a new life for Brigid
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All- My life has taken a very positive turn. After several years working my butt off as a traveling instructor and hoof trimmer, I finally have a ranch to call home. I recently responded to a call for hoof trimming in Pacifica, which is on the coast just south of San Francisco, a pretty area. I got chatting with the horse's owner who told me he just bought the property and plans to build a boarding facility. It became clear that he is very wealthy, loves horses, and knows almost nothing about them. That night I started thinking, hmm... I called him the next day and said, You don't happen to need a resident trainer and barn manager, do you? He hired me the next week. My compensation includes housing and boarding on the property! I am so excited! It's a great arrangement -- I don't like to be told what to do, and he doesn't care how I run things so long as they go smoothly. For example, I was shopping for a manure spreader, looking for something used/local. After several days of no luck, he did an internet search and sent me an ad for one that cost $2500 and would have to be shipped from Ohio. His email said, How about this one? I chose another one, for $850, and he's going to order it. He basically said, whatever we need he will buy. Same thing with the local supply/tack shop and hay delivery service -- there is an account on file and I'm to order anything we need. It will be so great to have my herd right outside the door. I feel I can accomplish a lot more now that I can ride almost every day. There will be other work to do, but I'll save hours in drive time staying in one location. As if that wasn't good enough, one of my best friends decided to buy my pet sitting business. This will free up my time for ranch work, and it will give me some money to ease the transition. Things are looking up! / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA _www.Brigid.Clickryder.com_ (http://www.brigid.clickryder.com/)
cantering
This message is from: Dave and Patti Walter [EMAIL PROTECTED] AMEN LORI A.!! Patti Jo Walter www.franciscreekfjords.com
Re: Evaluation of Synthetic English Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi re: saddle fit, We have tried many saddles on our boys BHF Bjorn BHF Olav, we finally found a used Albion SL, med/wide 18in. dressage, that actually fits them both, - which was a true feat considering that Olav has a wide table back Bjorn a narrower back. Very friendly panels and a nice deep seat, this is a saddle that positions the rider farther back on the horses back, so that there is less interference w/the shoulder of the horse, and great communication through the seat. I was lucky enough to have tried my triainers Albion and loved the comfort, was just lucky to find a used model in wonderful condition. Anybody else found luck w/ the Albion? Denise -- Original message -- This message is from: Eileen Hi All, I wanted to share some info on the new Wintec WIDE and the Thorowgood Griffin saddles. If you're not interested in English saddles, please scroll or delete... I'm trying to find a saddle to fit my barely 14hh mare and my big frame (31 inseam and middle age baggage) for light trail riding and low level dressage. (I already have a trail saddle and a vintage Kieffer Wien dressage saddle). I've looked at both the new Wintec Wide saddle and the Thorowgood Griffin Broad back (cob) AP saddles. Here's what I've seen: Wintec: Surprised me that the seat was smooth. I have a 2000 AP model and it has a wonderful fake suede that you stick to like glue. Also, the billets only accomodate a short dressage girth. The Y girthing system does help keep the saddle in contact with the horse. On the plus side, the panels (what makes contact with the horse's back) are the broadest and most comfortable I've seen on any saddle. And the saddle does really, really fit a barrel shaped horse. My problem with it: the flaps are straight, like a dressage saddle. No way is this saddle an All Purpose. Thorowgood: Truthfully, I was really dissapointed with this saddle. The panels are not nearly as back friendly to the horse - narrow, hard, and not enough weight bearing surface. The seat was small - no way would I even fit comfortably on even an 18. The plus side is that the seat is covered with that ultrasuede, so you would get a good grip. Again, *straight flaps*! What's with that?! So, not really happy with either saddle. I actually bought the Wintec, so if anyone is interested, let me know. I think I'll contact the Duett saddle folks next. Isn't saddle fitting fun? Eileen in eastern WA
Re: green broke
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] My friends, Walt and Joanne Brunner, just sent their four year old gelding to a local trainer to be started under saddle. If they leave him there for a month he will be introduced to the saddle after some ground work, taught to load and unload into a trailer (first lesson at the Brunners) and taught manners in leading, etc. He will learn to yield to pressure, what the bit and basic rein aids mean and will be ridden enough to go, turn and stop. He will be what I consider green broke.The trainer said he might be suitable for an intermediate rider after about 3 months of work, depending on how it goes.This trainer uses John Lyon's methods. After the first couple sessions the trainer said that he is a quick study, pretty sharp and fast learner. But what else do you expect from a Fjord? Jean in balmy Fairbanks, Alaska, April weather in March!
