re: dutch doors

[ConnieBennett]

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

When my children were small, I bought a $25. pony. (She had been bred). We
lived on the edge of town and had her in a pasture with some other horses.
She had a lively little filly that kept getting out of the pasture fence
(all over) and never could figure how to get back in.

Perplexed as to what to do with her, a friend and I put her in the back seat
of a Chrysler New Yorker and then to my fenced back yard.  My kids had
pushed the screen out of the back door and the little filly stuck her head
in to keep an eye on me and llsten to the radio playing in the kitchen.

My husband came home, walked in the kitchen, saw the filly with her head
sticking in the back door and said "This time you've gone too far"

Personally I don't see any problem with dutch doors and horses at nursing
homes or schools for that matter but then you'll have to consider the
source.

Re: Weanlings

[Monica Spencer]

This message is from: "Monica Spencer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Shelley in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, said:

> I must admit I am somewhat intrigued at the thought of possible trying my
> hand at a weanling as well...
> I would never consider trying this without very strict guidelines and
help.
> ... So who knows maybe with the proper training (for me) I
> may consider a baby fjord. (Makes my heart beat faster just thinking about
> it).

After carefully considering your post, I personally would advise you to get
an older, been-there done-that horse.  I see so many people come to grief
with youngsters and suffer so much heartache and (this is so important as we
get older) loss of confidence.  If you want a steady friend you can have fun
with and rely on and most of all feel (and be!) safe on, get one of those
worth-their-weight-in-gold wise and experienced horses.  Otherwise you run
the risk of spoiling a lifelong dream with fear and a sense of failure
instead of embracing it with pleasure.

I've retrained spoiled horses and I've raised and started my own foals.  I'm
a pretty competent hand but I've learned that raising a horse yourself is
(a) time consuming, (b) expensive, and (c) fraught with unknown hazards for
a number of years.  Raising and training a horse does produce a bond but
there's no guarantee that the personality of the horse will match yours.  My
strongest bonds have been not with the ones I raised and trained to the ages
of 6-8 years but rather with the adult horses I purchased because there was
that "special something" about them.

A youngster you raise may indeed feel a great deal of affection for you, but
that doesn't mean a fig to a horse when the chips are down - in order for
them to defer to you in a tight spot they need you to be a leader they can
respect and rely on 100% of the time.  And that means you have to have not
just the training but the experience to be that leader.  A good older horse
that's been around and doesn't require the same level of leadership will
help teach you what you need to know.

It's so important to match the right horse to the right rider.  There may be
a lot of reasons for an experienced person to buy a weanling, but in my
opinion green riders should almost always stick to experienced horses - it's
so much safer and more fun for all involved!

Ahem.  I'll climb down from my soapbox now...  :)

Monica in Nelson, BC

Re: Retirement blues

[vz/bossmare]

This message is from: "vz/bossmare" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Thanks for the offer Cynthia.  I had investigated Las Cruces as you know,
even had a realtor hot and heavy on the phone, but alas, Husband wanted to
go South, not West.  I agree with you that there must be a market, larger
than even I thought, of mature horsepeople who can't or won't let go but
want an easier time of it that would jump at the chance to belong to a
managed care center (horse & human) that would not be at the luxury rates
that some of the upscale equestrian communities charge.  Seabrook Island, SC
comes to mind.  They have an equestrian center, golf courses, beaches,
marina etc.  Believe me I checked into it only to find that they were half
again as expensive as good old Jersey.  Simple house, no view, $1.3 million.
And that doesn't include the annual fees.  I think a round of golf for a
member was $150.  I never found out what they charged to board a horse.

American Ranch in Prescott, AZ (on the internet) is in the process of
building an equestrian community but I found the lot prices to be fairly
high.  There were large lots where small barns could be built and smaller
house lots where horses would be boarded at the center.  I would imagine
someone with a barn could arrange to board their horses at the center if
they traveled or needed a break.  The very best of both worlds.  They will
be including a large equestrian center and at least one arena the size of a
football field, plus trainers, lessons, and trailrides with their own
horses.  It sounded interesting but Husband would not go.  It also sounds
like it will be a while before they get everything up and operating.

