Re: Stallion Selection
This message is from: Kay Van Natta What Ruth says about dangers of focussing on a single and narrowly defined type for the Fjordhorse sounds reasonable. Exactly how to dodge that bullet is the tricky part. Breeding for temperament aside, would we be well-advised to cross our sporty types on our drafty types on a more regular basis? With dogs, standards are written (sometimes by people who must be heavy drinkers, in my opinion, but still...) and, whether they're destructive to the breed or not, at least they're laid out. With quarter horses, for instance, desirable type appears to be determined by the show judges which certainly accounts for its trendiness. There must be a place somewhere in the middle where we can maintain the quality and breed characteristics we all value and avoid turning our Fjordhorses into something else. I kind of see evaluations as a way of keeping us from getting lost. We probably need to hear from actual breeders on this issue. What do they hope to accomplish with their current programs and do they have any suggestions about how the rest of us should shop for our mare's perfect husband? Me, I'm a gelding person so my shopping in this area is pretty limited. I still like to take them to evals, though. I can't be sure but I have to think breeders are interested in the boys their studs produce as well as the girls. Kay Van Natta Yellow Pony Farm Michigan Sent from my iPad > On Oct 14, 2013, at 3:29 PM, "ruth bushnell" wrote: > > This message is from: "ruth bushnell" > > > I’ve misplaced the original post but it said something about the evaluation > system being only a tool.. and went on to say it may be useful in identifying > lines of horses or individuals with better or poorer than average > characteristics. > > I agree that it is an effective way to choose particular bloodlines-- but > therein lies the detriment for the breed as a whole in the long term. > Consistently selecting the same bloodlines for their phenotype will eventually > screw up their genotype, to put it simply. This is what has happened to many > purebred dog breeds, via the show circuit. Choosing a particular specimen type > consistently, eventually narrows the gene pool down to only that desirably > inbred portion. Such a tool will unwittingly set apart a minor portion of the > breed, allowing the major portion to naturally diminish through the sorting > process. > > The more effective the culling tool, the more gene diversity dwindles. > Systematic processes of selection will incrementally chip away at the full > complement of original bloodline genetic material-- resulting in serious > genetic drift which leads to problems in temperament, reproduction, immunity, > etc. Some other smaller horse breeds have already discovered the dynamics of > an over-selection process and are taking steps to change their mode of > operation. > > I believe we would do well as a breed to cast off conventional avenues of > marketing assortment and focus instead on the genetic health of the breed, > whereby we can retain health and vigor. > > Ruth Bushnell, nw mt us > > Important FjordHorse List Links: > Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e > FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw > FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Stallion Selection
This message is from: "ruth bushnell" Iâve misplaced the original post but it said something about the evaluation system being only a tool.. and went on to say it may be useful in identifying lines of horses or individuals with better or poorer than average characteristics. I agree that it is an effective way to choose particular bloodlines-- but therein lies the detriment for the breed as a whole in the long term. Consistently selecting the same bloodlines for their phenotype will eventually screw up their genotype, to put it simply. This is what has happened to many purebred dog breeds, via the show circuit. Choosing a particular specimen type consistently, eventually narrows the gene pool down to only that desirably inbred portion. Such a tool will unwittingly set apart a minor portion of the breed, allowing the major portion to naturally diminish through the sorting process. The more effective the culling tool, the more gene diversity dwindles. Systematic processes of selection will incrementally chip away at the full complement of original bloodline genetic material-- resulting in serious genetic drift which leads to problems in temperament, reproduction, immunity, etc. Some other smaller horse breeds have already discovered the dynamics of an over-selection process and are taking steps to change their mode of operation. I believe we would do well as a breed to cast off conventional avenues of marketing assortment and focus instead on the genetic health of the breed, whereby we can retain health and vigor. Ruth Bushnell, nw mt us Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Vet Only Rabies Vaccinations
This message is from: Julia Webb Actually, it's a related liability exposure that is behind the reason I let the vet do it. As was explained to me, it was perfectly legal for me to administer the vaccine, and my vet was happy to provide the scrip if I wanted it, but he reminded me that I would get no certification that the shot had been administered. If my horse bit someone, they could insist that I had no proof of protection. Given the litigious nature of some people who might erroneously believe I had lots of assets to after (hah!), or the possibility of some nut job who wants to see my horse destroyed, I have no problem letting the vet give the shot. - Julia Webb Sent from my iPhone Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
