Re: Sonny
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Knutsen Fjord Farm wrote: This message is from: Knutsen Fjord Farm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List - I'm writing to ask for your supportive thought and good wishes. Our sweet weanling colt, Rustenson, has pneumonia. I guess the combined stresses of compromised immune system from weaning, trailering to Libby, the over-stimulation of the show, and the heavy dust there and here at our farm were too much for his little healthy bod. We're giving him 10ccs of Penn. twice daily, and the vet says prognosis is very good. I'm still really concerned, though, even forgot my riding lesson this AM. Writing to the list feels like sharing my worries with good friends, so thanks for being there. - Peg Hi Peg! Just received your message about your little guy. I haven't been on the list for a few days and am now just getting caught up. Many prayers from us here in S. Florida for his quick recovery. Yes, I know how you feel about sharing with the list. I did the same thing when we were faced with Floyd and I was so scared. So many of you responded and I truly believe that is why we were spared. It was a great comfort to know so many people were sending their best wishes and prayers for us. I will be looking for an update from you on your little one Carolyn
Libby Video
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everyone! Was wondering if any of you who went to Libby might have a video they would be willing to share with me? I would send you a blank tape, along with a postage-paid return mailer for same. It would be very much appreciated, since I was unable to attend this year. Still in search for my very first Fjord, I am trying to learn all that I can! Best wishes from Carolyn in S. Florida...where it is STILL rainy and soggy. Everything is under water; we are doing nothing but road-riding and taking care of many hooves. September has been bad, weather-wise. Can't believe last Spring we had wildfires because of the extreme dryness! Be careful what you wish for! Have a great week!
Re: Hurricane Floyd
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm curious - do you keep the horses in the barn when hurricanes are coming? If not, where's the safest place for them? We in Western Mass. received a LOT of wind and rain from Floyd. Norma noted that through most of it, all 14 fjords were stadning out calmly trying to get that one more bite of green grass before they starve. During the whole storm, they would take little breaks and go into the three-sided shelters in each pasture, but the majority of time they were outside by choice. --- William M. Coli Extension Educator/ Statewide IPM Coordinator Dept. of Entomology Agricultural Engineering Bldg. UMass Amherst MA 01003 Phone: 413-545-1051 Fax: 413-545-5858 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Always drink upstream from the herd. From: A Cowboy's Guide to Life, by T.B. Bender Hello from Carolyn in S. Florida. It is our belief that the safest place for the horses during a hurricane is in open pasture, opposed to in a barn which may be destoyed along with the horses in them with no place to escape. However, for those who were involved with rescue after Andrew in '92, you will get conflicting opinions. Many horses were lost because of electrocution due to downed live power lines and displacement because of the severity of that storm..So it is a Catch 22. You do what you feel is best, depending on your location and pasture size, power lines, number of trees on your property, etc. But it is still a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. With Floyd, we all just said a lot of prayers and trusted that our critters would take care of each other the best that they could...and they did..all huddled together, sort of protecting each other..even the ones that crab on each other on a daily basis! Thank God, we were spared! Carolyn
Hurricane Floyd
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List! I have been trying to answer all of you who e-mailed me privately re: Floyd... with my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all of your thoughts and prayers! It really did work, as we escaped with very little of his wrath. This was such a very scary, stressful time; not knowing what was going to happen and if we would ever see our horses again. The thought of that was totally overwhelming and we all felt so totally out of control. This has taught me, I believe, some very valuable lessons which I wanted to share with all of you..who were there for me. My best friend, who also owns the barn where I board my horses, is a native Floridian and has seen what horses do during a hurricane. They will band together in a tight herd..with the stronger and the ones that have gone thru this before...herding the smaller and weaker into the center. I asked, how about the ones that snip and bite at each other on on daily basis? Doesn't matter...they are one...protecting each other. This really got me to thinking...animals seem to take care of each other...why can't us humans do the same? Wy does it take a near disaster to wake me up to this??? We were one of the last to board up our house..but, yet all our neighbors were there to help out. I am looking at things a lot differently right now..I don't want to forget..this was a wake-up call! The little petty things that used to get to me seem sort of un-important right now. I hope all of you can benefit from what I am trying to say. I dont even own a Fjord (yet)...but, yet, you were the first ones I thought of for support during this most difficult time. Thanks to you all for being there and for your prayers. It is much appreciated by all of usDaisy, Missy, Belle, Tuffy, Merlin, Blaze, Buckwheat, Star, VeeJay, Red, Diva, Roxie, Pumpkin, Chief, Dakota, James and all their moms/dads!!!