Lois
- Original Message -
From: "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "FH-L" 
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:01 AM
Subject: RE: Retirement blues


> This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> I decided to move to New Mexico nearly three years ago
> because I decided long ago that I wanted to retire
> here. Then one day I had thought - why am I waiting
> until I retire? It took me two years to find a place
> and job I liked and I was lucky enough to end up here
> in Las Cruces and New Mexico State University. I just
> built a small house on 1.26 acres which I plan as my
> retirement home. Unfortunately, I still have several
> years until I retire but I feel I am set up. I have a
> small easily maintainable house and acreage - a nice
> little retirement horse property.
>
> I get a lot of inquiries about retiring and/or moving
> here. I strongly recommend it. I have talked to some
> real estate people about the missed opportunity here
> for a retirement community for equestrian/golfers with
> a set up sort of like mine. I tried hard to convince
> Lois to move here! I do sympathize with her dilemma.
> Lois you can come visit and get a fjord fix here!
>
> So I am hoping to avoid the retirement blues and be
> able to afford retirement some day with my Fjord, Tank
> and soon another Fjord (another message to come).
>
> =
> Cynthia Madden
> Las Cruces, NM
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> (messages received on Saturday or Sunday
> can not be responded to until Monday)
> New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
> http://photos.yahoo.com/

RE: retirement blues

[Jean Ernest]

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

Well, I suppose many of you wonder why I, being retired, would stay up here
in Cold Fairbanks, Alaska:  Here are some reasonsHaving reached the age
of 65, I am exempt from property tax, can register one vehicle free and if
I stay in the state my state retirement adds a cost of living bonus.  Plus,
for the past few years and maybe for a couple more, we all receive a yearly
"Permanent Fund Dividend" check, which has been well over a Thousand per
year, altho it is declining.  Also there is no state income tax.(for now)
So, altho warmer climes are attractive, I really have the best deal here.
Besides, seems that most places "outside" have their climate problems at
times:  too hot, flooding, etc.

Jean retired in Fairebanks, Alaska with four fuzzy Fjords. -10F but the
sunset is beautiful

>I haven't received a property assessment on my
>property yet. However, valued at  approximately
>$116,500 my taxes should be in the neighborhood of
>$780 according to the tax rate the assessor's office
>provided to me.


Jean Ernest
Fairbanks, Alaska
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Re:roundpens

[DBLDAYFARM]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 12/17/2003 12:45:16 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

> I believe those old-time horsebreakers used to use a big pole in the center
> of the round pen as a snubbing post.  I love my round pen but I sure
> wouldn't want a post in the middle of it!  Seems like it would just be a
> hazard to me and to the horses.
> 

I agree Monica. And no one I know around here has those center poles anymore. 
:)

Lou   
 
The horse doesn't care how much you know,  Until he knows how much you care
 
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit 
there." --Will Rogers 

Re: retirement blues

[ruth bushnell]

This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Cynthia,

What have you done with Steve? = (HAH)

Been quite a while since our List guru has spoken. tell us that he
watches over and we are yet in his kind care. Most importantly tell him
we miss him, but that you are doing a fine job of filling in =)

Glad for you that you are happy with new locale! Is the weather all that you
had hoped it would be? It seems to be so weird everywhere else.

Ruthie, nw mt



>
> Jean,
> I haven't received a property assessment on my
> property yet. However, valued at  approximately
> $116,500 my taxes should be in the neighborhood of
> $780 according to the tax rate the assessor's office
> provided to me.
>
> Las Cruces has been discovered as a retirement town. A
> lot of people from California and Arizona are moving
> here because it is cheaper to live here. However,
> property values are rising quickly due to the influx
> of people. The house building industry here is
> booming. I figure that had I waited another couple of
> years (as I had really planned to do), I would have
> had to pay a lot more. Being forced to go ahead and
> build now (due to a total lack of reasonable horse
> property) was really a lucky break for me, especially
> with the great interest rates right now.
>
> =
> Cynthia Madden
> Las Cruces, NM
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> (messages received on Saturday or Sunday
> can not be responded to until Monday)
> New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
> http://photos.yahoo.com/

Re: Weanlings

[Shelley LeSurf]

This message is from: "Shelley LeSurf" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

This is only my second time posting, I hope I get this right.
I must say I have really enjoyed reading all the information there is on
this digest. I am learning so much and I realize I have so much to learn. I
have looked at a 13 year old gelding for my son Kyle (I was worried about my
sons wieght vs the horses size) and I am delighted to say I think we may
have found a horse for him. I have to drive back out to the breeders so Kyle
can ride and see if it all works out. It was love at first sight for my son,
he felt this horse was for him. We will see and hopefully we will purchase
our first horse. (Better yet a fjord).

