Helmets, adjustments...rt
This message is from: Eileen Perry empe...@pocketinet.com I didn't see anyone mention helmet adjustments, so I thought I'd chime in here...Years ago, helmets were sold by hat size and at best you could add some foam inserts. The new sports helmets have an adjustable inside suspension harness to fit your head,usually with some type of dial or ratchet on the back. I was told to check the fit by seeing if the helmet would slide off the head w/o the chin strap (it shouldn't) , or if the scalp moves with the helmet (it should). Hopefully someone who sells tack can elaborate... Cheers from Oz, Eileen Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Wintec Wide
This message is from: Eileen Perry empe...@pocketinet.com I have! Pros: definitely built for wide bodies, wider than the other Wintec saddles. Cons: fairly straight flap, ok if you don't have long legs and want to ride in a dressage seat. I wouldn't call it an A/P saddle. Also, the panels aren't suede, so I found the whole saddle slick. Oh, and this saddle has essentially no twist, so wasn't comfy for me. I sold mine 'cuz my mare still didn't move forward in it like she does in a treeless saddle. For trail riding, I love the Bob Marshall. Mind you I'm not riding these days because of hip problems. So my most comfy saddle is a carriage seat. Cheers, Eileen Perry in Oz, homesick for my mare (oh, and the hubby and other critters too) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
driving horse available for lease?
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm considering a job overseas for a couple of years. It sounds great, but I really don't want my lovely driving pony just standing around. If anyone in the Pacific NW is interested in a lease of a burgeoning CDE horse, who is also broke to ride, could you contact me off the list? Eileen in eastern WA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Posting for Linda Taylor, Rainbow's End Farm visit
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just returned from a vacation in New York State and Vermont which unexpectedly ended up with me extending my vacation with a weeklong visit with Vivian and Sam Creigh at their lovely Rainbow's End Farm where Vivian gave me much needed driving lessons as I had not driven much for a year. In addition to my driving lessons with Nordy and Mira, lovely ladies, Vivian, Sam and I ate well (much from their garden), drank well, and just had a good time hanging out together enjoying fall color at its peak. What a treat! I want to do this on an annual basis. And there's a terrific quilt store in Chester too. What more could one ask for. Linda Taylor, back in Northern Cal with Miss Boombah (Sigrid) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Nibblenets
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Too bad they don't come in pasture size :) (My horses rub the BestFriends off on the irrigation uprights, etc). Eileen in eastern WA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: to shoe or not...horse boots
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've used horse boots for years. I used Old Macs almost exclusively on my Appys, and I found them very easy to get on and off, take care of, etc. As far as the velco, it was never an issue, even with the cheatgrass we have in this area (gg). I've used Boa boots also. My Fjord mare has been a fitting challenge, and I've been using Easyboot Bares, with the front closure modified. They are much more of a pain to fit and put on, but they seem to work for her. I've ridden and driven miles in them. I think any of the boot manufacturers tell you to measure immediately after a trim. To me, the boot fitting with some horses is largely trial and error. But my mare has great feet, just needs the boots for the cushion and protection on roads and rocks, so why shoe? Eileen in sunny WA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: electric fencing
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm impressed with the number of folks on the list that are using electric fencing. I used it successfully with my Appaloosas who were easily deterred, but with my Fjord mare, I've given up. I can seem to keep it hot enough consistently to convince her. FWIW, our soils are sand (hard to make a great ground) and she's always been barefoot. (I used Premier 1 supplies for years too, great company). Eileen in eastern WA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: fjord firsts
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] That's interesting! I'm assuming that this was the ride near Madras OR? One of my coworkers saw this horse at the ride. She and her husband (a vet), compete on Arabs and crosses. They were trying to figure out what it was (Haflinger, Icelandic, etc). She did mention it took a while to get his PRs down at the checks, not surprising. As far as other Fjords, there is a classic endurance riding book by Linda Tellington-Jones, when she was heavy into the event. One of the plates is a Fjord stallion competing on a ride in Germany, if I recall. I'm impressed, 'cause these days an hour in the saddle is enough for me. Eileen in eastern WA. Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:46:06 -0700 From: Gayle Ware [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Two Fjord firsts? This message is from: Gayle Ware [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I just received an email from Pam Adler. She had purchased a Dusty son from us a few years ago named Eric - more recently tagged, by Pam as 'Eric the Awesome'. Pam had just completed an endurance ride with Eric and they finished within the allotted time and, oviously, had cleared the vet checks. She was pretty stoked to say the least! CONGRADULATIONS Pam Eric!!! Has anyone else ever tackled endurance rides with a Fjord? I don't recall hearing of any. Pam 'mentioned' that Eric reminds her of Dusty. Dusty is the proverbial energizer bunny and must have passed that gene on to his son! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Any info on Linda Taylor?
