Re: Goodbye FjordHorse List
This message is from: Brigid Wasson <epona1...@aol.com> Steve, Tusen takk for managing the list all these years. I joined in 1999 and learned a lot, met great people, and formed lifelong friendships. I always enjoyed reading the stories of adventures with the Fjord horse, and sharing my own. We learned, celebrated, and grieved together as our most beautiful companions came and went from our lives. My Fjord boys who I loved so much are all gone now, and I find myself horseless for the first time in many years. Although it makes me sad, I'll admit that I am enjoying the break in commitment of time and money that the four-leggeds require. I am focusing on my writing, teaching, and other areas of life for a while. I maintain the same email account, and I can be reached on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brigid.wasson. Facebook is a great time waster, but it can be a valuable resource, and it has been great in reuniting me with old friends long lost. Please stay in touch, Fjord friends, and come visit if you find yourself in Sonoma County, CA. Brigid Wasson Cloverdale, CA Lots of cats and dogs, but no more horses. -Original Message- From: Steve McIlree <st...@carriagehorse.com> To: FH-L <fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com> Sent: Mon, Dec 21, 2015 7:12 am Subject: Goodbye FjordHorse List This message is from: Steve McIlree <st...@carriagehorse.com> All good things must come to an end. Some of us have been here since March 29, 1998 and a few have arrived only recently. However I have come to the conclusion that the traffic on the list has dwindled to the point that it no longer makes any sense for me to continue to fund it. So when the current year's server subscription runs out, the FjordHorse List will be no more. Technology flows forward, and although I find the current offerings of social media to be somewhat of a black hole for people's time, I am in the minority like the Luddites of the 19th century. For that reason, I must say goodbye to all of you who I have come to know online, because I will continue to refuse to become enmeshed in either Facebook or Twitter. It's been great getting to meet all you folks, but it's now time to draw the curtain on The List. -- Steve It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.-- Aristotle 384-322 BC Sent with MailTrack <https://mailtrack.io/install?source=signature=en=smcil...@gmail.com=22> Sent with MailTrack <https://mailtrack.io/install?source=signature=en=smcil...@gmail.com=22> 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
our changing Fjord lives
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com Hello Fjord Friends, I have enjoyed the resurgence of communication on this list. I still feel that we are all sitting around the proverbial kitchen table having a cup of coffee -- as I am now -- having good conversation. I can especially relate to the stories of your lives changing, downsizing, gelding of stallions, getting out of competition, etc. I have really struggled for the last 5-8 years with my changing life. It's been a great life and I've been very fortunate, but as I get older my mind turns to other priorities and my body is not willing to take the risks it once did. In my 20's retirement was about as tangible as the moon, so I spent every dollar I made. I had a grand time, but entered my 30's broke. In my 20's I could swing 3+ horses, going to the barn every day and working with one after the other. Today, one is more than enough. In 2012 I entered a committed relationship, and in 2013 I moved to Sonoma County and became a homeowner. Life changes. When I lost Rafael last year, it was a devastating loss of not just a dear friend of many years, but of a big part of my identity. The Fjord Girl now has no Fjord. I think of them often and hope to again spend my time with a great furry yellow pony, but for now I have my one mule to care for and ride. Again accepting my changing limitations, I am seeking a board/train situation for him. I just don't have the time, energy, or desire to train horses any more. Again, thank you all for sharing your stories of your changing Fjord lives. Growing older is something that has happened to everyone since th ebeginning of time, but when it happens to you it's a whole new experience! Brigid Wasson Sonoma County, 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
my contact info for pedigree page
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com Hi Fjord Friends, Who do I contact to update my info on the pedigree page? I no longer have any living Fjords :'-( but I would like folks to be able to contact me should they find me through that site. Thanks, Brigid Wasson Sonoma County, 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: RIP Gustav
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com So sorry Reena. I lost my boy Rafael to colic earlier this year. It is hard to accept when it happens so suddenly, even in older age. Cherish your good memories of him. Brigid Wasson Sonoma County CA -Original Message- From: Reena Giola dragonl...@gmail.com To: fjordhorse fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thu, Sep 18, 2014 11:19 am Subject: RIP Gustav This message is from: Reena Giola dragonl...@gmail.com I am not even sure if the list is still up and running but just in case I wanted to let everyone know that Gustav (Gus, Gussers â out of Karen McCarthyâs Sven) is now running free across the rainbow bridge. 5/14/1984 to 9/18/2014 A wonderful 30 years old â he colic last night but by this morning it had to turned into a twist â¦. we did everything possible to get him ârightâ but it wasnât meant to be. I am so extremely heartbroken. Reena Giola 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: fjordhorse-digest V2014 #93
