Re: Dissension on the List

[Steve McIlree]

This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

  Well, many of you answered my plea for advice on reducing the size
  of the list. Most were of the opinion we would be better off without
  certain members. Most were pretty specific about who should be gone,
  and there was a real consensus on who wouldn't be missed. Some folks
  thought a warning should be issued before anyone was banned
  outright, but agreed that continued disruption did warrant loss of
  membership.

  I wrestled with the decision, and pretty much had come to leaving
  those who I (and you) thought were the worst offenders on the list,
  but suppressing their ability to post. That is the current situation
  for all but one. The exception is the person who wrote me privately
  and "double dared" me to unsubscribe them; you won't be hearing from
  them again on the List.

  Thanks to all who offered help to me with this decision. And a
  special thanks to those who also expressed their gratitude for the
  List.

 --
Steve McIlree
Owner/Administrator FjordHorse List

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Re: Fjord Article

[Michele Noonan]

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

Thank You Mike for clarifying on Carol's statements
Maybe Carol should have asked you privately to clarify her concerns, before
publicly criticizing.

Thanks again for your dedication to this versatile and wonderful breed
Michele Noonan
Stevensville, MT
- Original Message -
  From: fjordhorse-digest
  To:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 8:38 AM
  Subject: fjordhorse-digest V2006 #265

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Re: Bottom Line

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> "John & Eunice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> I've often wondered if fjords took on the personality or
> attitude of the owner as revealed in some of these emails.
>
> Our fjords [...] are loving, affectionate, adorable

Many years ago, when I was new to Fjords, I was discussing some of the
"registry wars" with my Fjord-mentor.  I inquired how such a sweet,
kind, affectionate breed ended up with such contentious owners.  My
mentor grinned, and allowed as how Fjords were likely the only breed
that could put up with some of those folks

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

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Re: SkiJoring

[Michele Noonan]

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

For the person interested in Ski Joring, I think Catherine Lassessin gives
lessons on Skijoring???

She will probably kill me for that comment, but at Libby this year, Catherine
taught Brianne Orwick, Myself, My daughter Mandy and Bri's boyfriend, how to
Ski on Brianne's mare Briggetta.  Since Brianne's mare does ranch work every
day, (yes she is a Dusty daughter) she had no problem pulling people around in
the mud.
So Maybe Catherine will pipe up with some suggestions

PS, the video of this lesson, is WAY too funny!

Michele Noonan
6 inches of snow  and VERY long haired yaks "I mean Fjords"
Stevensville, Montana
  - Original Message -
  From: fjordhorse-digest
  To:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 2:23 PM
  Subject: fjordhorse-digest V2006 #264

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Re: Bottom Line

[John & Eunice]

This message is from: "John & Eunice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Well put Robin <>

 I've often wondered if fjords took on the personality or
attitude of the owner as revealed in some of these emails.

Our fjords may be a little overweight and with their winter coat
they are like "teddy bears" ,,, but at least they are loving,
affectionate, adorable (and, of course, inquisitive) and most
days just too smart for their own good.

~Eunice in s-w Ontario where we are enjoying unusually warm,
sunny weather.

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Re: Dissension on the List

[John & Eunice]

This message is from: "John & Eunice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Steve... Do we get to cast a ballot saying who should be taken
off?   
<>

Personal attacks are very upsetting!

As for most of the comments by   <> and   <>
 I just say"I'm glad I don't have to live with them!"   nor
would I be thrilled to meet them.

We can quickly DELETE them.   I mean their emails ... not them
personally.

THANKS Steve for the Fjord Digest!!

Fjordally yours,   Eunice
Deere Country Fjords
Ayton, ONT

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Fjord China figure

[autumnhaus]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

 Hi all,
If I had the money I would get this. 
But I remember hearing someone needed a Fjord figure for Christmas.
I ran across this one very nicely made.
http://www.modelhorsesalespages.com/sales/view_details.asp?path=Gallery&Itemid=338781
 
Shari

Check out the new AOL.  Most comprehensive set of free safety and security 
tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free 
AOL Mail and more.

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Re: comments, behavior & choices

[Russ and Laurie Lamb]

This message is from: "Russ and Laurie Lamb" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Thanks for your storys about Libby, David. I like hearing these storys every 
bit as much as the ones about Fjords that are being shown. It just continues 
to show how versitile these guys are.


