Equine Affaire
This message is from: "Ed Sullivan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, we're back from a great weekend at the Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Kudos to Sue Giargiari for her wonderful booth in the breed building -- she never stopped smiling the whole time! I'm sure Sue could explain this better, but she's probably not back on the List yet -- I know I'd need some serious recovery time after such a huge effort -- but to the person who would have liked to see Fjords in C Barn, I'm pretty sure we could have either a stall in the Stroh Building, OR a spot in the barn, but not both. Of course, all the Fjords who participated in Fantasia and the two performances of the youth team (now called Horses of the Midnight Sun) had stabling -- it was way out in F barn, a perfect location if you consider that getting all those kids, horses, carriages, (and toboggans!!!) ready with the public strolling through the aisles would be total insanity. Was it the same post that would have liked to see horses other than brown duns? There was a grey dun, her name is Rosa, she participated in the four-abreast driven by Bill Coli and Dick Giargiari -- she was also in the stall in the breed pavilion one day, I can't remember which day, it's all a blur! Ed and I have thanked Ceacy Henderson and Nancie Rich many times privately, but here's a big public thank you for all the hours, days, weeks, months of preparation, the catering to the individual needs of each and every child on the team, the countless lessons, the use of the horses, costume creating, cookie baking, gracious hostessing, confidence boosting and all around good egging that you do. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with the kids. Your philosophy is contagious, I hope you send a post about the team to the List soon -- I know it won't be long before the Horses of the Midnight Sun are a household name! Very best regards, Ann in CT
Re: Clipped Fjord
This message is from: "Ed Sullivan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, thanks for the clipping info. I have never clipped any of our horses, but would consider it if I knew more. For example, can anyone tell me about the timing of body clipping? When is it too late? Do you do it more than once every winter? If you know you'll be competing, should you clip immediately before the show, or does it look better with a little "growing-in" time? We have been blanketing during the winters, not for warmth, but to cut down on grooming time, as we really try to keep everyone working year-round. Thanks for this and all the great list education! Ann in CT - Original Message - From: Curt Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 4:33 PM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: Clipped Fjord This message is from: Curt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "Jessica Fry" wrote: > Hi all, as I just clipped my Fjord Harry for winter (full clip), I was wondering if any of you also clip their Fjord(s). > Especially those of you who live in warmer areas. And if you do, what type of clip and why? We live in Virginia and have to clip any Fjord that we are showing or using during the fall or winter. Normally, we use a trace clip and I have already clipped 4 of our horses this year. There are many variation of this type of clip. The way we do a trace clip is to cut the hair in the throat and chest area and continue with a stripe on each side from the point of the shoulder to the tail area. The stripe on the sides is about 4 to 6 inches wide and includes the area just behind the forelegs (arm pits) and the area in front of the hindlegs. If you put a breast collar style harness on the horse and pull the traces straight to the back of the horse, along the traces is where the side stripes of the cut go. The main purpose of this cut is to help cool the horse where they perspire, but leave enough hair so that they don't need a blanket during most cold weather. We only blanket when there is a chance that they will get wet and the temperature is below freezing. We have also used the full clip in the past, but it was a pain to blanket the 2 Fjords all winter. Especially, since one of them (Caribo) was born in Alaska and did not believe he needed a blanket. We would find the blanket in the pasture, usually in the mud. Regards, Curt Pierce Bristow, VA PS. The Fjords have been really sweating lately with the 80 degree temperatures. Their coats say that they are ready for winter.