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com Bill, Thank you for your condolences. These horses touch our lives so deeply, we are changed for having been with them. Brigid -Original Message- From: Bill i...@blueheronfarm.com To: fjordhorse-digest owner-fjordhorse-dig...@angus.mystery.com; fjordhorse fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Mon, Jun 2, 2014 3:38 am Subject: Re: fjordhorse-digest V2014 #93 This message is from: Bill i...@blueheronfarm.com Dear Brigid, Very powerful and moving message about your last hours with Rafael. As both a long time Fjord owner and also a member of the NFHR Board of Directors, I wanted to send sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my wife. Bill and Norma Coli Blue Heron Farm Charlemont, MA 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: Anvil's Rafael 1993-2014
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com Fred, Thank you for your message. The many condolences I am receiving are a great comfort. Rafael's death reminds me to enjoy every day and to spend time with loved ones at every opportunity. Brigid -Original Message- From: Frederick Pack friendlyfred2...@gmail.com To: fjordhorse fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sun, Jun 1, 2014 9:56 pm Subject: Anvil's Rafael 1993-2014 This message is from: Frederick Pack friendlyfred2...@gmail.com Dear Brigid, No words are going to help right now. Just know that we horse owners have you in our prayers. Next time you hear distant thunder, it is not a storm but thundering hooves in heaven. You, must heal now.your duty is to the living... I see a Fjord in your future... -- Fred Pack Packs Peak Stables Wilkeson, WA 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
Anvil's Rafael 1993-2014
This message is from: Brigid Wasson epona1...@aol.com Fjord Friends, It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my beloved horse partner Rafael. Rafael and Tommes were my first horses. I'll never forget the long, crazy drive with Dad to Carson City, NV to see them for the first time in Paul Milton's barn. My impression was of two great people, not animals, the way they looked at us and followed us around. They came home with me soon after that meeting, and so began the journey of a thousand stories: trips to Oregon and Nevada, the Skandifest and Oregon Gold shows, trail rides in Livermore, Hayward, Half Moon Bay, San Jose, Gilroy. I learned everything I know about horses from Tommes and Rafael, and later (Fair Acres) Knute. I made many friends through my involvement in the Fjord world. My identity revolved around them: my truck plate is FJRDGRL and my trailer, FJRDHRS. Tommes died in a tragic accident in 2003, and Knute was euthanized due to failing digestive health and recurrent colic in 2009.Rafael was the last of my boys, and my world feels so empty without them. When I went to work three weeks ago, I thought it would be another ordinary day. When I got a call that Rafael was colicking, I didn't take it seriously because he had never been sick. I asked my other half to call me back if the walking and banamine didn't snap him out of it. It didn't, so I left work hurriedly, and my boss was understanding because, coincidentally enough, although she knows little about horses her husband recently had emergency surgery for gastric torsion. As soon as I saw Rafael I knew he was in trouble. His face was grimaced in pain, and as we know for these stoic ones to show pain it must be really bad. We recently moved and don't have a vet, but fortunately we found one who would respond immediately. She was both kind and forthright, which I appreciated. When she said, It doesn't look good. Is he a surgery candidate? I knew what that meant. UC Davis is 2+ hours away. He would never last that long, and the cost of abdominal surgery is not feasible for me. We tried tubing with oil and bolusing with IV fluids, but by afternoon there was no improvement and, despite being pumped full of enough narcotics to drop an elephant, he was shaking and mentally checking out with pain, constantly trying to go down. It was time. I lay with his body on the lawn for some time, breathing deeply of that sweet smell that only Fjords have, hugging the great neck, letting the warm sun on his fur give the illusion of life. I said, You're my strength. How can I be without you? Intellectually, I know the strength was in me all along, as the heart was in the Tin Man, but when I stood between Tommes and Rafael, one arm over each wither, I felt it flowing through me like water. Nothing helps ease the sadness of losing an animal companion like the love of other animal companions, so I am fortunate to have two wonderful mules to keep me busy. Dru (Druid) is seven, just mellowing out, and Tick is a wild and crazy three year old. I am taking Dru on his first trail ride in our new home tomorrow, and I am doing clicker training with Tick in preparation for starting him next summer. There will be Fjords in my barn again, but for now these two people need all my time and attention. I made a Youtube video of Rafael here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpjSdSwTE7w Brigid Wasson Sonoma County, 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
5yo gelding for sale in CA