vaccine reactions
This message is from: Robin Churchill But the vaccine that I've had horses most often have a local reaction to is the Flu/Rhino, so I give that one only to horses who are going off farm and prefer to do it intra-nasal if possible. If IN is not possible then the vet gives some banamine at the time of injection hopefully to head off any pain/swelling. As Lori points out above, the vaccine with the highest rate of reactions is flu/rhino. I have had problems with Magnus with that one and sometimes it may be the vaccine adjuvant not the vaccine itself. This year, my vet separated it out and we are going to pretreat with Benadryl and Banamine as Magnus gets a nasty case of hives with it although they don't really seem to bother him. Nevertheless, I don't like it when he gets them so have decided to see if we can avoid it. In fact, he is coming to give that one to Magnus tomorrow so we will see if the pretreatment works. Robin Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Vet Only Rabies Vaccinations
This message is from: Wendy Weirich And also, a vet has a license on the line. If they say they have vaccinated an animal for rabies, they better well have done or could lose their license and livelihood. A pet or horse owner could claim to have done it and not or tried to have done it and not gotten in done properly and be risking the animal and potentially people but would theoretically have less on the line. Wendy Sent from my iPad On Oct 14, 2013, at 12:36 PM, Steve McIlree wrote: > This message is from: Steve McIlree > > > I believe the reason many states restrict rabies vaccine to a prescription > item is to help enforce vaccination of dogs and cats. I am certainly in > favor of all pets being vaccinated, so I don't think paying for an annual > farm check-up call which includes rabies shots is too much of a burden. > > -- > Steve > It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought > without accepting it.-- Aristotle 384-322 BC > > Important FjordHorse List Links: > Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e > FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw > FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Rabies
This message is from: Kathleen Prince My understanding of needing the rabies vaccine given by a vet is for the state to have proof it was done in case their is a situation. You can still give one yourself to know your horse is protected - you just wouldn't have the proof. -- Kathleen Prince kathl...@pookiebros.com Check out our blog! http://www.cassidyapril.com Pookie Bros. Pet Sitting Professional Pet Care In Your Home! http://www.pookiebros.com On Oct 14, 2013, at 10:27 AM, S K wrote: > This message is from: S K > > > Same thing in Maine...rabies vaccine must be given by vet...crazy Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Rabies vaccine?
This message is from: Lori Albrough On 10/13/13 3:50 PM, Main Email wrote: Who else gives rabies shots? Do yours have reactions? Have any recommendations? We vaccinate all of our horses annually for rabies. The vet needs to give it here, but that's OK with me, as I get the vet to give all my vaccinations. My core group of annual vaccines includes rabies, WNV, Eastern/Western Encephalitis, and Tetanus. We give these separately. I have never had a horse react to the rabies vaccine. One time one horse reacted to the EE/WEE/Tetanus shot. But the vaccine that I've had horses most often have a local reaction to is the Flu/Rhino, so I give that one only to horses who are going off farm and prefer to do it intra-nasal if possible. If IN is not possible then the vet gives some banamine at the time of injection hopefully to head off any pain/swelling. Lori -- Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0 phone: 519-638-5598 email: l...@bluebirdlane.com http://www.bluebirdlane.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Vet Only Rabies Vaccinations
This message is from: Steve McIlree I believe the reason many states restrict rabies vaccine to a prescription item is to help enforce vaccination of dogs and cats. I am certainly in favor of all pets being vaccinated, so I don't think paying for an annual farm check-up call which includes rabies shots is too much of a burden. -- Steve It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.-- Aristotle 384-322 BC Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Rabies
This message is from: "Beth & Sandy - Starfire Farm" In Finlay's case the horse had been given a West Nile vaccination 2 days prior to displaying signs of illness, so there was a question as to whether it was a reaction to the vaccination or if it was rabies. He was transported to CSU where he was isolated and monitored, but after 24 hours his condition declined so rapidly he was euthanized and tested, result positive for rabies. His initial signs were lethargy, slight neurologic instability and Shari had noticed slight twitching in his nose. Nothing dramatic. He still had an appetite and recognized Shari, even nickering to her. Fjords are so stoic... I don't know why I'm even bothering to type paragraphs...as they don't seem to come through when the post reaches the list... ;-) Beth This message is from: Robin Churchill it is not clear what the problem is at the beginning of the illness. Robin Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Vaccinate for rabies
This message is from: Caroline Warren It cost me $17 for the vet to vaccinate for rabies. Certainly worth the peace of mind. Caroline Chico, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Rabies vaccine?