Re: safety for Carolyn
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Gayle wrote: This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] So glad to hear the good news Carolyn and was hoping you got through okay. Can not imagine the agony of the wait for something you have no control over. We do have some strong storms here, not yet over 90 mph that I know of, but again the sense of dread for the animals. Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Hi Jean! Yes, we were spared...I truly believe because of all the thoughts and prayers that you all sent my way. I was very scared..and the thoughts that run thru your mind, knowing that you may never see your horse again is so overwhelming. My Daisy has no fur left on her face because I think I have kissed her a million times in the last 3 days!!! It taught me many lessons - most importantly, not taking anything or anyone for granted ever again. Life is so fragile..maybe this is His way of showing and teaching us that. Animals have a miraculous way of protecting and taking care of each other...I think us humans could learn a very valuable lesson from them. I am grateful for your concerns for us at a most difficult time. My best, Carolyn
Re: fjordhorse-digest V99 #190
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't imagine what it must be like to have a storm coming and be afraid for your horses. If positive energy can help, I am sending my bit. Gail in Albuquerque Thanks Gail, your positive energy really did work! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for all of us down here. As you probably know, S.Florida escaped the wrath of Floyd with that northerly turn at the last minute. It was pretty scary - I never want to go thru that again. We only had some rain and wind gusts of 60 mph...but all the horses were fine and ready to have their breakfast the next morning!!! Being herd animals, they take pretty good care of and protect each other. Too bad humans don't do the same!!! I am grateful for you writing back to me. It helped get me thru a very bad time. Hope to talk to you soon! Carolyn
Re: fjordhorse-digest V99 #190
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ursula Jensen wrote: This message is from: Ursula Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List! I'm sure most of you are aware of the major hurricane Floyd which is predicted to be a major hit on Florida (at least at this point in time). It doesn't look good. - Hi Carolyn...I can't even imagine how scary that isour prayers are definitely with you. Take care and the best of luckI will now listen extra carefully to the weather reports from the States. Welcome back Saskiago with your heart. (if you can afford it) --- The veterinarian doing the pulse and respiration checks said heavily muscled horses take longer to cool down. He held her back for a 20 minute rest mid-trail, which accounted for most of the loss in score. - Barbara, remember that Fjords are cold-bloods and keep their heat longer to warm their organs, this is definitely a consideration when doing events like that. We have a mare in our 4-in-hand- who does not like to sweat (maybe a girl thing) but she is always hard to cool after a marathon and is always our first consideration at PR stops. She is a more drafty type compared to Sambar, Stein and Sakama who sweat profusely after the first km and have no problem ridding themselves of excess heat. Right now our horses are starting to get their winter fur already and with another marathon this weekend , we even considered a partial clip but decided against it with winter so close. We will just do what we can. Our four are in great shape for what we are able to do in a short season and we will just have to go with that. Like Nancy, our thoughts were in Libby this weekend. Our nightly phone calls from Aaren and our students kept us abreast of how the show went. The new star of the show was Beth Beimer who came away with the versatility award and racked up many 1st place standings.way to go girl. We were thrilled that so many of our driving students from the summer came away with 1st and 2nd place ribbons. Beth Beimer, Woody Hoopes, Kathy Rollins and Don Torgenrud...ya done did us proud and I'm looking forward to the Brag Alerts this weekwe'll give you a day or two to unload and rest up. We, on the other hand , are packing the trailer for the last time this year to head for the Victoria Horse Trials on Thurs. This is a CDE that has become quite popular here on the west coast and attracts many very competent drivers in the Pacific North West. The four-in-hand are primed and ready to gowe will probably be the only ones driving a four but that's ok...it will show the Fjords in grand style. Kathy and Errol Koshman will also compete this year and Sue Billings usually drives her Fjord Tekla a good representation of Fjords. With any luck we will get Anton hooked on the sport in years to come... Have a nice week everyone. Ursula Hi Ursula! Well, we made it thru Floyed with no more than 60 MPH wind gusts. Thank God for that last mintue turn to the north! It was getting pretty scary here for awhile. All horses made it thru fine; however, I am still feeling nuclear meltdown! Thanks so much for your thoughts for us, it is greatly appreciated. Now I want to think about getting my first Fjord and to coming to see you for a driving weeked with Laurie (Pittman)! Talk to you soon! Carolyn
Re: fjordhorse-digest V99 #190
