Re: Fjords in dressage
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'll have Barry send you some info this evening. Margaret - Original Message From: Sarah Clarke [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Fjord List fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 8:57:26 PM Subject: Fjords in dressage This message is from: Sarah Clarke [EMAIL PROTECTED] I was talking to the editor of California Riding Magazine today and she said that August is the dressage issue. I was thinking of submitting an article on fjords in dressage, but I have to do it this week to make the deadline. If anybody rides a dressage fjord and would like to tell me why, I may quote you in my article. (if I actually get it written.) Or if you have had success competing in open dressage shows tell me about it. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Orthoflex Roper, Cashel soft saddle, misc. bits for sale
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am cleaning out the tack room and offering tack I never use for sale. Please take a look at the photos on my website and contact me privately if you are interested--click on Fjord tack at the top right of the home page. I have other tack as well, but I thought these items might be of particular interest to Fjord owners. Thank you. Margaret Strachan http://mysite.verizon.net/fjords Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Fjord Photos WANTED NOW
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Catherine-- I have many good photos of my horses and will put them on disk and send them to you. I don't think I will get to it before the weekend however. If you want me to email some I can. Please let me know. Margaret Strachan - Original Message - From: Catherine lassesen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 9:09 AM Subject: *SPAM* Fjord Photos WANTED NOW This message is from: Catherine lassesen [EMAIL PROTECTED] We are redoing the NFHR pamphlet / brochure and we need photos. These must be good quality photos with written permission to reprint from the person taking the photo. We need everything form performance to foals. Time is running out. I have heard from the Jensen's, Knutson's, Fielders, May and that is it. If you want your FJORDS to be considered on the Official brochure for NFHR that we make 10,000 copies a year to distribute all over the world. Get me a copy ASAP. I prefer that you send me a CD Disk in the SNAIL MAIL. I live in the country with 10K maybe 20K download ability. We need very high quality and very high resolution so that the printer may crop and enlarge or crop and shrink your photo. PLEASE. do this NOW. Thank you, Catherine Lassesen Promotions Committee Chairman Send to: Catherine Lassesen Hestehaven - The Horse Garden 256 May Creek Road Days Creek, OR 97429
Re: Fjordhorse Types
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] The lack of credibility is very similar here, but my feelings are that Fjords can do more than most people ever expect. This has been demonstrated time and again in disciplines from driving to dressage. The quality of calm disposition and sensibility that makes Fjords so versatile is what makes them successful. I suppose it can be suggested that Fjords may have difficulty at higher levels of dressage, just as they would have going over 5 foot jumps, but too often Fjords are not given the benefit of good training. And there is a wide variation of suitability within the breed. We consistently receive good scores with Signe, a lighter Dutch bred mare (Yerxes grand-daughter), and do not find any real bias against the breed itself, although I think the Judges are quite a bit surprised when our Fjord actually executes the movements. Of course the cuteness doesn't hurt! We had wanted to attend the show in Germany but had to postpone the trip. Thanks for the input on that show. Anyway I think the Fjord is a great horse for many people, but it may be awhile until enough competent riders are able to establish their capabilities. Happy Fjording! Barry www.villagefarmfjords.com - Original Message - From: Annette Günnemann [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 12:40 PM Subject: Fjordhorse Types This message is from: Annette Günnemann [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, I am Annette from Germany, not really involved in the Fjordhorse business, but my 15 year old daughter owns one. Two weeks ago we have been to the big fjordhorse event in Germany for 2004, it was the 30 years jubilee of the German Fjordhorse association. We have seen several hundred fjords and the message was clear: the aim is a fjordhorse with good riding qualities. They became much more refinded through the last decades. Longer necks, not so heavy, better motion. The other point of view: I think (in Germany) only very little people with dressage ambitions do buy a fjordhorse. Driving with fjords and the breeding achievements looked great, but the dressage trials were quite poor. Fjordowners in Germany are mostly what we call spare time riders, having some fun riding through the woods, and that's all. If you go to riding tournaments with a fjordhorse, the people say, that they look sweet, but have in mind, that they are no real horses, at least in dressage competitions. So now we have fjordhorses, that do have dressage qualities but only few equivalent riders for them. I would be interested to know if the situation in the USA is similar? Greetings to all Annette
Re: Can you help?
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Patty-- I took a huge number of pictures at the 1999 show, and gave copies of the good ones to the people in the pictures or the owners of the horses in the pictures when I attended the show in 2000. Maybe ask around and see if anyone kept their pics. Some of these were quite good as I took so many pictures that people quit paying attention to me, and quit acting akward. I still have the negatives, and may have duplicates of the prints. I also shot a few rolls at the 2000 show, but I would have to look for those. Let me know if you need anything from me. Margaret Strachan - Original Message - From: Dave Walter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjord horse fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Monday, July 01, 2002 11:06 AM Subject: Can you help? This message is from: Dave Walter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello List, Have a favor to ask everyone. I was selected to be the club's historian for the Midwest Fjord Horse Club. I started a scrapbook, which is coming along very nicely I might add, but I need a little help. If anyone out there would have pictures from any MWFHC's events, say like the Winter meetings/clinic or Blue Earth Breed Show or an evaluation the club put on. I would LOVE to have them(so would the club). Sorry you won't get them back, but maybe you could make doubles? If expense is a problem I'm sure the club would reimburse you for your prints. I need pictures from the years 1999,2000,2001,2002. These would be the winter meetings with Wayne Hipsley, Sharon Makurat, Anne Appleby Gayle Ware and this year with Brian Ursula Jensen. Also any photos from Blue Earth Breed Show /or the evalution the club put on in 1999,2000 and 2001 would also be needed. I think the scrap book is a great idea. It has been a lot of work but I think everyone for years to come will enjoy seeing how the club started, how it has progressed and what it has accomplished over the years. Also if anyone has any special mailings or invitations or articles from 1999-present on the club I could use those as well. If you have some photos/articles you could send don't forget to included names of those in the photos and mail them to: Patti Jo Walter 4405 Moody Lane Two Rivers WI 54241 You may email me if you have any questions, we really appreciate your help on this matter and for those in other clubs it may be a good idea to bring back to your club and see if someone wants to under take this project. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help us out. patti
Re: photo contest winners
