Can Am
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Congrats Dave and Pat. Understand the sand was pretty deep in dressage for everyone. Good Job! Laura and Craig Wich
Sunday
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sue , Dick, and Anthony, It broke my heart to read about Sunday, I am still in tears as I write, She was a lovely mare and I know how much you both loved that horse. I remmember Dick being so proud of her...such an awful shock. I am sure you were thankful to have Ceasey help you. Craig and I are thinking of you and my heart is broken to hear this news. L of the Hollow
Flying Fjord and welcome Hostar colt!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone, Nice to hear all the new foal news. MVF Neschild had a Hostar colt and I put his picture up for viewing. ( www.norwegianfjordhorses.com) She is a 2nd premium from Norway, A Rossar daughter who was a 1st premium stallion by Grabb. Will be nice to see if he gets the same momement as MH Tatiana who is out of a Grabb daughter. Brian, I know you follow Grabb offspring, I have a photo of Tatiana ( A Hostar filly by a Grabb Daughter on the sale page of our web site) She actually floats about a foot off the ground. We call her the flying fjord. She is 2 now and still floats. The picture shows her a foot off the ground all four feet. I have a series of photos and they are all that way. Amazing match for movement. MH Verde( we go for the opera themes at Mink Hollow) the new colt is related so should be fun to see! Carllientje a Holunder daughter had a beautiful Hostar Filly Vonneke. Happy Mothers day to all you new fjordie moms. Laura of the Hollow
Mink Hollow Dispersal sale
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone. Most of you know we are dispersing our herd. This note is for those not on the NFHR list that may want to view our sales list. Please email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or view Norwegianfjordhorses.com. Thankyou to everyone on the list who has sent us such kind words. We really appreciate it as this is a hard decision for us. Sincerely Laura of Mink Hollow
Leather/stainless halters and stall doors etc..
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thankyou for your responses Lynn, Steve and Carol M. really helpful Steve I am looking for Leather with Stainless, all purpose to travel, and have on in turnout. Off hand anyone know when the deadline for articles, etc., is for the next Fjord Herald? We are still dispersing some of our herd...Thanks for all the folks people have sent our way! We are still selling Hostar, his add has not gone out yet and we have only one 2 year old filly (looks like my Abigail, very dark, fantastic trot) Premium import from Holland and two 2 year old Hostar Geldings. We will also sell Hostar and MVF Neschild's foal due shortly. The 2 year olds are now back in driving training. I will update www.norwegianfjordhorses.com sale page with the ones already sold as soon as I can. Thanks for passing the word around, we really appreciate it! I was wondering if anyone had any comments on spring shots, We give them all ourselves l but for rabies and coggins (have the vet do rabies and coggins), We used Encevac T and Prestige ll last year for 4 way/rhino and Pneumobort K for the pregnant or conceiving mares. We also give shots for Potomac fever if horse travels. We order the shots, anyone else do this also, opinions on shots and were best to purchase, preferred brands. Brian, resident expert any advice? Sincerely Laura of the Hollow Worming info of interest also, We worm horses every 2 months and switch brands, we also make sure every other month is an Ivemectrin. Has worked very well for us, we do regular fecal samples and have had success with this schedule. Sincerely Laura
sales horses on video and Myopia
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Laura of Mink Hollow here. Thanks for the info on taping over bad shots. I will practice that next week when I get a moment. Denise, You made me laugh out loud! Sorry sometimes you just assume people know what certain driving events are, I should have explained. Myopia is a terrific Combined Driving Event on the East Coast in Massachusetts. It has been a particularly good event to see top driving Ponies. It is on a beautiful property and very well done. We go every year. They have some really fun driving hazards and they are very supportive of the pony drivers. Mike, I will see if she will let you put that water shot on the NFHR page. I may have a pretty cool water picture with Niki and I at Gladstone as Well. She really was a super navigator! Denise, that is the crazy person who literally hangs off the back of a combined Driving vehicle ,saves your skin, keeps you on the ground, helps in an emergency and keeps your spirits up and lives through the thrill of it all! (Ha Ha Niki!)
Dig Cameras and cool photos
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well since you all are so Digital minded, can you guys tell me if you can back up over a bad video or still and retake a picture? Can you do that. Being new at it I had trouble with my timing. Can you tape over discs you don't care for? Thanks in advance. I haven't even finished reading the booklet I was having to much fun with it. Speaking of cool pictures the Photographer who took the photo of Nancy Johnson in the Myopia Water Hazard that was on the cover of Horse Illustrated sent me some proofs of Craig and Russ driving The pair Abigail and Evita in similar water shots. The flying water is unbelievable. Nice to see some Action Fjord shots! She does not usually sell her work she just publishes it. I will see if she will let me send it to the Herald for your viewing pleasure. This is the pair that won the National Preliminary Belcrown Pony Triple Challenge ( all breed) They even beat Larry Poulin and the rest of the Horse Division at Myopia, in the Hazards. They, my fjord Neschild, and Sue Rogers Nobel also took home the Team Trophy to Woodstock Vermont for the Green Mountain Team. I get really tired of only the cutie shots of the fjords they can do so much more you know,. Ofcourse the cutie shots are always heart warming.
