishing . If you are unhappy with a situation at a show there is a protocol that is universal to all sanctioned events. The procedure for lodging protests and requesting appeals is directed to the show committee with a deposit of about 50.00.If the protest or appeal is upheld ones deposit is returned. An example of this protocol being used happened at Libby last fall. After a driving runaway in a class it was noticed some entrants were driving without nosebands which are ADS Rules regulation. Some entrants were removed from the class but others were allowed to continue without the proper driving equipment.This confusion could be totally eliminated with standard rules and guidelines. Sincerely--Brian Jensen Ursula & Brian Jensen Trinity Fjords Box 1032 Lumby BC Canada V0E-2G0 http://okjunc.junction.net/~ujensen/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] (250) 547-6303
Re: foals sweating
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >By the way, Jean it was warmer in Alaska on one >day last week than in Florida - the weather guy >got a kick out of that. It's beautiful today, but >back to the 90's next week I hear. Well, It will be 85 degrees here today, definitly too hot for me...the weatherman on the Today show mentioned Fairbanks this morning..forecast 85 in Fairbanks, when New York was only to be in the 50's. Trouble is we'll be right into fire season with this hot weather, after a late breakup. Leaves popped out over the weekend. Spring lasts for about 2 days herethen right into summer. Poor Fjords haven't lost all of their winter coat either. (just to make this Fjord related!) Jean in Sunny and hot (to us) Fairbanks, Alaska 82 degrees and the hottest part of the day hours away! 19 hours, 20 minutes sunlight! > > > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Our first fjord foal
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Mary, Congratulations on your first Fjord baby. Sounds like a nice little guy! Lynda and Daniel Bailey's Norwegian Fjord Horse Farm White Cloud, MI 231-689-9902 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords/
Re: foals sweating
This message is from: Nancy Newport <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks Jean for your comment about your foal sweating at a few days old. I have been collecting all kinds of information on this and it seems to vary widely between foals being able to sweat at birth to foals can take up to 6 weeks or more to begin to sweat. The best info I've gotton for my problem is that it can take some time and meanwhile if you're having a heat wave you need to cool them off. Since I am in the south I would appreciate anyone's experience on foals and heat regulation and I will pass on what I find out to the list. I currently have a recent vet school graduate friend doing some more research for me. I especially would like to know if there have been any studies done in a controlled environment - so far I haven't come across any, but then I really don't know where to look. By the way, Jean it was warmer in Alaska on one day last week than in Florida - the weather guy got a kick out of that. It's beautiful today, but back to the 90's next week I hear. Thanks, Nancy Newport
Old Mac boots
This message is from: "Dagrun Aarsten" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Old Mac's are a bit spendy -- found them in the Valley Vet catalog > recently for $145, item #27604 -- but they look like they would work > nicely. I wonder if they go on with less struggle than Easy Boots. Any > comments about that from your friends, Brigid? Hi DeeAnna, being one of Brigid's mentioned friends that uses easyboots, I can tell you what I think: Tinn that I ride gets sore on gravel and on hard ground, plus his feet seem to wear down very fast, so we use Old Mac boots on him when riding (and driving) outside the arena. They ARE a bit big and bulky, and I guess they change the breakover point of the hoof somewhat. (I have never tried the easyboot, I thought it looked nice but people say it's very hard to get on and falls off easily...) Once they The Old Macs give instant relief to sore hooves/soles. Quinn, who usually has feet hard as rock and doesn't need boots, jerked his foot away when being trimmed and caught the farrier's nippers in his sole, making a cut and bleeding a little. It didn't get infected or anything but his sole was (and still is) a little tender, I could see a slight lameness and "hesitation" at the trot (but that didn't stop him from galloping around...). Then I put on Tinn's Old Macs and he got his strong, powerful trot back instantly and didn't hesitate to canter with me on his back for a second. Old Macs are easy to get on and have an "interior" strap plus velcro and buckles on the outside. They don't have a chance of falling off. One of ours has a buckle missing and it still stays on, even through mud. I was worried they would rub the horse's hair off, but once I had to put them on wet feet (rub easier) and then went for a 3-hour trail ride and Tinn showed no discomfort and no rubbing. Might be different if you have a tender-skinned TB or something :-) I guess they might rub if used for hours every day, I usually don't ride Tinn more than once or twice a week, so I wouldn't know. The horses (fjords) accept them without any fuzz, and seem happy to get support when walking on gravel. If your horse walks "narrow" I guess they might