Re: mare with geldings
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Kim- I have always had my mares and geldings together. I have had a max of 5 horses to a min of 2 (one 24yo Paint mare and one 16yo Icey gelding). Currently, I have 4, 3 are mares and the one gelding. My 24 yo mare is the boss, and has always been the boss, even when she was with all geldings. The only time I had a problem was when I was adding another Icey mare, and she wanted to be boss and my Paint would not have it. So we sold her to a great home. Good luck, and I vote for you to keep the Paint! Michele
Re:drafty overheating / body mass problems
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have not been reading the list like I used to, but the string on drafty overheating / body mass problems caught my eye. What is EPSM? If it was already discussed, I appologoze, and woud appreciate a pointer to the discussion. Thanks- Michele his message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lisa, Have you found overheating problems with the Fjords in CDE's? seems they might have more body mass than the Canadians? Are the Canadians prone to the muscle metabolism problem EPSM like the drafts? I know some Fjords are
Bird in Hand Eagle 4W vehicle for sale
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] After much consideration, I have decided to sell my lightly used bird in hand eagle vehicle. I loved using this vehicle, but I no longer use it, and it is taking up space. It has $2000 worth of options. Shafts, telescoping pole and brakes to name a few. $4500. Serious inquiries only, I can email photos if needed. It is located near Worcester, Mass. Michele
Re: To wear a helmet or not?
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I ride western, and english, and 99% of the time I use my helmet. Trail rides, hunter paces, jumping lessons, clinics. I do not wear one when showing him Western..I do know my safety is at riskbut sometimes you just have to wear what is correct. FWIW.my girl friends were over for a trail ride/cookout and it felt like it was 100 degrees out.and I just hated to wear my helmet. I was not going to wear it! To HOT! My trainer/friend said she left hers behind...and asked to borrow one of mine.so I reluctantly put mine on too. Didn't I fall off on the trail ridethank god I had my helmet on! Boy was that a wake up call! Enjoy the heat..we could be shovlin' snow! michele and stovar
Re: new questions for the list
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] hi W. Peter Randall! My thoughts on the following, however, YMMV. re: the mane After I let my Fjords mane grow out for the winter, I roach it totally off in the spring. It grows in real nice, shape wise, and is easy to trim here and there. I tend to keep it shorter, unless I plan on showing. re: h2O All my horses, Fjords and non-Fjords LOVE to swim! The lake is across the street, and I take them often. They have no hesitation going in any stream or river. I suppose any horse could drown re: starting a young horse. I came from a barn where we started paints and QH as 2yo. I started ponying my fjord foal right away, so he would get used to traffic. I drove him for a few years, and then I started riding him when he came 4yo. I've been told it is not good to start riding them any sooner Good luck, have fin and enjoy your extended family! Michele 1) I have been laughing at myself trimming manes and surely my work to date would give you a chuckle. 2) Water. I am busy fencing off a deep creek on my property and I read about Fjords taking baths in ponds.
garlic for flys
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Springtime is the company I use for garlic 800-521-3212. I have also used Wendals garlic. Springtime has good discounts for big purchases, and I use their other products on my horses and dog. A benefit to garlic was the time saver! I used to use roll ons or SWAT in their ears.but I would have to catch the buggers, and put the stuff in them. THe horses did not seem to thrilled with this pratice.and since I have more than one (like most of you) it was becoming quite a chore. I just toss a scoop in each bucket, top with grain...and we're off! Michele p.s. kmac, we have a bat - but no vampires!
re: flys in horses ears
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] We use garlic powder x2 a day in their meager grain portion once the little ear flys start. My older paint mare has very, very sensitive skin - and has reactions to everything but the garlic. I will also use fly masks. Within days of starting garlic, no more gross, bloody, crusty ears. Plus the barn smells nice! Michele
re: catching horses, source, email address change
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] email address change: I just got a new Internet provider (digital finally arrives in the boonies!). How do I update my subscription? Source: I used to feed source, but when feeding 5, it got expensive. I was also having trouble with the obese Fjord mare who existed on air and always looked like she would drop a foal any minute...she started eating anything she could sink her teeth intobarn, fence posts, poop, rocks, old moldy hay I now feed them 1 cup am and pm of Triple Crown Lite. It has all the vitamins and minerals (like from Source) they need to survive, without having to worry about keeping them on a diet. So far my research shows this is the best grain for my situation. Low protein. Sigi stopped eating poop, rocks and only occasionally knaws on the barn. her weight is still an issue..but that is a story for another day. Catching horses from the new pasture: My guys get a couple of hours of pasture a day inplace of a hay ration. I try to introduce it slowly, and have found that if I halter them first, before throwing them out, I can catch them. Like yours.they do not want to leave the green heaven. There is also a hierarchy, Boss mare first, then young gelding, then older gelding follows us in - like a dog. When Sigi (from above) was here - she just moved to a new home - I could never catch her, even last. So I started doing a modified john lyons thing Keep her moving, so she can't eat, until she lets me catch her. After a while, it was not much of an issue. good luck! YMMV My problem is in early spring when I want to introduce pasture. I am very careful (maybe too careful) and I only want to put them out on early grass for 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day and work up to 3. As the grass get alittle more mature and not so fattening I think my 2 fat ones can be on for 4 hours. The other two could be on all day. My problem comes in because after a couple of days of being on grass for only a couple of hours, they see me coming and do NOT want to get off. That is when them become hard to catch and nothing works.
