Terrific public introduction to the Fjord breed
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> If you haven't had a chance to see the "Dances with Horses" video try and do so. Tears came to my eyes. I was so proud of the Fjords and of the riders and I don't know any of them. What a fun and great way to show others what the Fjords can do. Oh, make sure to also watch it in fast forward. You can see the line and uniformity quite well that way. WHat fun. Applause, Applause Deb
What do you feed your pregnant mares?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Do you do anything different in the feeding for your mares. If so when and what? Deb
RE:Dancing Evening with the Fjords
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I know the question was asked about getting a video of this performance. I didn't see an answer but then I don't get every single issue. Can a copy be obtained? Deb
Question about crossbreeding and color
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have posted here that I took a friend's Percheron/Fjord cross in for her. SHe is pregnant and has been bred to a Belgian. She is gray with the dappling being that Fjord yellow color. If the baby is 50% Belgian and 25% Fjord and 25% Grey Percheron what might the color of the foal be? Also I am feeding the mare a good quality grass hay and giving vitamin supplements. I was planning on feeding her Alfalfa/grass in her last month of pregnancy. I would like opinions? Deb, mom of Lars (who adores the mare, Sundae)
Does anyone have a Fjord or other horse that has foundered?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Deb
Riding helmet opinions wanted
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> A couple months ago, there was a discussion about the use of helmets for safety. I ride western and have never even thought of wearing a helmet. But as I read all the posts, I started thinking that it probably does make sense to wear a helmet providing that it will indeed protect your head. I know a lot about motorcycle helmets. They may all be approved for safety but there are some that one would definitely pick over others. Is it the same with riding helmets? If so, what are some good recommendations? I tend to get very hot, so good ventilation is essential. Thanks so much for your time and opinions. Deb
RE: weight and Fjords
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ruth, I agree with you. I know when I decided to become involved with horses again before I even thought of a breed my consideration was their weight bearing capability. I am a large woman and don't want a horse that runs when he sees me coming to get on him. :-) So I started looking at breeds that typically have shorter canon bones, shorter backs, etc. The Fjord was one of those that fit my criteria for weight bearing. Then I read all I could on the internet and then read Carol's book and was sold. All I could think of was Fjords. I mean it was electrifying when I touched my first Fjord. Anyway when I talked to people about purchasing a Fjord I wanted to know if he could carry my weight easily. Since then I have had many people say to me something about, "hey that would be a good horse for me as I am a large rider". Deb
the "dressage" issue
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Perhaps it was my comment about dressage that caused some of this malcontent. In my post I see where you could interpret that I thought a drafty, stout horse couldn't do dressage. That was not my intent. Over 20 years ago a friend and I took a Percheron mare and entered her in a 3-day event. As you know if there is a tie in scores it is the dressage score that breaks the tie, or at least it was then. This lovely, stout, drafty percheron looked like a fish out of water amongst all the TBs and such. (You should have see the looks we got. Some horse folks are very snotty.) Notice I said "looked". In all three events, which included the dressage, she did quite well. There were a number of surprised faces. That was worth the whole thing to me. I just hate it when people are prejudiced like that. But that is beside the point. I know lots of folks that would look at Fjords and laugh thinking of them doing dressage. Why??? I guess they equate doing dressage with being sleeker, and more "stylized" looking, along with the exceptional training. In fact I know many that do think that way. That was my point. I hope that there aren't a lot of breeders that think this same way when it comes to Fjords, because I love the drafty, stout, wide and very comfortable to ride (had to get that in as Lars is wonderful to ride)traits of Fjords. By the way the French word dressage means to be exceptionally trained. Any horse can be exceptionally trained. So if I am the one that the person was responding to about not knowing what dressage is you made a huge assumption that is wrong. Deb
RE:Question
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean in Fairbanks, I guess you missed some of my "tongue-in-cheek" but then it is hard to convey that sort of thing via email. (At least for me.) I do appreciate your concern regarding archaic thinking, I share your opinion. :-) My point is that cross breeding a Fjord doesn't hurt the line at all. I have mixed feelings about it. I know the Fjord/Percheron cross that I just housed is gorgeous and sweet as can be. Unless you were very familiar with Fjords you wouldn't look at her and say "oh there is a Fjord or a Fjord and something". Sure someone may pass off a crossbred Fjord as a Fjord and somehow give the pure bred Fjords a bad reputation. HOwever that happens everyday to all sorts of breeds of animals and to people. So why would or should a Fjord be any different? >From the posts I have been reading it sounds like there are folks out there that have bad feelings about pure bred Fjords already. Guess using some of that wonderful Fjord P.R. might be a good thing to do more of. :-) I am going to get Lars ready to ride in the next parade that we have in or near Olympia. I don't know when one will be but for sure by Memorial day or July 4th there will be one. Deb
