trail horse gelding wanted
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com A long time friend (25 + years) is looking for a good trail horse, gelding preferred. He has had a trail mule before, and his wife's arab/morgan cross just died at 28. He keeps his horse's for their lifetime, and his wife is just as passionate about care. He and his wife are about 5'4 and very fit. They'd like a good trail horse, between 12 18. Solid reliable. He lives in the Northwest (Seattle) area, and has asked me to help him find the right fjord. He knows I've had them for almost 20 years, and now he has the opportunity to find the right one. Please let me know if you have that right horse. I think he would travel some to see and ride it, but don't know how far. Brains and doing are what's important, but I know he don't want tall. Let me know the good trail horses for sale, and I'll pass them on to him. Happy Fjording, our weather has gotten frigid, and my mare is very 'happy' about it. We are down in the single digits, and she's chomping at the bit to get out and exercise. Yikes, I can barely keep up with the frozen manure. Mel Thomas Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
orthoflex saddle
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com Just had to chime in about orthoflex saddles fitting fjords. My husband bought an orthoflex saddle that fit him, and it fit 3 of our fjords excellently. However he now has a Foxtrotter, and it fit's him abysmally, So he went with a custom made saddle. I can't stand riding in his orthoflex, so it is for sale. Minimally worn, 17 inch. 2003 western model. Light tan saddle with swede seat. Has large stirrups on it. We put latigos on it. I love my Bob Marshall. Don't think I'll ever change. $2,300 shipped anywhere in the US. I don't have pics. now, but can get them. We don't need this saddle, and it's taking up room in the living room. Mel Thomas Wenatcheem 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
saddle fit
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I had tried 8 or so saddles to fit my mare after she had matured. The saddles that used to fit, just didn't. We were going to get custom saddles for the horses and us when I found the Bob Marshal Treeless saddles. A friend at work let me borrow hers, and even though it was too small for me, it fit my mare beautifully. I do use a crouper and a breastplate, but only a thin wool pad, and it performs great. We do trails that are quite steep, both up and down, and I've never had it slip. I do normally use a step to get on, or rocks or fallen branches on the trail (bad knees) and it still stays on well. (Once I had to use a culvert - which was a laugh in itself) So look at the Bob Marshall saddles. They are 1/2 the price of custom saddles, and hold their value very well. I chose a saddle that was partially completed, in my size, and they had it to me in 3 weeks. Happy Trails to all. Mel Thomas Wenatchee, 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
Another Loose Fjord Horse Story
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com This one could have had such a different ending, but it's funny none the less, because it ended up okay. Years ago, in the early 1990's when we had our two first fjords, my husband would leave for work at 4:45 am. While he was traveling to work, he heard on the radio, there were two loose horses on the 2 lane highway close to our house. We had a number of horses in our neighborhood and he was wondering which horses they were. Our next door neighbor left for work about 5:15 am. She pulled out to the light at the highway intersection and saw our two fjords. The gelding was standing there completely blocking traffic across the road. And the mare was walking up and down the cars, peering into them, looking for treats. She said it reminded her of the drive through wildlife preserves where the wild animals come up to the cars and look at the people (In the cages). My neighbor got a rope from a construction truck, put it on the mare, and the gelding followed her home. The rest of the story is just as entertaining. I got up much later. Went to feed the horses and wondered why there was a rope tying the gate closed. When my husband got home, he didn't know anything about it. But my neighbor came over and told us what had happened. I searched for the break in the fence, but couldn't find it. -- Till snow fell. The gelding lifted up a fence post with his neck. The mare would skitter under, and the gelding would follow. The fence post slid back into the hole, none the wiser (except for the very smart fjords : ) ) We had to get an extremely hot fence charger, with a low wire to stop all the escapes! (No fjords were hurt in the telling of this story. Thank goodness!!) Mel Thomas North Central Washington where spring is here, so is the wind. Apple. cherry and pear blossoms galore. It is beautiful. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
As we honor our veterans, this one must be included