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All, Sorry to cross post this, but has anyone heard anything about how Linda Taylor is doing after her accident? Eileen Perry The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2008 #7
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here's my vote: the Trail Rider pants in Wind Pro fleece from www.smoothstride.com They are Wind Pro fleece so they are soft and warm on the inside, smooth but not slick on the outside. Snow doesn't stick like with polar fleece. Plus they come with suede-like full seats, so it's like riding with velcro on those wild Fjords! That's what I ride in this time of year. Eileen in eastern WA, where yes, we do get snow. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Silent Fjord (NOT)
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Geez, I guess my mare is the chatty Kathy? She neighs, she whinnies, she nickers. She really clicks with other mares, tends to greet them with a whinny. And she calls out to me whenever she sees me. When we're working on the ground, she looks at me and just snuffles the tiniest bit with her nose, as if to say, I did that ok, didn't I? Very cute. Her voice is high. It's funny, 'cause we often ride out with a friend's tiny, delicate Arab mare, who has a deep, smokey voice. And my beefy mare sounds like a filly :) Eileen in eastern WA, where winter has returned The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Treeless dressage/trail saddle
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Merry Christmas, I've got a great dressage/trail saddle I'm not using for sale. Freeform black leather, with 2 seats (18 and 19 inch), Haf pad, leathers, girth, irons. email for pics and more info. Eileen in eastern WA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: stumbling
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] My mare would stumble, but only under saddle, not while she was being driven or at liberty. I too found that it was a saddle fitting issue, and the fix for her was to go with treeless saddles. I ride her in a Bob Marshall, and she doesn't stumble. FWIW, she's barefoot, has great feet, and I use horse boots when I think we'll be on a lot of pavement or rocks. Eileen in frosty eastern WA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Brag Alert, or really, just a nice ride
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] The weather here in eastern WA has been uninspiring at best. This morning I hauled my mare Jane and a friend's horse off to trail ride in a park I help establish about 10 years ago. I helped write the Park Plan, hauled garbage, organized volunteers and worked to convince locals that this was a good thing...Then I got distracted with work and school. Flash forward ten years, my first trail ride in this park! It was awesome to see another horse trailer and several cars in the parking lot on a dreary day that most people would spend in the mall. It was a great ride, we got to see a train, hikers, cyclists and runners/walkers with their pooches. We also got to ride in trees, something I don't get to do that much. We topped off the perfect trail ride by stopping for mochas on the way home. Yummm. Eileen, in eastern WA The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Fjords and electric fence
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Interesting...I've given up on electric fence with my mare. My Appys would stay behind them (even 1/2 tape), but my mare just acts like it's not there. There might be two factors in her favor: 1) she isn't shod, and 2) our soils are sandy. But the same fence that would easily convince my Appy geldings are nada to her. And one of my geldings would test the fence. Maybe it's the mane? I've found that the livestock panels (like Preifert, Noble, etc) work best for her. Eileen, in eastern WA, winter is coming! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: does the perfect saddle exist?