Laurie in NW Washington 


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FW: comments, behavior & choices

[hoofer52]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Opps, sent this to the op-out address

Robin wrote:
When we move to that property,  we will likely think about purchasing one or 
more additional fjords.  I will not be purchasing from or recommending any of 
the people that I perceive to be rude or nasty on this list.  So whether you 
realize it or not, your  behavior on the list may be hurting your own bottom 
line in the future and the breed in general much more than any misquoted 
comments from Mike May or Anne Appleby in Horse Illustrated,

I agree with Robin and several of the others that have commented on the recent 
attack on Mike May. I'm not going to regurgitate everything that has been 
discussed but I would like to share a story or two.

Most of what I do with my horses is trail riding. I live on the wet side of the 
Cascade mountains in Washington state, in fact I am literally at the foothills 
of those mountains. I have thousands of acreas of mountain trails to ride. I'm 
talking some trails that are a foot wide and a thousand feet straight down on 
one side & a thousand feet straight up the other side. The guys I ride with are 
all old cowboys and we've all been there and done that, still there have been 
many a time with a green horse where we've been in some serious trouble...we've 
never lost a horse or a rider, can't say that about gear though.

Last spring I took my mare Libby on her first trail ride. I rode my big appy 
gelding and packed Libby. There were four other riders going on this trip and 
all of them were giving me the business for bringing this green little mare. I 
think one of them wanted to bet whether I'd make it back with the pack in one 
piece, and lots of other comments about slow walking etc, etc.

The first couple of miles was on a road & very wide trail, so the first couple 
of bridges were also wide with little or no water running under them. We got up 
to the regular trail and it got narrow quickly. Well Libby hit the pack once on 
the right side and seemed to say, Ok, that was a little too close so we won't 
do that again...half mile or so later she hit the pack on the left side and 
again seemed to say, Ok that's too close on that side...for the rest of the 12 
or 14 miles she never hit the pack and some of that trail was so close my knees 
were barely touching trees on each side. Now two of these old boys pack with 
mules and they were very impressed with how quickly Libby learned to maneuver 
her packs and they both made the comment that she thought like a mule.

A little later we came to the first bridge that had some scare to it. The horse 
that was in front refused to cross and so did the second horse, which left 
myself, my appy and Libby..there was nothing unsafe about the bridge, it was 
just narrower and had lots of white water running just a few feet below the 
bridge deck. Anyway, right across we went..my appy kind of snorted once but 
about that time Libby bumped him in the rear end I think because she was 
watching the water more than where she was going, but never the less over we 
went nice as could be.

Now this left us out in front, and them old boys who were concerned about my 
slow walking Fjord found out how fast & sure footed she really was.
Coming back out on this same trip I road Libby and packed my appy, we were in 
front when we came to this same scary bridge and Libby walked over without even 
the slightest hesitation. Needless to say, I don't get any flack when it comes 
to taking my fjord on trail rides anymore.

Now I'm guessing that this little story really upsets some of you who want to 
pass your fjords off as world class dressage or CDE horses or whatever else it 
is you want to promote, but I got into fjords because of their VERSATILITY. 
They are a do it all type horse.

Last winter I took Libby to a sorting clinic..for those of you who might not 
know what sorting is...imagine a figure 8 with about a 10' gate in the middle, 
you've got 10 three to five hundred pound calves in one end of the circle all 
with numbers on them from 0-9. You work these cattle with a partner and the 
idea is to get as many animals from one end of the 8 to the other in proper 
numerical order without any of the wrong ones crossing even a noise beyond the 
10 foor gate in the middle, all in a specified amount of time. Most of the 
horses there were 1/4 horses, some good some not.

The first day of the clinic was done in an open arena and the idea was just to 
get the horses used to working cattle. Libby took to it like she'd been doing 
it her whole life, only thing was I had never cantored her, so even though I 
tried a few times to get her into a cantor at this clinic I could see it just 
wasn't going to happen. At one point the fellow who was putting on the clinic 
said...VanHoof, you've got one hella of good draft pony there and everybody 
laughed.

However, the next day when we were actually working in the sorting pen my 
little draft pony & I kicked every

Re: Fjord issues

[MorrisShadowMT]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

It is very nice to hear about fjord issues and not just  about the perfect 
horse.   Thanks Mike for taking the time for an  interview.   It is very 
refreshing to hear a more realistic approach  to this breed.After all it is 
a 
Fjord and it would be  nice to keep it that way.  
 