I must admit I am somewhat intrigued at the thought of possible trying my
hand at a weanling as well. I really appreciate both sides of this issue. I
would never consider trying this without very strict guidelines and help.
But I have been wondering what I will do in a few years when my kids leave
home. I am 45 and a widow. I really am not looking forward to the empty nest
syndrome and now that I have purchased 8 acres I have the room to have my
animals. I have always had cats, dogs, fish etc, but my deepest desire has
always been a horse. So who knows maybe with the proper training (for me) I
may consider a baby fjord. (Makes my heart beat faster just thinking about
it). My house should be moved by April (moving an old farm house to the
acreage) and then I can start with fences, then fjords.

My family is off to visit family in Niargara Falls, Ontario for christmas
then back home to Alberta. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and I
dream of the day I can hitch up my fjord for a Christmas day sleigh ride.

Shelley Le Surf, Sylvan Lake, Alberta
[EMAIL PROTECTED]






This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
With the loss of my Morgan, Keyah, in October, I
decided to check into getting a weanling as company
for Tank and a baby I can bring along now that I have
my own property and no longer have to board my horses.

I do caution about buying a weanling unless you are an
experienced horseperson already or as smart as Julie
to put her weanling with an experienced horseperson to
help her and her weanling get the right start. It is a
great success story. I believe that a cute little baby
in the hands of inexperienced or unprepared people is
a horror story in the making. I believe Carol and
Janne, and most Fjord breeders, are careful enough of
who buys their horses not to let this happen but many
people would do better to put the money out for a
trained horse and work with a trainer to have a good
experience and happy safe future with their Fjords or
any horse.

Re: retirement blues

[jgayle]

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

Sounds about the same percentage as here.  We are also, despite being an out
of the way place, growing rapidly, immigrants and city folk.  Guess it is
all about the same everywhere. Thanks for the info, hard to break
relationships here, clubs etc.   Jean




Jean Walters Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
Author:The Colonel's Daughter
Occupied Germany 1946-49
$20 PO Box 104
Montesano, WA 98563
- Original Message - 
From: "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "FH-L" 
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 2:13 PM
Subject: RE: retirement blues


> This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> Jean,
> I haven't received a property assessment on my
> property yet. However, valued at  approximately
> $116,500 my taxes should be in the neighborhood of
> $780 according to the tax rate the assessor's office
> provided to me.
>
> Las Cruces has been discovered as a

RE: retirement blues

[Cynthia Madden]

This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Jean,
I haven't received a property assessment on my
property yet. However, valued at  approximately
$116,500 my taxes should be in the neighborhood of
$780 according to the tax rate the assessor's office
provided to me.

Las Cruces has been discovered as a retirement town. A
lot of people from California and Arizona are moving
here because it is cheaper to live here. However,
property values are rising quickly due to the influx
of people. The house building industry here is
booming. I figure that had I waited another couple of
years (as I had really planned to do), I would have
had to pay a lot more. Being forced to go ahead and
build now (due to a total lack of reasonable horse
property) was really a lucky break for me, especially
with the great interest rates right now.

=
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(messages received on Saturday or Sunday 
can not be responded to until Monday)
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
http://photos.yahoo.com/

Round Pen

[Linda Thornsberry]

This message is from: "Linda Thornsberry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Well the posts are cemented in!  And NO post in the middle.  I want to thank
everyone that sent me information on putting the post in the middle or not, it
sure helped me make up my mind.  I could just see myself backing into that
post.

Again "Thanks".

Linda T.
Biggs, CA
Libby, MT

Re: round arena

[coyote]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

If you want to "break" your horses rather than "train" them, yes, you'll 
need the stout snubbing post in the middle of your round pen.


The "old cowboys" tied a young horse to the post to force it to learn to 
stand tied or to get it saddled the first time.


In my opinion, there are much better and more humane ways to saddle a 
horse or teach it to stand tied. The only use I would ever have for a 
snubbing post would be to stumble over it!