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] hehehe, nope. That's easy. For trail riding, I'm using a Bob Marshall sports saddle (treeless) in the trail model. I really like this saddle, and my mare moves freely with it. However, there is NO twist, but very comfy for me nonetheless. I've been looking for something for low level dressage. I tried the Wintec WIDE, which seemed to fit my mare with the widest gullet. Although they call it an AP, it is really more of a dressage saddle and the flaps are fairly straight. It does have a twist, but neither myself or the mare cared for it. (I'm getting ready to sell it). I bought a used Freeform english saddle (treeless) and I'll report on that as soon as we use it for awhile. I don't recall anyone on the list mentioning Freeform. I'm guessing that my mare would need a 38cm tree if we go back to conventional treed saddles. For now, I'm exploring the treeless models... Eileen and Jane, the micheline tire pony The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: clippers
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] A big Thank You to everyone that sent me emails and responded on the list to the clipper questions. You saved me $$ in not buying the Oster A5's, but I guess I'll just have to spring for the serious dollars and get the clipmaster unit or something comparable. I'm trying to keep my mare's trace clip trimmed every 2-3 weeks, so I guess it will be worth it... Eileen in the Tri-Cities, WA (70 mi east of Yakima)
Re: pen size
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Taffy, My vote is for the longer pen, I think it encourages them to move more. However, if you have to walk the length of the pen to get to an enclosure (feeding, mucking out), that is certainly a consideration :) Eileen in sunny West Richland WA
Evaluation of Synthetic English Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All, I wanted to share some info on the new Wintec WIDE and the Thorowgood Griffin saddles. If you're not interested in English saddles, please scroll or delete... I'm trying to find a saddle to fit my barely 14hh mare and my big frame (31 inseam and middle age baggage) for light trail riding and low level dressage. (I already have a trail saddle and a vintage Kieffer Wien dressage saddle). I've looked at both the new Wintec Wide saddle and the Thorowgood Griffin Broad back (cob) AP saddles. Here's what I've seen: Wintec: Surprised me that the seat was smooth. I have a 2000 AP model and it has a wonderful fake suede that you stick to like glue. Also, the billets only accomodate a short dressage girth. The Y girthing system does help keep the saddle in contact with the horse. On the plus side, the panels (what makes contact with the horse's back) are the broadest and most comfortable I've seen on any saddle. And the saddle does really, really fit a barrel shaped horse. My problem with it: the flaps are straight, like a dressage saddle. No way is this saddle an All Purpose. Thorowgood: Truthfully, I was really dissapointed with this saddle. The panels are not nearly as back friendly to the horse - narrow, hard, and not enough weight bearing surface. The seat was small - no way would I even fit comfortably on even an 18. The plus side is that the seat is covered with that ultrasuede, so you would get a good grip. Again, *straight flaps*! What's with that?! So, not really happy with either saddle. I actually bought the Wintec, so if anyone is interested, let me know. I think I'll contact the Duett saddle folks next. Isn't saddle fitting fun? Eileen in eastern WA
driving bridles
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] I appreciate all of the feedback on driving bridle fit. In the case of my mare, I wish it was simply that the browband is too small. I think it's the whole design. This particular bridle, from a Smuckers synthetic pleasure harness, has a hanging cavesson. However, unlike the English riding bridles, the cavesson attaches just above the winker on the cheek piece. There simply isn't enough room to accomodate the extra thickness of the cavesson attachment and the browband (let alone the rosette). I can't drop (lengthen) the cheekpiece because the winker needs to be in the right place. One solution for this particular bridle might be to convert the cavesson to a totally separate bridle piece, as with riding bridles. Or just run a strap through the cheekpieces to act as a noseband. Anyway, as Dave says, it shouldn't be this hard. Mankind has been making driving harness for quite some time... Eileen, in eastern WA
Teensy brag
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just had to share one of those moments I'm glad I was driving a Fjord...I took Marikape (Jane) for a drive today with a group. As we were just heading out to warm up, a 5 yr old boy who was playing a few feet away threw an irrigation valve right at Jane's front feet. It spooked her a second, but she went right on. Needless to say, I had a few sharp words for the child, definitely old enough to know better. With another horse, that could have been bad. Best of all, we paced ourselves at a working trot to keep up with a big TB who was in and out of sight. We drove by ourselves, but passed some other drivers with some pretty interesting vehicles. Eileen in eastern WA and Jane, who deserves a good rest tonight.
driving bridles on Fjords
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is it just me, or is it *really* difficult to get driving bridles to fit Fjords? I swear I'm constantly tweaking Jane's bridle. Right now I have the rosettes off so that the browband won't pinch the ears (badly). I, for one, can't wait till Dave McWethy joins us here in the Pacific NW so maybe my poor pony can get a bridle that fits... Eileen, grumpy after getting only a quick drive in after a very long day at work...