Re: only foal comments
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] We've had two foals, and I started ponying them on short trail rides...leading up to longer ones, as soon as they respected the halter and leading. I continued to do this until it was time for riding. I have a very special memory of my first foal (a BW Paint), at the PtHA Futurity Show. My goal was to show the foal in the futurity (as well as give him experience at a show, trailing, staying over in strange places...), and maybe do a dressage test with my mare. The foal was 5 months old and not weaned yet. I was warming up in the ring, ponying him as usual, and didn't the little bugger decide that this nice soft sandy ring was a great place to lay down for a roll. practically took me out of the saddle, my trainer was hysterically laughing, as well as the small following of people we attracted. A freelance photographer got a few great shots of us..the three of us had fun (me the mare and foal) that weekend. When you went on trail rides - do I understand that you just let the colt walk along with his mom/rider?? How long did you do this? Sounds like such fun and great experience for the little one:) At what point did you begin ponying?
Herald
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have not gotten our Herald yet. ANyone else waiting for theirs? Michele
RE: Pinto's and Arabs
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I forgot who asked, but regarding whether or not Rory, the Davenport Arab stud is 100% Arab and double registered Pinto, the answer is YES. he is 100% Davenport Arab and Pinto. I guess the Arab registry has made some changes. He has produced a few nice colored 1/2 Arab pinto foals. Have you driven a Fjord, lately?
Pinto coloring (vs Paint)
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] FWIW A Pinto horse can be any breed with color, however the white MUST have pink skin underneath, and the black/brown/palomino/gray/whatever color MUST have black skin underneath the coat. It also must be a certain size patch of skinI forget how big - a couple inches or so. The Pinto horse registry will register any horse as pinto regardless of breeding, except draft horses (which includes Icelandic's - but we are trying to change this as they now accept some gaited horses for registry). They are classified as 4 types - hunter, stock, pleasure, saddle. My trainer has a 100% pure Davenport Arab Stud that is also registered pinto. He has met the color requirement. He does not have any other breed of pinto in his breeding to give him the coloring. A Paint Horse is a QH or QH/TB cross with appropriate color markings as described above. No other breed can be considered a Paint Horse, but are welcome to be considered a Pinto. Michele experience is rather narrow here - I was curious whether they came in 'pinto' colors or whether the existence of pinto markings on a horse called an Icelandic REALLY meant it was a cross - as is the case with pinto Arabs and pinto Saddlebreds. The only way you get 'pinto' coloring in these breeds is to introduce a pinto horse of some kind(not an Arab or a Saddlebred) into the mix, as pinto did not exist in the original breed. Mostly this has been accomplished in the past by introducing a pinto QH(which is again a cross: Pinto/Quarter Horse mustang/QH) into the mix way back and then breeding for color with the resulting offspring.
re: offspring of grabb
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Stovar is a Grabb grandson. He is just the most cuddly lovebug I have ever known! Maybe it is the Solar and sigrid cross? Michele I would be interested to know if anyone on the list has any offspring of Grabb and Gulldua. At one time Mary Ofjord said she had a Grabb Stella mare who was also standoffish not mean but did not like being fussed over. She was the most unfriendly in the herd.
RE: Training a horse to square up
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Karen- I was taught to teach my horses to square up using a showmanship method - which means you can not touch the horse at all. I put the lead shank under the chin and fasten the chain on the metal loop closest to the ear (not sure if there is a technical term for this) - this ensures more contact or pressure - and a less confusing message to the horse. Then I set the back feet, followed by the front, using the lead shank. I also add the voice command stand. I practice this all the time without really doing it leading, cross tying, saddling), so I get them to the point where I say stand, and they square up with out any further direction from me. I suppose in the beginning, I would place a foot just to make sure they understood what I wanted. Good luck, and your mileage may vary.. :^) Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 12:02:48 -0700 From: Dudley and Karen Haines [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Dudley and Karen Haines [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello listers, I have a question - what is the best way to teach a horse to square up? This weekend I went to a local horse show and most people were walking around their horses, picking up and placing feet. Is this the best way to start training? I've also tried backwards pressure on the halter to move a foot back, but often this ends up in the horse-on-a-beachball look. At the Libby evaluation, Gayle Ware, I notice you tapped the ground w/your toe a couple inches in front of the hoof you wanted moved forward. How do you begin to train this? Do you use a dressage whip to tap the back of the hoof simultaniously to start out? This method looks really professional. I would like to be able to eventually square up my horse by staying near the head and directing feet. I would be interested in any comments on this. Thanks! Karen Haines
libby, no bounce bra's and studdy geldings ..... etc!