   Happy Fjording
  Bonnie Morris

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New Fjord Herald

[windago]

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

I haven't heard anyone mention receiving the newest edition of the Fjord 
Herald.  I actually received mine much earlier than usual...or else REALLY 
LATE!!   What a great issue!!!  I can never put it down until I have read 
each and every article and have looked over the photos again and again. 
Can't wait to get my mare up and pulling a cart.  Look out Blue Earth!!


Teresa
Winfield, MO 


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Re: cantering

[KateSeidel]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Patti Jo says <>
 
I am always so tickled when somebody else has an explanation for what I  
experience.  I am just recently getting Joe to canter, and he just tears  into 
it. 
 I figured I needed to work on the transition up and getting it to  last a 
bit longer, and then we can work on adjusting the speed.
 
Kate and Joe (who surprised us all today when a visitor kissed instead of  
clucked and he jumped into the canter!!)

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Re: fjordhorse-digest V2006 #268

[Elizabeth German]

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

Re: Fjord, mules, journalists and reporters

  I haven't had a chance to read the Horse Illustrated Article yet but 
sure sounds like it was provacative.  I have to wonder, though, if there is 
a lot of anti - mule bias out there.  I've never ridden a mule but friends 
of mine who ride and train mules say they are incredibly smart and reliable. 
Good traits for any equine and certainly descriptive of many fjords. 
Mike, thanks for going out on a limb and talking to the reporter.  It's 
wonderful for fjords to get the publicity in such a widely circulated 
magazine.No wonder so many people, when contacted about a newsworthy 
issueby a reporter,  respond with "no comment".   Perhaps some well written, 
tactful letters to the editor providing additional positive comments and 
stories about fjords (not bashing the current article) would give Horse 
Illustrated readers even more information. Maybe we can all learn more about 
both creatures in the process.


Beth German
Sandia Park, NM 


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Re: Fw: accusations of Mike

[Mike May, Registrar NFHR]

This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 12:48 PM 11/25/2006, you wrote:

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



You do not get paid for the slings and arrows you have to take 
Mike. Jean Gayle


No that is true but I have big shoulders & I can take it.


Mike



===

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar
PO Box 685
Webster, NY  14580-0685

Voice 585-872-4114
FAX 585-787-0497

http://www.nfhr.com
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 


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Re: accusations of Mike

[Mike May, Registrar NFHR]

This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 10:43 AM 11/25/2006, you wrote:

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

Guess we should all rise up and tell you that from time to time,
thanks Mike.


Thank you Ruthie.

And thanks to all of you that have sent private messages too.

Mike

Mike



===

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar
PO Box 685
Webster, NY  14580-0685

Voice 585-872-4114
FAX 585-787-0497

http://www.nfhr.com
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 


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Re: Cantering....

[Genie Dethloff]

This message is from: Genie Dethloff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

For four or five months before I sold Finne, my trainer worked on his 
cantering.  He was started at six under saddle and was not started in 
cantering for 1 1/2 years as we had so much work in the walk and trot 
to get him off his front end and to be balanced so he didn't rush. 
His conformation and gaits were not the best for a dressage horse! My 
trainer found that the way to get him to canter nicely was to really 
have him going well in the trot, balance his energy back towards his 
hind end and help him lift up into the canter.  This required not 
letting him run or rush into the canter at all - not even one or two 
steps.  Of course at the beginning we had to run him some into it, 
but he learned the cues very quickly and then it was time to help him 
canter well. Each lesson, he would be asked to canter twice each way 
- starting with only a 1/4 or half circle and building up.

We learned that if he didn't start off balanced and slow, it was very 
hard to get it after he started.  We use the same method going into 
the trot from a walk; the horse should not speed up at all before 
taking his first trot step.  A little energy is built up and 
contained and then asked for the transition.  He also had to be 
supple and soft - if he hardened, grabbed the bit, flattened out, the 
canter was lost.  She started him on a circle, making sure he was 
bent and flexed to the inside. If all of this was right, he took off 
in the correct lead also.  If he was counterbent (looking and bent to 
the outside) he would not get the correct lead half the time.  Once 
my trainer would make sure he was just how she wanted him going in 
the trot,  got his energy collected and then lifted him into the 
canter, he could canter well for a few circles.  He really seemed to 
love it but it took a lot of help from her.  She had to ride the trot 
and walk doing figures between each time asking for the canter to 
keep him from anticipating and getting strong.  Then when he felt 
really good, she could ask for a canter.