Question
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Is this the right idea: If a Fjord stallion was bred to another breed that Fjord stallion doesn't upset the applecart as far as "pure-bred" Fjords are concerned. However is a Fjord mare is bred to another breed she is now violated, so to speak, and has ruined her "pure-bred" line? Now if that is correct theoretically you could breed Fjord stallions to other breeds and not taint the "pure-breds". Then if you chose to pick one breed to pair with the Fjord stallion you could produce a new breed yet still have pure-bred Fjords. Is that correct? Deb
Viking Heritage magazine and Fjords
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does anyone get this magazine. If so have they had any articles about the Fjord. Deb
thoughts on clicker training
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am training a young filly. I have never trained a horse before so actually I am being trained and then showing her, if you know what I mean. I tend to follow in the "way of" John Lyons just because I can understand his books. I decided adding a clicker would be helpful for me to focus and be better at identifying that "little" gain. I must say that today I was most proud of her. It was time to worm and it was her first time with a paste. She had been on a daily dewormer. Well, a couple of weeks ago I began leaving an empty tube in her feed bin. I would play with it while she was eating and then put it back down on her food. I would then put a bit of molasses on the end and have her take it in her mouth. So, today it was the easiest thing I have ever done. I have wormed older "trained" horses before that caused a huge commotion when trying to give them their worm paste. Anyway it was a Lyon's tid bit that worked well for me and for Cassie. She is about 1.5 and is an appendix quarter horse. She did better than Lars!! Now to work on Lars. :-) Deb
RE:question about Fjord adoption
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have worked with one of the local horse rescue groups here in Olympia. Unfortunately when I attend our local horse auction I have found a number of horses in bad shape and have gotten the resuce group involved. Not to long ago there was a Belgian who was at least 500 lbs. to thin!! I will ask them about Fjords and if they have come across Fjords or know if any other group in Washington has. I do know a man who has more Fjords that he can handle and has just recently contacted me and indicated he would let them go for a good (meaning inexpensive) price. If you are interested let me know. Deb
RE:the rescue success
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am glad that this cliff hanger came out as everyone had hoped. I applaud all of you that were involved. I agree with Lynda about the Canadian situation and lack of food for horses. I know getting hay in Canada is quite expensive this year. Seems like many horses of all breeds, in the U.S. as well, are going very cheaply.
Clicker training
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It looks like there is some general interest in the Olympia, Washington area for a clinic. I have contacted a trainer, who is well known but at the moment her name escapes me, and most likely will hear from her sometime after the holidays. I will keep you all posted. Depending on cost etc. we may be able to have a clinic in our area. Jean, in Fairbanks, thanks for the synopsis of clicker training. I know one reason I am wanting to try it is that I am not as fast as to be able to reward the horse by being right there. However to associate a cue with a reward and then give the reward may work well for me. At the very least it will help me to focus. Deb
Peggy, Fjords and wind
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Peg as much as I loved Badger Pocket the wind was to much for me. You will love being anywhere that has less wind. Here in Olympia when folks think the winds are blowing hard I sit back and go a it is good to be here :-) I am glad to see that Erlend has no regard for specific breed and is willing to give all the ladies a chance :-) Where are you guys moving to? Deb
Expensive Fjord crosses?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean, where have you see Fjord crosses been that costly? Are they crossed between the best of the Fjord and the best of Deb
Fjords and their cost plus my prediction, for what it is worth
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It is true that Fjords are considered by many to be "pricey". However even though many of us believe Fjords are worth the price they command many folks do not think that. In time I believe we will see more and more Fjord crosses. In this way folks will hope to get the Fjord temperament and perhaps some or most of their look but not their price. It is just the way things seem to go. I have an acquaintence who has a Fjord/Percheron cross that is bred to a Belgian. I may have mentioned this. The horse is darling. It looks much like a Fjord but has the grey dapples of a Percheron. The temperament is just as calm and sweet as can be and yes headstrong. Like I said I think we will see more and more of this cross breeding and perhaps,one day, a new breed will develop. By the way,if you think Fjords are pricey you can get a Gypsy Vanner Horse for $6,500 in utero! :-) Why the cost? Not many of them in the states yet, just like the Fresian and the Fjord, all though it seems the numbers of Fjords are growing here in the states. Well, I am just babbling on.. Deb