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cheryl Beillard wrote: This message is from: Cheryl Beillard [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oh Carolyn .. what an ordeal! We will all be thinking of you and your fjords with concern I'm sure -- have to say, never having experienced a hurricane up here, in Ontario, (we have ice storms) I have tended to focus on the human tragedy (my normal tendency is to put animals first! don't know why this dimension never hit me before?) and your message really hit home. What is a hurricane collar? What can you do to prepare the barn, etc. and what dread you must feel as you wait for it. Please let us know you and the herd are all fine. Hi Cheryl! Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you and let you know how much I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for us during the Floyd thing. Well, somebody was listening because we escaped with only light rains and some gusty winds! We were very lucky for that northward turn at the very last minute. We battened down the barn as much as we could, brought in all jumps, ground poles, buckets...anything that could become flying missles in 150 MPH winds. Our 18 horses had hurricane collars (white, plastic-like things that you hang around their neck with a buckle). You can write on it with permanent marker...name, address, phone #, Vet #...as much as you can fit!). We also put our SS #'s and phone numbers on their hooves with nail polish as well as spray painted their bodies with the name of our barn, phone numbers, etc. It was quite a sight. They all looked like walking billboard advertisements! I can laugh now, but it was not so funny at the time. I was scared to death and so afraid for all of them. I am still going thru somewhat of a nuclear meltdown. This taught me that we must not take things for granted...and that there is great power in prayer and our friends who are there for us in times of need. Thank you again for being there! Carolyn
Re: Can't I go away for a couple days?
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve McIlree wrote: This message is from: Steve McIlree [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just got back from a wonderful visit to Libby and a leisurely trip back thru the scenic state of Montana, Yellowstone Park, and the beautiful Bighorn mountains. And what do I find? You kids have been talking about ducks and dogs and being mean to new kids. Can't I go away for a couple days and trust you to play by yourselves? Seriously, the discussion had gotten off-topic, but only for a short time. The new kid had been subscribed for less than 24 hours when he started criticizing. Was that appropriate? Maybe, since that short time had been entirely filled with dog discussion. However according to the rules of netiquette it is entirely improper for a newbie to contribute to, let alone criticize an online group for at least a week. Who's right? I won't make a call on this one, but I'm happy to say that Gerry has rejoined us and I hope he will find that the valuable information exchanged on the list far outweighs the off-topic chat. As for splitting to a serious and a social list, I don't believe the size of the list yet warrants that. I personally am very interested in the serious discussions about evaluations, breeding and where the North American Fjord breed is headed in the future. However, I started this list to be a virtual kitchen table for socializing about Fjord related topics, and I would miss the warmth of what has developed in the year and a half since. I'll have more on Libby and some serious topics I've been thinking about later. Glad to be off the road and back online. Steve McIlree Owner/Administrator FjordHorse List Dear Steve: Well, your post made me laugh, probably for the first time this week since the stress-out with Floyd! Thanks for being there! Carolyn
Re: safety for Carolyn
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Bushnell's wrote: This message is from: Bushnell's [EMAIL PROTECTED] We've repeatedly tried to e-mail Carolyn privately but it always returns and we did want to add our best regards for her safety! (I always seem to have trouble discerning ones from L's in an e-mail address) Hi Carolyn, we did pray for you last night and we're thinking of you and your family and animals today, hoping that all's well! The Lord Bless you all and spare your farm! be sure and tell the List how it goes! we're all anxious to hear I'm sure, Ruthie and Gene Bushnell, NW MT Dear Ruthie Gene: I appreciate and am grateful for all your thoughts and prayers for all of us thru Hurricane Floyd. We miraculously escaped it's wrath due to a last minute shift to a more northerly direction. All we experienced was some strong wind gusts and rain. All of our horses were ID'd with spray paint, hurricane collars and our SS #'s on their hooves with nail polish! It was very hard and heartbreaking to put them all out to pasture yesterday afternoon, not knowing what was going to happen as we progressed into evening and the worst weather yet to come. Well, I guess there must be someone who was listening to all our prayers...because they were answered. All of our critters were fine - all 18 of them! I will never take any of them for granted again. My own two got lots of hugs, kisses and treats today!!! Thank you so much for thinking of me during this very scary time. I am now going to do the same for the folks up in the Carolina's where Floyd is now headed. XOXOXO Carolyn
Hurricane Floyd
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List! I'm sure most of you are aware of the major hurricane Floyd which is predicted to be a major hit on Florida (at least at this point in time). It doesn't look good. We are calling in all the troops tomorrow to get our barn and 18 horses secured as much as we possibly can...all things that could be flying debris missles and tagging horses with hurricane collars. Thankfully, most of them have microchips for identification. 3 of our horses have survived major hurricanes and we know they will take care of each other as best as possible. I am asking all of you for your thoughts and MAJOR prayers for us and our beloved horses at this time. I am not one to freak out very easily (hello, I have a teenage daughter!)...but this is not looking very positive right now. You sort of feel out of control. I thought of you guys and knew you would be there for me in your hearts if nothing else. Thanks for listening and your prayers and I will let you know how we and our sweeet little fur faces fare! Love, Carolyn (in S. Florida) andDaisy, Missy, Merlin, Tuffy, Belle,Dakota, VeeJay, Star, Roxie, James, Pumpkin, Chief, Blaze, Diva, Red and Buckwheat.