Many people feel that you should bend a horse to the outside and use 
a strong outside cue to get the correct lead.  As I understand the 
theory, the assumption is that if you unweight the inside foreleg, he 
will use that leg first and take the correct lead.  (Anyone feel free 
to correct me if I'm incorrect in my assumption here). The problem 
with this plan is the canter really starts with the hind outside leg 
and the inside fore is the third beat.  The outside leg used behind 
the girth is to tell the horse to step under with the outside rear 
leg first.  Having energy and weight to the rear really helps the 
horse step off with the rear versus having the horse run on the 
forehand and fall into the canter.

If you can work your horse on the lunge line and teach the word 
"canter" during ground work, it is easier to teach under saddle 
because you can use the voice cue also.  Also time on the lunge 
allows the horse to develop balance in the canter without a riders 
weight interfering.  Finne did not lunge well so we only lunged him 
in the canter a few times to teach the word.  Then my trainer used 
the word under saddle.

If I was bringing up a new young horse, I would make sure to have all 
three gaits going well on the lunge before the horse was ridden, but 
we couldn't use that plan with Finne.  My trainer found that she 
could help him more from on his back than while holding the lunge 
line on the ground.

When I sold him, he was not confirmed enough in the canter for me to 
canter him, but he was well on his way.
-- 
Genie Dethloff
Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Re: Ocala

[jgayle]

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

Thanks Robin and will remember where you live for when I begin to travel 
again.  Jean






Author
'The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949
Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press
7403 Blaine Rd
Aberdeen, WA 98520 


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Stories....

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> 'You are never gonna believe what happened!'  Yup, my PRETEND 
> story came true.  They had been riding a new trail and came to THAT bridge.  
> His 
> Fjord told him twice, 'UMM, I don't think it is safe, Dad,' so they went 
> around 
> and proceeded down the trail.  A short time later there was a commotion 
> behind them and they turned around to see what was wrong.  Yup, the people 
> behind 
> him had pointed their horse at the brigde and insisted and - THE HORSE FELL 
> THROUGH!!
>
> I do have other stories (I have lots of them!), but won't bore you with all 
> of the details.
>
> Gayle Ware

Aww, why not?  IMHO, that kind of "stories with a lesson" are just the
thing to exchange around the "virtual kitchen table" on a soggy
weekend!

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

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Re: The bottom line

[Marsha Jo Hannah]

This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> I will not be purchasing from or recommending any of the people that I
> perceive to be rude or nasty on this list.  So whether you realize it
> or not, your behavior on the list may be hurting your own bottom line
> in the future [...]
> Maybe some of the breeders need to think about how you sound to the
> others on this list who may be buying or recommending sources of
> quality fjords before you start your next attack.  As breeders and
> spokesmen for the breed, you should strive to make your behavior
> above reproach which is certainly not how it appears to the rest of
> us.

Yes!!!  Well-said!

When I was Fjord shopping, I found it useful to ask questions at each
of the farms I visited, getting them talking about some of the OTHER
farms that I had/would visit.  It's amazing what folks "tell you about
themselves" when they think they're talking about someone else

Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman--
[EMAIL PROTECTED]   anything that can go wrong, will!
15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon

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Re: fjords

[jgayle]

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

In reference to small drafts, When I bought my first Fjord, Howdy, (I think 
it was about fifteen years ago Karen?) word got around and somehow the draft 
people got ahold of me and featured him on their draft site.  Howdy was a 
shy fourteen hands and slender, not drafty.  There may still be a picture of 
him there.   Jean Gayle









Author
'The Colonel's Daughter"
Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949
Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press
7403 Blaine Rd
Aberdeen, WA 98520 


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Fw: accusations of Mike

[jgayle]

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

: Re: accusations of Mike



This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 04:19 PM 11/24/2006, you wrote:

This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
He has devoted enormous amounts of time, free, to help us all in our work 
with

Fjords.


When I replied to this same message a little while ago I started to reply 
to set the record straight that I do get paid for what I do these days.


Mike

You do not get paid for the slings and arrows you have to take Mike. 
Jean Gayle

===



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fjords

[CHERYL GARNICA]

This message is from: CHERYL GARNICA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Horse Illustrated (I think) did a fjord spread in either 2001 or 2002 .  The 
fjord pictures caught my eye before the print.  WOW!  Took my breath away...the 
neck, the mane, the eyes...I was hooked!  I can't quote, but what stuck in my 
mind of the written article (after the photos) that put me on the fjord pursuit 
was "small draft", "comfortable trot" , not as spooky, sensible,  family horse, 
good for kids, not speed demons.All the things I was looking for after a 
bone crushing wreck.  I guess you take out from an article the points you want, 
whether positive or negative.
   
