Re: Saddle girth info....Richard Shrake seminar.....
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/25/2005 2:13:34 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I use a Wintec Isbell saddle with the wide gullet and it fits Olaf but I have trouble getting the Wintec girth tight enough. I am wondering if any of you who ride in the Wintec's use the Wintec girth or a regular English girth that has the normal elastic buckles on one end?? *** I also had this problem with the Wintec girth, so I bought a Professional's Choice girth with neoprene and elastic with roller buckles on both ends. End of problem. Love my Wintec Isabella! I just removed the gullet for my beefy guys. / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.Brigid.Clickryder.com www.MillwoodRanch.com
Saddle girth info....Richard Shrake seminar.....
This message is from: Jeanne Zuker [EMAIL PROTECTED] Olaf and I made our second trip to Richard Shrake's seminar this past week and had a great time (I will go more into it) but the question I have is this: I use a Wintec Isbell saddle with the wide gullet and it fits Olaf but I have trouble getting the Wintec girth tight enough. I am wondering if any of you who ride in the Wintec's use the Wintec girth or a regular English girth that has the normal elastic buckles on one end?? Tuesday at the seminar after almost 2 hours of walk-trot-walk the saddle suddenly slipped to Olaf's side and I was on the ground. Olaf bless his heart just stopped and stood there, I love this horse he is so steady, doesn't spook and takes little mishaps like this as if it is just a normal part of the day.but it has shaken my confidence as to getting the saddle tight enough. I had saddled Olaf, walked him around, checked the girth again, did some ground work, rechecked the girth before mounting and like I said it was almost 2 hours later but the girth was loose at this point. One thing that was suggested was to get a regular girth so I could get it tighter and possibly another saddle pad, I currently use a wool pad. I know someone here sells pads, but I cannot remember who. Okey, so back to the seminar after the fall I cannot ride for a couple of afternoons but I do all the groundwork and get a chance to help out in the arena while others ride, which was very beneficial so I could observe how riders use their hands, feet and other things Richard emphasises.Well one morning Richard has us take our horses over a pole laying on the ground then he has one end raised about 2 off the ground, Olaf does a cute little hop over the jumps, then Richard has one end raised again to the top of the mounting block and Olaf actually does a full jump, immediately after he does a small buck and canters a couple circles, then gets back in line to jump again. Richard has the other end of the pole raised so it is straight across and the height of the mounting block off the ground, I will tell you Olaf jumped it and you could tell by the way he held his head the look in his eyes and the way he trotted off he was proud--he also LOVED the clapping and whistles that he got. That afternoon Richard had me take Olaf out to the round pen where he had two jumps and we started out small again taking each new jump and height slowly. Finally Richard had the jumps moved up to about 2 1/2' and Olaf jumped it as though he had been jumping all his life. Richard then took Olaf off the lead line and just by moving the lunge whip Olaf made the jumps, then as Richard was talking Olaf made the complete circle taking both jumps without any prodding or direction. He tucks his legs brings his feet under him, people said he looks like a natural and I have to tell you he looked like he totally enjoyed himself. I do not want to jump, but I do plan on starting slowly and letting him do some jumping as part of his ground work. I wish I could think of the words to fully describe the change in Olaf's attitude after he showed off his jumping debut. On Friday when I rode him for the final day of the seminar he was so much easier to handle, he was more responsive to my legs and hands, he was totally alert (probably looking for those darn jumps again) and everyone commented on the change in his demeanor...someone said that I should start looking for a jumping saddle--ha ha, sure, right, at almost 57 yrs. I don't think I want to start jumping. I know this is not winning a competition but for us this was a great moment and I wanted to share. Anyway, we had a great time but it was HOT, this year again people commented on what a nice horse he is and how social he is. We even had someone driving a cart in the indoor arena while we rode, some people and horses were upset but Olaf thought the cart was neat and a couple of riders rode behind us until their horses got used to seeing the cart. Ok, so if any of you can help me with my girthing situation I would appreciate it. Sorry this got so long. Tired but happy, Jeanne and Olaf hot, humid MI
Equine Journal Spotlight (was: Another brag if you can stand it)
This message is from: Lori Albrough [EMAIL PROTECTED] M Korose wrote: It kind of sounds like Curt decided to stay with me as a result of my fabulousfjords! Marsha, my issue just came so I checked it out immediately, and, yup :-) that's what it sounds like. Kind of reminds me of that Pam Tillis song, Betty's Got a Bass Boat, Betty's Got a Truck, all of a sudden things are looking up She's the most popular girl in town, since she got a new camper and a huntin' hound In the song Betty goes on to market her recipe, food for thought? Anyhow, great coverage, congrats. Two questions, I read the interview with Curt and he says that two Fjord are now competing at Grand Prix Level dressage. Of course one is Wez, but who is the other? Also Curt says that a Fjord has even been long-listed for the Olympics (in dressage). Who is that?? Lori Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords Moorefield Ontario http://www.bluebirdlane.com
RE: Parelli Fjords
This message is from: Vicki Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] We are Savvy Club members and are Level I. It has helped me a lot. Vicki Johnston Mims, Florida
ouch!