Tennessee Walker Bridles
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List! My riding buddy just recently acquired a Tennessee Walker (oh, well!)...do any of you know where she can get a T.W. bridle? She thinks there is a place in TN, but does not know the name. Any help would be appreciated and thank you! Carolyn
Individual vs. Digest
I think I am receiving individual messages, since I never requested Digest format. Tell me, what is the difference! I am really enjoying the List, even tho I do not yet own a Fjord! I have gathered so much info and hopefully, I will be able to have a Fjord face in my very near future! I am thinking of going to Libby next year (unfortunately, I cannot make it this year). Do you feel that is the best show for meeting most of the breeders and Fjord owners? Since I am located in S. Florida with not many Fjord people around, I thought that would be my best bet..what do you think? Thanks, Carolyn
Replying to Messages
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] At the risk of sounding Stupid...for us newcomers..how exactly do we respond to a message without including little or none of the original message? This just does not come easy to some of us who are new to this internet stuff! Especially when nobody has clued us in! So tell me! I know I receive the same message sometimes 2,3,4 times. If I haven't signed on for a couple of days, there are sometimes 100+ messages (alot duplicates), even tho I delete as I go. Another subjectfor those of you going to Libby...is anyone going to be videotaping highlights of the show or are there videos that will be available. I presented this question a couple of weeks ago, but did not receive any response. Thanks for your help. Carolyn
Re: pine tree sap removal...
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ingrid Ivic wrote: This message is from: Ingrid Ivic [EMAIL PROTECTED] but it has been pine sap..very dark brown sticky, tarry substance that she gets on her coat...next to impossible to get off short of cutting it off. Do you have pine trees on your property? Carolyn Hi Carolyn, You don't have to cut any of your fjord's coat off to remove the pine tar. I know all about this sticky mess on our fjords coats, because about an acre of our turnout area is studded with pines. Our farm used to be a tree nursery. The pines give them shade and keep some of the bugs away, but our little darlings love to rub against the trees and get sappy. Here's what you do...cover the tarry areas with a good bit of vaseline and wait awhile (about an hour or so in warm weather), wipe the resulting goo away, then wash it all off with a mild shampoo. The combination of vaseline and their body heat sort of melts the stuff off...it becomes liquified enough to scrape away. Yeah, they can be a little bit greasy afterwards (just shampoo a second time), but its better than the tar! Thanks for the tip on the pine sap removal! No more chunks out of Daisy's coat!