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Fjord Friends- I have come to the sad conclusion that I don't have time for two riding horses. I currently have Anvil's Rafael who, because of his back problems, is now a large pet. I have a young mule who I'll be starting this summer, which leaves no time for my #3 horse, Bjorn the Fjord. Bjorn is sweet and tractable, but not trained. I've done groundwork with him (leading, round penning, grooming/hoof trimming) but have not started him under saddle. He is a very handsome Fjord, taller (14.2) and leaner than some, with a fine head. His pedigree is here http://www.nfhr.com/ponyweb/ponyweb.cgi?horse=200919OwnerName=wassonSe archFor=1Page=1Sort=0 . I have an ad for him on Dreamhorse http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1662688 . He is located in Gilroy, CA. Brigid Wasson Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Fjord Calendar
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Hi All! I submitted a photo for the 2011 Fjord Calendar and never heard back. Does anyone know when this calendar is coming out? I'd like to give some as Christmas gifts. Thanks! Brigid WassonSF Bay Area, CARafael, Bjorn, and Dru the mule Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Fair Acres Knute in this month's Fjord calendar
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Fjord Friends- It is bittersweet to look at my dear Knute's photo on the August page of the Fjord calendar. What a wonderful day that was at the beach, and what wonderful memories I have of him. After 10 years together, I lost Knute late last year to digestive problems. How nice it is for him to be memorialized in the calendar. I have a photo of my new boy Bjorn that I'd like to submit for next year's calendar. Can someone remind me where to send it? Brigid WassonSF Bay Area, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
found a home for my mare and brought home a new boy!
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Hi All- I recently posted about finding a home for my Johanna. Shortly after, I was perusing Dreamhorse -- just looking at the available Fjords as I like to do -- and there was an ad for a 4yo gelding for sale or trade. The ad said they would trade for a registered mare unrelated to their stallion and guess who fit that bill? I agreed to drive to their ranch today in Woody, CA, which is in unincorporated Kern County. I love traveling, and driving, so this adventure was right up my alley. I loaded up Johanna and hit the road about 9AM, going over Pacheco Pass which is not far from my home them heading South on I-5. There's not much to see on I-5 in either direction, so I cruised along that just listening to music and stopping once for gas and a drink. I drove 98 miles South and that's when things got interesting. GPS and Mapquest told me to take the Utica Road exit which I did. This road went on for 20 miles through a landscape that looked like something out of a science fiction movie. It was a wasteland of dry, flat plain surrounded by ditches with water in them. The road was so long and flat that it shimmered and seemed to disappear into the sky in the distance. thanks goodness the GPS told me where to turn because everything looked the same and there wasn't anything resembling a sign, in fact some of the street names were spray-painted on concrete blocks. I came out of the wasteland in a town called Alpaugh which looked like a third-world country. There were no houses, only trailers, all very run-down with tarps over them for shade. There were big heaps of rubbish in the far corners of the properties with trailers on them. There were no businesses that I could identify except for a market with a piece of paper taped over the sign with the new proprietor's name on it in felt pen. Finally, I made it to Garces Highway in Delano, the street on which the ranch is located. Entering Delano, the first thing I saw was what appeared to be a prison, followed by a cemetery, then a hospital. Leaving the town, it was another 20-mile drive through nowhere to the ranch. By the time I got there, the landscape had become much more pretty, with oak trees and large rocks. The nearby hills reminded me of the East Foothills here at home. I had no problem locating the ranch and was met by the owners of my new Fjord, Gunnbjorn-Knutsen. They have his sire, Knut, who looks great especially considering that he is 27 years old, a gelding named Wulfie, and a mare whose name I can't recall. They loved Johanna, I loved Bjorn, so we agreed to the exchange and, after some pleasant conversation and sharing of Fjord pictures, I was back on the road home. I am going to send them the link to get on the Fjordhorse List because they were not aware of it and seemed very interested. Bjorn is in the pasture now with Rafael trying to convince him that he is his new best friend :-). Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Fjord broodmare needs a good home
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Hi All- I haven't posted much lately but I have been enjoying all your updates. We are enjoying cooler weather this summer in Gilroy which is a nice break from the usual 105. I have been busy with work, writing, and traveling. Fjord (Anvil's) Rafael is doing fine, enjoying his life as a beached whale since his back problems made him too uncomfortable for riding. I have a mule named Dru who just turned three who is my main training project right now. If all goes well he'll be my main riding critter starting next Spring. I am posting because, late last year, I got a Fjord mare from a man in the Barstow area who had to downsize his herd due to his health problems. My intention was to ride her and possibly breed her. Unfortunately, she turned out to be not safe to ride for my purposes, and after some thought, I decided that I don't have the time, extra money, or experience to breed. A Gjest daughter, she is sound, healthy, beautiful, and a proven broodmare, so it would be a waste just to keep her as a pet. I would like to find her a home with an experienced breeder (or someone who is a client/recommended by the breeder). Her pedigree is here http://www.nfhr.com/ponyweb/ponyweb.cgi?horse=506OwnerName=wassonSearchFor=1Page=1Sort=0. Please note that I recently changed my phone # so the one listed is not in service. Please email me if you have any questions. Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Fair Acres Knute