my black lab and Lars
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> All our dogs are use to the horses and the horses them. That is one rule at our place. Everyone needs to get along with everyone else and they do. The black lab, Noel, goes in and out around Lars and his feet all the time. No big deal. Noel can even go all around the quarter horse filly, who is not near as quiet as Lars, and the filly is fine with her. I have heard so many folks say, you can't have dogs and horses together. Well, yes you can I see it constantly. I think a lot depends on the temperments of the dogs and horses and how you introduce them etc. Deb
Re: Quake
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I know this is a bit off topic but when Jean mentioned the 1964 quake chills went down my spine. I grew up in Southern California and have lived in Northern CA and have been through so many quakes it isn't funny. Large ones as well that have done extensive damage and taken lives, the last being the S.Francisco quake not so many years back. I was only in 3rd or 4th grade in 64 but remember vividly watching the TV and seeing children just disappear. These folks were just waving good bye to a ship or something and then snow tumbled, roofs gone and they were gone right before your eyes. It made quite an impression on me to where I can still see them in black and white on the TV. Deb
Has anyone read the two horse trail guides to Washington written by two women who use Fjords?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I just came across their web site the other day. The first book they each were with a Fjord on the cover and it was written around 1997. Second book is fairly new and one has her Fjord and the other has some other breed. Are they on this list? Deb
going to try my hand at having Lars pull a plow
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Anyone know where I can get an inexpensive outfit and hitch for him? Deb -
A Fjord has finally b een found for a friend of mine and I want to say thanks to several of you on this list
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I want to thank those of you who I have pestered for the past year or more. A friend of mine has been searching for that "perfect" Fjord and has finally found him. He is as sweet as can be and she, who has little confidence with horses, rode him in the arena for quite a while and felt very comfortable. I am so glad for her. I am not savvy about the family tree but I will post a few pics of him at some point and his tree. I would love to know about his background if anyone happens to know. As I looked at so many Fjords I couldn't help but wish I had a bottomless pit of money,time and space. There are so many wonderful Fjords out there. A special thanks to Lauren, Peg and Betsy. Deb
Contradictory view points on the WNV
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Steve, where is the web site with the WNV information? Where did the other fellow on the list hear that the vaccine only lasted for 6 months. Is it because the vaccine hasn't been around long enough or tested enough to produce specific results to make definitive answers? If I knew that the vaccine would help and not cause harm to the horses I would most likely give it. At this point, with the contradicting statements from various vets and folks I am really confused. I believe in taking the best care of my animals as I can. I also know that many folks, vets and doctors included, believe some sort of medicine is the answer to everything, look at antibiotics and what is happening now with the over use. Please, I am not trying to cause trouble or say anyone is doing something wrong. I was just hoping for a definitive answer. I know, I know the practice of medicine is just thatpractice. I have been around and seen enough to know that lots of good things go on and so does lots of misinformation. I am a registered nurse and have been in nursing for over 23 years. Jean you may be correct that horses coming and going around your horses may have nothing to do with the WNV. However, if your horse is infected and a mosquito bites that horse what is the window period for that mosquito to become a carrier from that horse? Or is the horse the end? That is another area of discussion that seems to have contradictory answers. Some folks are saying that the end hosts are humans and horses. Some folks say not. I heard that a dog died from it the other day?? Who knows Confused but wanting to know the truth, Deb -
RE:the problem horse
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reading these posts has been helpful. The longer I have had Lars, almost a year now, and the better we have gotten to know each other, the better he responds to me. I have done more off of him than riding him. He use to crowd me all the time. No respect for my personal space. He also was a total maniac when the "herd" left him or visa versa. When Lars first came to me a friend had a stallion who was there with him as well. There was also two other geldings. It seemed he would become beside himself when the stallion would be taken away even though the other two geldings were with him. I wondered if that had to do with thinking he had lost his "commander-in-chief" or not. He also became quite beside himself if taken away from the other two geldings though not as much as when the stallion was away. Now he is with a filly who is about 16 months old. He has been with her since she was about 9 months old. He doesn't seem to have the herd bound separation anxiety with her as he did with the other horses. Anyone have any thoughts on why that is? Lars does have a mind of his own. However it seems since he has gotten to know and respect me he is not crowding me, we have worked on that a lot, and he will respond to me much better when I ride him. I don't know a lot about working with horses as I am learning as I go but I what I have been doing is giving them as much time as they each need to overcome what ever "problems" I see in them. Of course I am not on a time line so I can afford the luxury of taking time but it seems to work. I read a lot of John Lyons stuff and some of Parelli. I would like to know how clicker training can be adapted with the previous gentlemen's philosophies. Any suggestions for me? Deb