This message is from: Gail Russell I think she is due for her rabies too. I will get it done ASAP. On Sun, Oct 13, 2013 at 9:31 PM, Beth & Sandy - Starfire Farm < starfiref...@usa.net> wrote: > This message is from: "Beth & Sandy - Starfire Farm" > > > > First of all, Beth M., thank you for vaccinating your mare! I can't > believe, after all of the rabies exposure we had on the Front Range in > Colorado this spring that your barn-mates have not had their horses > vaccinated! Shari MacCallum's Fjord gelding, Starfire Finlay, contracted > rabies from a "presumably" dead skunk that she found in her pasture. The > horse was dead 3 weeks later and she, her entire family and at least 10 > veterinarians/vet techs had to receive the prophylactic treatment > (several thousand dollars just for her alone.) At least she is alive. He > was in the prime of his life...they had performed in the Stock Show with > us in January and in the Expo with us in March. She was having a blast > with him until this happened. I do not blame Shari, for she did not know > that her horses required annual rabies vaccinations in order to be > protected. Finlay had been vaccinated two years prior and was due for > re-vaccination when he was exposed. It could have just as easily been a > horse or horses in my herd, as I had a rabid skunk on my property around > the same time (in the vicinity of my paddocks and arena) that I captured > and had tested. My dogs were exposed (they had been lightly sprayed but > presumably were not bitten and were up to date on their vaccinations). > Luckily, my horses were not but I couldn't be too sure. I was just lucky. > We did re-boost the dogs and cats (recommended by my vet and the state > veterinarian) and I vaccinated my entire herd that week, but I kept a > very watchful eye for several weeks afterward for any unusual > behavior/signs. I was very worried. It doesn't take a bite to transfer > the disease. All it takes is exposure to saliva/blood/bodily fluids. This > could be through open skin, etc. The best guess regarding Finlay's > exposure is that he must have mouthed or nosed the skunk, as they could > not find any puncture wounds on him anywhere. The skunk may have already > been dead or dying, no one knows because Shari found it dead in her > pasture. I "ditto" what Robin Churchill wrote...all of this would not > have happened if her horse had been vaccinated this year. This is serious > business. Don't think that, because we can vaccinate dogs and cats every > few years, that you can vaccinate your horse the same way. Horses have to > be vaccinated annually in order to be protected. It's very inexpensive if > you give them yourself. Even if your vet has to give it in your area, the > cost comparison between giving a vaccine and you receiving prophylactic > treatment is nil. If your horse contracts it, it will die. We had rabid > skunks and foxes all over our area this spring. There was report after > report of skunks attacking dogs, cats, breaking into houses through > windows (seriously!), fox and skunks chasing horses...seriously! Rabies > has been moving towards the Front Range in Colorado for several years. > Last year it was in eastern Colorado and eastern Adams County. Once we > heard the first report of it being found west of I-25, this spring it was > too late for Finlay. Such a sad deal! And we in our society have become > so complacent that there were no reports in the local news until at least > two months after Finlay died. The first news report I heard was on NPR > national news! Not our local news. Unbelievable, since if you contract > rabies, you die. End of story. I have told all of my friends that I know > that it will be moving into their area...even those on the other side of > the divide. It is just a matter of time. I have yet to see a problem with > giving the vaccine to my horses, dogs or cats. So, those of you out there > who are in the more arid areas, don't wait. You just never know when that > rabid skunk, fox, possum, cat, bat, whatever...will end up on your > property. Beth www.starfirefarm.com > > This message is from: Main Email > > I am the only one at my barn who vaccinates for rabies. We board in a > rural area of Colorado (Morrison) south of area with a significant > increase in rabies...it was found at a horse barn after a feral kitten > was diagnosed with it... after scratching people. > > Important FjordHorse List Links: > Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e > FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw > FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Rabies
This message is from: Robin Churchill Regarding the horse Finlay that Beth mentioned, many people are not aware of the importance of rabies vaccination or they just assume the horse got it with his spring or fall shots or if someone sells them a horse and says the "shots are up-to-date" (which was the case with the horse that I mentioned here in FL--the people just assumed the horse had been vaccinated). If you buy a horse, you should always ask to see the records so you really know what the horse has had. If you cannot obtain the records, I would assume they have not been vaccinated. When I bought both of my horses, I made sure the flu-rhino, encephalitis vaccines and rabies vaccines were up-to-date before they were shipped. I guess I do not understand why veterinarians are not more proactive about recommending the rabies vaccine and educating their clients as to the importance, particularly because they are putting themselves at risk when they attend to a rabid horse since sometimes it is not clear what the problem is at the beginning of the illness. Most vets have been vaccinated, but I will bet the majority of them let their boosters lapse and at least here, they do not wear appropriate personal protective equipment when working with a horse with an unknown illness. It is also more expensive if they let the boosters lapse because I think if they are up to date and they are exposed they just need one booster but if they are not they have to get 2 or 3 if I remember correctly. My vet was the one who worked with the horse here and was vaccinated but had not kept his boosters up to date. Robin Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Rabies