Re: training fjords
This message is from: "ARDETH OBENAUF" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I take my fjord mare to a trainer that also helps me with hunter under saddle work with my quarter horse. Before this, we had been on her back a few times, but no actual training took place. The trainer rode her about ten times which was enough for her to learn about bending and leg yielding, trotting and picking up both her leads at the canter. She did this well enough to earn a blue ribbon at the Cincinnati evaluation in Intro English riding. After only ten rides with the trainer! After attending the evaluation we came home and the trainer started working on the skills needed for the advanced test next year. The second time she worked on side passing, Jayne side passed a pole without stopping from one end to another and the third time had mastered crossing her front and back feet in unison and keeping her shoulders even with her hips. She has also begun working on hip control and is jumping. My quarter horse is a willing worker and has put up with a lot from me, but it has taken her months to master these same moves. The trainer is continually amazed at how fast the fjord learns and how well she retains from one session to the next. It's like she's thinking aobut her last lesson at night in her stall. This is the first fjord anyone at the barn has worked with and everyone stops what they are doing to watch when Jayne is there for a lesson. It's always fun to take her and see how much everyone enjoys her. Ardeth Obenauf Shelbyville TN _ Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account is over limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 11/10/2003 5:00:01 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. * * * That's it in a nutshell Beth! I can't count the number of times I have been asked (in my job as one of the Small Farmer's Journal "family") by people, "What is the best breed of draft horse/pony?" Our standard answer goes something like.. Which breed, when you look at it, makes your heart beat faster? Which is the first one you want to walk up to when you see all the breeds at a show of fair? THAT breed is the best breed. For YOU! And that right there is what makes that breed "special". Everyone does indeed have different tastes, and that is precisely why there are so many breeds today. Ever heard the old saying; "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"? Amy Evers Dun Lookin' Fjords Redmond, OR Fjord [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Thank You
This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Constructive criticism, in a positive light, is very acceptable to the NFHR > Board members, plain old nasty criticism is not> Dennis Johnson ~~~ This phrase, "Constructive criticism," is a paradox.. "criticism" is NOT a positive... it is a negative. I don't feel that it's fair that all Listers who expressed a wish for more promotion be labeled a "critic," or that our expression of those wishes could be considered "criticism." I expressed my wish for more promotion positively, I certainly did not have criticism for NFHR BOD in mind! Not at all! Just because a person wishes there was more Fjord promotion, and expresses those wishes, does not in any way mean that they have no sincere appreciation for those who serve in thankless and sacrificial roles. It didn't even occur to me that anyone might take exception, I assumed that if a board member read about my positive wish for promotion, they would be required by the nature of their office to objectively and subjectively (on behalf of their membership) make an impersonal assessment of any request, irregardless of it's delivery! Regarding all member ideas and suggestions as viable insights into relevant Fjord concerns is simply a sound business principle! "Promotion" is a positive word and can only be interpreted to mean well for the Fjord, therefore it is a valid board issue, and should not be misconstrued as criticism. Please, let's not negatively MIX board issues with defensive personal feelings of UNappreciation Ruthie, nw mt
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Tamara Rousso <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks for your input Beth. You are right she is not really one for pure bred anything. She gets her dogs from the pound and her horses are grade. She feels sorry for the underdog so to speak and wants to give homes to those considered less desirable. I'm rescuing a PMU mare though so I'm thinking I've got a little bit of good karma going . Maybe the next one can be a purebred. Tamara --- Starfirefarm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: Starfirefarm > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hi Tamara, > > I usually don't butt into conversations like this, > but I had to on this > one. By your friend saying that there is "nothing > special about > fjords", she's saying there is nothing special about > any breed of > horse. Nothing special about quarter horses, > nothing special about > Fresians, nothing special about Connemaras, nothing > special about > Morgans, nothing special about Shires, or > Appaloosas, or Tenessee > Walkers, or all the varieties of Warmbloods, etc., > etc.. If that is so, > how come there are so many different types and > breeds of horses as well > as types within breeds (and dogs and cats, for that > matter?) > > The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. > There are good > fjord horses out there at a variety of prices. Take > your time! Spend > some time with people who own and use their fjords > in a variety of ways > and you'll find the one that fits in that special > place in your heart. > > Good luck. > > Beth > > -- > Starfire Farm > Beth Beymer and Sandy North > http://www.starfirefarm.com = ***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^*** If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. Rene Descart