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brigid, Sorry I didn't send any photos in, but you may use any photos you want from our website at Village Farm, www.pe.net/~barry. By the way, what is the web page link? I also need photos from SFest for the NL, if anyone has them. We didn't have time to take a whole lot. Maybe Marilyn would have some good ones. One other thing I wanted to check on is who is sending the Show results and story to the NFHR Herald. This is good follow up publicity for FW. Regards to all, Barry - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 8:09 PM Subject: photo contest winners This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All- I'd like to announce the winners of the Fjordings West Web Site photo contest... Karen Haines (photo of Karen McCarthy riding Quinn) AND Mary Kint (photo of herself and horse Tunix). Since Karen and Mary were the ONLY ones to send photos they are both winners and will receive a beautiful handmade Fjord head frame. Please send me your mailing addresses... Karen's photo will be featured on the home page, and Mary's picture will be on the What's New? page. Congratulations! Brigid M Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA A HREF=http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html;Our /A A HREF=http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html;Fjords/A / )__~ /L /L
SkandiFest Articles
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Turlock Nordic Horse Show Attendees: I would like to request pictures, articles, and any other materials from the Turlock SkandiFest Show be emailed or sent to me for inclusion in the Fall Fjordings West Newsletter. We need Icelandics pictures as well, and any additional materials from the NFHR Evaluation. I also need the final placings for all the classes and all the high points. The mailing address is: Village Farm Fjords, 30941 11th St., Nuevo, California 92567. I will return all materials if requested. The email adress is below. Thanks to everyone who participated in and helped make this year's SkandiFest Show such fun and a great success! Barry and Margaret [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.pe.net/~barry
Re: Wondering
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Linda-- I am sort of it the area--it is maybe 35 miles SW of here. What do you need? Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2001 6:23 AM Subject: Wondering This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wondering??? Is anyone on the list from the San Juan Capistrano, California area? Please contact me privately if you are. Thanks! Linda in Minnesota
Gelding for sale
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I bought this horse as a project. It looked like I would have a bit of time on my hands, but with the Keuring this past Fall, and everything that managed to come up the time has by and Buddy had not been worked with. Now my young stock is reaching the age where they need regular training, so, here goes: 8/91 gelding, brown dun, 14.11/2 hh. NFHR papers and registration ownership is current. He is what many would call 15 hands and large bodied, probably around 9 cannons, but not a draft type. Own grandson of Grabb and Dragtind. Handsome, sound, willing and very easy to handle. Clips, ties, loads, hauls, non-spooky, sweet with people, and very good with other horses. Has some training issues that can be resolved with time and kindness. Contact me off list for details. If you have wanted a very good, handsome large gelding and have more time than money Buddy (reg name is Gongma) is for you. Contact me for his very, very, special price. Located in Southern California between LA and Palm Springs. I can send pictures via email. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Who is very glad that the Fjord people in WA weathered the earthquake fairly well. I am quite the earthquake veteran being a native Californian and know how it feels although I don't worry much about it. Once you are used to them you can tell which direction the waves are coming from especially on rocky ground. Maybe it was the lack of rain up there--several of us CA natives were talking today and we couldn't remember there ever being an earthquake when it was raining. Lots of them though during sultry, unseasonably warm weather in the Winter or Fall. They say there is no connection, but few of us here believe that.
Re: Memories/Arena Driving Trials/Equine Affair, Pomona, CA
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Vivian Creigh [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2001 1:55 PM Subject: Memories The best thing about the keurings was the genuine good will between everyone there. We had two very long days here in VT and everyone pulled together to insure that the climate remained relaxed and supportive for everyone who brought horses. We had the same situation here in CA although one day was a very long day. I don't know how the judges did it as they had driven to Vegas the day before, and arrived back around midnight. Everyone was completely positive and came to learn. Arena driving is hugely popular in Europe. I was on a US committe that drew up rules to be adopted by the ADS so pretty soon I hope that there will be indoor trials all around the country so all you Combined driving fans out there (Steve Amy and others) will not have to wait all winter to go out and play. There is an arena driving trial planned for March 31st in Ramona, CA. Our local driving club Heels Wheels is sponsoring it. They are offering Novice (training/preliminary) and Advanced divisions. Entries are open now and the entry fee is very reasonable. Hardy Zanke is the judge and he should provide some very good feedback to the competitors. Barry is dying to compete, but his primary driving horse has a month old foal at side, and I doubt we can get Valbjorn fit in time. I know he would love it if I was willing to hold the filly while her mother competes. The contacts are Pam Grant, [EMAIL PROTECTED] or Walt Ashford, [EMAIL PROTECTED] We will definitely go and watch, it would be nice to meet other Fjord people and/or see them compete. I like the idea of arena driving trials as large facilities are not always available. Barry and I went to Equine Affair at Fairplex in Pomona, CA yesterday. It was a 3 day event featuring some very good clinicians--favorites were Jane Savoie, Steffan Peters, and Richard Shrake. John Lyons was a bit of a disappointment though. He talked safety, yet allowed and encouraged his colt to climb the pipe round pen, and also let the colt cut across the pen bucking and kicking at him--without reprimand. John also let the colt gallop up to him and constantly stick his face in John's without comment to the audience--he just kept pushing the colt away. It seemed like a recipe for a broken nose. About 20% of the audience left the seminar early. Not a soul stirred from their seats for the othe clinicians. I know he has some good info, but this was not his best moment. We only went one day, and missed a lot, but the other clinicians I mentioned were very clear and explicit in communicating with the audience. Considering the fact that it was very cold, rainy, wet, and muddy, everyone had a good attitude. Poor Jane Savoie thought she was coming to sunny southern CA, but it wasn't. It is a shame when a major event gets rained on here as it is so infrequent. Several arenas were not covered. We only live 50 miles SE and it had barely sprinkled at home. We had prearranged to meet fellow Fjord folks Dudley and Karen Haines, and Mary Kint--and actually found each other. We had fun browsing the trade show and shops together, and then split up for the clinics. Mary, Barry, and I all wanted to see the dressage and english stuff. There were lots of nice things for sale at good prices. A new Stubben dressage saddle went home with us. It was a steal beyond belief. Barry stood pondering the decision, Mary whispered in his ear that she had paid almost the same money for a Kieffer over 15 years ago, and that did it. We had been talking amongst ourselves about what a bargain the $10 admission charge was for a horsey day, however the price got steeper when we bought the saddle. It is worth it though, I rode it today, it fits, and is just beautiful. Equine Affair had called me about a month ago about bringing Fjords, but did not call me back when I left a message saying I was willing to bring a horse for display or demo, but couldn't pay $900 for the privilege. There was absolutely no Fjord representation. I wish the NFHR would loosen the purse strings and pay for an NFHR booth at events such as this in major metro areas. The Friesians had a display that featured several horses, and I saw what I considered questionable results of what they called Friesian Derivitive breeding--quite a fancy term for cross breeding! There was an Appaloosa/Friesian cross that looked like a poorly put together Friesian with leopard spots. I love Appaloosas dearly, but this creature did not get the best of both breeds. How anyone could question the NFHR no cross breeding rule is beyond me. Margaret Strachan Nuevo, CA Where it is cold, and supposed to rain everywhere tomorrow--not just Pomona.