Can you tell I have a strong opinion about this?   ;-)

DeeAnna

Re: Retirement blues

[jgayle]

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

Cynthia, what are the property taxes like there and cost of land?  I am in
the boonies of WA state and taxes for my five acres, small house, barn,
large arena and three car garage are $2100. Property value est. is $325,000.
Jean







Jean Walters Gayle
Aberdeen, WA
Author:The Colonel's Daughter
Occupied Germany 1946-49
$20 PO Box 104
Montesano, WA 98563

Re: forward of private email to Lois

[jerrell friz]

This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Peg,
You probably don't remember me, but, I met you at Libby some time back. Kelley
M. is a good friend of mine.
I'm am a little older than you, but, you are catching up to me. ha

When I was about 66, I came down with some medical problems, so, started
selling horses, because I could not care for them the way that I thought they
should be cared for. I did a lot of research and found out why I developed my
problems. I went to work and fixed them.[ With the help of Dynamite, Kelley
and others.]  I now am back to a full schedule with the horses.[ driving and
riding just about everyday]I have 3,1 Fjord, 1 Han/Tb,  and  1
Lipizzaner.   I had to make a big change in my life, but it is great, I love
it.

I hope this gives you another outlook,


Good Luck,
Jerry Friz,
Anderson, Ca.


  So I look to the future at my choices. Do I throw myself into becoming a
  skilled enough trainer to train these guys, or continue their training, in
all
  disciplines? Do I try to afford outside training? [Not likely any more] Do
I
  confine myself to horsekeeping and breeding. Or - almost unimaginable - do
I
  consider selling?

Re: forward of private email to Lois

[Tamara Rousso]

This message is from: Tamara Rousso <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Hi Peg,

Thank you for sharing that post.  I found it very
helpful in shopping for my Fjord, being of an age
where I spend more time trying to remember what I
wanted to do then actually doing it.

Tamara
So. Cal

> [I decided to go ahead and send this to all of you
> after sending it privately
> to Lois - so many of us are in similar places in our
> lives]


=
***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***
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

RE: Retirement blues

[Cynthia Madden]

This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I decided to move to New Mexico nearly three years ago
because I decided long ago that I wanted to retire
here. Then one day I had thought - why am I waiting
until I retire? It took me two years to find a place
and job I liked and I was lucky enough to end up here
in Las Cruces and New Mexico State University. I just
built a small house on 1.26 acres which I plan as my
retirement home. Unfortunately, I still have several
years until I retire but I feel I am set up. I have a
small easily maintainable house and acreage - a nice
little retirement horse property.

I get a lot of inquiries about retiring and/or moving
here. I strongly recommend it. I have talked to some
real estate people about the missed opportunity here
for a retirement community for equestrian/golfers with
a set up sort of like mine. I tried hard to convince
Lois to move here! I do sympathize with her dilemma.
Lois you can come visit and get a fjord fix here!

So I am hoping to avoid the retirement blues and be
able to afford retirement some day with my Fjord, Tank
and soon another Fjord (another message to come).

=
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(messages received on Saturday or Sunday 
can not be responded to until Monday)
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
http://photos.yahoo.com/

MWFHC website suggestions

[coyote]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

I have been sort-of volunteered  ;-)  by my dear husband to develop a 
website for the Midwest Fjord Horse Club.


I am soliciting ideas for this website from list members in general, 
regardless of your membership in the MWFHC. Some questions I have are:


What would you like to see on a website like this? My ideas: Links to 
the NFHR and CFHA websites. Calendar of national and MWFHC events. 
Possibly MWFHC merchandise for sale -- caps, tees, etc.


What would you NOT like to see on the website? My pet peeves: Huge 
images that take way too long to download. Lots of cute graphics that 
don't relate to the basic content of the site. Fancy sound files that 
require some wierd plug-in I don't have and take lots of time at 26.4 
kbs to download.


Would you be willing to contribute articles, informative info, or 
photos? Bonus: Proper credit to you and a link to your website or email 
address.


Thanks in advance for your advice and ideas!

DeeAnna, Postville IA

RE: Weanlings

[Cynthia Madden]

This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

With the loss of my Morgan, Keyah, in October, I
decided to check into getting a weanling as company
for Tank and a baby I can bring along now that I have
my own property and no longer have to board my horses.

I do caution about buying a weanling unless you are an
experienced horseperson already or as smart as Julie
to put her weanling with an experienced horseperson to
help her and her weanling get the right start. It is a
great success story. I believe that a cute little baby
in the hands of inexperienced or unprepared people is
a horror story in the making. I believe Carol and
Janne, and most Fjord breeders, are careful enough of
who buys their horses not to let this happen but many
people would do better to put the money out for a
trained horse and work with a trainer to have a good
experience and happy safe future with their Fjords or
any horse.