interfere with the movement a little. Tinn has also tripped a couple of times, when he gets excited by something and "forgets" he is wearing boots. Took him a little while to learn to lift his feet properly. Quinn did it instantly, though, never tripped even once. Might vary from horse to horse. I guess they're worth their price. Tinn's were bought used, and have lasted a year and the sole doesn't look worn out. However, they are a bit "tired" and I suspect they're slightly small for him, so some stiches on the back are opening up. If you make sure you buy them big enough I am sure they would last 6 months even with almost daily use. What else...they are easy to put on, can be opened completely and partly "custom fit" with the velcro. They wash out nicely, I just hose them off after going through mud and leave them to dry. The leather straps on the outside get slightly dry but not bad. Oh, and I might mention that we only use them on the front hooves - back hooves are usually stronger and carry less weight so usually they can go "bare". Hope some of this information is useful? Never tried them in "winter conditions" - they would grip excellent in snow but not on ice. Dagrun PS: Here's a link: www.oldmacs.com.au
Re: Safety and easy entry carts
This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> THANK Goodness you weren't hurt Ursula !! Sounds like a very close call. One of those unexpected and unavoidable catastrophes. You take care! Ruthie, nw mt > This message is from: "Ursula Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > It's been a while since I've posted anything worthwhile but feel I need to > share this information with those of you that have easy entry carts. > > Last week I took my stallion Penfrydd's Raynor to a Gail Jones dressage > clinic at The Ranch in Pritchard B.C. took my easy entry cart which I > love for every day use and just whipping aroundit's easy for me to deal > with on my own and it's fun to drive. During lunch on the second day and > well after lesson, I decided to take the boy out for some cones work and > just practise some of the exercises that we had learned Did the > cones and was heading away from the area of activity by just walking and > cooling P. Raynor downwhen suddenly I felt the whole cart leaning > forward and Rayon's back feet got awfully close to my face...I couldn't stay > on the seat and things were just not registering as it felt like I was > driving into this big holesince I could not support myself in this > forward-on-my-knees-face near the ground position I decided to > bailduring all this time and I'm sure in a matter of a few seconds > Raynor became a tad agitated about all this nonsense behind him and started > to lift his back legs and wanted to go.( he did not kick and he did not > buck)...I thought I had him, but alas was in such an awkward position on the > ground that I lost the lines in my attempt to roll free of the back > legs...what an opportunity for a stallion in the springwith a nearby > field of 20+ geldings & mares. When he realized no longer had any support > from me he went for it...cart still partially attached and harness > flying .within about 300 yards the cart dislodged but shafts, harness > and lines were still attached...he sailed through a closed barbed wire > gate (did not even register that it was there) and started herding the herd > of horses/mules/drafts in a 3 acre field. Some of those old mares didn't > even > know what hit em..The folks having lunch started to head for the field > in an attempt to help me out...we finally managed to call the herd back to > the barn and a paddock and Raynor stayed by the fence at the farthest end > of the field looking rather forlorn as to why the herd had left himI had > left a rope halter under his headstall and was able to lead him with the one > remaining line back to the trailer..others picked up pieces of harness > and cart along the wayRaynor only had a small cut on his pastern and a > small superficial scratch on his chest.we were both in tact (albeit I > had a stiff time climbing stairs for a day) > The cart and harness did not fare as well. > The shafts of the cart had both broken off from metal fatigue back at the > site of the support bracket. Even though I inspect the cart regularly, metal > fatigue is not visible hence it breaks without warning...It is now at the > welders being re-enforced by sliding a metal sheath inside the area of break > of the shaft and then re-welded. > The next day the CDE-list posted a similar incident ...h. > Those of you who drive these carts need to be aware of the dangerthere > is no warning 'manure happens' but if you see any bending at all make sure > you deal with it... > > I drove P. Raynor on Sat. here at home and we had no problems ...he acted > like the incident never happened. I'm sure his attention was so focused on > the herd of horses that it never even dawned on him that something serious > had happened behind him.The harness has several broken pieces but all is > repairable or replaceable... when we checked the breastplate of the harness > we noticed a deep gash in the leather where it had saved Raynor from being > injured as he stormed through the barbed wire gate > I fared quite well too...since there was no libation to be had after the > incident, I had to settle for a bummed cigarette to calm my nerves > We were lucky and I'm very proud of my boy in the way he handled the > situation although standing still would have been even better but an > unrealistic option given the circumstances > > On a lighter noteWe just completed our first of a full season of driving > vacations and all went well. The Waltons are on their way back to Portland > and we even managed to hook the non-horsey husband on driving... > Happy driving > Ursula > > > Ursula & Brian Jensen > Trinity Fjords > Box 1032 Lumby BC Canada V0E-2G0 > http://okjunc.junction.net/~ujensen/ > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > (250) 547-6303