Re: private evaluations
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Glad you commented on this practice. Personally, I think it is a good idea for anyone to hire a professional to evaluate their horses for any reason they might choose, but doesn't it seem a teeny, tiny bit circumvent to hire an NFHR evaluator for an unofficial, private evaluation? When I think about the opinion expressed that open to the public, advertised, keurings will gut the American system, it makes me wonder what a series of unofficial, non-formatted, unadvertised evaluations will do to the system. I know the NFHR has sanctioned on-farm evaluations, but this is not what occurred or is being suggested. Margaret Strachan Nuevo, CA Where it is actually chilly and damp outside. PS to Lisa P. : I doubt I will go to the Martin's auction next weekend. If I show it will be Friday night. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2001 2:52 PM Subject: private evaluations This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 1/28/01 6:15:08 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We would highly suggest any Fjord breeder to hire an approved evaluator if unable to attend an evaluation. I had no idea you could do that. Alot cheaper here with 9 + Fjords, and this summers shows and evaulations spaced too close together to bring more than 4 at one time. Please detail if you would of who you usedcost per horse ? expenses, ect. With coast to coast plane fares around 198.00 RT right now, and a nice guest room waitingLisa PS : Someone estamated the cost of bringing horses to an evaluationaround 2000. We figured out last night, well over 3,500 to attend the Blue Earth eval. this last summer, with 3 horses, show included. Of course, we had time off work, housesitters, bringing a rider with us, gas prices being sky high in July, hotels, food, vetting, vet checks, brand inspections, evaluation fees, show entrys, coggins, and ONION RINGS at the fair.Dairy Queen NOT included. g LP
Re: Dutch Keuring Results Included in Book-
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I don't see how including additional information and an explanation of systems used in evaluating horses in other countries would gut a system and disappoint people. I would like to see the book include horses residing in North America who have been evaluated by any formal system be it in this country or abroad. Accurate and accessible information is always valuable, and inclusion (at least of NFHR registered horses) would benefit registry members or others wishing to make an informed breeding or purchase decision. Margaret Strachan Nuevo, CA Beautiful warm, sunny weather, but it is supposed to rain tomorrow. - Original Message - From: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 8:08 PM Subject: Re: Dutch Keuring Results Included in Book- This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sounds like a great way to gut the American Evaluation System...and REALLY disappoint the people who have put so much effort into setting it up. Hello from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - Vivian's idea to include in The Evaluation Book the results of all the horses that were evaluated by the Dutch judges this year and in the past is a sound one. Well thought out and very constructive. Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: picture perfect ?
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] No wind in Nuevo except for a breeze the other day--didn't even make the shelters rattle. It truly has been gorgeous here as we are just past the Los Angeles inversion layer. We have views in every direction for miles. I would never live in smoggy Norco, and I have quite the aversion to snow when I have to traipse out to work in it. Remember I did live for years in upper Yucaipa and put up with snow almost every year. I might consider a colder climate at retirement time which is many years off. Margaret - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 7:41 PM Subject: picture perfect ? This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 00-12-28 22:12:30 EST, you write: Margaret Strachan In picture perfect, dry, warm, Southern California--I'm really trying hard to feel for all of you in cold places. OK Margaret. I have to tease you about this. Jeff has been back there since X-Mas day. He has been fighting brush fires, and fixing our rented house back there, damaged from 70 mph winds. The skys are so dusty that he cant see the mountians next door, and more of the same is predicted. Hes comming HOME to Utah on Jan. 1, and we are going to hitch the pair and go play under blue skys, cool clear temps. and head towards Zion and Kolab Mountians to see some Bald Eagles nesting there. Miss me ?; ) Lisa
Re: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Brigid-- I too was interested in the marshall saddle, but have seen a few brand new ones that are not made well--just yesterday I saw one in a tack store that had the cantle part on crooked by about an inch. Be sure you personally inspect the actual saddle you buy if you decide to purchase one. I do like the idea. Margaret Strachan - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 5:10 PM Subject: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Same question from me, and please do email privately! Anyone use the Bob Marshall Circle Y treeless Sport Saddle? How do you like it and how does it fit your FJORD? Brigid in CA
Ortho-flex saddles--need info
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I know this subject has been talked to death, but would very much appreciate it if the people on the list who have Ortho-flex saddles would contact me privately and let me know what models they have and what features they like (or don't like) about them. I am particularly interested in english saddles. Thanks. Margaret Strachan In picture perfect, dry, warm, Southern California--I'm really trying hard to feel for all of you in cold places.
Re: Easy Boot Heart Attack
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Actually the correct spelling is CORONET. I have a couple pairs of easy boots. but can't be bothered trying to get them on and off. I did loan a pair to a neighbor once when her mare had a abscess in her hoof. Margaret Strachan - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2000 2:47 PM Subject: Easy Boot Heart Attack This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 00-11-05 15:20:34 EST, you write: We did have to trim a little off the front of the boots on the hind hooves so they wouldn't rub the coronary band. Cool on the Easy Bootsalways wanted to try them. Umm that wouldnt be the CORNET band, would it ? That darn coronary band is found much higher.( had a coronary myself reading that ! ) Lisa Pedersen * NOT the word or spelling police here, right guys ?
Re: Water crossings, other scary stuff
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Monday, October 16, 2000 8:15 PM Subject: Water crossings, other scary stuff Barry and I are taking Misty to a water crossing clinic for Combined Driving this weekend. Terri McFarland is the clinician; she is very well respected and highly successful. I will pass on any tips she may have. I know she suggests ground driving first. I suspect my mare will go through water without complaint, so we may end up working on dressage, but we will watch the other participants. Horses in CA are not used to water crossing, so we may be in for a show. Some horses just hate water. My mount of 22 years, an appaloosa gelding would approach water calmly, never break stride at any gait, and fly over. If the crossing was wide he could use a rock the size of a softball as a landing pad and launch again--he never missed. Sometimes our performance was quite spectacular. Once in a blue moon could I convince him to get a hoof damp. I accepted it as one of his idiosyncracies. It was not possible to create a puddle of water for schooling that was wide enough to keep him from jumping as suggested on the list as he had been a successful A level open jumper, and he loved jumping. I was told he never received any faults on a water jump and I know why. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Warm and pleasant weather outside.
