Re: Volunteering for the WEG Kentucky 2010
This message is from: Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] volunteering at the Equestrian Games in KY. I applied to volunteer, and hope to be there! It would be really fun if there was a Fjord group! Emily The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: fjordhorse-digest V2008 #27
This message is from: Corinne Logan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kelly, Two of our local Theraputic Riding programs, and I'm sure others as well - use Fjords and absolutely love them! Little Bit has four!!! We have friends with a daughter in their program and they said that the group would LOVE more Fjords. See them at www.littlebit.org/ The other is EquiFriends and they love the Fjords as well: http://www.equifriends.org/ Great organizations that do amazing work.Thanks,Corinne LoganWillows Edge FarmBothell, WA 425-402-6781www.willowsedgefarm.com Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:34:16 -0400 From: kelly MacDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Therapeutic Riding I really have high hopes of running the program with Fjords. I know there are a few others that run programs for PWAD and use Fjordhorses. I'd love to hear your experiences and maybe swap some stories. I have yet to use Fjords in the program here, but am hoping to have at least one suitable Fjord by the spring session. Sincerely, Kelly MacDonald The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Bit seats in molars
This message is from: Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Jan 31, 2008, at 9:16 PM, fjordhorse-digest wrote: No No ! Better get a new trainer ! You don't need a bit seat period!! Learn to rein with out the reins, using your seat, timing, legs, voice. Amen! I second that! I'll third it as loudly as possible! A bit seat is a placein the molars which has been ground/filed down. Those that do so do it because they feel that there should be a place for the bit. Those of us who do not feel that nature has given plenty of room with the natural bar of the mouth, where there are no teeth between the incisors and the molars - plenty of room for a bit. There is no less and no more control garnered from a bit seat, it's just something that some horsemen think is a good idea. I have no idea how it started or where. After 35 years of dressage and jumping, I have never personally worked with a horse with a bit seat. Occasionally my vet mentions it when I have a young horse vetted for purchase, and I always calmly say no thank you, while internally I begin to boil. Emily Emily Wigley ARIA Certified Instructor - dressage and stable management Fish Bowl Farm • Vashon Island, Washington • www.fishbowlfarm.com • [EMAIL PROTECTED] The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: t-post
This message is from: Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm so glad your mare is ok! Good for you for being there, noticing what was going on, etc. Having a t-post puller is one of the handiest things, but bar that, a chain wrapped so it snugs with a pull from a tractor's front loader is the handiest way to get them out I know, but in a pond something fierce can happen with suction as you mentioned. Several years ago we were having our perimeter fencing done, and the fencing guys asked us if we were sure we wanted a 6' gate in one spot, suggesting something wider. They were right, we needed a bigger gate there, so they proceeded to move a gate post. These are 6-8 diameter wood posts pounded into the ground by a very large implement on a very large tractor and it wouldn't budge with any of the normal methods. They bumped it repeatedly to break the suction, and the thing just moved a little, but wouldn't come out no matter what. Thank goodness we have a gigantic 10 ton forklift, which my hubby proceeded to chain to this giant post and pull out of the ground. It was amazing! The fencing guys are used to post pounding and its sturdiness, but they were amazed with this one! Suction is an amazing thing! This was in a very dry location, so I'm sure when there's pond water around it can be really tough! Emily The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: loosey goosey
This message is from: Janet [EMAIL PROTECTED] Did I understand this horse is getting just 2 flakes of alfalfa/grass hay per day plus a can of oats and alfalfa pellets? this is way too little dry matter imo, and then on top of it, is a nutrient rich diet. Much better to have him on mature grass hay to take the weight off. janet The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: loosey goosey