Re: a new life for Brigid
This message is from: Tamara Rousso [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brigid - This all sounds very exciting. Congratulations!! Best wishes, Tamara and Harrison Fjord in Fallbrook CA On Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at 08:31 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All- My life has taken a very positive turn. After several years working my butt off as a traveling instructor and hoof trimmer, I finally have a ranch to call home.
good deal ?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/15/2005 4:42:33 PM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This message is from: Amy Goodloe [EMAIL PROTECTED] I saw this ad for a Fjord mare in Utah and was wondering if anyone knows anything about her: Oh yes, I know of this mare.: / Last year, I had a lady who made many trips to my ranch, looking for a very broke Fjord for her very young daughter to ride and do some Pony Club type stuff with. Since her daughter was so small, but her mom was an experienced horseperson, I carefully picked out a nice Fjord mare, Frieda, ( Canadian registered ) who is here for a breed / lease for training and to sell for her owner, a friend in ID. no longer able to have her Fjords. Frieda is a wonderful riding and driving Fjord, and her owner spent many thousands of hours riding and competing in endurance races ( yes a FJORD ) in a popular ID. endurance club.winning plenty as well. Frida needed some ground manners and a better WHOA put on her while hitched. We had installed both in her, and she was a great potential mount for this family. We went on for quite awhile, with this lady bringing up her friends and child to ride often and spend time with Frieda. She mentioned after comming to terms on a price, that she would like her bred, and after choosing my Sr. Stallion, Fair Acres Nels ( Anvil's Steinfin X Trecca ) we did cover her and she took first month. ( Frida is also a proven broodmare, having given several nice Fjord foals to my friend ) Soon after, and also after making me a promise of cash the following week and a workable payment plan for them, they stopped comming over. This family lives just down the road from us, and we have known them for 5 years now, I wasnt worried. A few months went by. Of course by now, I knew that they had changed their mind, for whatever reason, and I wasnt at all mad or sad NOT to sell this nice mare, now preg. checked in foal and being ridden and driven by us alot. I got a phone call from this lady a few months ago. She wanted to know if I would please BUY this mare she had ! Turned out that she had seen an ad for 2 Fjord mares and gone to see them, buying one within one hour, because they were a GREAT DEAL She explaned that these 2 purebred ( and nicely bred may I mention ) Fjords were to be Y2K Fjords. When the world didnt stop turning on Dec. 31, 1999, they also stopped needing these Fjords, who were going to do farm work, plowing, ect. when people had to raise their own food. OK then. ; ) So, these mares stood. And ate. And stood. They didnt get touched, and she mentioned that this mare she picked out because she could be CAUGHT, didnt pick up her very long feet.or do much else. But remember, she was a GOOD DEAL. She was supposed to ride, but guess what ? Uh huh. So, sent off to a local trainer, who said that if she was left for a YEAR, she MIGHT be OK for an advanced rider. BYW, this trainer's opinion I respect ALOT, so BOY HOWDY was she not a good deal as he does charge 450.00 a month for training. So much for this 2,000 Fjord. I was asking twice as much for Frida and also throwing in a free breeding, but that GOOD DEAL was too much to pass up. She has called me several times now, wanting me to take this mare and try to sell her for them. She also mentioned that a Fjord seller on the Internet told her that she could get 4,000 for her if she listed her there. I said that THAT sounded like a GOOD DEAL. ( LOLOLOL. ) So, no pony club this year. Lots of money out to keep this nicely bred but %^*( on wheels mare who through no fault of her own, stood around and had no expectations, no training, no handleing, no love. I have also been offered to just take her and get a baby out of her. No thanks. Frieda is due to foal April 26th. I cant wait to see the cross between both of these great natured parents, drafty and loving. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Lisa Pedersen / Cedar City, UTAH
The canter and being greenbroke (was Re: Prejudice against Fjords??)