Re: Safety and easy entry carts
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ursula, I am so glad you and your boy were not seriously injured! What a scary thing to have happen! I too am not fond of the metal easy entry carts. I had one that collapsed a wheel under very little stress out on a flat dirt road (and some of you who know me, know that i know what I am talking about re. stress on a vehicle when driving & really "going for it") So, that one went bye-bye. Then I had a Milton cart w/ metal shafts that went into recievers on the body of the cart. Well, at Libby in '98, my friend Sandy drove Sven in the ladies driving class and as they trotted down the long side of the arena, Sven came to a sudden halt, then trotted on at Sandy's urging, but w/ hesitation. In the lineup, the judge had noticed their bobble and commented "well you had it in the bag 'til he stopped". When we unhooked him after the class, the left shaft just completely fell out of the shaft loop. Sven had been making do driving with one shaft, as the other one had completely fatigued itself out from the connection to the body. We managed to jerry-rig ( I think w/ Brian's help!) it back into shape to finsih out the show. Then I fixed & sold it after I got home. Recently, I had been driving my 14.2+hh mare Alycia to a nice old jog cart w/ HD motercycle wheels,I borrowed until my real vehicle was finshed. (Story of my life!). Thing must weigh all of 75 lbs. Great to start 'em out with, SUPER to practice dressage in, but as she progressed in her training she was really bending, and forward and whipping that cart around. It just has a plain oak bench seat & tiny basket w/ 1 1/2" oak slats, and no side stops or foot rest. So, we were out practicing hazards on the flat, and she did this fantastic "power turn", and just about had me sailing out of that thing. I ended up on my knees, w/ my right ankle (on the leg I broke 3 years ago)getting a good whack from the basket & my foot being dragged on the ground. Yikes! Can you say 'hematoma'? Alycia just stopped, turned back at me (she drives open still) and looked at me as if to say, "can't you keep it together back there??!" I got religion that day and took it real easy after that 'til I took posession of my new cart 2 weeks ago. Now we are having serious SAFE fun prepping for our first CDE, 2 weeks from now. Just a note: I see many vehicles, even some designed for CDE's w/ little or no place to brace yourself on the floor or sides. Some folks don't even have a toeboard, and they should, especially if they are height challenged and are buying a non-custom vehicle. I had a clinic w/ Sarah Mullins form Ireland years ago, and she pointed out what can happen if your ankle/leg slides into a wheel on a fast turn...You get the picture I'm sure - not pretty. Be safe out there ya'll. Kmac _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com
Re: barefoot Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brigid wrote: "...If they are still ouchy after conditioning, boots are a better (and temporary) option. Two of my Fjord friends use Old Macs with good results" Sissel does very well barefoot on trails and running around our hilly, rocky pastures, but she is ouchy with me on her back if we have to ride on gravel. I can certainly see why, and have thought horse boots would be a nice compromise -- leave her barefoot most of the time, but put boots on her when she needs them. I also have adopted an old pony who was foundered for years before she came to live with us. I have no hope of fixing this problem, but I do what I can to make her comfortable. Ursula Jensen thought Old Mac's might help Biscuit when her feet are really painflu when it's really dry or icy out. Old Mac's are a bit spendy -- found them in the Valley Vet catalog recently for $145, item #27604 -- but they look like they would work nicely. I wonder if they go on with less struggle than Easy Boots. Any comments about that from your friends, Brigid? Thanks! DeeAnna
Re: Hoof trimming stand
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just got several photos from Jack -- one of a gal picking out or rasping her horse's hooves. Another is of a farrier working on the Budweiser Clydes. And the third is of a farrier trimming and shoeing a racehorse. Although the images are a bit small, the horses do seem to be comfortable with the stand. The stand appears to form a cradle to securely support the fetlock joint and pastern. The feet are wide enough that the stand is not likely to tip over with normal use, although I suppose it would if your horse really wanted to object. It looks like its light enough that you could easily carry it around to just pick out hooves. I have never tried one, but it sure looks like a nice product. And Jack seems to be a genuinely nice person, from his email messages. DeeAnna