This message is from: Robin Churchill [EMAIL PROTECTED] I agree with Janet, if the horse is fat, I would give him some type of what I call diet i.e. lower calorie/protein grass hay and give him more of it to keep him busy and happy, get rid of the oats and alfalfa pellets and just give him a good vitamin/mineral supplement made for horses on a hay diet and work him and he will lose weight. When my guys look like they are getting a little chubby, I decrease their hay a little and try to make their work a little longer and more often (because it is usually my fault if they aren't working enough) and that seems to shape them up pretty quickly. Robin --- Janet [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Janet [EMAIL PROTECTED] Did I understand this horse is getting just 2 flakes of alfalfa/grass hay per day plus a can of oats and alfalfa pellets? this is way too little dry matter imo, and then on top of it, is a nutrient rich diet. Much better to have him on mature grass hay to take the weight off. janet The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: The Fjord the drain hole and the rain
This message is from: Warren Stockwell [EMAIL PROTECTED] This was a learning video for me. I have tried to ground drive with little success. I have no teachers around, so it's by just what little I know ( I know enough to be dangerous, at least I know that much ). So I thank you for posting it! Roberta - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:14 PM Subject: The Fjord the drain hole and the rain This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9fLuGEvZhY_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9fLuGEvZhY) Check out this new video of Landrin and his adventures ground driving thru the neighborhood. Bonnie **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Bit seats in molars
This message is from: Kimberly Kinney [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good morning All! The definitions of bit seat I've read here sound like floating the teeth. Can someone tell us the difference between the two? Thanks!! Kimberly Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Bit seats in molars
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am absolutely no expert on bit seats. But I am a trained researcher. Here is some info I found on the pros and cons of bit seats: A bit seat is created by filing off the front corners of the large molars just behind the bars. Some folks feel a bit seat will prevent the tongue from getting pinched against sharp points of the molars if the bit rides back too far in the mouth and pinches the soft tongue or cheek tissue between the teeth and bit. There is some truth to that opinion. The bit can rub on those molars and pinch or cut soft tissue if the rider rides with aggressive or heavy contact (an untrained rider, aggressive rider), if the bit fits incorrectly, or if the horse habitually chews on the bit. Correct use of the bit (light contact/light hands), proper bit fit, and recognizing and addressing any horse's behavioral issues are alternatives to making a bit seat. I get the impression that mild smoothing and rounding of any sharp edges on these front molars is certainly appropriate and reasonable. This may be what some folks have in mind when they talk about a bit seat, and this kind of tooth care appears to be an entirely appropriate and acceptable thing to do. That's not what some folks want for a bit seat however. They want a large amount of tooth removed right down to the gum line. This kind of aggressive removal of tooth material is most definitely not in the best interests of the horse. See photo 4 from this Appaloosa Journal article: The corners of the front molars have been deeply and intentionally filed off to create a deep bit seat. Source: http://www.appaloosajournal.com/magazine/horsekeeping/bitseat.html From the Australian Equine Dental Practice comes this opinion: ...Removing material off the molars by filing can diminish the horse's chewing ability. For example, one tooth completely smoothened on the left and the right molar arcade such as done by some to create a bit seat, means the loss of more than 15% of the total feed grinding surface of the horse. The 'bit seat' concept ... implies the bit is seated on the teeth, where it should not be. Proponents of this treatment will file the first bottom molar teeth down to the gumline. This will lead to: * Loss of essential dental material for grinding the feed... * Encouraging the horse to clench and grind the bit at will as the bit can be easily pulled between the teeth by the rider or driver. This can make the horse a 'puller' which who not responsive to the bit. It is important that the bit rests in front of the first lower molars which ensures the horse will be much more responsive to the bit and therefore the rider. Injury will be prevented and the horse will be very comfortable if the corners of these molars are moderately rounded by the dentist Source: http://www.horsecalendar.com/Frame2CareerPage.html A similar point of view is expressed in this research article: So called ‘bit seats’ ... are meant to create more comfort with the bit, but over aggressive reduction of these teeth can cause much discomfort The term, ‘bit seat’ is a misnomer, because a properly fitted bit should not contact the premolars. Many horses experience discomfort or sensitivity to the teeth after a ‘bit seat’ has been created, due to the large