breed promotion/fjords at Massachusetts Equine Affaire
This message is from: "Katherine Carter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I was at the Equine Affaire Friday afternoon -- what a big crowd, I'm sure it was even bigger on Saturday -- and was very struck by the fact that the largest crowd in the Breeds building was around the Fjord booth. I could hardly get up the the table because the crowds were 5-deep oogling that cute foal and his Mom. For drawing attention in a stall, there is nothing like a little one -- "flashy" horses can't show their stuff when they're just standing around. I thought the Northeast Fjords group did a wonderful job. -Kathy in ME
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Starfirefarm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Tamara, I usually don't butt into conversations like this, but I had to on this one. By your friend saying that there is "nothing special about fjords", she's saying there is nothing special about any breed of horse. Nothing special about quarter horses, nothing special about Fresians, nothing special about Connemaras, nothing special about Morgans, nothing special about Shires, or Appaloosas, or Tenessee Walkers, or all the varieties of Warmbloods, etc., etc.. If that is so, how come there are so many different types and breeds of horses as well as types within breeds (and dogs and cats, for that matter?) The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. There are good fjord horses out there at a variety of prices. Take your time! Spend some time with people who own and use their fjords in a variety of ways and you'll find the one that fits in that special place in your heart. Good luck. Beth -- Starfire Farm Beth Beymer and Sandy North http://www.starfirefarm.com
Thank You
This message is from: "Marge or Dennis Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Just want to thank all who sent excellent, thought provoking posts in response to my, somewhat negative post, regarding "bashing" of Board members. Probably should have used a more gentle word. If my remarks offended anyone (who does not deserve to be), I humbly apologize. This digest is a great tool for ideas, if used in a positive manner. Some time ago, someone posted a message to the effect that they enjoyed the digest, because it was like sitting at their table and sharing conversation and a cup of coffee with their friends. If we think about it, wouldn't be so enjoyable if one person at the table began criticizing your other friends. Constructive criticism, in a positive light, is very acceptable to the NFHR Board members, plain old nasty criticism is not. These Volunteer Board Members need all the support we can give to help them run our Registry the best they can. There are so many wonderful, kind and intelligent horse people on this digest, who have the future well-being of the Fjord horse, rather than the almighty dollar, in their hearts. My wish is that this Digest media will continue to be a "fun" place to visit. Thanks again and I'm back to doing what I enjoy---Workin and Lurkin. Dennis Johnson
training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Tamara Rousso <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carol, I love your stories of how trainable Fjords are. I've read your book and am sold. But I have a very dear friend that keeps trying to convince me that there is nothing special about Fjords, that I "don't need to pay that kind of money for a good horse" and that it all revolves around training. I'm wondering if you, or any others on this list, have trained other breeds and can relate stories that I can use to illustrate to my friend the difference. She is a very close friend and will really listen when I can present solid evidence. At this point I'm not sharing much of my fjord shopping with her, but I would like to be able to. Thanks, Tamara --- Arthur Rivoire <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: "Arthur Rivoire" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hi Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm > in Nova Scotia - > > Several years ago, John Trend from Newfoundland came > to us to talk about > buying a pair of mares. We had two wonderful young > mares we'd imported from > Holland, and John bought them. -- We'd started both > mares here at the farm, > so John was able to continue on his own, and soon > both mares were > successfull driving. So successfully, in fact, that > he was asked to do a > demonstration with the RCMP