Safety and easy entry carts
This message is from: "Ursula Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It's been a while since I've posted anything worthwhile but feel I need to share this information with those of you that have easy entry carts. Last week I took my stallion Penfrydd's Raynor to a Gail Jones dressage clinic at The Ranch in Pritchard B.C. took my easy entry cart which I love for every day use and just whipping aroundit's easy for me to deal with on my own and it's fun to drive. During lunch on the second day and well after lesson, I decided to take the boy out for some cones work and just practise some of the exercises that we had learned Did the cones and was heading away from the area of activity by just walking and cooling P. Raynor downwhen suddenly I felt the whole cart leaning forward and Rayon's back feet got awfully close to my face...I couldn't stay on the seat and things were just not registering as it felt like I was driving into this big holesince I could not support myself in this forward-on-my-knees-face near the ground position I decided to bailduring all this time and I'm sure in a matter of a few seconds Raynor became a tad agitated about all this nonsense behind him and started to lift his back legs and wanted to go.( he did not kick and he did not buck)...I thought I had him, but alas was in such an awkward position on the ground that I lost the lines in my attempt to roll free of the back legs...what an opportunity for a stallion in the springwith a nearby field of 20+ geldings & mares. When he realized no longer had any support from me he went for it...cart still partially attached and harness flying .within about 300 yards the cart dislodged but shafts, harness and lines were still attached...he sailed through a closed barbed wire gate (did not even register that it was there) and started herding the herd of horses/mules/drafts in a 3 acre field. Some of those old mares didn't even know what hit em..The folks having lunch started to head for the field in an attempt to help me out...we finally managed to call the herd back to the barn and a paddock and Raynor stayed by the fence at the farthest end of the field looking rather forlorn as to why the herd had left himI had left a rope halter under his headstall and was able to lead him with the one remaining line back to the trailer..others picked up pieces of harness and cart along the wayRaynor only had a small cut on his pastern and a small superficial scratch on his chest.we were both in tact (albeit I had a stiff time climbing stairs for a day) The cart and harness did not fare as well. The shafts of the cart had both broken off from metal fatigue back at the site of the support bracket. Even though I inspect the cart regularly, metal fatigue is not visible hence it breaks without warning...It is now at the welders being re-enforced by sliding a metal sheath inside the area of break of the shaft and then re-welded. The next day the CDE-list posted a similar incident ...h. Those of you who drive these carts need to be aware of the dangerthere is no warning 'manure happens' but if you see any bending at all make sure you deal with it... I drove P. Raynor on Sat. here at home and we had no problems ...he acted like the incident never happened. I'm sure his attention was so focused on the herd of horses that it never even dawned on him that something serious had happened behind him.The harness has several broken pieces but all is repairable or replaceable... when we checked the breastplate of the harness we noticed a deep gash in the leather where it had saved Raynor from being injured as he stormed through the barbed wire gate I fared quite well too...since there was no libation to be had after the incident, I had to settle for a bummed cigarette to calm my nerves We were lucky and I'm very proud of my boy in the way he handled the situation although standing still would have been even better but an unrealistic option given the circumstances On a lighter noteWe just completed our first of a full season of driving vacations and all went well. The Waltons are on their way back to Portland and we even managed to hook the non-horsey husband on driving... Happy driving Ursula Ursula & Brian Jensen Trinity Fjords Box 1032 Lumby BC Canada V0E-2G0 http://okjunc.junction.net/~ujensen/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] (250) 547-6303
Re: Hoof trimmng stand
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] "...a farrier stand that was easier to use than the usual type. ...I would be interested in knowing the name of the stand and where it is available for purchase" The stand is called "It's a Holdup". The website for the product is at http://www.extendinc.com/horseholdup/ It looks like you can lay the foot on the Holdup with the sole facing up so you can rasp or whatever without having to hold the foot yourself. According to Jack, the inventor: "...The standard Holdup sells for $120 plus $10 shipping, and I also make an adjustable height version for $190. Both work very well. I have made over 300, all without much promotion, and selling more every week. It is easy to use, safe, and horses love it. I can email some photos to you if you like. It should be ideal for your purpose. I have sold very many to private horseowners, both men and women, and received much positive feedback. Satisfaction is guaranteed" I have asked him to send me a picture. If you email me, I will forward the photo to you by private email. DeeAnna