  Cantering:  Thanks to those for posting and answering.  My fjord prefers to 
trot, still young.  Got my best canter on trail with a TWH (who only trotted up 
a hill) and and Icelandic (who cantered up).  My boy did his best to keep up, 
but we got left in the dust half way up!  He canters in the arena with the TB 
and POA, but on lunge only a few times when asked; also on the way to the gait 
(buddy/gait sour!)  Something to work on and I will reward the short tries.  
Good advice. I wondered if this was just MY problem.  He is a bit drafty build 
(and too fat!!)
   
  When asked what my fjord "is", I've always answered small draft capable of 
doing many things, and with a personality to die for.  I don't think that is a 
negative  description!  If I was a trainer/breeder of show fjords, I suppose I 
would highlight that portion of the breed which best portrayed my stock, or 
what I trained for whether dressage, driving, trail, etc.
   
  About 18 yrs. ago I was interviewed for TV news as a nurse re: strike issue.  
I was on the fence.  What portrayed on TV was against it. The news edited the 
interview to fit their personal slant.  Hasn't changed I see.
   
  I'm glad fjords got the exposure, and my eyes went to the pictures first!!   
Have never ridden Long Ears, but love their looks and qualities I have read 
about.  My ramblings...

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Re: Ocala

[Robin Churchill]

This message is from: Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

>Right on, Robin!   Well said!

Jean, 
My dream is to get to Ocala and get our place built and have all my fjord 
friends come down and stay with us for the winter.  We will have 14 miles of 
bridle paths, are right across the street from a system of trails called the 
Florida greenway and only about 1/2 mile from the newly opened Florida Horse 
Park.  So, if I ever get that far, you are welcome to come visit. You can see 
some pictures of the development at www.thewinningdream.com.   A few fjord 
people have come and visited us at our Sanibel place when they have been down 
vacationing and I have found them to a lot of fun.  Right now we are in the 
middle of a big remodeling project here so I don't have any place for anyone to 
stay but eventually if this place ever gets finished, I would welcome some 
visitors here, as well. 

We are excited that our young mare, Ulyssa, who has been in Ocala in training 
for the past 6 months is going to be coming back soon.  We have an excellent 
trainer that we use that all horses love and I called her yesterday to ask when 
Ulyssa might be ready and she called back and said "She's ready, now you just 
have to learn to ride her". She mostly trained warmbloods but loved Ulyssa 
because she is very clever yet level-headed, brave and easy to train. I think 
Maya (the trainer) thought I was making a mistake when I bought the fjords, but 
really seemed to enjoy working with them both.  (I sent Ooruk to her for 5 
months about a year and a half ago and he came back like a different 
horse--balanced and bending and supple).   Ulyssa happens to be one of the 
fjords for which the canter wasn't easy but with consistent, skilled and gentle 
training, it has improved remarkably.  In fact the main reason that I left her 
up there for six months was to get the canter balanced enough tha!
 t I didn't have to ride it fast and on the forehand because I knew that I 
wouldn't be able to do it because I kind of have a thing about the canter--it's 
not always my best gait. At 45, I have an allergy to hitting the ground and try 
to avoid it all costs.  So we're anxious to get the girl back and see what she 
is like.  


Robin in Florida where it is again in the 70s and Ooruk and Patrick got to dump 
the dressage and do bareback around the farm today

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Re: accusations of Mike

[ruth bushnell]

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


He has devoted enormous amounts of time, free, to help us all in our
work with Fjords.



When I replied to this same message a little while ago I started to
reply to set the record straight that I do get paid for what I do
these days.

Mike


I couldn't help but also wonder if a lot of your service is gratis, as
you respond any time of day, anywhere you are.. without fail ..where
else in this busy world can you find service like that from one
person?

In all the long while we've been doing business with your office,
we've never once been disappointed in your performance as registrar.

Guess we should all rise up and tell you that from time to time,
thanks Mike.

Ruthie and Gene, ns mt US 


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Dissension on the List

[Steve McIlree]

This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

  First off, let me say I think we have now heard enough on the
  subject of the Horse Illustrated article.

  That said, I have a heavy subject to discuss. After the recent
  unpleasantness, I am seriously considering cutting the List's
  subscriber base by one or two.

  Frankly, I am in a quandary about this move. My libertarian nature
  tells me that everyone is entitled to his/or her opportunity to
  voice an opinion. However, my practical nature tells me that it
  isn't right to keep subjecting the majority of the civil folks here
  to disruptive input from the same tiny group who seem to be bent on
  stirring things up.