Re: Frozen semen
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] There is a vet who specializes in equine reproduction in my area. This vet has done a lot of warmblood breeding with frozen semen. He has been highly successful due to the fact that he literally palpates the mares every 2 hours when they are close to ovulation--even through the night. The mares must be left with him. Successful yes, but tremendous cost involved. Interestingly though he has had a lot of trouble with Clydesdales and imported frozen semen. The conception rate has been very low. He wonders if it is the draft breeds, and this makes me wonder about the Fjords. I board horses for a friend of his, and I have asked him to let me know if he hears about any research about the use of frozen semen in Fjords. I think the convenience of not having to worry about collecting a stallion under a deadline would be mitigated by the collection and storage costs of frozen as well as the questions of viability. The Fjord world is small and an unhappy client who has spent huge $$ and has an open mare can damage a reputation unfairly. This vet has made a name for himself in the embryo transfer business. The success rate is still fairly low as a rule, but not for him--he has over 300 mares on his place who are all recipient mares. Those of you who live where land is not at a premium will not believe he only has 20 acres. I certainly would support the NFHR in allowing registration of foals conceived using frozen semen; it has the potential to do a lot of good if successful. I'll let someone else try it first though. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ - Original Message - From: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2000 11:00 PM Subject: Frozen semen This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey CAtherine/all, So.. how viable is it? How to make it more viable? I know the Voorhoeve's (sp) shipped quite a bit of frozen semen from Holland - with little or no success. I'd love to freeze a bunch of Romulus half/babies and not have to worry about dealing with mares or emergency collections. So... what's the real scoop? Gail
Brag Alert--Fjord won high point at large open show
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am posting this to encourage people to take their Fjords to open competitions. The exposure is beneficial to the breed--when the horses are properly prepared and presented, and simply a lot of fun. I did the tune up, the tack cleaning, and the grooming, and last Sunday we took Fairway's Misty our little red dun mare to a large open show. The deal was if I did the tune up and prep, he would ride. They did halter, pleasure driving, reinsmanship, english pleasure, western pleasure, and trail--backing a figure 8 around barrels was the hardest. This was all in the 19 and over or open division with the professional trainers. Three firsts, a second, and a fourth was enough to clinch high point pony. Mr. Big Dollar Paint horse trainer couldn't take his eyes off Misty and finally came over and gawked at her. He said she was super cute, and asked, Is there anything she isn't broke for? We told him of course not, she does everything, and even will harrow the garden. He was amazed at the versatility and class she showed. I encourage people to get their good, broke mares or geldings out there to be seen by the public. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA 82 degrees or so out with a cool breeze--perfect. http://www.pe.net/~barry/
Re: Another Idea from the Eval. Seminar
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Catherine Lassesen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Saturday, April 08, 2000 9:34 AM Subject: Another Idea from the Eval. Seminar This message is from: Catherine Lassesen [EMAIL PROTECTED] FJORD FORUM at the Regional or National LEVEL I am thinking about hosting a WEST COAST FJORD FORUM in November here at our farm if there is interest. 1. Education on training, evaluations, feeding... 2. Forums on promotional event, breeding, history and any other subject 3. One on one, group to group, gathering of the minds 4. Social time to get to know the people involved and to share ideas, thoughts and the LOVE OF THE FJORD. Anyone have interest in going??? having a West Coast Fjord Forum in Nov. 2000??? Anyone in helping to teach or instruct??? You can email me in person or via the list... [EMAIL PROTECTED] How about having this event in conjunction with the Scandifest show in Turlock, Calif at the end of September or here in Southern California when the Europeans are here for the Dutch Keuring in mid October? I think this would allow more people to attend by consolidating events. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/
Comments about Dutch Keuring
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I think it is a terrific opportunity to have such distinguished Dutch and Norwegian evaluators willing to come to this country, travel across the country and evaluate horses. I don't believe this is a slam on the NFHR. The fact is that the NFHR evaluation program is not yet something a breeder can count on to have his/her horses evaluated. The SW and SE regions of the US have not had access to an NFHR evaluation. The closest NFHR evaluation to my farm held so far would have been a 2500 mile round trip--simply out of the question. Not only is this visit a good opportunity to have horses evaluated; it is potentially a very positive learning experience for both participants and spectators. Fjordings West, the West coast group that puts on the Turlock show has had to tentatively cancel its scheduled NFHR evaluation due to the lack of evaluators. Please don't criticize people who choose a proven method of having their horses evaluated and of educating themselves. The people who participate in the Dutch keuring process this Fall are interested in bettering the breed, not undermining the NFHR. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where it is overcast, but virtually no rain in Southern California
Stallions, early foals
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have been wondering about all the early foals in cold country, or late depending on whether or not you consider January 1st as a universal birthday. I can't understand December foals for that reason. Here in very warm, sunny Southern California I can see January foals, and I've had 2 mares under lights since mid December for early foals next year. Both mares will be shown and the foals will be almost weaned by the start of show season. I also won't have to halter break foals in 103 degree weather. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. It has been between 70-80 degrees daily with nightime lows 40-50 here. I know it has been cold up north because the local snowbird mecca has been swamped. When we insured Valbjorn the vet had to check fertility. That test entailed hefting and measurements recorded. Valbjorn is a docile and quiet horse; he stood for the indignity without even a halter on his head. No calipers though, Dave is a super experienced breeding vet and he just used his hand. Funny thing though, he called me about 1/2 hour later and asked me to check the form--he thought he had erred and written cm instead of mm as the unit of measurement. He was right. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/
Valbjorn/Stallions
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I really don't like tooting horns, but we are very proud to own Valbjorn and Dr. Jacobsen's letter has prompted me to write. From the few photos I have seen, he bears a strong resemblance to his grandsire, Dragtind. He is a very compact short backed horse, yet stands over a lot of ground due to good shoulder and hip length. He is built slightly uphill, and is nicely balanced and correct. He has large eyes in a very pretty head, tiny ears that a bridle slips right off of, and a long neck with a good throatlatch. He is 14hh, very dark butterscotch colored brown dun and has good striping. He is of what most would call a performance type, but he has heavy bone--his cannons measure 9 1/4 just below the knee. We use him as a pleasure ride/drive horse and he has never required shoes. He is athletic and a lovely mover--very nice to ride. Valbjorn has a hard to beat performance record in combined driving. Richard and Carol Thompson competed him to the intermediate level and won several major CDE's with him. He was twice champion pony at the California Classic over all breeds. We took Valbjorn to a CDE clinic about a year ago where Randy McFarland told me he was certain that Valbjorn would have been a winner at the advanced level had the Thompson's continued to compete him. Randy is an international level driver who represented the USA at the World Singles Championship in Ebbs Summer before last. He wasn't taken to the advanced level due to the Thompson's divorce and the fact that we do not have the time to condition a horse for that level of competition. He is absolutely clean legged and sound despite the heavy training he was in most of his life. Valbjorn is extremely quiet, safe and reliable--real nice to be around. He is not at all a hot horse, yet he moves right out when asked. He has a superior work ethic and is able to quickly change gears when different demands are made of him. He has never even considered refusing a task--except maybe picking his head up off of grass. He has been a good horse to handle at breeding time and is pastured with a mare all the time. We tease with him as well. Breeding wise he has had a 100% conception rate. Foals have been attractive, shown good movement, and are quiet and willing. He marks his foals with the short back, the performance type conformation and the good work ethic. The oldest one we have is 14.3+ at 3 1/2 years old. This young horse will never be sold as my husband loves to ride him, and he is a super ad for his sire. The Mexican trainer we use in his so-so English calls Halsten happy tempered and that seems to be true of the foals. Coupled with the solid work ethic we expect Valbjorn's foals to be stellar performers who will also be family friends. His sire, Becky Vorpagel's Sleipner was not given a chance in the performance arena, but it wasn't due to lack of ability. He has proven himself a good sire of sires in Valbjorn and a number of Sleipner mares have been excellent producers. Margo Saule has two Sleipner mares who have produced a number of good dressage horses. The last two Valbjorn foals we have sold are destined to be dressage horses as well. Valina, Valbjorn's dam is from a strong line of quality mares producing quality--her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dams are all 1st premium mares who have received 1st premium awards for their offspring. Her daughter Vanya FFF-X-077-M (Valbjorn's full sister) is the dam of Dronning, a very good CDE mare and the only other Fjord to be named champion pony at the California Classic. Vanya has also produced a blue ribbon evaluated mare. We have one Valbjorn foal left. He is a 5/7/99 colt out of Katrina who is by Tim and Ellen Page's Dutch stallion Sivert out of their star mare Zora. Froden has extravagant striping, lots of bone, is correct and simply a handsome horse. He will be gelded as soon as the weather stays cool because there are plenty of quality stallions around and good colts need to be gelded, used, and help promote the breed outside of breed circles. He is easy to handle, was imprinted, and has been pasture raised with other horses. Please contact me privately if interested. We have other stock by several of the mentioned stallions and consider them to be of high quality and are proud to have them. We think a good percentage of high quality horses are being produced not only in Europe, but here also. North American breeders should not sell themselves short. Sorry this is so long--I mostly lurk, but was inspired to write. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where we finally might have Fall weather this weekend...it's been hot and sunny forever.