Re: Hoof trimming stand
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > "Brigid M Wasson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Speaking of hoof trimming, is it true that Fjords have a flatter > foot than other breeds? Barefoot trimming guides tend to recommend > "concaving the sole" but I only remove tissue which is obviously > dead and wanting to flake off. Same for nipping -- what needs to > be removed comes off easily. It seems best (to me) to work with the > shape the foot has naturally (unless, of course, it's badly > deformed) rather than going for a text-book shape. Flat footedness varies from Fjord to Fjord. Sleepy has very flat feet, as did Nansy; they often required pads under their shoes in the summer, to protect their soles from rocks. Rom has quite a bit of natural "cup" to his hooves, and probably could have gone barefoot more than he did in California. The down side is that Rom is more likely to have a sharp rock packed up in the mud that readily clings in his deeper hooves; Sleepy "throws" his platters of mud before there's enough to capture a rock. Farriers are variable about how much sole they carve off. One farrier I used in CA insisted on making textbook feet. It eventually dawned on me that his recreation was going to shoeing contests, where he wins if he quickly produces the "perfect" (standard) product that the judge is looking for! Nansy and Sleepy did not do well with his hollowed-out hoof trims and "classic" shoes. My next farrier was from Hawaii---used to the idea that horses have to deal with lava-rock. He trimmed only the bare minimum of sole (nature's hoof pad), and took the time to make the trim and shoe do what the individual horse needed. My farrier here in Oregon also takes the minimalist approach---only trims off the sole necessary to get his nippers into position for trimming the hoof wall. He does produce hooves with the "classic" shape (flat lower surface, nothing particularly rolled or rounded). Interestingly, after 8 weeks of barefoot wear, the boys' hooves still have that hoof shape (modulo a little chip here or there). For them, that seems to be their "natural" shape---at least on Oregon turf pastures; if they lived somewhere rocky and sandy, it'd probably be different. Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
Our first fjord foal
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everyone We had our first ever fjord foal last nite between 2 and 4 am. It was a colt to add to Amy's numbers and Sonja was indeed carrying on her left. Both mom and baby seem to have everything under control. He is nursing well and cantering around the stall at 7 hrs old. And I am tired, but extremely pleased to have a healthy foal. He is larger than I expected a fjord foal to be. I would estimate his weight to be 85 to 90lbs as I certainly can't begin to pick him up and I measured him at app 39 inches. What is a normal size for a fjord colt? His sire is a little over 14h and dam is about 13.3. Mary Harvey in Virginia where there is a possiblity of frost tonite
BDF Titan - Biggest foal we've ever seen.
This message is from: "Arthur Rivoire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II R.R. 7 Pomquet, Nova Scotia B2G 2L4 Tel:(902) 386-2304 Hello from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia > LOL I mentioned this to my vet last week, and he said a lot of > people believe this, but really your best guess of what the baby > will turn out like is what both mom & dad are like. The rest (in his > opinion) is just pure speculation! Still, knowing this old rule, I > DO look extra close at the little ones at these stages On the subject of judging a foal at 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months, old rules that have stood the test of time are generally worthwhile. --- This formula is not foolproof, of course, but I've found is it's a sound formula for judging the best foals. It's the average ones that can sometime fool you, either turning out not as good as you judged them at birth, or better than you judged them at birth. --- The really spectacular, top of the line foals show themselves right from the beginning. You know they've got that "something special". --- The ones you're not so sure about can turn out really nice as well, but they usually but not as good as the best foals. > Congratulations on your lovely foals. I'm sorry you're getting out > of the breeding business, but understand the time consumption, and > all that goes into breeding. It isn't really a question of time. It's more the stress of breeding mares, and particularly having the same mares so many years that they become part of your family, and your life. I've found for the last three or four years that I'm more nervous than ever about something going terribly wrong and losing one of our dear mares. Two years ago, I was really upset about it, and kept putting off getting the mares bred back until it became so late that I realized I just didn't want to do it, so didn't. We had no foals in 2001. --- I can't tell you how relieved I am that Holly and Stine have both come through the foaling without problems. Now, if we can just get Maryke safely foaled out, we'll count ourselves lucky, and quit while we're ahead. > Though I haven't always