  I think most of you know me well enough by now to trust me to drop
  the right ones if it comes to it. So I am asking you as a community,
  gathered here at our virtual kitchen table, for feedback. Does
  everyone have the right to freely express their opinion, or are we
  better off without those who repeatedly engender dissension?

  Please reply privately to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

 -- 
Steve McIlree
Owner/Administrator FjordHorse List

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Re: Cantering....

[Jean Ernest]

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

When I got Stella  she was 9  and in foal.  When I started riding her I was 
a very novice rider.  She did not even seem to know HOW to canter but had 
an awesome trot, faster than most horses could canter or even gallop. She 
would race around the paddock with this huge trot.  Even my riding 
instructor couldn't get her to canter at first.   I started working her in 
circles at the walk and trot, getting her more supple and low and behold, 
she started cantering! She would then be ale to canter out on a straight 
stretch of trail.  Eventually my instructor could get her rounded up  and 
into a very nice canter, but I still had trouble,  It is amazing what a 
GOOD rider can do!


My young mare, Anvil's Adel (Leidjo/Anvil's Stina-Rudaren) who is Stella's 
Granddaughter, can canter easily, is very  athletic, she was raised her 
first two year on a mountain, so is very agile.
I have Stella's son, Bjorken, a big 15-2HH gelding, who has some trouble 
cantering, but I think it is my fault...I actually prefer the trot with 
him, don't care if he doesn't canter!  Oh, he galloped  while I was riding 
him, chasing a moose! (Did he think it was another horse?)


Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, clear and cold, -28F

Re cantering/  Some fjords find it easier to canter then others. I have 
never met one that couldn't canter.


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Re: The bottom line

[Jean Ernest]

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

Right on, Robin!   Well said!

Jean in frozen Fairbanks, Alaska, -28F  (Can I move down to Ocala with you?)

A number of people have written in about the unpleasant behavior that is 
pretty consistent on this list.


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Re: accusations of Mike

[Mike May, Registrar NFHR]

This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 04:19 PM 11/24/2006, you wrote:

This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
He has devoted enormous amounts of time, free, to help us all in our work with
Fjords.


When I replied to this same message a little while ago I started to 
reply to set the record straight that I do get paid for what I do 
these days.


Mike


===

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar
PO Box 685
Webster, NY  14580-0685

Voice 585-872-4114
FAX 585-787-0497

http://www.nfhr.com
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 


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Cantering....

[Lauren Sellars]

This message is from: Lauren Sellars <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Re cantering/  Some fjords find it easier to canter then others. I have 
never met one that couldn't canter. A conformational fault is having an 
overly wide chest with legs on the outside  so they have to paddle to 
get around the chest.The bottom quote  here from Bridget is a very good 
one, to have a straight stretch and have another horse out front 
cantering in control, It usually works wonders . When I start canter 
work in the areana I give them so much credit for the first half a 
circle I'll get off give them  give em a carrot,  a massage, they know 
they did someting right. Praise praise praise.  Don't ask for to much in 
the begining ask a little more each day. Sometimes going slowly gets you 
there faster. Good luck and be safe

Lauren



As far as getting your Fjord to canter, a nice long trail works for mine. 
Riding with other cantering horses helps, and if all else fails, ask for it on 
the way home :-). Yes, the Fjords can trot faster than other horses can canter. 
When mine offer this, I say, yes, that's nice, but I need something else.



/ )_~
/L/L
Brigid Wasson
SF Bay Area, CA
www.eponahorsemanship.com 


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Horse Illustrated article

[FofDFJORDS]

This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

In a message dated 11/24/2006 1:52:12 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

> Have talked with Gayle Ware in the past,,,she has an adult quiet grace  
> about 
> her, when she is talking about Fjords. I think many can learn from  her.
> 
> Hi,

Thank you for the kind words, Shari.  I feel compelled to address some of the 
comments lately about the article in Horse Illustrated.

First of all, the author that wrote this article also 'slightly' misquoted me 
as well.  I have been interviewed many times for various horse publications 
and I always cringe when it is a phone interview.  I would rather submit 
something in writing so that the author has a hard copy to refer back to 
instead of 
their memory during a conversation.  I ALWAYS ask for a copy prior to 
publication so that I can proof read it - almost NEVER get one.

I was interviewed about the same time as the Horse Illustrated by a writer 
from the Trail Rider magazine and have not heard one word from them since, 
neither have they returned my photos.