This message is from: Lori Albrough [EMAIL PROTECTED] Genie Dethloff wrote: I have a friend, whose opinion I trust, that thinks that it is wrong to wait, especially since canter is not their preferred gait. January 2005 Dressage Today magazine had an article called Closing the Gap with the tagline: When will North-American bred have the same cachet as imported from Europe. The article is geared towards sporthorse (warmblood) breeding and training, however I think this quote by Scott Hassler has relevance to the current discussion on the Fjord list. He says Our good horses are not given the chance to compete against Europe's good horses because of the training. It's that simple. We need to get our young horses ridden better. In particular, Hassler says Our young horses are not ridden in a way that is safe, competent, or marketable. We see them in a very hunter-style frame (strung out). They don't canter for the first time for six or eight months. This statement pretty much sums up the prevailing state of Fjord horse training too -- where we see horses who have no concept of contact, or giving to the bit, or moving off the leg, and who have been under saddle for months and months and even years without cantering. These horses amazingly are being marketed as riding horses. We see mature fjord horses being sold as riding horses with just learning his leads in the fine print - yet the word greenbroke never appears. We see horses marketed as ride/drive who don't canter and never have - just trot faster, Faster, FASTER! A riding horse must canter, he must canter on the aid, he must canter on the correct lead (99% of the time, mistakes can happen) and he must canter in a reasonably balanced, reasonably round frame. Or he ain't a riding horse. I've heard people say we haven't cantered him yet because he's not mature skeletally - my question is, if he's not sufficiently mature skeletally, then what are you doing on his back?? So many horses are backed young to get them sold but the education seems to not proceed in an orderly fashion. They end up ridden for years before the canter is introduced and at that point it can come as quite a shock. I bought one of these horses who was ridden walk/trot only for a long time, and it took three very determined people and two lunge whips to convince her that she could and she would canter under tack. From there she did beautifully but I think it is kinder and makes more sense to let the horse grow up to say 3.5 or 4 years old, start him under tack and then teach him what he needs to know: walk trot AND canter. Take your time, of course, but don't waste time. In Reiner Klimke's book Basic Training of the Young Horse in the section At what age is a horse ready to be ridden? he states that a warmblood horse (and I think Fjords mature similarly to warmbloods) should not be ridden before 3.5 yrs and talks about some of his Olympic mounts and what age they were backed: Winzerin (4 yrs), Aracadius (4 yrs), Fabiola (3.5 yrs), Ahlerich (4 yrs). He says I am convinced that had I started these horses earlier I would not have been so successful. In other words, he was not successful IN SPITE of the late start, but successful BECAUSE of it. This is not a viewpoint you will hear often (in fact Scott Hassler quoted above is in favor of starting them before they are three years old). My own coach comes from a European background and over the years her methods have become my methods. All my horses, which are started under saddle at either 3.5 or 4 years, canter under saddle from the very beginning of the training. Depending on the individual horse, it will be somewhere between the 3rd to the 10th time they have a rider on their back. Each session from then on, they will work in walk trot and canter for short daily rides of 15 to 20 minutes, walk trot and canter both ways. There is nothing mysterious about cantering, but if we don't TRAIN IT, how are our Fjordhorses supposed to have first the knowledge and second the strength required to DO IT in a correct balanced fashion? Dismounting my soapbox and cantering off. Lori Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords Moorefield Ontario http://www.bluebirdlane.com
Re: Evaluation of Synthetic English Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: Genie Dethloff [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wow Denise, Thanks for the lead in - I have a used Albion SL, med/wide 18 1/2 in. dressage saddle in excellent condition to sell. It does not fit my Fjord but does fit many that I rode when shopping. The seat is large, which makes the saddle longer so it will not fit a small Fjord, but will a taller or longer one. I love this saddle and wanted to keep it for a second horse, but I am collecting too many expensive saddles. I will post information about it with pictures and pricing to a webpage later, but thought I'd jump in now. used Albion SL, med/wide 18in. dressage, that actually fits them both, - which was a true feat considering that Olav has a wide table back Bjorn a narrower back. Very friendly panels and a nice deep seat, this is a saddle that positions the rider farther back on the horses back, so that there is less interference w/the shoulder of the horse, and great communication through the seat. I was lucky enough to have tried my triainers Albion and loved the comfort, was just lucky to find a used model in wonderful condition. Anybody else found luck w/ the Albion? Denise -- Genie Dethloff and Finne Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: greenbroke