FS: English AP saddle for Fjord
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Listers, I've decided to sell my fairly new English saddle that fits my Fjord mare (and replace it with a synthetic). It's a black leather, all purpose model by Ascot Int'l with a very wide tree (I'm guessing 36cm) and generous 18+ seat (listed as 19). You can see the saddle at Frontier Equestrian, http://www.frontierequestrian.com/getProduct.cfm?CatList=31 I'm selling it because the leather on the seat and most of the flaps is smooth and too slippery for me and my green horse. The flaps do have suede on the front. The panels on this saddle are quite wide and generous, great for our Fjords, and the seat is large. I'm asking $225 plus shipping - I'm in eastern WA. I can send photos. Eileen in easetern WA, sure tired of temps in the triple digits :-(
Re:saddle slipping, follow-up
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All! I posted something earlier because I have an all purpose style English saddle. The saddle is extra wide, with nice wide panels and channel and fits my barrel shaped mare well enough that there is no movement forward and back. But the saddle will slide with the slightest provocation to either side. I'm not the only rider on this horse/saddle with the slipping problem. Anyway, here's the update. Someone mailed me privately who had struggled with the same problem, and had a great idea (thanks D, you know who you are!). The suggestion was to use foam (the stuff you can buy at fabric stores to pad things). I happened to have a piece of 1 thick foam because I make harness pads. Anyway, I tried riding with just the foam between the horse and the saddle. Voila! No slip! I have to go on travel, but as soon as I get back I'm going to buy a bigger piece so I can make a pad shaped for this saddle. I'm excited because it's an inexpensive solution. BTW, my next product I was going to try is the new Grooma AiRider pad, 'guarenteed not to slip'. But they are pricey, and at least as strange looking as using a foam pad. Happy Trails! Eileen
Help needed, English saddle slipping sideways
This message is from: Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello All, I'm in desparate need of some advice. For the past month my vet and I have been both having problems with my saddle slipping sideways on my classic barrel-shaped mare. I'm using a wide tree (38cm) all purpose saddle which seems to fit her well. After searching the archives, I tried the Professional Choice girth, per Gayle W's suggestion. I also use one of those non-slip rubber pads you put under throw rugs. These have helped, but the sideways slipping is still really dangerous. I know it's not just me because my vet is an excellent 3-day event rider, skinny and *way* more fit than I am, and she's having problems. My vet has been cranking up the girth, which I hate to do. And that doesn't solve the problem. Yikes, we haven't cantered my mare yet, 'cause trotting is still such a challenge. Any suggestions? (PS sorry if this is a repeat - I tried to post twice before and didn't see my message). Eileen and 'Jane', the beautiful barrel with legs
Fitting my Fjord, cont'd
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] First, my sympathies for those with ill horses. I know just how awful that is. I just wanted to mention that I'm evaluating an Abetta endurance saddle with an Arabian tree (don't know the gullet size - but it's wide). The saddle fits my fat little mare pretty well, could be a smidge wider (of course). But it's one of the most uncomfortable saddles I've used. I think it's because I'm used to cushey english saddles with narrow waists. This saddle is quite wide behind the pommel and seems to have a ridge I can feel on either side (getting to me on the inside of my thighs). And the stirrups are just terrible. Anyway, I'm hoping I can make it comfy for me, and of course, the main thing is how my Fjord does with it. Time and more work will tell. Eileen in eastern WA .
English saddle for sale
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've decided that I want to sell me Ascot 19 black all purpose saddle with a built Fjord wide tree. Been used maybe 3 times, so in nearly new condition. Contact me off line for more details, thanks! Eileen in eastern WA
Re: bats
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] For a good resource on bats, check out www.batcon.org. As far as swallows vs bats, keep in mind they are eating mosquitoes different times of the day, and so are probably eating different species. So we need both! My place is far enough from water that I haven't been able to attract bats - wish I could! Eileen in balmy eastern WA, 75 degrees today!!!