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Have a great time at Libby Everyone! Was able to attend about 7 ( when Dave McWethy drove out?? ) years ago, and truly enjoyed watching a show that was much different from what I was used to (east coast). Taking up Teaching and leaving the corporate world has left me with summers off, but little flexibility during the school year..we will go back someday. Thanks for the info about the no bounce bra.I was considering one. to the girl with the studdy gelding...My gelding acts very studdy around new horses...mares and geldings..he has quite a left hook when he want s too have a good one.time for bed.. Michele and Stovar
My Myler Experince (good so far)
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I bought a custom Myler bit for Stovar, w/ a 5 1/2 mouth. For some reason the bit I bought seemed backwardsmy trainer, the tasch shop folks...so I ended up sending it back to Myler. Ron Myler said I should have spoke to him directly before ordering a custom bit. They are very expensive, and they don't have a market for 51/2 mouths and up. So, I am waiting for my replacement bitIf you are interested Call Myler directly and ask to speak to Ron about what would be the right bit for you. Michele
Fjord Biothane Draft Harness For Sale
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have a Fjord Draft Harness, complete with adjustable collar and pad for sale. It is made of biothane, and real easy to clean! It is the medium decorated style (we had a choice of plain, medium and very fancy). Used maybe half a dozen or so times. Sold the mare, and the girl is not interested in purchasing the harness. $800 or b.o. Michele
Re: eons and eons and eons, etc...............
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can add us to your list.Michele 35, and Dave 44.
Re:halter question - try a bell
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Stovar, my 5 year old Fjord gelding, and Blue a paint gelding, both who were bred and raised as foals by me, are houdinis. Blue would actually step between the electric fence wires and step out of the pasture, much to the chagrin of his pasture mates. We never knew where he'd be when we would get home from work. He was sold to a friend and is baorded at another friends and they always have a new blue story about him unlatching the gates, the stalls.freeing all the horses...and so on. Anyway, Stovar slips out of halters and bridles, almost at will it seems. I use ties with the metal safety snaps to tie him anywhere I go in public. And he is tied short, I don't want him getting any ideas about leverage. I do think I broke his cross tie/halter slipping out problem in the barn. I have attached a small hunters bell (from state line tack) onto his halter, and he keeps himself amused ringing his bell. Maybe you could try this? Michele
Re: OT: Winter Coveralls
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have blue one piece suit that my husband used to get for his tow truck drivers. I am about your size, and I wear a men's medium. It is somewhat baggy and unflattering, but I can stuff my hooded sweatshirt and a down vest underneath depending on how cold it is. I don't know the brand because it comes from the Uniform company Unifirst. They have several different colors, and brown is one of them. I love it and usually wear it out after a few years. My husband hates it because when I start wearing it, means winter is coming. Good luck, and enjoy your investment! Michele
Re: Dreadlocks in the Tail
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Sigrid (Grabb daughter) and Stovar (Grabb grandson) have the dreadlock type tail. Interesting to think it was an inherited trait? Anyone else with Grabb offspring notice this? Michele
Re: THE DUTCH KEURINGS
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Carol Rivoire wrote: -- WHY DIDN'T THEY COME AND BRING HORSES? - #1 They don't want foreigners judging their horses? - #2 They think they already know everything necessary? - #3 They fear what the judges might say about their horses? - #4 They don't think they know enough to show their horses to advantage May I add to your list of reasons: #6Been there and done that. And have done quite well I might add. (American and Dutch) #7 I am not a breeder, and own a gelding, who did well under the American system. So why waste time, energy, and $$ (never mind the stress that goes along with the preparation). #8The Keuring was not at good time or location for us. I would have like to know where the one in Ma was. Michele (who had way more fun and no stress at the local pace that weekend)
Pinto Fjords????!!! For real????