Musical Ride when they > came to Newfoundland. -- > A year or so later, tragedy struck. There was a > barn fire and both mares > were lost. It was truly devestating for John and > his wife, as well as for > all of us here at Beaver Dam Farm. > > But John rebounded, and about a year later, he > bought another of our > imported Dutch mares, the beautiful Tessica. -- > And with Tessica, John has > continued to have success and a great time driving. > -- So great a time > that John decided he needed another mare to make a > pair. This Spring just > after we'd received several consignment horses, John > and his wife, Jean, > paid us a visit and out of the five mares we had > available, he selected the > impressive mare, Tyra, daughter of LLA Hilmar. - > Tyra had only been with > us for a few days, so we didn't really know her very > well, but John has a > good eye, and he chose very well. -- Tyra was five > years old and pretty > much untrained. John asked that she stay with us > for three months and that > we train her to ride, drive, and also breed her to > Gjest. -- > > That was a pretty tall order, and we wondered how > much of it we could > accomplish in only three months, and we knew that > the answer to that > question depended on the mare. Well John certainly > chose well, indeed! -- > All three goals were accomplished very easily and > efficiently, and when John > and Jean came back in August, they were delighted > with their mare. > > * Just recently, I received the following > email from John. > > Carol, > > We have just returned from a morning at the barn. > Jean and I each groomed a > horse and then lunged them simultaneously in the > arena. True to what we > have come to expect from Fjords they paid attention > to their own handler. > Jean (completely inexperienced) tacked up and drove > today. Her comment > was - "She's so willing". That pretty much sums up > my experience of the > breed. There was a vacuum going close by, a front > end loader working on a > large dump truck which then passed close behind her > as we were finishing > putting her to the cart; we went down the road and a > car came towards us and > passed by and a car crossed her nose as we were > waiting to turn on to the > road. She took it all in her stride. > > I have been looking through your book again and > noticed your chapter "Solid > Value". That's right on when describing Fjords. I > know I shall continue to > have fun with both my new girls. Thanks for all > your help and also to > Jaimie for her training. We will keep in touch and > send photos. John T. > > > http://www.beaverdamfarm.com > Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II > R.R. 7 > Pomquet, Nova Scotia B2G 2L4 > Tel:(902) 386-2304 > Fax:(902) 386-2149 > Carole Rivoire, author of THE FJORDHORSE HANDBOOK, > only book in English on the Fjord breed, available > from Beaver Dam Farm, > $36.95 US includes P&H > http://www.beaverdamfarm.com/book.htm = ***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^*** If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. Rene Descart
Advertising & Registry
This message is from: "Fleharty, Dean" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes, advertising works after trial and error. The Dexter Cattle Association has advertised in some magazines, etc. that we got no response from. And, we do national and regional advertising. Wherever our national show and sale is each year, we do a certain amount of advertising in that region. You might also consider the other side of the coin--as I said we took two young geldings to the Small Farm Trade Show and generated lots of interest. There are people out there that want to do farming with horses, etc. And, they really like the idea of the Fjords. I have several very interested people and hope I get my geldings sold if not now once we put a little training in them. I passed out 100's of brochures and calling cards. And, the Fjords fell asleep from all the attention. Also, remember Mike May can only do a good job if members assist. Remember, don't shoot the messenger. I serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the American Dexter Cattle Association and the complaints someone gets in that position are sometimes impossible to solve. Just remember this person does this job for you and the longer he does it, the better he is at it. Be sure to pat him on the back occasionally--he probably doesn't get a lot of that (more likely a slap in the face). Until you have walked in those shoes (in a similar position) be sure to weigh what your complaints are. Some can bring about good things, but some will only cause more problems. Be sure to listen to your Registrar, he has years of experience to help keep things on an even keel. And, he needs a Board that works with him. I think Fjords have a great future, we just need to find the right way to get the word out. Rosemary Fleharty in Missouri
Re: More Positive Feedback from Fjord owners -