Aren't many of the bad stories we hear about Fjords
those poor beasties who have had the misfortune to be
owned by people who do not know enough or care enough
to learn about handling horses and spoil their horses
making them rude, unmanageable and even dangerous?

I know of horses, no Fjords, who have had to be put
down because they were owned by ignorant people who
handled or did not handle their animal and it because
too dangerous for even experienced people to deal
with. This a terrible tragedy. 

On the upbeast side, I am planning to buy a weanling
from Beth & Sandy of Starfire Farm in late winter when
he is ready for a new owner. Like Carol suggested,
buying a weanling from a reputable breeder is good way
to go. It is more affordable for me and since I have
Tank, I can take my time and work with the new horse
and we can grow together.

=
Cynthia Madden
Las Cruces, NM
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(messages received on Saturday or Sunday 
can not be responded to until Monday)
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
http://photos.yahoo.com/

It is for real and we Fjord owners can help out too.

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

This works and it's very cool!

>
>
>Hey everyone , I checked this out and this e-mail is true.
>
>I did it myself before  I  passed it on to you.
>
>
>Here is an easy way to make a difference this holiday season.
>
>Campbell's is donating a can of soup to the needy for every person that
>goes
>to their site and votes for their favorite NFL team  (the Lions are
>currently in 14th place!!) . Go to the site and it is right there and


very


>easy to do. It will only take a few seconds of your time to fill some
   


empty


>tummies with warm soup this winter. Please forward this message to
   


everyone


>you know.
>
>
>
>
>http://www.chunky.com/click_for_cans.asp
>



--
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

[Fwd: Fw: Singing horses]

[Carol J. Makosky]

This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I'm sure this one has been around before, but it is still cute and I 
think one even sort a looks like a Fjor.

-- 
Built Fjord Tough
Carol M.
On Golden Pond
N. Wisconsin

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type multipart/mixed]

RE: round arena

[Karen Keith]

This message is from: "Karen Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

That pole was called a "snubbing post".  A stout post to tie a horse to 
while you "teach" him stuff, like sacking out, being saddled, standing tied 
(or else), etc.  Kind of old school.  I'd skip it.


That said, I'd like to have a stout post put into my back paddock.  Only I'd 
then like to put an old street sweeper brush on it so the Fjordies could 
self-groom.  I live on the plains and we have no trees to rub and scratch 
on.  They use the doorways of the metal barn, but it's not a really 
satisfying scratch.  :^)


Cheers!

Karen
E365. Go to:  http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/christmas.asp

forward of private email to Lois

[Knutsen Fjord Farm]

This message is from: "Knutsen Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

[I decided to go ahead and send this to all of you after sending it privately
to Lois - so many of us are in similar places in our lives]

Hi Lois,

I was so touched by your story! I have just turned 62 myself, and often wonder
how I ended up where I am in life now. We got our first Fjord about 7 years
ago [my memory is mush]. I went to Canada to buy [one] trained gelding, since
I was a pretty green rider, and came home with a pregnant green mare, Silka.

I liked the grey color, became phone friends with Julie Will, and the rest is
history. Here we sit now with 5 very highly-regarded horses, and I still am
not riding much. I love them all, and have been fortunate enough to find
wonderful helpers who have become close friends, but they will leave for
graduate school next summer.

Erlend is superbly trained, but I'm not a good enough rider to use him on the
trail. I can't imagine an easier stallion to handle, but he knows my skill
levels well and exploits them occasionally. I am the primary "dope on a rope"
that Joel was referring to.  Julie used him [Erlend, not Joel,] as a trail
horse, but she was expert. Used to raise Percherons, in fact. Sadie is OK on
the trail for me, but still rather green. Our Norway gal Vilde is just turning
4, and should be a good riding, driving, etc horse - eventually. Yellow Yenna
will turn 2 in the spring and Yuli will be one.  Green, green, green.

So I look to the future at my choices. Do I throw myself into becoming a
skilled enough trainer to train these guys, or continue their training, in all
disciplines? Do I try to afford outside training? [Not likely any more] Do I
confine myself to horsekeeping and breeding. Or - almost unimaginable - do I
consider selling?

My heart goes out to you in your dilemma. I've colored my hair for years
because I want to keep the semblance of red that I had as a girl. Necessary,
but certainly not sufficient. I keep thinking of finishing my book - "Midlife
Madness - Setting up Horsekeeping," but don't get to it.

Good luck,
Peg

Peg Knutsen
www.elltel.net/kffjord/