The absolute best article was in a recent Yankee Pedlar.  It was quite well 
done.  Anne and I were included in the article titled 'Horses At The Top Of 
Their Game'.  I actually learned some things about Anne that I did not know!

Regarding Fjords being compared to mules - I have cautiously used this 
example when explaining the Fjord's thought proccesses to new folks who want to 
learn about them.  Fjords do process differently than most main-stream breeds.  
However, I ALWAYS follow that statement with the explanation that they are 
'thinkers' and many folks wrongly interpret that for 'stubborn'.  I go on to 
explain that survival is quite high on their list of priorities and that I 
would 
much prefer to ride a horse that is going to take care of me instead of blindly 
going where pointed.  I actually made up a story for a client who had purchased 
his first Fjord and had sent him to me for training, as an example of how 
Fjords 'think'.  I had told him that, for example, if you were riding on a new 
trail and came to a bridge that was of questionable integrity and you politely 
ask a Fjord to cross it and he said, 'Umm, I don't know, Dad,' two things had 
to happen - first of all, he had to have enough knowlege to know whether this 
horse was just telling him to go to hell or whether the bridge was, indeed, not 
safe.  If he asked again and the Fjord again said, 'Umm, don't think so', 
that he should probably go around.

A short time after this Fjord went home, I received a phone call from the 
fellow saying, 'You are never gonna believe what happened!'  Yup, my PRETEND 
story came true.  They had been riding a new trail and came to THAT bridge.  
His 
Fjord told him twice, 'UMM, I don't think it is safe, Dad,' so they went around 
and proceeded down the trail.  A short time later there was a commotion 
behind them and they turned around to see what was wrong.  Yup, the people 
behind 
him had pointed their horse at the brigde and insisted and - THE HORSE FELL 
THROUGH!!

I do have other stories (I have lots of them!), but won't bore you with all 
of the details.

I am stepping up in Mike's defense here since I have 'been there, done that' 
when it comes to interviews.  All in all, It is a good thing when our Fjords 
are featured in these national publications and I hope to see more of it.  I 
have received a lot of contacts from such articles and, overall, they have been 
quite positive and do generate interest.  It is a good way to get this breed 
introduced to the general public.

Thank you.

Gayle Ware
Field of Dreams
Eugene, OR
www.fjordhorse.com

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horse illus

[Dave and Patti Walter]

This message is from: "Dave and Patti Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Since the discussion came up about Fjords and cantering in the article that
Mike was interviewed for. Which,I'd like to say, I think he did his best and
thank him for being interviewed. Anyone who has ever been interviewed more
then once KNOWS how things can come out. The best interview can be a nightmare
in print. You know, I LOVE that our breed is HONEST. Our Fjords DO GET FAT
FAST!  Even the leaner ones. Our Fjords are like Mules. I have a friend who
rides and LOVES mules and when talking with her, it does seem that they have a
similiar training and mindset. Yes, people think mules are stubborn and many
think that of Fjords. Our Fjords are unique, everything written in the article
seems pretty accurate to me. I know, some breeders wish our breed was
considered a top performance breed, in dressage or whatever. BUT.the facts
are we have something like 70% of the owners riding pleasure, and not in the
ring. Yes, some think a better article, more education, etc will change this
but.is that what the public/owners want Maybe , maybe not, time will
tell, but this is what our breed is NOW, lets embrace it, as we are UNIQUE, we
LOVE our breed and it's REFRESHING and that is what draws buyers. Not only
that people LOVE our breed as a pleasure/trail horse but also Our breed shows
that don't cost an arm and a leg to show, where you don't have to have a
trainer with every horse. If you are a newbie you can show and have a GREAT
TIME. Do we really want to be like every other breed?

  And if you want to talk cantering. It all comes down to conformation. Fjords
are a horse and sorry to say but MANY out there are front end heavy and or
have POOR conformation and dont' canter well at all! Many have great canters
butand it would be HELPFUL for mare owners to breed to quality when you
consider breeding your mare. It does make a difference.