Farmers Fair
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] We just returned from the Perris (Riverside County) Farmers Fair with Bjuti our mare. You never heard so many 'fjord' questions or saw so many people petting a fjord (and neither did Bjuti). She went in the midway parade every night and thoroughly enjoyed the socializing. I'm not sure she wanted to come home. Anyway, I put some pictures of the Fair and the fjord in the crowd on our home page, http://www.pe.net/~barry, there's also some pictures of this year's SkandiFest at Turlock. Regards from Village Farm, Barry Nuevo, Ca.
Fjords as sport horses
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sadly, the misguided talk I have heard about Fjords not being capable of high level performance has come from individuals who have had Fjords that for whatever reason have not attained success in the higher ranks. They have blamed the breed, rather than the training, handling, themselves, or the individual horse. One person was spouting about their new Welsh pony they had purchased to reach the higher levels, and he was going on and on about how no Fjord could compete successfuly in combined driving above the preliminary level. I kept my mouth shut, but another person pointed out that my stallion had. He shut up. One way we promote the breed locally is by purchasing rather expensive ads in the state horse publications with pictures showing the Fjords as performance horses. I have written articles about the breed for the local and state publications. Lots of people drive out from LA and see for themselves that the Fjords can perform. Almost universally the words used are I'm sold. We also have taken a mare to a fair and the same mare goes this weekend to the county fair so that people can see the breed. It is the registry's responsibility to support promotion of the breed, but we as individuals need to do our own promoting in ways that are appropriate to our areas. I think it is very important to promote outside of the established breed circle. We just sold a weanling Fjord filly--we've promised to deliver her at Christmas. The woman was a very accomplished horsewoman having competed in ridden combined training, and dressage to the 4th level. They raise warmbloods and have an approved Dutch warmblood stallion. She rode our small 13.1 hh Fjord mare (mare was at Turlock) and emphatically declared that she had as much stride and quality movement as her stallion. Since we wouldn't sell the mare, she bought the even better moving filly. She intends to use her as a dressage horse and likes the idea that the same horse will be easy for her husband and kids to handle. Apparently no one but her can handle the warmbloods. Personally, I think we are on the right track with our breed as performance horses and that many fine horses are being bred right here in the US. Not every individual will be a high level performance horse, but that adage applies to every breed. I guess I've written $1.00 worth, not just my 2 cents worth--sorry for going on so long. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Where the weather's been warm and pretty out--no sign of rain--only sun and more sun.
Turlock Show, Misc.
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Barry and I are glad others had as much fun as we did at the Turlock Show. It was nice to see everyone, and for those who we didn't have the chance to talk to, we were the ones with the red dun mare. Barry was delighted to win or ribbon in all his classes (English, Western, and Driving) with a green, home trained horse at her second show. We are relatively recovered from the 14 hour round trip drive to Turlock. We were pleased to see a family who had visited our farm last Spring at Turlock. They had driven up from Palos Verdes in So. California and were commuting to the show from a grandmother's in Fresno--better than an hour's drive each way--just to see the Fjords. They had ridden and driven my horses and talked to Karen McCarthy and others about theirs and are smitten with the Fjords. It is good to see such nice people interested in the breed. They have other horses, but they saw the difference right away. I have not seen the stallion Gromar, but have a yearling by him out of an imported mare. The yearling, Gromarson is a very handsome, correct horse who moves like a dream. He is very kind, quiet, and willing to handle, and the other horses enjoy him too. His dam also has a very good temperament and good conformation and movement, but I think many good traits also came from his sire. We were pleased to be able to purchase him. We have a busy week next weekend as well--Bjuti, one of the other mares goes to the Riverside County Farmer's Fair for exhibit. She was requested by the fair management because she had been so popular at the Orange Show in San Bernardino--she had as much of a crowd as the Budweiser Clydesdales. The horse exhibit manager just loves her and now they want Fjords. It is good promotion for the breed as the attendance at the Orange Show was 60,000+ and the Farmer's Fair should go over 100,000 during the 9 day run. I hope all had an uneventful trip home from Turlock and that we see even more people and horses next year. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Where it is hot, but clear, bright blue skies out.
Temperament/Evaluations
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am pleased to see that temperament score has been added to the evaluation score sheet for the performance evaluations--Why has it not been added to the score sheet for in hand (conformation) evaluations? I guess I will address the BOD directly with this and suggest that other do so also. Safety for all participants dictates that all horses be safe and tractable in hand. Margaret Strachan Nuevo, CA Where Summer is finally here--100 out at 6:30 pm.
NFHR Evaluation Publication/misc.
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] At this point in time I cannot support the publication of the NFHR evaluation results for two reasons. The first is that the evaluations have not been regionally available to all who may choose to participate. The closest evaluation held so far to my Southern CA location was a 2400 mile round trip. I firmly believe that my horses will evaluate with the best and feel that some might consider them of lesser quality because they would not be included in the publication. Hopefully the board approval of on farm evaluations will mitigate this problem as on top of the access/hauling issue, I have 15 head of horses. Reason #2 is that according to the figures given out at the NFHR Annual Meeting held last month in Blue Earth, the cost will be $18,000 to publish the book. I think this is a risky amount of money to put out to publish information that could and should be included in the Herald--what is the Herald for if not to inform the membership?. On the subject of evaluations--last Summer after the Eugene evaluation there was much discussion about adding a score for temperament. I support this wholeheartedly. Safety is the #1 consideration at all times with any activity and especially horse related activities. Even in a conformation evaluation while being worked in hand the horse's temperament can be assessed to a considerable degree. No blue ribbon horse should be difficult to handle even in an unfamiliar situation--stallion, foal or in between. I'm not criticizing a couple minor spooks on the part of a youngster, or a small amount of clearly controlled bravado on the part of a stallion. From what I have heard about the Eugene evaluation there was considerable concern about unsafe behavior of a stallion and I believe there needs to be an NFHR official who can rule an entry out of the ring for safety reasons and no 2nd chance to try again because where do you draw the line--Do you let another participant try several times to get a correct lead? Were an accident to occur the NFHR could be held liable and wiped out financially. Temperament has to count towards the final score and safety must always be foremost. Since I have 15 Fjords, and I believe there are another 10 minimum in the Southwest that would be willing to travel to my farm I would be willing to host an evaluation. Stabling of the extra horses would not be a problem. I will send a letter directly to the NFHR indicating this. Depending on the arena size required, I likely could also host a performance evaluation. I agree with other's letters stating the importance of a performance evaluation as well as a conformation evaluation. Horses, even Fjords aren't good for much of anything if you can't use them. Like many others though, I would be happy with a conformation evaluation to start. I am finally going through all the photos I took at Blue Earth. I know who many of the people are and have your address in the roster--there are some I don't know and have nice shots of--particularly a win picture for the junior western pleasure class. The young lady's first name was Heidi and the last name was something like Hogden. The mother told me they were NFHR members, but they are not in my roster. If you know this girl or think I took a picture of you please contact me. I will be happy to send copies out. Yes, Steve, I have several of Tank and they will be sent to you shortly. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Cool evenings and hot days in inland SoCal
Red Duns/Movie Fjords/Size
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] About a year ago we were contacted by a company that handles finding livestock for movies. They needed several rideable Fjords, but did not say specifically the movie they were needed for. I only had one rideable horse outside of Valbjorn, the stallion that didn't have a foal at side. It is possible that they were looking for horses for the River Runs Through It movie. I know a different company contacted a breeder in Northern CA with the same request. I have no idea who ultimately supplied the horses for this project. We have two red dun mares. We did not select for the color, but do like it very much. We've sought nice individuals and let color and size fall where they may. I haven't seen a Fjord in a color I don't like. One mare looks palomino in color with a faint red stripe in her mane and tail and a good stripe on her back as well as striping on her knees. The other mare has a very dark red head, dark gray nose, and mousy gray legs with striping. She has a faint red with a few black hairs stripe in her mane and tail. Her forelock is virtually white and the contrast with her dark face is nice. She also has a good dorsal stripe. Both have produced only brown dun foals. Both have no white markings and particularly good black feet. No complaints here, we would be willing to breed to a red dun stallion if he had qualities that complemented our mares. Like I mentioned above, we let color and size fall where they may. As many people want a smaller horse as want a larger horse, as a breeder it all balances out. We bred two full sister TB's, one was 15.1 at maturity, the other over 16.2. The dam was 15.3, the sire 16hh. The old retired TB mare we still have is 16.2, she had a 17.3 hand colt by a 16hh stallion. Another colt by a different 16 hand stallion was 16.3 at 2 1/2 year old. Obviously we've found size hard to predict. We have a very large suckling Fjord filly out of a barely 13.2hh mare. Many people greatly overestimate the size of horses they look at. I once had a vet say my appy gelding was 17.2 when no matter how you measured him he barely hit 16 hands. We should be concerned with breeding horses with correct, balanced proportions, and pleasing temperaments and not worry about size and color. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where the weather is surprisingly cool and Barry and I likely will be freezing tomorrow morning standing out on the Palos Verdes Peninsula working as section timers for the California Classic CDE.