This message is from: Reena Giola [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good point Brigid..there are so many different views on 'greenbroke'...and you're right on the handling issue...another important topic! I think this is a great thread... Reena This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm finding this thread very interesting. I think greenbroke is kind of like beginner, intermediate, advanced for riders; such terms are very subjective. I'd like to add degree of handling to the list for horses. So in conclusion, I think anyone raising a horse for sale needs to take into consideration the many things that will be done with the animal. In some ways riding is the least of your worries... / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA _www.Brigid.Clickryder.com_ (http://www.brigid.clickryder.com/)
Re: greenbroke
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm finding this thread very interesting. I think greenbroke is kind of like beginner, intermediate, advanced for riders; such terms are very subjective. I'd like to add degree of handling to the list for horses. I remember spending time with Gayle Ware and Catherine Lassesen, watching them play with foals, gently restraining them and lifting their feet. I'm sure this made life much easier for their eventual owners. In one week I was called to trim the h ooves of two different youngsters, a yearling and a 10 month old, who were allegedly handled. The yearling lead fairly well, but had clearly never had her feet handled and freaked out completely. She actually got away from me, which never happens, but I was afraid of being knocked over/trampled. I had a long talk with the owner who bred the animal, and found out that health problems prevented her from doing any kind of training. She also had a two year old who was just as wild. I suggested she go on our local message board and find one of the many young, healthy horse-crazy individuals looking for work and hire them to do some daily handling. The 10 month old, belonging to another person, was pretty sweet but marginally halter broke (like, she'd stay with you if she felt like it, and if not, fight like the dickens). The owner couldn't catch her so I did, and when I lifted her foot she almost fell over! This person hired a young girl to work with the horses, and I had an opportunity to talk with her about what needs to be done. When I emphasized hoof handling, she said, Oh, she picks up her feet no problem and proceeded to touch the filly's leg, which caused the foot to pop up and immediately back down :-/. See? I tried to explain that that was a good start, but the foot needs to stay up. So in conclusion, I think anyone raising a horse for sale needs to take into consideration the many things that will be done with the animal. In some ways riding is the least of your worries... / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA _www.Brigid.Clickryder.com_ (http://www.brigid.clickryder.com/)
Re: Fjord mare for sale in Utah?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/14/2005 4:40:09 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I saw this ad for a Fjord mare in Utah and was wondering if anyone knows anything about her: *** Well, those aren't the greatest photos in the ad, but it looks to me like she has a very thick throatlatch. If you're just riding for fun, that shouldn't be too much of a problem -- it just makes it difficult for them to break at the poll. / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA _www.Brigid.Clickryder.com_ (http://www.brigid.clickryder.com/)
RE: (no subject)
This message is from: jerrell friz [EMAIL PROTECTED] every farm needs a team [Original Message] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: 3/14/2005 7:03:05 PM Subject: (no subject) This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I think some of you have hit the nail on the head. I have been taking dressage lessons for almost 3 years and I have learned that if the horse does not relax his jaw and bend at the pole, which causes him to raise his back up, you will get a rough ride, no matter what the breed. A horse has to learn to bend -- Pamela, You are absolutely correct, doesn't matter what breed, MUST bend at the poll!! That's why dressage is so important!! Riding or driving doesn't matter, I would suggest a video my Muffy Seatton, Bending the driving horse, could also be titled bending the riding horse, it's all the same, BEND AT THE POLL!!! Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson, Ca.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2005 #63
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Saddles, Wintec and Albion' I have an Isabella dressage synthetic and you can change the tree and I found it fit my Fjords real well, except I had to change the tree for each one. Well, that didn't last long. Far to lazy for that stuff. So I did a lot of investigation and came up with a saddle I really like. The Free and Easy. It is a single flap which gives great feel and the saddle is designed to set more forward, about 2 fingers in front of the shoulder. That way the horses shoulder moves freely under the saddle instead of potentially getting squeezed against the saddle. Opposite idea from the Albion. I have ridden the Albion and liked it, but chose the Free and easy. This saddle never has to be re stuff, the tree is guaranteed for life, and it can be adjusted if the shape of your horse changes or you buy a different horse. They also make the F and E in an all purpose style. Since the saddles are made to order, I had a couple of extra things done and they were very accomadating.Very well made saddle and would recommend it to anyone. Especially anyone in the Colorado area where the US representative can fit you horse for you. Onna
shot sensitivity
This message is from: kay a konove [EMAIL PROTECTED] My 8 yo mare comes unglued when it comes to getting shots. She is a gentle, nonassertive type 364 days of the year. Then the vet comes to visit and she is all over the place. My other Fjord didn't flinch through shots Coggins. And they are mother and daughter! Are there ways to desensitize the horse for shots? Thanks in advance for your help. Kay in Central Mass.