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com My sister sent me this. You do need to watch the Youtube video. Incredibly impressive. The first snow fell here in Wenatchee, WA. (Upper Middle part of state) My fjord mare was a dirt/mud bag when I went out this afternoon. She had so much fun rolling rolling running in her paddock. This won't last, but there will be more this weekend. I get to try a home made sled with her. Yahooo!! Mel Thomas This is great story. After reading the below paragraphs, check out the You Tube video. Subject: Fwd: As we honor our veterans, this one must be included ** ** Be sure to view the video clip at the bottom: Reckless was a packhorse during the Korean war, and she carried recoilless rifles, ammunition and supplies to Marines. Nothing too unusual about that, lots of animals got pressed into doing pack chores in many wars. But this horse did something more.during the battle for a location called Outpost Vegas, this mare made 50 trips up and down the hill. On the way up she carried ammunition, and on the way down she carried wounded soldiers. What was so amazing? Well she made every one of those trips without anyone leading her. I can imagine a horse carrying a wounded soldier, being smacked on the rump at the top of the hill, and heading back to the safety of the rear. But to imagine the same horse, loaded with ammunition, and trudging back to the battle where artillery is going off, without anyone leading her is unbelievable. To know that she would make 50 of those trips is unheard of. How many horses would even make it back to the barn once, let alone return to you in the field one single time. So here is a clip of her story and photos to prove where she was and what she did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0%A0%A0+ She was retired at the Marine Corps Base in Camp** **Pendletonwhere a General issued the following order..she was never to carry any more weight on her Back except her own blankets. She died in 1968 at the age of 20. P.S. How bad was the battle for Outpost Vegas?? Artillery rounds fell at the rate of 500 per hour, and only two men made it out alive, without wounds. Just two. And a horse, and she was wounded twice. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky941
Harnesses and Things for sale
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com
I normally lurk, and thoroughly enjoy it.
I've moved to Wenatchee, WA and have been able to trail ride for hours from
my barn driveway. My friend and I go out at least 2 hours most days. I
come back sore, but my fjord girl just loves it.
We have attempted some very narrow trails.I've jumped off twice, due to not
being comfortable on the narrow trail or my girl dropped two feet off the
trail, and I didn't want to challenge (myself) any further. All my life I
wanted to be able to go mile upon mile and get to where I can't see
civilization. Now that I can, I feel great. And riding so much uphill and
down hill works my core muscles as much as my horses.
The only problem with taking a fjord uphill is there's no mane to hold
onto. I promised Honey I wouldn't cut her mane till next year. That way
I'll have something to hold on to.
When I don't ride, I drive, however I have to do it on the city streets. We
do get a lot of attention. She takes it all in stride.
We are down to one fjord and I do need to let some things go.
I have a great cart for sale. 48 in. wheels, painted red (a little sports
car) ($400.00)
The great thing about this cart is that the seat and basket are attached to
the shafts, not the wheels,
so the seat does not get the road and hole bounce., The shafts go back to
the axle, and the seat attaches to
the shaft via a great iron leaf spring contraption. It is very
comfortable. Fits in the bed of a truck, but not between the wheel wells.
I('m keeping my 4 wheeler)
I'm also selling two harnesses. One is excellent leather, I have shown
with it, but it really would do as a daily harness. Dark brown leather. I
think that bridle has a 5.5 inch liverpool with a great feel. It is not
stainless, nor is it copper, but my mare really likes it. Harness fits a
13.2 to 15 hand fjord. ($125.00 w/o bit. 150 with)
I also have another harness, some patten leather touches to it. More fine
harness style than work. This harness does not have the tugs or shaft
holdback straps. Don't know where they went. but we have moved a few times.
The bridle has a 6 inch liverpool bit. ($75 w/o bit. $100 with)
A pair of Old mac boots size 7. Only used once each. Needed them for when
our previous fjord lost a shoe. (50.00)
2 western cinches - size 36 and 32. (10 ea.)
1 -14 in. western saddle 1/2 bars - Brand New. Never Used. (150.00)
A pair of Dahner field boots, size 9. (100.00)
A pair of Justin boots 8 1/2 medium. (25.00
1 pair of 1 inch draft lines - leather (40.00)
1 pair of brown 1/2 inch driving lines - leather (20.00)
matching red harness pads (saddle breast collar) (10.00)
blue harness saddle pad (5.00)
1 white dressage non slip mesh saddle pad (15.00)
Can't think of what else. Trying to get down to one draft harness, one CDE
harness, and limited extras.
If I need to ship, you pay it. I'll let you know, If you want to bundle
things together, great!!
And happy Trails to you all.
Mel Thomas
Have you hugged your Fjord today?