Taking in horses for training, and to sell on consignment. I get to see a LOT
of what is out there. It's not all the 10K plus horses that canter well and
the $5K that can't. AND I would not say that they can't but...I will say the
canter is the hardest gait to get "finished" on a Fjord. If they like to
canter, I have YET to see a Fjord collect easy and get the canter slowed
easily. It takes a lot of hard work, they have a tendency to run thru the
pressure, to be slow growers and be unbalanced and again run thru the
unbalancedness of their body.  I think the vast majority of them are quite
rushy in their canter in the beginning. My Silas had an AWESOME canter on him.
Anne Appleby said she wished her horse had such a lovely canter, Wayne Hispley
commented on his great canter(poor rider but great canter!) :-))
Silas did, it was GREAT, but it did not START that way. He was RUSHY, strong
and took a LOT of hard work to slow that boy down. He had no problem doing
into it right from the start as many I've started do, butas I said I've
yet to see many of them go slow in the canter in the beginning. We started the
canter the fall of him being almost 4. Then didn't work on it thru the winter,
picked it back up in spring of his 4th year and worked a year on
it. I think if you talk to most people they will tell you the same. I know
Joni Griffin told me how she still remembers how much work it was for her and
Jock and he has a super lope on him now.

Now, compare that to what they are doing with the appys/QH/paints etc. Not
that I like what they are doing, butfor the pleasure ring, they have bred
them to just about lope from the start. They are not strong like our Fjords.
People compare a lot to the pleasure world, at least around here.

I love the breed, think they are a super cool horse. They are not perfect,
they aren't right for everyone, and I say let's keep loving them and showing
them and doing the best we can with our breed and others will want them too.

Patti Jo Walter
www.franciscreekfjords.com

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RE: mare and fetus development

[Karen Keith]

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

Debbie:

Try this link for Reproductive Biology of the Mare:

http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?chunk=25&mtype=&wtit=reproductive%20biology%20of%20the%20mare

Cheers!

Karen

_
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The bottom line

[Robin Churchill]

This message is from: Robin Churchill <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

A number of people have written in about the unpleasant behavior that is pretty 
consistent on this list.  Even some of us have only "been in fjords for a 
couple of years" or something like that that someone said, are starting to 
recognize who the people are who seem to always be spoiling for a fight.  It 
seems like the internet can bring out the worst in people because you can write 
whatever you want and send it off perhaps before thinking about how 
inappropriate it sounds.  In Florida, there aren't many fjords so when I take 
mine somewhere, I get scores of people coming up to see them and ask about 
them.  "What kind of horse is that, where did you get it, etc"  We also have 
about 21 acres of property up in Ocala, Florida. When we move to that property, 
 we will likely think about purchasing one or more additional fjords.  I will 
not be purchasing from or recommending any of the people that I perceive to be 
rude or nasty on this list.  So whether you realize it or not, your !
 behavior on the list may be hurting your own bottom line in the future and the 
breed in general much more than any misquoted comments from Mike May or Anne 
Appleby in Horse Illustrated, which is hardly a premier example of equine 
journalism or a primary source of information for the informed horse owner.  
Maybe some of the breeders need to think about how you sound to the others on 
this list who may be buying or recommending sources of quality fjords before 
you start your next attack.  As breeders and spokesmen for the breed, you 
should strive to make your behavior above reproach which is certainly not how 
it appears to the rest of us.  


Robin Churchill in Florida.

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Re: accusations of Mike

[Mike May, Registrar NFHR]

This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

At 04:19 PM 11/24/2006, you wrote:

This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
He has
devoted enormous amounts of time, free, to help us all in our work with
Fjords.


Thanks so much for your kind words Jean.  I do try to help anyone out 
with any Fjord related problems they may have.  I am the first to 
admit that I don't have all of the answers.  But I usually know of 
someone that could possibly help out.  I don't give advise on things 
I know I don't know.  For instance the mule training quote I made.  I 
didn't say that I thought they trained like a mule - I 
said  "Sometimes people say they train more like a mule"




Mike, I have waited some years now and I will be 82 soon!  Will you marry me?


I am sorry Jean - Renee says I can't have 2 wives & she isn't going 
anywhere so I guess not.


Mike


Jean Gayle




===

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar
PO Box 685
Webster, NY  14580-0685

Voice 585-872-4114
FAX 585-787-0497

http://www.nfhr.com
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 


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Re: accusations of Mike

[Mike May, Registrar NFHR]

This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


Get in line (LOL)
Ellen.

Mike, I have waited some years now and I will be 82 soon!  Will you marry me?
Jean Gayle


Wow! Two proposals in the same day!

I am sorry to have to turn them both down though as I am sure my 
wonderful wife of almost 34 years - Renee would not approve of 
this.  Of course I didn't ask her about it yet so you never know...


Mike



===

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Mike May, Executive Director & Registrar
PO Box 685
Webster, NY  14580-0685

Voice 585-872-4114
FAX 585-787-0497

http://www.nfhr.com
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 


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