Re: founder, vaccinations
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve, Luckily, I don't know much about founder. However, I do know that vaccinations and worming *do* aggravate an auto-immune condition called equine recurrent uveitus (moon blindness). Coincidently, I just received my ERU newsletter, with at least one member advocating bute for horses that suffer from ERU right before vaccinations. Paste and tube worming seem to aggravate this condition too... So, I'm really a fan of supplements and homepathic approaches to boosting the horse's immune system. And I am careful about administering both wormers and vaccinations to my Appy's, who are so prone to auto-immune related conditions. Eileen Perry (who has travelled throughout many 3rd world countries, don't remember seeing any Fjords!) West Richland WA Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 19:15:30 -0800 From: fjordcountry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: founder This message is from: fjordcountry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have treated many foundered horses as a therapeutic farrier and favor the following methods. If you have a deep sandy area for the horse to be put in this is a great natural support system for the hoof and enclosed bony column i.e. coffin bone. What a laminitic horse needs is support to the rear portion of the hoof, around the frog, bars and heels which enables him to relieve the pressure on the front part of the hoof where the coffin bone is close to the sole. If you use sand make sure you provide an area of soft sawdust for him to lay in or he will get bedsores from the abrasive sand. If sand is unavailable then I prefer the two inch thick styrofoam duct taped to the foot method until the horse stablelizes (from several days to several weeks). Then pads with dental impression material underneath in the rear portion of the foot only. In more severe cases I prefer the Equine Digit Support System over heart bar shoes because of the ease of changing pressure, heel angles etc. without removing the shoes. Also the horse can tell the farrier immediately if he likes the pressure, elevation etc. It is my opinion that many cushings diagnosed horses are really victims of a broken down immune system and I'm going to cause some controversy here by saying I believe over vaccinating, worming with chemical wormers, processed feeds etc. are the culprits that are causing the increase in this disease as well as many others in our horse world today. Comments? I have successfully treated horses with this condition by using alternative medicine approaches. Enjoying your educational and just plain fun discussions!! Rock'n Kathi at Rock'n KW Fjords Chelan, WA. -
Looking for work collars in Northwest
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello! I'd really like to start dragging the arena with my mare, but all I have is a breastcollar harness. Anyone know of a harness maker or supplier of horse collars in WA or OR? Being a total novice at this, I want to get the fit right. Eileen in West Richland, WA and Marikopa, half sister to Karen M's January surprise
Re: Grooming Video, saddle
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just got mine, and I have to agree with everyone else's comments about how well done it is. One thing that wasn't discussed was trimming the tail. I do 'bang' my mare's tail (cut the very bottom level) and trim the dock very slightly. Probably just bad habits I picked up from dressage competition. Does anyone else trim their horse's tail? BTW, I *love* the photos at the beginning of the vide!!! Also, thanks to those who mentioned Frontier Equestrian. I contacted them and managed to get my very fat mare a 19 draft horse (36 cm? tree) AP saddle. It's not much to look at, but it was under $200. And it fits Her Royal Broadness nicely. Eileen Perry with a very shaggy Fjord and equally shaggy Apps in eastern WA .
Old Mac boots for Fjords
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, I'm wondering if any of you use Old Mac Shoes for your Fjords? I'm trying to decide if my filly can work with the second largest size, or if she needs the (gulp) largest size shoe. Eileen in eastern WA
Re: fjords and kids
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Question: Is it a Fjord thing or a mare thing that attacts my 3 yr old filly to young children. We don't have children, but when friends visit with young children (pre-school or early grade school) my filly loves it. She's really smitten with a friends 4 yr old son. Of course, the kids can only pet the horse with supervision, as I know she could easily hurt them unintentionally. Eileen in south central WA
Swollen Leg
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sue, My sympathies! I'm coming up on 2 years since fractures in my left ankle and still having problems. I'm sure your doctor(s) has told you about support stockings, bandages, braces, etc. For riding, I found that mid-duty hiking boots work great. Mine have synthetic uppers, and can be laced (or not) in a variety of ways. I spent the extra $$ and got really good orthotic inserts to support my arch. I find that this helps my ankle and leg tremendously. I wear my boots for all outside chores and riding. To protect my calves, I wear mine with half chaps with Velcro instead of zippers. I was also able to fit into a pair of Ariats, even with the bandage over the ankle. (I think mine are the Heritage Paddock boots). Again, the key is being able to lace them in difference ways. Good luck, I hope you find something comfortable soon. Don't worry about how your leg looks, everyone will be looking at your Fjord anyway! Eileen in West Richland WA
Przewalski Horse Reintroduction into the Mongolian Desert
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] I know that there's been discussion about the Fjord not being any more closely related to the Przewalski horse than other breeds, but I thought some on the list might be interested in this article...http://www.landinfo.com/dsj0214.htm Eileen Perry , learning that her Fjord is more closely related to goats and gophers than other equine species...
Re: side reins
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jeri, Ditto the advice on saddle fit. But my guess is that you're just working with Tana's build. Also, be sure not to confuse flexing at the poll with true balance (self carriage). A horse can be yielding nicely to side reins and still be heavy on the forehand. If you've ruled out any resistance due to soreness, maybe you could try cavelletti. That will encourage Tana to swing her hind legs up under her, and lift her back and stomach muscles. Of course, make sure she doesn't go over them with her head up, hollow backed. FWIW, I find I have to set the cavalletti about 3 ft apart for my Fjord filly. For my bigger Apps, I set them about 4.5 ft apart. Good luck, she sounds like a sweetheart, Eileen Perry in warm, windy West Richland WA.