This message is from: "Arthur Rivoire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - Several years ago, John Trend from Newfoundland came to us to talk about buying a pair of mares. We had two wonderful young mares we'd imported from Holland, and John bought them. -- We'd started both mares here at the farm, so John was able to continue on his own, and soon both mares were successfull driving. So successfully, in fact, that he was asked to do a demonstration with the RCMP Musical Ride when they came to Newfoundland. -- A year or so later, tragedy struck. There was a barn fire and both mares were lost. It was truly devestating for John and his wife, as well as for all of us here at Beaver Dam Farm. But John rebounded, and about a year later, he bought another of our imported Dutch mares, the beautiful Tessica. -- And with Tessica, John has continued to have success and a great time driving. -- So great a time that John decided he needed another mare to make a pair. This Spring just after we'd received several consignment horses, John and his wife, Jean, paid us a visit and out of the five mares we had available, he selected the impressive mare, Tyra, daughter of LLA Hilmar. - Tyra had only been with us for a few days, so we didn't really know her very well, but John has a good eye, and he chose very well. -- Tyra was five years old and pretty much untrained. John asked that she stay with us for three months and that we train her to ride, drive, and also breed her to Gjest. -- That was a pretty tall order, and we wondered how much of it we could accomplish in only three months, and we knew that the answer to that question depended on the mare. Well John certainly chose well, indeed! -- All three goals were accomplished very easily and efficiently, and when John and Jean came back in August, they were delighted with their mare. * Just recently, I received the following email from John. Carol, We have just returned from a morning at the barn. Jean and I each groomed a horse and then lunged them simultaneously in the arena. True to what we have come to expect from Fjords they paid attention to their own handler. Jean (completely inexperienced) tacked up and drove today. Her comment was - "She's so willing". That pretty much sums up my experience of the breed. There was a vacuum going close by, a front end loader working on a large dump truck which then passed close behind her as we were finishing putting her to the cart; we went down the road and a car came towards us and passed by and a car crossed her nose as we were waiting to turn on to the road. She took it all in her stride. I have been looking through your book again and noticed your chapter "Solid Value". That's right on when describing Fjords. I know I shall continue to have fun with both my new girls. Thanks for all your help and also to Jaimie for her training. We will keep in touch and send photos. John T. http://www.beaverdamfarm.com Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II R.R. 7 Pomquet, Nova Scotia B2G 2L4 Tel:(902) 386-2304 Fax:(902) 386-2149 Carole Rivoire, author of THE FJORDHORSE HANDBOOK, only book in English on the Fjord breed, available from Beaver Dam Farm, $36.95 US includes P&H http://www.beaverdamfarm.com/book.htm
Re: Positive feedback from experienced horsewoman - Whooppee!!!
This message is from: "Arthur Rivoire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - Recently, on the List, there have been reports of negative comments about Fjords. That kind of thing is discouraging, depressing and maddening to those of us who work with Fjords, and know just how good they really are. -- Therefore, I thought you'd all enjoy this email I just received from one of our customers. The lady bought a 5 yr. old gelding from us sight-unseen - just on the basis of our reputation, the horse's photos on our website, and the video we provided. She's a lifelong horsewoman with a great deal of experience in all types of horses and in many different disciplines and activities - from dressage to therapeutic riding. ~~ Hi Carol, Well, at the end of my first week riding King I thing that the only word to describe him is "awesome". I have had several very quiet rides with him letting him see what's up around our place and just getting to know one another. My vet was out for shots, and was very impressed with his looks and manners. She had been worried about my buying a horse that I had not seen, but allowed that "You did good!". This morning I decided to take him to the riding ring next door . . . . Well, there were strange horses, delivery trucks, and rambunctious dogs and he just "dropped into my hands" and showed what he could do. -- Two of the boarders asked for your website! This afternoon we decided to let the grandkids try him out. . . They had been grooming him all week but had not been riding. Kate who is 3 was first up . . on a leadline . . .and loved him. She was able to "steer" and "stop" and felt very comfortable. Then the 8 yr. old got on. In 5 minutes he asked if he could go "off lead" and off they went around the round pen. We finally had to say "enough" and let King have a break. John C's comment to me said it all. --- "Grandma, King is so responsive to my hands that I just have to think about where I want him to go". So, many thanks to all who worked with him to get him to this stage in his life ... He will stay with our family till the end of his days and willj probably convince a lot of folks in our neighborhood to look at Fjords! Sheila