Camera's and Sleighing
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello List Mink Hollow here. We have a Sony Mavica also and the resolution on the JPEG photo;s are very good! Our web page we did not use digital. I have a nice scanner, those are Photos, copied into the computer by the scanner at a high resolution. The Sony also takes small film clips. Nice feature for Horsey people. I like the floppy disc. No wires, no fuss, simple. Sounds like most of you guys are way ahead of me on the technology end! Saves a lot of money on developing photos and video's. I think one could go broke on all the videos you send out that are never returned! Carol, That weed you spoke of, got any pictures, native weed to Canada? Like to see what it looks like. Cheryl, have been enjoying your sleighing escapades. I Worried for you traveling over rocks. Try and find a safe place that is flat and has nothing to catch runners on especially till you learn. When I began I went up in the hills for Christmas bows and all went well, had a ball but a runner caught on a bramble you could not see under the powder and I tipped over in slow motion. I had a seasoned safe pony and thankgod she did not run. She went a few feet, I landed on 2 feet, but she did scratch up the new red sleigh and I lost and antique bell. It can happen so fast. Also have someone on the ground with you while teaching Soliela. Carry around Jingle bells in the barn with you. Never drive the sleigh without being inside it! Don't let the horse back up always forward motion. watch snow that is exceptionally deep. You can get the sleigh stuck on one side and tip. If a snowmobile goes by keep the horse moving forward, keep the same contact, and soothing talk. Don;t raise your voice stay monotone. Little tricks that may help in the beginning. Last of all, no sharp turns, Plan your turns and Bob sleds with 2 runners I find the safest. We sleigh on trails, road and ring. I do not take green horses into the trails as their is little room for mistakes when sleighing. You can also try dragging the sleigh next to your mare so she hears and sees it before you hitch her. Ps this is great work for their top line. Renee so sorry about the little ones, I am sure there is nothing you could have done, little solace I know, twins are not always detected even with all the fancy technology of today. If I read this right you still have your mare, that is something to be thankful for. Laura of the Hollow
sale horses on Digital Camera
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do any of you have digital camera's? I just got one and wow it is neat! You can take nice still shots for conformation and small video;s (..Not very long ). You can get them right out to customers looking for Fjords. They are worth every penny. If anyone who has contacted me from the list on purchasing Mink Hollow fjords would like to view a horse they are interested in email me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] ( only use one l in minkhollow or it will go to someone else's email). [EMAIL PROTECTED] is the correct email. We do have 3 A premium fillies left and 3 Hostar Geldings. All have the ground work done to start to longline them this spring or sooner, ready to start driving and MH Sollvard is driving he is 3 . Super mover, conformation and one of the best driving prospects I have ever seen. Light in your hands. On another note we are just being able to sleigh now anyone else sleighing right now? Laura of Minkhollow
fjord Dispersal sale update, Mink Hollow
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Happy New year to all! Where is all the snow for sleighing this year? Along with your earlier discussion... Our Fjord hero's are those Fjord owners who develop partnerships with their animals and grow in their horse knowledge leaps and bounds. This breed creates a strong trust and confidence to help people overcome fears and grow as horsemen. Our other Fjord hero's are the Fjords that work so hard developing physically and mentally to please us! On another note I did want to let people know in the recent Herald we had an add in For Hostar and somehow it was not printed FOR SALE on the top, so no breeding calls this year please and yes we are selling Hostar. I also added some more of our A premium mares for sale that we were going to keep. Tilly who is by the Elite Stallion Tunar, out of the Elite mare Iris by the Elite Stallion Myrstein. Tamara, her sister same sire Tunar (Elite) out of a Keur Mare Ilona daughter of Myrstein Elite Stallion. Trollius who is related to Hostar and has the Elite Stallion Nordal in her pedigree is new on the page but is pending sale. Carol and Sara are under agreement . Tunica is sold. Please visit http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com on sale page for details. And thankyou all for passing the word around and helping us out. A fellow called me looking for a well broke pair that have experience together, stone cold broke. We are not selling the pair we have. Anyone have such a pair ? Email me privately and I will pass along to him.Laura of Mink Hollow.