amount of sensitive dental tissue that was removed. ...If the tooth is aggressively reduced, the pulp chamber may be inadvertently entered, leading to bacterial infection and often death of the tooth. Another reason for increased sensitivity is thermal damage to the pulp inflicted by aggressive reduction. Thermal damage can cause a pulpitis, and if the damage is severe, death of the pulp and so death of the tooth Source: Dental Conditions Affecting the Mature Performance Horse (5-15 Years), 2006, Thomas J. Johnson, DVM and Colleen M. Porter, DVM. http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/aaepfocus/2006/johnson4.pdf Note: Some of the photos in this article are not recommended for the faint of heart. DeeAnna The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Introduction
This message is from: Margo Farnsworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, I have just subscribed to this list. I have been on the Yahoo Fjord Issues for a couple of months now. I am in the process of searching for a Fjord. A bit about myself. My last horse was a 16.3h Friesian who was very successful in dressage, only not with me riding! I owned him for 5 years, but he was just a bit too much horse for me. I was very involved in the Friesian breed and have run two Keurings. I am interested in bloodlines and did a great deal of research on bloodlines that were successful in dressage. But, I've come to the decision that the Friesian really is not for me. I've always been a fan of the Fjord, and the more research I do the more of a fan I am becoming. When I make a list of qualities that I am looking for in my next horse, the Fjord fits into that list pretty darn well. I work at Coachman's Delight, a carriage driving tack store, and have been exposed to a number of wonderful Fjords through the owner's (Andy Marcoux) clients. They're all great. I had the opportunity to have my first ride on a Fjord earlier this week, I'm hooked! It was everything I was hoping for. It felt like such a perfect fit. I would like to get a mare to ride drive with hopes of breeding a foal someday in the future. So, I'm trying to do my best to educate myself as much as I can before purchasing. I've spent a great deal of time on the NFHR website reading the materials available there. I want to find a mare who is of breeding quality and who has the personality and training for me to enjoy. I look forward to reading the various discussions that come up here. Take care, Margo Farnsworth Oakham, MA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: The Fjord the drain hole and the rain
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Roberta I will be posting more adventures. If you are ever up in my neck of the woods. I'd be glad to show you the ropes. Bonnie Morris Auburn, Washington **Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
T-posts and hay
This message is from: Lois Anne Starr [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another T-post story in the late seventies we had access to a small pond nearby that we'd take the animals to on hot summer days to swim and cool off in, dogs, kids and horses all had a great time in the water. Other folks would come too. One afternoon, Mookie, (not a Fjord) just a little mixed black girl, came charging up out of the pond as usual, cutting through some reeds. Next thing I knew she let out this g-- awful scream, started to run away then turned back and came to me and just stood there shaking. She had impaled her chest with a broken T-post that was hidden in the reeds on the pond bank (we looked for whatever had done this later) tearing a 6 inch three corner tear in her chest, skin just hanging there. Weird thing was there was hardly any blood. Needless to say we loaded up within minutes and headed to the vet's where Mook was given antibiotics, had her wound irrigated and stitched up with what seemed like a mile of drains. We went home, followed directions and although she was sore for a few days, she never developed a fever or infection. Her chest healed up just great and you had to really look for a scar, just a small dimple where one of the drains exited. I really expected white hair to grow in, but it didn't. Yup, t-posts can be nasty things even in familiar places. I must say our vet was so responsive that day, seeing Mookie right away and us dragging a very wet and muddy pony in to his clinic! She was so good about everything too. My guys all have a round bale that is mixed alfalfa/native and seeded grass mix withlimited access. I have never had a problem with loose bowels with them so hopefully it will just be a temporary thing for you. I have read on the list, a number of folks seem to have a similar problem feeding alfalfa/grass mix. I happen to like it for the very reason it does have a mild laxative effect and keeps things moving right along... Maybe bringing in some of your old hay and gradually transitioning to the new? I'm sure others on the list will have some suggestions. -- Lois Anne, Wayne, Gallant Geier and the Lovely Lana from Montana Tell me, and I'll probably forget. Show me, and I will remember, Involve me, and I will understand. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: Bit seats in molars