WNV to vaccinate or not for now?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have been following the WNV information and the disease's pathway for quite sometime. I am leary of vaccinations that have not been "time" tested so have not been quick to want to give Lars or Cassie, my quarter-horse filly, the vaccine. The weather is turning colder now and I am not having any mosquitos where I live in the Olympia area of Washington. I don't take the horses off my place and no other horses come on to the place. I was thinking of waiting and watching to see if more is learned of this vaccine. Does anyone out there know of a pressing reason why I should take a different course of action at this point in time due to my current environmental situation? Deb
RE: falling horses
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am with you on that Jean! Last winter Lars came charging out of his stable to go to the pasture. He slipped on his mat as he took a turn to quick. He got right up and pretended it never happened. Another time I was riding him and he went to stop. The grass was very slippery and he went down on both his front knees. He and I worked as one and he got right back up and I kept my balance. A friend saw it happened and just stood there with his mouth opened. He couldn't believe how smoothly Lars and I got through it. I don't know either except we were trusting each other.
Fuzzy coats already?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I just got back yesterday having been in Oregon for a week. First thing I did when I got home was go and say hello to Lars. He is getting a fuzzy coat already!! I read that Jean's horse was getting a fuzzy coat but then she is in Alaska. Anyone in the Washington area have their Fjords starting to ready for cooler weather? Deb
Can I get the WNV vaccine and inoculate my own horses?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I know there is a vet on this list. Is it possible to get this from a suppy store or from a vet? DT
Draft Horse Show 8/24/02 in Tri-cities, WA any Fjords going to be there?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I love Fjords and other draft horses as well. Does anyone know about the show in Tri-cities and if there will be Fjords there? DT
I'll be dadgummed! A Fjord mule
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Now I have seen everything LOL What a hoot.forgive my transgressions but you must admit it is interesting
If you raise young fjords please read this
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have my eye on a little guy that I have been watching since this past May. I have pictures from the day of his birth up until today. I would like to have some opinions. I am not looking for a champion. However I want a fellow that will make a good pleasure riding horse one day. I don't want him to have any defects that would prevent that. If I do purchase him I was going to go and get him in October as I want him as soon as he is weaned. However I am no expert on young fjords and their confimation etc. If you don't mind me sending you a few pics so you can give me your opinion please let me know. I will send you a few. If you use a zip program let me know that as well as I will send you zip files. Otherwise I will send you pics as you normally get them online. Thanks so much, Deb T.
Vaccine for WNV
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> How long does the vaccine for the West Nile Virus work for a horse? Deb
[no subject]
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean do you have barn cats? Dogs? We have both. We have some birds that have their nests in the barn up high but they don't stay around long as the cats are always lurking up on the cross beams :-) Bats are wonderful for eating all the mosquitos. The birds eat them too! Deb
Bard Patterns?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am looking for a Bard pattern to use on Lars. I am not the best sewer but with a pattern I can manage. I have searched the internet and library and pictures are great but I need a pattern. Anyone know where I can find that sort of thing? I am wanting it to be for around the 15-16th century Scottish however I am not into having it have to be 100% authentic. Anything that would look appropriate will work. I prefer not an entire cover and would like to have the piece that goes around his front. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Deb
Recommendations for a trainer?
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does anyone know of any trainers that would work with me and Lars? I live in Olympia/Lacey area of Washington state. Deb
Re: Fjords and the 13th Warrior
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This is what I know about the horses in the movie. Most of the Fjords that you saw were computer generated. Lars was the Fjord that the leader of the enemy tribe was riding. There was another Fjord from the same breeder that did some of the jumping. I only know this because the woman I got Lars from told me about him being in the movie and how they did it. Deb-mother of Lars.