Re: A mystery
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Laurie Pittman wrote: This message is from: Laurie Pittman [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have a mystery here folks, maybe some of you can help. Tor has been coming in from the pasture lately with his nose covered in something black and tacky feeling. It is also on the guard hairs under his jaw (looks like the hair has been coated with mascara). I'm also seeing it on the hair above his hooves and his feet look like they have hoof black on them. With a little work it will wash off. I've walked the field looking for something that might have been thrown into the pasture, but found nothing. Tor has been in this field for almost 5 years and I've had other horses in this field for more than 15 years and I've never seen this before. Until today Copper was not showing any sign of this black stuff, but this morning I found it on him too, although not near as much. If I hadn't been looking for it I don't think I would have noticed it. He is kept in a different section of this field. There was no sign of this stuff while Tor was being kept in the diet pen. It didn't start showing up until he started getting time on the pasture again. If it's a plant growing in the field (I'm pretty sure it is), I have no idea which one. I've been taking different plants and rubbing them on my hands, but no black stuff. I haven't noticed any on my shoes or pants after walking the field either. There are a couple of alders in the field that I've never seen them bother, and a wild rose bush that Tor sometimes uses to scratch on. Anyone have any ideas? On another note, I've noticed that Tor is wearing down the front of his two upper middle teeth. I'm assuming that this is from micro managing his diet pen. What can I do about this! I can't just let him have the pasture all the time. Any thoughts on any either of these problems would really be appreciated. Thanks. Laurie in NW Washington Laurie, I have had a similar thing happen here in Florida with Daisy..but it has been pine sap..very dark brown sticky, tarry substance that she gets on her coat...next to impossible to get off short of cutting it off. Do you have pine trees on your property? Carolyn
Libby Videos
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everyone! Since I will not be able to attend Libby this year, I was wondering if there are videos available, or if not, if anyone will be video-taping highlights of the show that they would be willing to copy and share with me??? Thanks to all of you for all of the info you have shared since I joined the list a very short time ago! Carolyn
Re: Need Help Finding a Fjord
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone, I am fairly new to the mailing list and I really enjoy reading all of the input and advice everyone has to offer. It's such a help. I have been riding for 24 years and have owned horses most of that time. I currently have a horse which I enjoy riding on trails and for just pleasure. Over the past few months I have learned a lot about Fjords and have ridden them a couple of times and have completely fallen in love with this breed. I was at Equitana in June and visited the wonderful and organized booth that so many of you helped to put together and man while the event was taking place. Well done. I think your booth was one of the very best I am now serious about purchasing a Fjord and would like some help in locating one. I live in Indiana. I would really appreciate any help in locating a Fjord for sale. Thanks again for all the great help!!! Please feel free to respond to my email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Take care...Tracy :o) Tracy, you wrote my story..however, I have not had the pleasure of ever riding a Fjord! Keep me in mind in Southern Florida, everyone! Need to have one of these little guys!! Carolyn.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V99 #100
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 7/5/99 2:57:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We are looking for ideas and input. We are thinking of starting up a boarding facility because there is a need for this in our area. What we would like to hear are any ideas or opinions regarding horse boarding facilities. If you board, what do you like or dislike about where you board? Do you have a contract with your facility? What does your board include? I have boarded and trained outside horses for quite a few years. I have learned a lot - mostly the hard way! Here are some suggestions: Only offer full care. Partial care gets to be a real ROYAL PAIN! I have tried to offer partial care in the past and it is more trouble than it's worth. I like to have the stalls cleaned in my barn early in the morning everyday so that if someone 'stops by', the barn is clean and tidy. With partial care, invariably someone has a reason why they couldn't come to clean their stall. That means that sometime during the day, you have to interrupt your schedule to clean that stall. I charged $2 extra each time I had to do their stall, but it was irritating. Also with partial care, one needs a lot of extra room to store their hay and grain to keep it separate. Then invariably, they run out of feed, even though they have been reminded. You end up feeding yours and having to keep track of that. When they finally do bring feed, it often is not of the same quality. By offering only full care, I also have control of the quality and amount each horse is fed and know that their nutritional needs are being properly met. Also, the horses are all fed at the same time. It is quite upsetting for the horses to have someone coming to feed one or two horses at different times. A written contract is a MUST. You can lay all of the requirements in front of the folks, up front and in black and white. I require each horse to comply with our schedule for innoculations so that we don't get a barnfull of sick horses. We have horses that travel to shows, poker rides, etc., where they are exposed to large numbers of horses so I need to make sure everyone has current shots. In our area we give 4-way, rhino, Potomac Fever, and nasal strangles. The horses that travel get flu/rhino every 90 days. The other shots are annual. We also worm every 2 months. I do all of the shots and worming myself