Important FjordHorse List Links:
Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e
FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Looking for that perfect horse
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I am mostly a lurker on the list, only posting once or twice a year. My husband has been relocated to Wenatchee, WA (dry side) and I still live with my fjord girl on the wet side. I give private therapy lessons to two students with the diagosis of autism, and one student who graduated from me, who half leases my mare and he and his mom dad walk on the trails next door to the boarding stable. I'm taking their horse ( mine, but the student thinks of her as his) with me when I move to Wenatchee the end of June. Anyway, the parents would like to find a fjord mare just like mine - the perfect fjord. I believe they would prefer to lease this wonder horse, due to the probability that the boarding stable may be sold in the next year or year a half. Requirements: *13.3 to 14.2 hands. Very steady, boomproof* (lots of joggers, bikers, hikers, other horses and even deer on the same trails) We have been swooped by a great owl, and people with strollers think they can just push their stroller up to Honey's nose. *This perfect horse would have to get along with other horses, be willing to pass others on the trail, and be willing to leave other horses.* The family will take a lead out on the trail, and if things are going well, they unhook the lead, but if their son is aggitated, or if the horse seems energetic, they normally will lead their son for the whole ride. They keep him and the horse safe. Winters they have a 3.5 mile loop they do. In the summers they can do a 5.5 to 7 mile loop. They try to ride 5 days a week, except in the terrible rain storm season. The horse would only be walked. They will provide an excellent home. The boarding facility only has six horses, each with a 12 x 12 stall and additional covered area outside, with a run, play area beyond. They do takeexcellent care of the horses. the family will take all care that is required. I have taught them everything, and trust them with my girl. I normally take her shoes off in the winter, and use old mac boots until the next shoe season. They would provide the appropriate tack and care. I would be back occasionally to visit and ensure quality care. If you have that perfect horse, please contact me. Mel Thomas dmtfa...@gmail.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Sad news
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I just found out today that a dear friend and fjord horse enthusiast has died. Peg (Blackstone) Knutsen passed away from complications from lung cancer. She had been diagnosed in October, and died this week. A memorial and celebration of her life will be at the Northlake Unitarian Church in Kirkland, WA, Saturday March 12 at 3 pm. The address is 308 4th Ave. South, Kirkland, WA Peg and her husband Doug had quality fjords, bred them, and they recently (in the past two years) sold their beloved stallion MVF Erlend, and retired from horses. She was always interested in what I was doing with mine. She had an amazing wit, and had just as many jokes about herself as others. Her vision of the world could be slightly bent, but was always funny. Anyone who met Peg, would always remember her, and her memory was amazying too. She left too soon. I will miss her. Mel Thomas Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Sad news
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I just found out today that a dear friend and fjord horse enthusiast has died. Peg (Blackstone) Knutsen passed away from complications from lung cancer. She had been diagnosed in October, and died this week. A memorial and celebration of her life will be at the Northlake Unitarian Church in Kirkland, WA, Saturday March 12 at 3 pm. The address is 308 4th Ave. South, Kirkland, WA Peg and her husband Doug had quality fjords, bred them, and they recently (in the past two years) sold their beloved stallion MVF Erlend, and retired from horses. She was always interested in what I was doing with mine. She had an amazing wit, and had just as many jokes about herself as others. Her vision of the world could be slightly bent, but was always funny. Anyone who met Peg, would always remember her, and her memory was amazying too. She left too soon. I will miss her. Mel Thomas Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Bees on the trail
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I have a wonderful fjord mare, 8 years old, who has been my therapy horse for disabled students for almost 4 years. One student prefers to trail ride, so we have an awesome 1600 acres adjacent to where I board Honey and her brother Rex. Last year we were trail riding. I walk with the students mother, and student rides Honey. We came to a section of trail we had been on dozens of times previously. Honey began stamping both feet simultaniously, and shaking her head. I immediately thought of bees and said Lets get out of here! We trotted off through some tight trail for 200 yards or so. When we stopped, I looked her over and found 4 -5 bee stings, between her front legs. She's awesome. When she had the chance to blow up, she held it together, and gave me the message to get out of there. We left that trail alone until weather got cold. She also is willing to be 'dragged' around by weenie kids. She just follows them around like the reliable fjord she is. Solid, dependable, honest, and when in trouble, tells me without panic, something is wrong. Honey the super horse of the Year, in my book. Mel Thomas Snohomish, WA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