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks Deanna for the excellent research. For those of you gasping in horror at the thought that my horses mouth is somehow ruined or compromised by having the dentist (a vet btw), install a bit seat, please know that it's just fine. After he did the filing,etc, I was able to feel the difference and see it with a light, while the speculum was still on her face. I'd say he took down the front 1/2 of surface area of the top of the tooth, maybe about 1/8or a tad more off the top. I went back to using a Myler bit on her, it's a level 2 I think w/ more of a port to it for tongue relief. She's happiest in it. And no, I don't reef on my horses mouths, but I will use a strong half halt now and again. Karen Karen McCarthy Great Basin Fjords :: Madras, Oregon http://www.picturetrail.com/weegees Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 09:54:12 -0600 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: Bit seats in molars This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am absolutely no expert on bit seats. But I am a trained researcher. Here is some info I found on the pros and cons of bit seats: A bit seat is created by filing off the front corners of the large molars just behind the bars. Some folks feel a bit seat will prevent the tongue from getting pinched against sharp points of the molars if the bit rides back too far in the mouth and pinches the soft tongue or cheek tissue between the teeth and bit. There is some truth to that opinion. The bit can rub on those molars and pinch or cut soft tissue if the rider rides with aggressive or heavy contact (an untrained rider, aggressive rider), if the bit fits incorrectly, or if the horse habitually chews on the bit. Correct use of the bit (light contact/light hands), proper bit fit, and recognizing and addressing any horse's behavioral issues are alternatives to making a bit seat. I get the impression that mild smoothing and rounding of any sharp edges on these front molars is certainly appropriate and reasonable. This may be what some folks have in mind when they talk about a bit seat, and this kind of tooth care appears to be an entirely appropriate and acceptable thing to do. That's not what some folks want for a bit seat however. They want a large amount of tooth removed right down to the gum line. This kind of aggressive removal of tooth material is most definitely not in the best interests of the horse. See photo 4 from this Appaloosa Journal article: The corners of the front molars have been deeply and intentionally filed off to create a deep bit seat. Source: http://www.appaloosajournal.com/magazine/horsekeeping/bitseat.html From the Australian Equine Dental Practice comes this opinion: ...Removing material off the molars by filing can diminish the horse's chewing ability. For example, one tooth completely smoothened on the left and the right molar arcade such as done by some to create a bit seat, means the loss of more than 15% of the total feed grinding surface of the horse. The 'bit seat' concept ... implies the bit is seated on the teeth, where it should not be. Proponents of this treatment will file the first bottom molar teeth down to the gumline. This will lead to: * Loss of essential dental material for grinding the feed... * Encouraging the horse to clench and grind the bit at will as the bit can be easily pulled between the teeth by the rider or driver. This can make the horse a 'puller' which who not responsive to the bit. It is important that the bit rests in front of the first lower molars which ensures the horse will be much more responsive to the bit and therefore the rider. Injury will be prevented and the horse will be very comfortable if the corners of these molars are moderately rounded by the dentist Source: http://www.horsecalendar.com/Frame2CareerPage.html A similar point of view is expressed in this research article: So called bit seats ... are meant to create more comfort with the bit, but over aggressive reduction of these teeth can cause much discomfort The term, bit seat is a misnomer, because a properly fitted bit should not contact the premolars. Many horses experience discomfort or sensitivity to the teeth after a bit seat has been created, due to the large amount of sensitive dental tissue that was removed. ...If the tooth is aggressively reduced, the pulp chamber may be inadvertently entered, leading to bacterial infection and often death of the tooth. Another reason for increased sensitivity is thermal damage to the pulp inflicted by aggressive reduction. Thermal damage can cause a pulpitis, and if the damage is severe, death of the pulp and so death of the tooth Source: Dental Conditions Affecting the Mature Performance Horse (5-15 Years), 2006, Thomas J. Johnson, DVM and Colleen M. Porter, DVM.