and charge the boarders only the cost of the drugs. It saves them money and I KNOW it has been done when it should be. Another clause in my contract states that dogs are not welcome to come poop in my yard instead of yours! There is nothing more irritating to have dogs jumping on people's cars, scratching the paint, or fighting with each other. Another clause states that there will be NO UNATTENDED CHILDREN. This is not a day care center where Mommy can come and play whilst Johnny is allowed to wander around and get himself into trouble. You also must be very specific about when board is due! I took my contracts to a lawyer to have him look them over and make recommendations. I have a clause that says boarding bills are due on the first of the month. If it is not paid by then, they will be charged 2% per day on the unpaid balance. He raised his eyebrows at that! I said, Do I make myself clear that it had better be paid on time?! He added a blank space beside that paragraph for them to initial in case it should ever go to court. That way they couldn't say they didn't read the contract carefully before signing. Insurance is another issue that must be considered carefully. One can go insurance broke when it comes to horses! Our state has an 'inherant risk' law which says that if you are on this property you are considered a participant and must assume your own liability. A sign stating such must be visibly displayed. It has been tested in court and has stood up so far. Hope this helps you in making your decisions. These are some of the key issues that have been of importance in my business. Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR Altho I do not have my own boarding facility, I board my horse and my daughter's horse at my best friend's barn (for the past 4 yrs.). All I can say is AMEN to Gayle's comments. My friend has been thru the same things...partial boarding, babysitting service for kids, dogs, late payments. Disaster!!! We have a full board deal for everyone...horses fed and stalls done a on set schedule EVERY day! I also have the confidence that if my horses are sick or get a boo-boo, she will take care of it for me until I can get on the scene, and that is only if it is something major!!! That means alot to me, since I work full-time. One other comment...we have alot of kids doing lessons and summer camp
Re: New Fjord Fan
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Carolyln, welcome to the list! I do mostly trail riding and having four fjords for the one of me, am afraid that I don't ride my two oldsters much (22 and 24) But they are perfectly happy to lounge about, eat and socialize with the others. I would say Fjords are happiest when they are EATING! but of course we can't let them do that as much as they would like..They are happy just to schmooze with you, get petted and groomed. I would say your pleasure riding activiities would suit them just fine. I think the one thing Fjords dislike most is ARENA work, boring, repetitive going around in circles. Get them out on the trail, do intersting things with them like cavaletti if you have to do much arena riding, etc. Amuse them with Clicker training, retrieving things (see Steve Mcilree's page on the Fjord Mailing List Web page: http://members.home.net/smcilree/Steve.htm While you may be only touching the tip ot the iceberg with the trail riding (as I am sure I'm doing..not developing the full potential of my fjords, etc.) I wouldn't feel too guilty If that's all you do with your Fjord. Enjoy them, that's the main thing. Just my $.02 worth Jean in HOT Fairbanks, Alaska, upper 80's today, but They're delivering hay today! I do strictly pleasure riding and camping with horses and friends from the barn where I board my 12 year old Palomino, Daisy (my best friend and love of my life!) From the information I have gathered, the Fjord is happiest when working and if pleasure riding is the only interest, you are only touching the tip of the iceberg. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Jean! Thanks for your feedback, especially the comment about not feeling guilty if all I wanted to do is trail ride, camp with my Fjord! Yes, I agree, arena riding is totally BORING!!! I probably haven't ridden in the arena for 2 years! I would much rather be out discovering a new trail or just grazing along the way!!! Since we had a long dry spell down here and our pasture was virtually dried up, I loved taking my Daisy out to just let her eat anything GREEN in sight! Of course, during the last month, we have had 13 inches of rain, so goes the old adage..Be careful what you pray for!!! Mud City! I will continue to research...I must have one of these little guys for sure! Is there a major show which you all attend? Looking forward to corresponding with you...Carolyn.
New Fjord Fan
This message is from: Carolyn Dumong [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Everyone! Just subscribed to the mailing list a few days ago and would appreciate your input! I was first introduced to this beautiful breed at Equitana in June. I never knew they existed, and I fell in love! I have several questions, which I am sure you can answer...I picked up some general info from the booth, other than that, I am totally green! I have only been riding for 4 years (and am not a youngster!). I do strictly pleasure riding and camping with horses and friends from the barn where I board my 12 year old Palomino, Daisy (my best friend and love of my life!) From the information I have gathered, the Fjord is happiest when working and if pleasure riding is the only interest, you are only touching the tip of the iceberg. I can honestly say I would probably never do any driving or pulling logs, although I am considering dressage seriously in the near future. Since I live in southern Florida, which is hot and humid most of the year,I would like to know if they fare well in this type of climate? It seems like most of the breeders are in northern states. Do any of you ride strictly for pleasure. i.e. trail riding? Although this is all I have thought about since returning from Equitana, I certainly would not want to do injustice to a magnificent animal that might require more than my capabilities/riding interests. Any information you could provide me regarding your Fjords would be very much appreciated!