Oh, Lisa! Your description of the event almost had me puking! Haven't been hurt that badly (yet--my husband lives in that limbo of WHEN will I get hurt)--mostly big time bruises--but as an old orthopaedic nurse . . . well--heart's out to you--between boredom and pain and frustration that all the good weather is getting away . . . well 'nuf said. Just know that we are all cheering for you! Sue in Northern VA
gathering at blowing rock north carolina
just returned from a wonderful week of fjords, friends, and fun at Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Hats off to Lee and Libby for building that field of dreams--they built it and people came from Alabama, Massachussets, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina . . . it was a sweet gathering of wonderful horses and people. Some were able to come for the full week--Sunday to Sunday, some for only a few days. Most came with horses, some just came! I was able to be there from Monday to Friday. The Blowing Rock Equestrian Center utilizes 28 miles of trails which are excellent for carriages for the most part and great for riding throughout. The hills of NC are truly beautiful, and it was cool and breezy. The weather was perfect for the week. The program was just very relaxed and comfortable. People came and shared their expertise in various areas--we had dressage, harnessing and working with problems, draft, a clinic with a natural horsemanship trainer who shared his knowledge gratis to anyone who rode a fjord. He also was doing some round pen work and starting a colt, but that was today and Sunday. There was a barbecue on Thursday night and Brian Jacobson gave a very interesting talk on the history of the Fjord horse both in development, in Norway and Europe and in America. His grandfather was the importer of Grabb and many others and Brian has grown up with the Fjord in America. (which you all probably know, but I'm relatively new to the community and much was new to me). There was no pressure to participate in any of the offerings--some did, some went out on the trails an additional time or so. There was good food and drink, conversation and lots of laughter. Blowing Rock has some neat little shops, and the Moses Cone Mansion is now a craft center. Mr. Cone, I understand, invented denim and his fortune was based on that (someone correct me if they know better) and he had acres and acres of apple orchards. The carriage trails were those he developed and used to oversee his property. The costs were individual since it was an informal gathering. Some camped at the center, others checked into cabins or motels. The only actual costs at the site were stall rent ($15/night) and hay and shavings if you needed to buy it there. there are over 400 stalls available with water convenient and places to wash the horses. The facilities have reasonable restrooms with showers as well. In addition there was a $100 fee to use the arenas ad lib and everyone just put in $5 or $10 or whatever they felt was right to cover that fee. There were 18 fjords together at one time and it was a beautiful sight. (one red, one white, and 16 brown dun). I don't know how old the oldest rider/driver was,(might have been me!) but the youngest was 8. We are all hoping that we can do this again next year. Lee and Libby have said they will determine with the center if it will be available and will start to plan. Some people drove 18 hours and told me that it was well worth the trip--a real vacation with their ponies and friends. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise in this community, and the sharing in informal clinics in such a setting is great. Ideas for promoting and developing our special horses flowed freely. Evaluations were discussed at length and de-mystified--the pros and cons and rationales were openly discussed in a no-pressure informal setting. I learned a lot! And enjoyed myself tremendously. It was great to put faces (and giggles--you know who you are) to some that were familiar names from this list. If the opportunity presents itself to do this again next year, I would encourage any/everyone who possibly can to come. Sue in Northern Virginia
Re: Parelli Fjords
This message is from: Cherie Mascis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes Jean, there are a few Parelli fjords out there. Two here in Nolensville TN. I just passed Level 2 and am working on Level 3. My fjord yearling filly and I just started Level 1 and are already 1/2 through. she's very bright! Cherie