Re: Bit seats in molars
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is nice to see some research and some first hand experiences. Not everything is always as bad as it can be made out to be. There is always a good reason as well that something has been invented for helping horses. I have watched many dentals and I have to say the tools in the wrong hands can be very bad, however in the right hands filing sharp edges down seems to be a standard floating including hooks and points on the first molars. Bit or not it would seem uncomfortable to me to have something that sharp in my mouth. I have never had or asked for a bit seat to be done or found the need for one, but that could be just because my vet takes off the sharp edges on the routine float. Bonnie Auburn, Washington cold and windy **Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Introduction
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 2/1/2008 2:52:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Take care, Margo Farnsworth Oakham, MA This might be a very silly question. Did you used to live in Lynn, MA ? Lisa **Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: therapeutic riding, breeding
This message is from: Debbie Shade [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kelly, I have been involved with Windrush Farm's therapeutic program for 17 of it's 40 plus years. They were one of the founding members of Therapeutic riding and starters of NARHA. I have loaned them my Fjord Kaya. They love her and would love to have more Fjords. This spring they hope to add driving to their program as she is quite experienced. As of now she is involved in all different levels of classes. Check out their website at www.windrushfarm.org. A question for those out there who breed. The people who bought my QH mares filly this year love her so much they asked if I would breed my mare again to the same stallion and they would pay all expenses and pay me for my time, ect to have the foal. This was an error breeding to the wrong stallion. One that I consider a very expensive stallion $7,500. last year for shipped seman but he happened to be a perfect match for my mare. It's a long story and anyone who wants to hear it can email me privately. My question is what would one charge for this? My mare would stay at my farm and the foal would stay there until weaning. What should I be aware of with this type of arrangement. Thank you in advance for any thoughts. Debbie in NH _ Helping your favorite cause is as easy as instant messaging. You IM, we give. http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Home/?source=text_hotmail_join The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
More on T-posts
This message is from: Jon Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have been following the thread on T-posts and I agree they can be lethal. A neighbor of ours lost their horse when she impaled herself on a T-post. But, I have to add, our whole pasture/paddock system is surrounded by T-posts, BUTeach and every one of them, and there are a couple hundred or so, are all capped with round plastic tops. Not a guarantee that nothing will happen, but at least if a horse jumps, rubs, or what ever else they can do to themselves, they have a chance to bounce off. As yet, we haven't had any injuries using these T-post toppers and we've been using them for over 12 years. I highly suggest anyone that uses T-posts top them with T-post caps. I would also like to mention, there is a tool called a T-post puller that works great for pulling T-posts out of the ground. They sell for around $35-$40 in many farm and equine catalogs. We have one and it works great. We have had to move fence lines many times and this tool gets those T-posts out of the ground in no time. Well worth the price. Jon Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords www.northcoastfjords.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Canadian Fjord Horse Associations new website
This message is from: Carol Boehm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everyone: If you get a chance click on to cfha.org and look at the new website for the Canadian Fjord Horse Association. I as a Canadian am extremely greatful to Barb Neufeld for all her hard work in getting the new and improved website up and running. I am also very greatful to all of my fellow NFHR members that have been not only extremely kind to me but have done everything in your power to be informative and helpful. I look forward to seeing you all at Moses Lake again next year and can't wait to come play with my Norwegian fjord loving American friends. I also hope that someday we can return the hospitality in our neck of the woods and repay the hospitality. Oh and I was so very excited when I got my Fjord Herald winter 2007/2008 and read about SMF Maarta becoming the first ever National Champion at the 2007 American Eventing Championships. Congratulations Neil and Ruth Sorum and to Lauren Chumley on a great ride. Carol Boehm Red Wing Acre's Norwegian Fjords The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Introduction
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] No I moved from Michigan the Traverse City area. Bonnie **Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Still de-spooking
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List ! Thank-you to everyone who responded on the list, or by private mail. Many of us are in the same boat with the sensitive type Fjords. Lots of good tips ans stories ( not all so good ) shared with me too, and if Jeff or I have not gotten back with your questions, please drop us another jingle. I did forget to mention one other training tip. Use a kicking strap, when driving the single horse. Lots of people use one, every time, every drive, no matter if the horse is a finished driving horse or not. The kicking strap helps those light in the rear guys keep their bottoms in checkFor those playful, or naughty bucks in a green horse, or even one who is spooked or stung by a bee, ect. if they cant get their rear going UP, the thought is that they also cant kick their hoofs over the dash into your face, or even get a leg over the shaft. A kicking strap go's from shaft to shaft, over the horses butt, around the area of the britchen. It should be loose enough to not impede a horses way of going unless he bucks, than it should engage to keep that buck from occuring. Nothing is for sure, but it can help those moments we all hate. Any harness maker can make you one that should fit all of your harness's. In a pinch we have used baling twine, but the style police had a fit. Lisa Pedersen ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0030002548) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