Viking Horses
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think this is a perfect place to discuss the origin and use of the Fjords. I am currently reading "Vikings and the Art of War". I love historical things. Anyway before I go further I would like for you who have been discussing this define for me your "Viking age". Then please define for me the word "Viking". Once I know from which definitions we are starting I would love to continue this subject of the Fjord, horse of the Viking? Deb
Thanks for info on "white stuff"
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks for the advice. Lars does have very deep frog clefts. I cleaned it out and treated it. He is a happy boy. Well, now that I am starting to work him regularly in the arena he is not quite as happy LOL His bumper sticker says: I would rather be eating Deb
Re: horse manure and worming
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I use red worms to break down my vegetative matter from the kitchen. I used the horse manure for the worm's bedding as they thrive on it. Only thing was that I couldn't use manure that had been recently been through a horses system that had been wormed. Lauren is correct. The 3 year old compost you have would be great. It could even be younger and be terrific. Heck, I just planted primroses in manure that had only been lying around for a couple of months and they are thriving. Deb
Hope and your loss
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I can't say anything that has not been said already. Do get his brother a buddy. Deb
Talk about getting the door shut in your face
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This evening I was feeding the horses like I do every night only I was hugging on Lars while he was eating his hay. I usually give him his hay and grain at the same time but tonight I waited on the grain. Well, Lars was not in the "hugging" mood and if looks could kill his would have. So I go and bring his grain and as I leave going through the door, he closes the door on me! Lars is a Fjord with an attitude :-)
Deworming question
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Has anyone or does anyone use the Strongid C or Strongid C 2x for deworming? I am wondering how it works and how the horses do with eating the pellets? Deb
Fly control
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The wasps that have been mentioned for fly control, do they sting? Also I think someone mentioned another predator they use with the flies and I have forgotten what they were. Thanks, Deb
Response to Arthur's compost note
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks for taking the time to write that. I hadn't thought about thinking of planting beds a year ahead. We just recently moved to our new home here in Olympia, Washington. I am going to start mapping out garden areas now. Great idea!
to all the various manure posts
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am glad I posted my note. Very interesting information. I had read quite a lot about the use of horse manure for compost but wanted to know what some of you were doing. I will just keep doing what I am doing then. I have a pile that I add to daily. It is covered with a tarp so that the nitrogen won't go into the soil. I plan on turning it every month or so and then will put it in on of the other fields I have to sit when it is more decomposed. Bummer about the dude that drowned in the manure lagoon. You know that saying "shit happens" well..what a way to go. Peg, I am all to familiar with those Ellensburg winds. Out in the Badger Pocket area where I was living some guy burnt his field during a very strong winds. I didn't know what was going on and all of a sudden the place was engulfed in smoke. I evacuated the family and animals thinking a fire had gotten out of hand. You have to be careful out there. Congratulations on your new Fjord. You have some good looking Fjords out there. I remember seeing one of your foals that was trying to "hump" every living thing in site including his mom. Is that the one that you are having gelded? Deb
Manure management
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Has this topic been discussed? I have been reading up on this area and wondering what some of you do with all the manure that you have. I am especially interested in knowing what those of you who have the equivalent of 1-2 horses per acre do. Do you compost? If so how do you go about it and what do you do with the compost? I have heard that one shouldn't spread manure over horse pasture as it will reinfect the horse. However I thought if the pile had been decomposing anything in it that would reinfect a horse would be killed. Does anyone know? If this isn't the place to ask can someone point me in the direction of those I can ask? Deb
In response to Aussie saddle question
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Aussie saddles are wonderful. However if you weigh more than say 250 lbs. you don't want the stock saddle as the tree isn't strong enough for you. Also since the Fjord is wider you want more of a full quarter horse bar. In that case you would go with an Aussie saddle that is fleeced but doesn't have the padding under the saddle. Of course this is just what I have learned as I have researched them. I did read a lot. Watched videos, ridden in one and had one on Lars. Deb
In response to modern breeding and eating at Dunkin Doughnuts
This message is from: "DT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Lois, you know I have seen what you mean that breeders tend to go towards slimmer, sleeker styles. Is this true in all parts of the world or just in America where the media teaches society or visa versa that "thinner, leaner and meaner" is better? I say eat the Dunkin doughnuts and go for the draftiest Fjord you can find :-) Deb