agreed with EVERYTHING you've said, I've > always enjoyed reading your opinions, and agree with much of your > philosophy. And what I haven't agreed with, well, I enjoy discussing > opposing viewpoints. Thanks, Pamela. I also have enjoyed your opinions. Thanks for your comments regarding my promotion of Fjords. For me, it's easy to promote Fjordhorses because I love them and believe in their abilities. BDF TITAN - Day 2 1/2 in the life of this extraordinary colt. --- We put he and Stine out in the Mares & Foals pasture with Holly and "Timmy" (BDF Timberline), and with Maryke. This colt continues to amaze us. Right from the beginning, he's been extraordinarily bold. He doesn't stick with his mother at all. He goes off and explores everything, and she has to rush after him. -- When he's not galloping, he's agressively nursing. - Stine is thirsty and ravenous all the time. We'll have to watch her carefully for weight. -- There's a run-in shed in the field, and at 2 days of age, Titan disappears behind it well away from his mother. She's beside herself trying to keep up with him. --- This morning I had them out for awhile until the blackflies became too bad. When I called Stine in, Titan came trotting up sweaty and all covered with mud. -- This colt is exactly like a hyper-active kid. --- I took a role of pictures this evening, and if I can figure out how to get them on our website, I'll do it and you all can see why we're so impressed with this colt. -- The length of leg is astounding. Best, Carol Rivoire
Congratulations
This message is from: "Knutsen Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all - In my last post I completely forgot to offer hearty congratulations to Cheryl Beillard and Lori Albrough on their adventures and accomplishments. What excellent promotion for the breed! Way to go, girls! Bye, Peg Peg Knutsen - Ellensburg, WA http://www.eburg.com/~kffjord/
Re: Hoof trimming stand
This message is from: "Bossmare" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> After I posted my question about the hoof stand I went on the internet at horseshoes.com to see what they had. There was a product called "Hoof-Jack" that looked like an improvement on the usual farrier stand. It even shows a child using it. The base is a flat disk that sits on the floor and then has a conical shape with an adjustable cylinder for height and the top is a cradle/sling to hold the foot. Pictures showed it being used to paint hoofs, bandage hoofs, as well as trim and shoe. For shoeing the cradle was removed. It looked like a very useful thing to have around the barn. I've wrapped too many hooves in my life and I could have used this for that alone. It's supposed to be comfortable for the horse and back friendly to the operator. Hoofjack is made by Equine Innovations and the price is $149.00 www.horseshoes.com/supplies/alphabet/equineinnovations/front/html I'm still curious if this is the same type as the "It's a Holdup" stand mentioned by Brigid Wasson. - Original Message - From: "GAIL RUSSELL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 9:30 PM Subject: Re: Hoof trimming stand > This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I looked at the stand. From what I can tell, it is just a lightweight > version of the stand my farrier useswhich does not help for using a > knife to trim the bottoms of the feet, only is useful for working on the > upper edges of the hoof? > > So why can't I have a Dremel tool that will shave off little bits of horse > hoof without dangering any of the participants? Is this something I should > force my son, the would-be product development person, to come up with? I > am TOO OLD to stress my joints! I figure the average horse-owner in this > country is probably a 50+ female! > > Gail > Gail Russell > Forestville CA > [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Hoof trimming stand
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Do It Yourselfers... The product I borrowed, and liked, is called "It's A Holdup." The web site is http://www.extendinc.com/horseholdup/";>It's A Holdup! The HorseHoldup a patented new hoof rest for farriers, vets and . It's a nifty item, much more stable than the other hoof stands I've seen. Karen mentioned Star Ridge -- I don't care for their hoof stand but they have a variety of other good quality hoof trimming/care items. I purchased my knife, rasp & nippers from them, in addition to hoof care books and amusing T-shirts :-) (One says, "Shoes on my horse? I don't think so!") Speaking of hoof trimming, is it true that Fjords have a flatter foot than other breeds? Barefoot trimming guides tend to recommend "concaving the sole" but I only remove tissue which is obviously dead and wanting to flake off. Same for nipping -- what needs to be removed comes off easily. It seems best (to me) to work with the shape the foot has naturally (unless, of course, it's badly deformed) rather than going for a text-book shape. Comments? Brigid M Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Our http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Fjords http://www.ourfjords.freeservers.com/fw/Fjordings_Wesx.html";> Fjordings West / )__~ /L /L Brigid M Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Our http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Fjords http://www.ourfjords.freeservers.com/fw/Fjordings_Wesx.html";> Fjordings West / )__~ /L /L