Blue Earth Show
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm back in dry, warm, comfortable Southern California after attending the Blue Earth show. It was nice to put names with faces and see many good horses. I had never been to the Midwest before and thought it was lovely although I doubt I will ever live where snow stays on the ground for more than a couple days. Yes, the weather was hot and humid.I am frequently asked how the horses fare in Southern California's usual heat and always answered that my horses have not had any problems. The temperatures sure weren't Nordic out and none of the horses at Blue Earth seemed to have any trouble. Our versatile horses are also versatile in the climates they can handle. I hope all had a good trip home. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where the temp is 10-15 degrees below normal and it is clear and comfortable. I don't know why it isn't sizzling out--no complaints though!
Wolf Teeth/Sedation
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have had wolf teeth pulled on nearly every young horse and also some older horses we have bought. I will not bit a new or young horse until I have had the vet check their mouth. The problems we have seen with wolf teeth range from a slight tenseness in the horse's neck to a bolt when the right rein was pulled. These problems have disappeared immediately when the teeth have been pulled. A vet who insists on pulling the teeth has the horse's comfort and the rider's safety in mind. I believe that many horses who exhibit behavior problems may actually have easily fixed wolf teeth problems. The mare who bolted never has done it again and it was the vet's opinion that the wolf teeth were the direct cause. Wolf teeth can be a safety issue. We learned about the sedation dosage when we had a Fjord yearling and a boarded QH yearling gelded the same day. The QH took more than twice the dosage to lay him down. Last year when the regular vet was on vacation I had another vet out. I told him about the experience with the gelding and he said he had worked in Germany and that it was common knowledge there about the sedation dosage with the Fjords. I will be attending the Blue Earth show sans horses this year. It will be nice to visit with and match people with their names and pictures. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Warm, clear, and pretty in Southern California--not too hot and cool evenings.
DNA hair pulling
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just today pulled hair on 3 horses. I pull from several sites and do not try to pull the required 50-100 hairs from one site. None were delighted with me, but were stoic about it. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Sunny and nice, but an unprecedented 2 of rain yesterday.
Therapeutic riding, kids w/disabilities
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have volunteered with 2 therapeutic riding programs. Both programs were good however they were very different. Horses who are suited for these programs must be able to tolerate a lot. We bought a non Fjord from a program who had been used in the program for almost 2 years. He was extremely sour about the constant ringwork. These programs for the most part are very repetitive and boring for the horses although some do enjoy it. I donated a huge TB mare who did enjoy it, but I got her back due to her equally huge feed bill. The gelding we bought was a wonderful horse and it was not a slight to him that he did not last as a program horse. I've found that many Fjords are active minded and can imagine that some would not care for day in day out therapeutic work. On a similar note, I have a decade's worth of experience working with kids with disabilities ranging from mild to very severe and hold a severely handicapped teaching credential. I'd be happy to help those who have posted about their kids assess any program (horse or other) they are considering for their children. Private replies best so as to not clutter the list. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Where it's dry, sunny and 95 degrees outside.
Gaited horses
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I haven't seen a Fjord who singlefoots or gaits--whatever you want to call it, but a number of the old style appaloosa horses singlefoot. There was an indian name for the gait, but I can't remember it. I did ride one of these horses many a mile and she was a real pleasure. Two full sisters however were not gaited. It must be hit or miss. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Pretty day out, but 100 degrees at 6 pm. No humidity and no bugs though.
Liability
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I wanted to comment on the recent discussion about liability. These issues always seem to adversely affect the enjoyment of what should be a most desirable activity. In California, there have been State Senate Bills presented attempting to clarify these liability issues. Generally, they focus on the assumption of risk concept. In cases where there is no negligence, a reasonable assumption of risk is taken by the persons that engage in the activity. This seems to be a far more rational approach. I'm not sure about the outcome of these bills, but popular support of similar measures can help to offset the influence of interests that profit from denying enjoyment of common activities. Anyway, wear your helmets and enjoy. Barry Village Farm
Saratoga
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just read that Vivian Creigh/Rainbow's End Farm had won the Pony Champion at Saratoga with Marnix and wanted to express my congratulations. Performing well at a show of that caliber is a great credit to the breed. Barry Village Farm, where we are enjoying our new foals.
NFHR Promo Brochures
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Question for Mike May, or anyone of the NFHR, although I'll post it here since it's of general interest: Any word on the promotional brochures prepared by the NFHR? We are bringing a mare (Bjuti) to the Orange Show in San Bernardino where there will be a fair number of visitors. We would like to have some of these popular brochures to give to interested parties with our compliments. I also wanted to commend the NFHR on the membership decals distributed this year. Perhaps they could be more visible from afar, but they are still attractive on the car, truck, or trailer window. Barry Village Farm Nuevo, Ca.
re: Fjord Breeder's Association
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't see that a Fjord Breeder's Association would serve any purpose that the NFHR can't at the national level. The breeder's associations that I am familiar with are for race horse breeders at the local level. They serve as a local voice at the state and national level (politically) for the breeders and offer incentive programs for California bred horses. For example $50 paid in to the incentive program brings you an extra 20% of the purse if your horse wins, and 15% of a place or show. One important function of the local breeder's association is they maintain a colostrum bank and a list of available nurse mares. Fjord Horse breeder's could choose to form local organizations to help support each other, but that is already done informally. I don't see any reason to undermine the NFHR and possibly confuse potential owners. Just my 2 cents worth... Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where it is hot--90 degrees today--Summer is around the corner.