Re: wide trees, Wintec saddles
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] My Fjord filly isn't of riding age yet, but I have a lot of experience with wide bodies. I just wanted to mention that I bought a new Wintec 2000 All Purpose this year, and put the X-wide gullet in it. My English sport horse Appy's are quite wide, but have withers too! What I found was that as the flocking settled over a few months, the tree became effectively wider. So it fits one of my geldings, who is too wide for my wide tree Stubben saddle, but is actually too wide for the other gelding. The panels also seem to have flattened a bit (the channel is wide to start with), which is really good for wide bodies. I agree with Karen that you have to be deligent about checking the pommel clearance. I like to check out on a ride up/down hills, to make sure there's no interference. From what I can tell, I think the X-wide gullet on the 2000 will work on my filly (of course, in another 2 years, who knows???). Anyway, I've been very happy with the Wintec, which I use primarily for trail riding. A question on western saddles...Isn't the semi-quarter bars the narrowest tree? I thought that the sizes went from Arab tree (widest), to Quarter Horse, to Semi- (for narrower horses). But folks are finding the narrowest one fits the Fjords? Eileen Perry in West Richland WA, not much snow yet...
Rolling on horseshoer?
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, Thought I'd share a 'Fjord moment'... I've had horse try to roll (with me on them) in streams, drop on their bellies to thwart a horse fly, stop dead from a gallop to roll - well you get it the picture. But try to roll on the horseshoer? Jane was getting her feet trimmed, and started to lean onto her right shoulder. Not a little, but a lot. The shoer just let her lower the shoulder all the way to the ground. Then she rolled onto her back, and started to scratch her back (belly up) like a dog. The horseshoer was laughing, saying boy, she's just a bundle of nerves, isn't she?. Good thing she's s cute. I hope this is just a terrible twos thing. Eileen in eastern WA.
For Lisa and Jeff, Jane is doing great!
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Listers: I had a great experience this week, I got to meet Lisa and Jeff Pedersen when they delivered my new filly. I'm the proud owner (slave?) of 2 yr old Marikape, aka Jane. She's cute as a button, but much smaller than my two Appy sport horses (think Boxer vs Great Dane). We're all enjoying her antics, and she's endeared my 20 yr old gelding with their mutual enthusiam for dunking hay. One challenge is the grass issue. I've been following a thread on this on the carriage driving list. Jane has been on drylot most of her life, and I'm transitioning her to irrigated grass pasture. I've been turning her out for about 1/2 hour three times a day. In between I'm encouraging her to fill up on timothy in her pen. (Only other horse people can appreciate my interest in watching her poop change color as she comes off the 'rocket fuel' dairy alfalfa to timothy). The good thing about this arrangement is that I get to practice leading three times a day - we're practicing walking in different patterns and whoa, stand, back and over. What fun! I do have to confess that I need to come up with another barn name, I 'm just not crazy about Jane (sorry Lisa). I've thought about Marte (I think it's pronounced 'Martie'). Any suggestions from the List? Eileen Perry West Richland WA
Re: Age for riding, again
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Listers: Obviously, this is something many of us will have to agree to disagree on! My point was that as an 'enduser', I'll buy the 3 year old that hasn't been backed, rather than the one that has. Also, in my experience, being ridden or driven doesn't guarantee the horse isn't going to be a brat. In fact, I've run across a lot of horses who were 'broke to ride' who were a disaster on the ground. Just because I choose not to back a youngster, it doesn't mean that it won't be trained (and disciplined as necessary). There is *so much* schooling that can be done on the ground. Again, just my $0.02. Eileen Perry, in eastern WA where it's coool and windy, yeeehaaa
Intro
This message is from: Eileen Perry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello all, I just wanted to post a quick intro to the group. I'm interested in Fjords after having visited several farms, and became totally smitten. My equestrian interests are trail riding, dressage, jumping and recently, driving. I compete in dressage on two Appy sport horses (Appy-TB english types) and have started teaching one of them to drive. But I'm beginning to realize that it would be *really* nice to have a seasoned, road-safe campaigner to help teach me to drive (so if anyone knows of such a find...) I am interested in talking to others about ridden dressage on Fjords, if certain lineages have more 'dressage' movement than others, etc. Looking forward to the list discussions! Eileen in sunny eastern WA