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Hi Everyone- I am broadcasting from Colorado Springs, Colorado where I am visiting my good friend Holly. We just got back from a chilly walk with her Scotty Duffy and are thawing out with hot tea. Some of you will remember Knute, the fiery young Fjord gelding I purchased from Denise Delgado 10 years ago. We had a special connection from the time we met, and each month and year the bond grew stronger and we did more and more amazing things. I hoped to have him with me for another 10 years, but it was not to be. All the time I had him, he had minor digestive problems: loose stool, some weight loss, that always resolved itself. The last two years, he lost significant weight and always had diarrhea, and none of the prescribed treatments did any good. In February he colicked, and an endoscope revealed a huge hair ball in his stomach. The vet removed it and he perked up, but still wouldn't gain weight -- and we all know if a Fjord doesn't gain weight on alfalfa and Equine Senior twice a day, something is terribly wrong. Last month he colicked again, and it was a bad one, down and rolling. The vet pulled him through, but I started to wonder if I was doing what was best for him. He was thin, lethargic, and slowly and mysteriously dying. The most heartbreaking part is that he was always my willing companion, even when he must have felt very unwell; I was riding him up until the last colic, going way out into the mountains with my mule colt in tow. I decided I didn't want to wait until the next colic and have to call the vet out in the middle of the night when Knute is in agony, so I scheduled an appointment to have him humanely euthanized. My vet was awesome, calling me on my cell as soon as she got the message from the office staff and discussing it with me. She agreed with my decision and said it was a dignified way to go. Working at the animal shelter, I help people with this sort of thing all the time, assuring them that they are doing the best thing for their animal and they shouldn't second-guess themselves, but how hard it is to be on the other side! The week before, I came home and cried every night. On the appointed day, I groomed Knute, loaded him up, and dropped him off at the vet's office. He was actually cheerful, recognizing the staff and the place where he'd been pampered during his February hospitalization. I'd swear he was smiling when I left, and that's what I'll always remember. Necropsy results showed an abnormal stomach with a stricture preventing food from exiting, which explains everything. I imagine as he got older the walls thickened further/became less elastic so that he was no longer able to self-resolve the frequent blockages. My vet assured me that I did the right thing, as this is not fixable and another mass was building up in the stomach, so the next colic was just around the corner. I've lost a good friend. Horses enrich our lives so much, causing us to go places we wouldn't have gone, do things we wouldn't have done. Love and appreciate your Fjords... I made a memorial slide show which is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP3FFrwUe_4 Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA Rafael and Johanna (more on her in another post) the Fjords, and Druid the mule Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
greetings from Norway
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Hi Everyone! I am in Norway visiting my friend Dagrun Aarsten whom some of you know. We are having a great time. I am staying in her apartment in the city of Asker on the island Newøya, very near Oslo. I am too pooped to write much now, but I have posted many photos to my photobucket page here: http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/fjordgirl/norway2009/ . Last night (rather, this morning at 3AM) we returned from an eventing show in Sweden. What an experience that was, driving across the country in a stick shift deisel small SUV. Some of the finest horses and riders in Scandinavia were there, even Olympic candidates. I uploaded a video of Dagrun and her Hanovarian Aconda du Lys at the water jump. Today I was hoping to go the the Smart Club, Norway's Costco, but stores don't stsy open on Sunday and tomorrow is a holiday, so I'm out of luck. Expecting cold, I brought heavier clothes, but as usual I brough the sunny California weather with me! More later. Enjoy the photos! Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA Currently broadcasting from Norway Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
fjord calendar
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Who makes the Fjord calendar? I have a photo I want to submit. Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2008 #259
This message is from: BRIGID WASSON epona1...@verizon.net Fred and Lois, I am so sorry to hear of your Susie's passing. I am sure she was very happy with you in her golden years. At 34, is she now the oldest Fjord on record? Brigid Wasson Extremely Furry and Long-Maned Knute and Rafael SF Bay Area, CA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