Forecarts
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Regarding the forecart question, it's been my experience that fjords are good workers. I have pulled the walking plow (cultivator), chain and now 3' Pioneer spring harrow with one fjord. This is for large garden and field work. I'm especially proud of our mare Misty, there's a pic of her pulling at VF web http://www.pe.net/~barry. We have a vintage forecart that I'm getting ready to use as a three-point type cultivator and hitchcart. I've seen the Pioneer forecarts and can say they are of as high quality as everything Pioneer manufactures. I haven't tried them, but I bet a single fjord could pull it and a light harrow on firm ground pretty easily. The fjord will probably tell you if it's ok. Barry Village Farm Nuevo, Ca
MSM
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've had good luck with MSM with regard to an elderly, arthritic horse. I think the relief it gave him was equal to about 2 grams of bute which is significant. I did not have trouble getting him to eat it despite the fact that this horse was the type to refuse all supplements. It is in crystalized form which dissolves pretty much instantly in the mouth. This may be why he couldn't refuse it. I tasted it myself and found it to have a faintly chemical taste which some horses I'm sure could detect. I fed the recommended 1 gram per 100 pounds and saw improvement in 3 weeks that was maintained. The MSM was a godsend in my opinion. I had used the glucosamine and chondroitin supplements with some success and at first used both; after awhile I just used the MSM. I'd be interested in a vet's opinion about feeding it to a pregnant mare. I don't have any horses now that need it, but am just curious. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Where it is windy and cold in Southern California--hard to believe!
Seeing Spots and Snowbirds
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have a highly colored leopard POA pony. Jossa, a Fjord mare we bought in November had been at the farm for 3 weeks or so and had not seen Dolly up close because she had been turned out. I brought Dolly in out of the field and when poor Jossa who had been dozing in the sun caught sight of the black and white spot covered pony she didn't know whether to freeze or run. She is sensible and chose to freeze, stare, and snort. What was comical was the POA looked around to see what was causing Jossa's reaction. Jossa did approach the pony after a minute or so, but kept an eye on her for a few days. I know a lot of the people on the list are in the NW United States and Canada. It must be pretty quiet up in your hometowns because all I'm seeing around here are vehicles with OR, WA, BC and AB plates. We are near a major snow bird destination and it appear there has been a mass exodus from the NW--has the rain been that bad? We can pick your neighbors out w/o looking at the plates because they drive s-l-o-w-l-y. Nancy Hotovy mentioned using hard water test strips to help determine a foaling time. The large QH ranch down the street from me swears by this. The manager boards horses with us and told me about the method. He promised me more details, but I keep forgetting to remind him. Nancy could you give more details? If the QH ranch does anything differently I'll let you know. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA It's been sunny and nice as usual, but there is a threat of rain tomorrow.
this and that
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another way to refer to type is saying the horse has the classic look of the breed. We have an old TB mare who in her younger days was the embodiment of a classic Thoroughbred. No one has ever had to ask what breed she is. To me, a classic or typey horse looks like the picture that comes to mind when one thinks about a particular breed--essentially the perfect horse of that breed. Movement is effected by conformation. A horse who is considered to be a typey or classic Fjord will not move or look like a a typey Quarter horse used for cutting, but both will be considered to have very good conformation. The differences might be minor degrees of shoulder and pelvic slope, a couple more inches of bone, or a neck set a bit higher or lower on the shoulder among others. These minor differences give a Hackney their high stepping movement (even flat shod), TB their long, low flat stride, and our Fjords their strong, free moving gaits without of course, extravagant action. What I am getting at is that I believe anyone with an understanding of the mechanics of movement and bone structure can judge that a given horse of any breed is well conformed. The basic list of faults is the same for every breed--no breed finds offset knees and sickle hocks desirable. Every year I go to the racing sales with a friend who photographs every horse she might be interested in and proceeds to measure the horse to determine every joint's range of motion and the overall balance of the horse. Try this with your own horses and soon you will be like her (and me) and scrutinize every horse you come in contact with. A note to Carol--having been around racing most of my life I can guarantee you that most TB and race bred QH mares are raced before being bred. It is the kiss of death on a sale catalog page for a mare to be unraced, and her dam also unless they have been good producers and that is very rare. The word unraced screams poor conformation and unsoundness. As a rule 4 of 5 TB's are tried for racing, and 1 out of the 4 start in a race--note I don't say win. Racing has it's own non-governed evaluation system--if they can't win they don't get bred. If they have poor conformation or are unmanageable, they aren't even started for the track. Races are rated, for example, the Kentucky Derby is a grade 1, and you know when you look at bloodlines the level you can expect a horse to run at. We have had a mare boarded here who has who's who of racing bloodlines, but her owner will not breed her because she has not won on the track, and her dam was also unraced. This mare is a very nice individual, but she hasn't met the unofficial evaluation criteria for her breed to be bred. I don't think mares should stay home and only produce foals if they haven't been proven performers. A mare can be trained and used while carrying a foal. To refer to racing statistics again, fully 25% of the foals by top stallions can't manage to win a race--they may be gorgeous, but they can't run. I don't want a foal out a mare who is part of that 25%. I think it is a good practice to breed only stock (mares and stallions) who have proven they are trainable, useable, sound horses. I agreed with Becky Vorpagel's post awhile back about the NFHR supporting regional clubs or groups. This type of structure has worked well for a number of other breeds. Lisa Pedersen and I would be happy to set something up in Southern California--contact either one of us if interested. I'm surprised there was little response to her post. A recent post asked about insurance. I know there are ranch packages available; we have a rider on our homeowner's policy that covers us for occasional workers. We are comfortable with this as I have made it clear to the company that we have the horses, and are on acreage.Be careful, I have heard of companies here in Southern CA refusing to write a policy on properties with acreage. The only horse we insure is Valbjorn, the base cost of 3.5% per year is prohibitive to cover all the horses. The 3.5% covers mortality only, major medical runs the price up considerably. I probably should post more often rather than these occasional long posts. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA http://www.pe.net/~barry/ Where I'd put up with scraping mud off the horses; we have had only a couple paltry inches of rain this year and the season is basically over.