re: new owner advice
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am stalling him at night until spring comes for my old guys sake. I have had him just a week, I have fed copy free choice grass hay all day in the field and a generous portion again in his stall at night, i am giving him 1/4 of a plastic horse scoop of 12% pellet (Prime). He is pleasantly plump but not obese (YET!) I know this is an issue with Fjords from lurking here on the list most of you comment on your chubbies. I will not be riding or working him until Fall since i am 5 mos pregnant now. Any comments are welcome. First I'd like to congratulate you on your upcoming baby! Then on your getting your first fjord!!! g About the feeding, if I fed my fjords like that, they'd be happy little piglets.. until they exploded I've had to remind my husband over and over again that he can NOT feed our fjords like regular horses. It is killing them with kindness. Finally I think I have gotten through to him and he is more sensible with the feed than he used to be. We've got about 2 acres set up for the horses (the rest needs to be fenced) and they really eat that down, just on two hours a day! That is ALL they get as far as pasture. Unless it is late summer and it is brown and dry, they can stay out for 3-4 hours. And have their hay cut back a bit. The way things work for us, and I still have to be certain that I keep them well exercised is like this: A thin flake of grass hay in the morning. Then they have to wait a couple hours before they are turned out on the pasture. A couple hours pasture, then into the barn. And the horses that I'm going to exercise are exercised. Brush them, and then give them MAYBE a half a flake of hay. Then they wait several more hours till dinner where they get a decent sized flake. I try to feed them as often as possible so we don't have to worry about ulcers. But try to keep their meals on the small side. We have cob for our QH mare who is not an easy keeper, and the fjords get a handful with their vitamins and Continuex. More for taste than anything. The growing horses get a little more. Maybe a cup or two. Maximum. Hope this helps you just a little bit. We all have different ways of horsekeeping, but this is what works for me. I'm sure others will have different systems that work well for them and their horses too. Have fun with your Copycat! Pamela Northern Holiday Horses Welcome Polaris
RE: Canter?
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] When I first got Stella she was 10 and had been a brood mare mostly. She wouldn't canter on her own even in the paddock, preferring to trot, had a huge trot and raced around with that huge trot. I started taking lessons and even my instructor couldn't get her to canter correctly..she would cross canter. I started working her in circles, bending and doing a lot of suppling exercises. She then was able to canter, altho I never was very good at getting her into the canter correctly..but my instructor could get her doing it beautifully. The bending and suppling and conditioning work was very important. Adel, who grew up on a mountain in BC her first 2 years, canters everywhere, amazing agility, leaping small logs in the filed, handles slippery slopes, etc. altho I haven't cantered her under saddle, she won't have any problem. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska this is the second or third reference I've read now about their Fjords not holding a canter for extended length of time or not liking to canter?does anyone else feel this way?
Intro to Driving
This message is from: sandra church [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just wanted to report that Sue Banks her gorgeous fjord mare Lilli gave a wonderful presentation this past Sunday at Deep Run Hunt Club which is just west of Richmond, Va. The local driving club had their annual Intro to Driving Day so that folks new to driving can learn and members of the club have a wonderful opportunity to drive in an open area and try a cones course. Sue demonstrated how to desensitize a horse Lilli was wonderful (if not bored by the whole thing). She was beautifully turned out...clipped, clean...just beautiful. I left Loki at home because he wasn't just not clipped and not cleanhe stunk! Loki had a close encounter with a skunk during Saturday night he spent a lot of time rolling in the mud trying to eliminate the odor! Never a dull minute...Thank you Sue for an excellent presentation! Sandra Loki in Va.
Re: Loki's new owner - congrats, Jan!
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Great, Sher..Now you can go buy that well trained gelding that Brian Jensen has..unless he's sold already! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, another fabulous day at sunny and +40 F. Working on clearing the little arena of snow...snow is higher than snow blower shute! I've been getting calls/emails about Loki, the 17 yr old Fjord for $2500 nego (was McNabb driving trained). Jan Rosenbaum in Olathe, CO purchased him last week, after reviewing him at our place.
Re: News from Beaver Dam Farm via South Carolina
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Everyone from Carol Rivoire having a wonderful time with Mel Joanne Goble in Aiken, S.C. Guess what? After 26 years in Fjords - riding and driving nothing but Fjords -- Handling nothing but Fjords, my horizons have been broadened. In the last two days I've driven two Fjords (BDF Ran Reinstein and BDF Jason), a Haflinger, two section A Welsh Cobs, and an adorable Mini. Now that's one thing I never thought I'd do is drive a Mini. However, he was great, and at 3 years is a fairly accomplished driving horse . . . due to Mel Goble's magic touch, of course. Best Regards, Carol Rivoire