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Recently I purchased a black and white pinto Icelandic Horse. I know the Pinto registry has started registering gaited horses as pintos providing they had the correct color. I inquired about registering my mare and was told they considered them draft horses. You say so what..well, they told me the three draft breeds they would not register as pinto would be Icelandic, Fjord, or any draft horse. I wondered is there such a thing as a pinto colored Fjord? I think I saw an experiment a few years back at an auction, but it was 12hh if that. Thanks- Michele
Warning about Woodstock Vermont hotel
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Folks- I just wanted to pass on a warning about a difficult motel in Woodstock Vermont. No need to give the gory details, however if you are planning on attending the NFHA show, feel free to contact me off line regarding this motel. I will never, ever, set foot in this place again after the way I was treated. Michele
Hives
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Looking for information on hives with horses. Stovar has had hives off and on for the last few weeks. The vet is not overly concerned, so neither am I. Just wondering if anyone else's Fjord may have them. Thanks- Michele
Western Orthoflex Saddles
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Gail- The saddle is heavy compared to my other saddles, but, comprable to my husbands old Tex-Tan Western Saddle. Stovar is also about 15hh, so it is a long way to toss up a saddleso it may feel heavier than it really is. It is probably lighter than come of the other western styles becasue it is a barrel racing style. Can you find a dealer near you? I got it at a dealer in Uxbridge, Mass (The Mane Place). Linda was awsome to deal with. I have not had any problems with the saddle.If you want I can get you her number and she can send some information to you. Good luck! Michele I got the Trail Pardner, a Western, Barrel Racing style saddle. The skirt is short and fits my Fjords back excellent. I just love it. Michelle, Is it a light weight saddle? I'm heavy :-( so I try not to have a heavy saddle. I have a dressage saddle, but I may be wanting a good contact, light weight western saddle, too --
ortho flex saddles
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I love my Ortho-Flex Saddle. It feels like riding in a Caddy as opposed to my little old lady car! I got the Trail Pardner, a Western, Barrel Racing style saddle. The skirt is short and fits my Fjords back excellent. I just love it. I have a nice traditional barrel racing saddle that fit Stovar as a young horse, but as he got older, I feel it restricted his movements. I noticed a big difference now, in fact he is quite the FAST FJORD at a gallop! I feel real secure in it as well. I guess I can't say enough about it. Michele
Looking for contact information for Remmy Bron.
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Folks! I know someone out there must know how to contact Remmy Bron in Holland. I would really appreciate this information. I used to have her address, but alas, I can not find it. Thank you. Michele
Triple Crown Lite
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] From the Triple Crown lite Bag: A pelleted feed to provide minerals and vitamins for horses with restricted grain intake. Fortified to provide protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, trace minerals, macro minerals, bacteria and enzymes. The ingredient and analysis are extensive (and I should be finishing making the math departments algebra final), so I will post the web site and phone number. The folks at this company were very helpful. I am very pleased with the results, as is my farrier (feet have never looked better) and vet (about time they lost some weight). My retired Paint mare consumes 4 lb. a day, and looks as fit as she did when I competed with her years ago. So it is not just for overweight horses, but also easy keepers. www.triplecrownfeed.com 1-800-451-9916 Michele
Bucking and Head Tossing
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have a question for you folks with experience in training young stock. My 4 year old has started an annoying habit of tossing his head. Usually this is at the end of a trail ride (and we still have a ways to go) of 85% through a workout in the ring. I am thinking that he might be tired or expressing frustration, but I was hoping to hear what others have experienced. The other habit I am working on right now is his tendency to buck while cantering through the woods. This is the only time he bucks, so we think it is an expression of exuberance . Mom will do the same when she is feeling good. I do correct him, as I really do not want to be launcheda friend, and experienced rider, just had his pelvis broke into two pieces after being bucked off a horse. Is this something others have experienced with young horses? Will he grow out of it? RE: Feeding Fjords. I wanted to share what I found to be the perfect grain for Fjords and other easy keepers (all of my horses qualify for this). We started feeding Triple Crown Lite, you know the add with the picture of a horse with a piggy tail. I feed my guys a pound in the am and p.m., along with hay (3 times a day). and they have not gained as much weight as they have in the past. I also do not have to go out and spend a fortune on vitamins and mineral mixes. Michele
Re: Woodstock SHow
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, I am a new subscriber, and will be an intermittent contributor. My Husband and I own 2 Fjords, Sigrid and Stovar, but we are currently in the process of selling Sigrid to a friend who has been riding and using her for the past year. My friend and I were at the Woodstock Show, and she did quite well, 2 championships and a reserve championship with Sigrid. I was generally pleased with Stovar's performance, since he is only 4, and it was his first overnight experience. We showed in Western tack, unusual for Woodstock, but based on the feedback from others, I think we will start seeing more of it. My comments on the draft, I enjoyed the draft on Saturday - we usually don't stay to do it in Sundays. It was fun, and the group that participated had a few good laughs. I really liked the new class too! My friend is interested in the Dressage postings, as we had to leave before they finished and were pinned. Thanks! Michele