Dutch bred horses, endless self promotion, temperament
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just have to make a few comments. First of all it is not possible to lump all horses bred in a given country as having the same temperament or other traits. Such generalization is wrong. A tendency toward certain traits can sometimes be observed. I happen to own a Hjerter Knaegt granddaughter who is very active, yet nice to be around. I have a Norwegian born Tunfeld daughter (Tunfeld stood in Holland for several years) who is also a wonderful horse, but very different in type and temperament. To say they are the same because their ancestors came from Holland would be nonsensical. You have to look at horses as individuals. With regard to stallion temperament--in my opinion, a horse who requires 2 handlers to safely restrain him in hand is either unsound in his temperament, or has not been adequately handled or prepared for the environment he is being exposed to. The horse is clearly stressed, and unhappy--if the behavior is plain old testosterone overload, and the handling or environmental issues have been addressed I do believe the owners should consider gelding the horse no matter how beautiful he or his offspring are. My reasoning is that the horse has a poor quality of life and is not safe to be around. I have personal experience with one of those 2 handler horses, having been one of the handlers. This TB horse was the best conformed horse I have ever seen, then or since and had the quality of movement to match. I was there when he was foaled and know he was handled correctly. Yes, he performed well under saddle and was a magnificent ride, but was a unhappy, angry animal. This horse was gelded and went on to several national level grand prix dressage titles under an Olympic level rider (Hilda Gurney). I believe he was shown under the name Second Page. As a gelding this horse was a pleasant tempered, happy performer. Anything I ride or see I compare to how his gaits felt and looked. As a stallion he might have sired some top foals, but he certainly would not have had much of a life. A stallion who does not handle his testosterone level safely when handled correctly does have a defect in my book--one that can easily be corrected. We stand 2 Fjord stallions at our farm and if it took 2 handlers to move them about the farm, neither one would be here. I consider safety to be an utmost concern when handling any horse. We all know temperament is inheritable. It is ludicrous to not consider temperament first over even athletic ability (albeit a close second)because if the horse is unmanageable or even just a chore to handle what is he worth? Not much to me. Here in racehorse country believe it or not temperament is a big issue. The horse can't make money if he won't run despite all the ability in the world. Individuals of certain sire lines are are looked at very closely before purchase as the lines have a reputation for poor temperament. Awhile back we boarded 17 racing QH yearlings for a local farm. All were by the top 3 sires in the industry. You could walk out in the pasture and pick the sires by the temperament shown by the yearlings. I don't think it's an accident that the sire who behaves like an old gelding even on the way to the breeding shed has been by far the best sire despite having the weakest bloodlines of the top 3. This stallion (A Classic Dash, for those wondering) refutes the correlation that obnoxious behavior means athletic performance. He is a millionaire winner of the All American Futurity. His foals are great to be around--and athletic too. My own stallion, Valbjorn, Vivian Creigh's Marnix, and many other Fjord stallions also refute this. Horses must be manageable in order to be useful. Self promotion. I enjoy hearing about Equitana participants, I liked reading about the ladies from Colorado who performed with the country singer. There have been other posts where people have talked about their horse's accomplishments in a manner that expresses true pride. I suppose you could call this self promotion, but there is a more altrusitic nature to these acts, and they are positive acts for the breed in general. When individuals have posted with genuine pride that they have accomplished something new with their horse, I think most of us are pleasd to read about it. Many recent posts have been very informative about bloodlines and other issues without crowing or tooting. I think Ursula was irked that Carol's post reeked of self promotion and nothing more, there was no obvious altruism or effort to truly educate, at least to me. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Toughing out the shirtsleeve weather here in Southern California
Monty Roberts
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I haven't seen Monty work a horse, but year after year at the TB sales his horses were in impeccable condition and well mannered in a stressful environment. He was always positive, pleasant and appeared respected by his peers. As to family members complaining--sometimes truth hurts. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA 78 degrees and bright blue sky yesterday, headed for the same today.
Perish the thought
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fjords are not to be tinkered with! There should be as much effort to dissuade crossbreeding of fjords as there is effort to promote breeding the best quality. We cannot prevent erstwhile experimentation with the breed, but the registry can strongly discourage it through sanctions related to membership, registration, and promotion. I would surmise that DNA typing could ensure vigilance. The best traits of the fjord are inherent and crossbreeding would only serve to dilute and jeopardize what is most desirable about them. They are indeed an ancient breed and that alone is reason enough for their preservation. I for one do not want fjords without their hallmark temperament and unique personality, as I would not want appy's without spots. Barry Village Farm Fjords Nuevo, CA
Turlock show and registration and misc.
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Turlock show does not check registrations. I have written to the NFHR board about this as I think it is wrong. I think in order to show the horses must be registered or pending for a foal in the country of residence, and the owners and handlers should be members of the registry in their country. The lack of documentation takes away some of the integrity of the event.I think the NFHR should be sanctioning these shows and have a complete rule book like every other breed. If the shows were run according to strict rules they would serve as informal evaluations as an observer and participant would know exactly what was required in order to win. Regarding promoting the breed as trotters--from a historical context yes, it is an important fact to remember and consider, however we have chosen our breeding stock very carefully with the criteria that they have three excellent gaits, not one. We've found that the majority of interest in the Fjords here in the South West is in trail or dressage horses not driving. We do drive ours, but also ride them. Trotters are not popular in this region. If someone is interested though--I do have a Jerald jog cart that would make a good sulky--it has the basket and boot for pleasure shows, but they can be removed and the stirrups used. It is a high quality and versatile vehicle. It is light enough for one person to easily lift it and put it in a truck bed. Regarding the discussion about colors--we have 2 red duns who are quite different in their coloring. One mare is a pale rosy color with grey legs and both red and black hairs in her mane and tail, the other looks light palomino with nearly white legs. Both have a fair bit of striping and no white. Both have produced only brown dun foals and have been bred to only brown dun stallions. I rarely have time to post, this has ben my two cents worth. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where rain is predicted but it hasn't happened yet...
Floating teeth
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Concerning the underweight T'bred, I'm sure you thought of it but since you didn't mention it, have you tried floating her teeth? Barry Village Farm Nuevo, Ca
Vestlandgaard and the FRED movie
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I caught the Fred Tuttle movie on PBS recently and thought it was hilarious. Of course, seeing the fjord scene and the pair driving across the bridge at the end made it an instant hit. We wondered whose fjords they might be and so waited for the credits. Lo and behold there was Jim Sweeney's name. Great job! Barry Village Farm Nuevo, Ca. http://www.pe.net/~barry
Water buckets and Spurs
This message is from: Margaret Strachan [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've been enjoying hearing about the travails of keeping horses in cold climates. I have always been amazed at all the work that is necessary. We keep the horses outside year round with shelter, but the shelter is used mostly for shade in the Summer. This morning however, it was actually cold enough to cause a water pipe in the barn to leak. This native Southern Californian actually had to shut off the water and fill buckets for a couple of the horses. It is normally so easy to care for the horses on a day to day basis in this climate; I guess I got a taste of retribution for finding the travails of others amusing. Regarding spurs--yes, for a skilled rider on a horse who has been properly schooled to accept them, or for a horse in training ridden by an experienced rider. For twenty some odd years I rode a highly trained appaloosa who had been schooled with spurs ( I knew who had broke and trained him). He was absolutely push button and responded immediately to a correct cue every time. I believe this was the result of judicious use of spurs during his training. A spur can give a very subtle, distinct cue when used by a skilled rider. I rarely rode him with spurs, and only with the French type that just have nubbies on the medial of the inside heel--that was all that was needed. When Barry used him for dressage lessons though he used a prince of wales standard spur, and Eagle was most inspired to perform, but no tail swishing, no discomfort because he actually liked the clear communication. I haven't used spurs on my Fjords, we haven't had problems encouraging forward movement. I would use the French type first should the need arise. I bought the french spurs from Miller's years ago, I don't know if they are still available. Margaret Strachan Village Farm Nuevo, CA Where it's a warm, sunny day after a 25 degree night.