This message is from: S K Same thing in Maine...rabies vaccine must be given by vet...crazy On Monday, October 14, 2013 10:17 AM, Mary Ofjord wrote: This message is from: "Mary Ofjord" A few years ago, when I wrote for a small horse publication, I researched the rabies issue in Minnesota because folks wanted to know if they should vaccinate for the disease. The research was interesting, to say the least. I have NOT vaccinated for rabies, yet, but will be doing so in the future. >From 2008 to 2012, Minnesota had 326 cases of rabies. There has never been a reported case of rabies in Cook County, where we live. Our county is mostly wilderness, and there are a lot of animals around here, including skunks, bats, foxes, etc. Interestingly, most of the cases involved bats and skunks in other parts of the state. Only one horse has tested positive for rabies during those years. Apparently I have been very lucky because when I was a child, I used to capture bats that hid behind the shutters on cabins. I would carefully pick them up with a stick and place them in my jacket, only to surprise my friends when I opened my jacket and had bats hanging in there! YIKES! Yes, I knew bats might carry rabies, but I guess I didn't know any better and I was very careful that they didn't bite me. Our rabies vaccines also must be administered by a vet, but they are only around $30. Cheap insurance to be sure. Mary Ofjord North Coast Services, LLC 218-387-1879 "I give rabies shots Every year" Lucky you! In calif you can only get your animals vaccinated by a vet. It has been outlawed for consumers to obtain the vaccine. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Fjord Mare for sale
This message is from: "Dave and Patti Walter" I'm helping someone sell their 6 yr old Fjord mare who rides/drives. GREAT with kids, beginners. Trail rides great! Will lead or follow, does need work on the canter but otherwise nicely trained. Priced to sell at $3750 located in WI Email me for more information dwal...@tm.net Also might have for sale a 16hh Palomino paint mare that drives/rides. LOVELY horse. Trail rides alone as well as with a group. This horse loves to drive. She is currently on my farm, email for more information. Looking for someone who does more driving than riding for this mare. Patti Jo Walter Francis Creek Fjords Two Rivers WI www.franciscreekfjords.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
RE: Rabies
This message is from: "Mary Ofjord" A few years ago, when I wrote for a small horse publication, I researched the rabies issue in Minnesota because folks wanted to know if they should vaccinate for the disease. The research was interesting, to say the least. I have NOT vaccinated for rabies, yet, but will be doing so in the future. >From 2008 to 2012, Minnesota had 326 cases of rabies. There has never been a reported case of rabies in Cook County, where we live. Our county is mostly wilderness, and there are a lot of animals around here, including skunks, bats, foxes, etc. Interestingly, most of the cases involved bats and skunks in other parts of the state. Only one horse has tested positive for rabies during those years. Apparently I have been very lucky because when I was a child, I used to capture bats that hid behind the shutters on cabins. I would carefully pick them up with a stick and place them in my jacket, only to surprise my friends when I opened my jacket and had bats hanging in there! YIKES! Yes, I knew bats might carry rabies, but I guess I didn't know any better and I was very careful that they didn't bite me. Our rabies vaccines also must be administered by a vet, but they are only around $30. Cheap insurance to be sure. Mary Ofjord North Coast Services, LLC 218-387-1879 "I give rabies shots Every year" Lucky you! In calif you can only get your animals vaccinated by a vet. It has been outlawed for consumers to obtain the vaccine. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Rabies vaccine
This message is from: "Kathy Johnson" I live in MN and have vaccinated for rabies for the last 20 years. We live in the woods and have lots of critters around...possum, skunk, fox, coyote, deer, turkey. Just feel better to be safe than sorry. The shot is separate from other vaccines and have never had a reaction. I usually use Fort Dodge. Kathy Johnson Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Rabies
This message is from: "Sue" I give rabies shots to my horses every year with no problem. I recently purchased a horse (not a fjord) and as I was paying quite a lot of money for him I asked a for rabies shot and current coggins for him before purchase, he was up to date on all his other shots. He was coming from Santa Fe NM an area about 50 miles north of me. I had quite a battle on my hands and found to my surprise the vets in an area were not recommending rabies shots. Did get the coggins done before purchase but didn't get the rabies shot, but he did get it as soon as I purchased him. While I haven't heard of any horses with rabies, it is in the area in other animals that may come in contact with my horses and I want them protected. Recently a group of kids at a local school took a bat off the wall of their school and took it to their science teacher, thankfully for them the teacher was smart and had it tested, yes it was rabid and all the kids had to get shots. Sue in Sandia Park NM. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