For Sale....Dispersal.... up to 12 Fjords atleast.
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone, I saw your note Tami, I am so sorry for your loss, you must be devastated! I am just putting the word out that Mink Hollow is moving in another direction, we also have Hanoverians and Dutch warmbloods for breeding and competing in combined driving and we have decided to focus on competition instead of the top quality breeding program of Fjords we are well known for. I am sad to have made this decision but feel we are spreading our energies to thin. We have a young family and hopes to compete internationally ...everyone has to have a dream don't they? We may keep about 3 Fjords for ourselves but the rest are an option for sale if anyone is interested. We are even selling our beloved Stallion Hostaranyone interested can view www.norwegianfjordhorses.com sale page or call me at 802 333 9961. Please leave your name and number, we are often outside with the horses and do not pick up. We are also selling a practically new breeding mount, Equitainers, other Breeding odds and ends, solar fence pack, never used etcetc I will put them on the web page as well after Monday. Have a wonderful weekend. Sincerely Laura of Mink Hollow
on training
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just a thought for those looking forward to sleigh season, We carry around smuckers sleigh bells when in the barn and attach them to our carts to get the horses use to the bells. Good idea if you have bells on your sleigh or you are planning to sleigh rally Mike, nice to see you on the list, please send Joyce our warm wishes for her recovery. Laura of Mink Hollow
A prayer for Dick
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Sue, We will be saying a prayer for Dick, Don;t worry he is as tough as they come! Tell him we are thinking of him! Love Laura and Craig
Surprise! 2 thanksgiving blessings
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well, we got 2 surprises today. 2 of my mares were starting to look a little portly, so I had them ultrasounded and Hostar's a daddy (2X) more this year. The surprise was that one is my competition horse Nessy. We bred her before I decided to drive this year. In both cases ultrasounds etc..showed the foals were being absorbed, or so we thought. In one case because of twins the mare had absorbed it on her own and the last time we checked, it seemed she was not pregnant. Wrong, she was! I knew Nessy was pregnant and was only going to compete her through Gladstone this year. When she wasn't pregnant I took her to Fair Hill Intermediate (20 Kilometer course) She came in in great condition, low temp and pulse etc... The poor thing, she must be 5 months alongWow, is that a testament to how tough these horses are. She is now getting a well deserved rest poor girl! We received a letter saying Nessy and I are longlisted for the US Equestrian Team in 'Combined Driving for the world games in 2000 , because of our combined driving scores this year. What they did not realize is Nessy is a pony and you Can't compete internationally in the horse division. I was proud of her, this was her first year out. I did however have to let the Driving Committee know she is a pony. I think the mix up was because they had put Craig and I in the horse division a couple of times this year, due to not enough ponies at that level. Oh, well there is always next year. Happy thanksgiving to you and your fjords! Laura of Mink Hollow Ps if anyone is interested we have revised our prices for a herd reduction sale and they have been lowered substantially so take a look, they should be accurate now http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com Bye!
HI Gail
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gail, Hostar is very well proportioned, I do not know off the top of my head his exact measurement. His offspring that I have bred or seen are also well proportioned, and as I said they are out of mares off all different bloodlines. Oh, and yes you may have luck altering a mares faults, that is what a breeder is going for. I had a 2nd premium mare, super, but her legs in back were a tad close in my opinion, Hostar was a great match for her, Not close behind on the foal. Just an example, your choices when viewing each stallion are important. Look at the Offspring! I forgot to mention that we have been hoping for an evaluation on the East Coast to have more opportunity to evaluate our animals. We had offered to host one, at the time you could not evaluate your stock at your farm. I understand this has been revisited but you need to fulfill certain requirements on rings etc.. Our driving ring is still in process of being lengthened so we are hoping other East Coasters may Host an Evaluation. We haven't had one nearby since we started without first 2 Fjords. We have thought about bringing our stallion and youngstock out west but have had to many commitments. I find it sad that we may sell Hostar and not have had a chance to show him off at one! Oh Well, these are the cards we are dealt! Laura of Mink Hollow
Go Martie!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your descriptions are so vivid, I enjoyed your story, Sounds like you had fun and learned alot! The trick to those tippy cones courses is to set up straight as far ahead as you can , then just steer! L of the Hollow
more on breeding..
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, I have enjoyed all the info on the Breeding and stallion thread..Brian J. your article on Colic in the Herald had some interesting info in it! Nice of you to put out an invitation Brian,In response I thought I would add some info on Mink Hollow's Prestatie Stallion Hostar. I have had many clients call our farm, a Best Kept Secret, I don't think enough people know about Hostar's Breeding as we mostly compete in All Breed functions up and down the East Coast. He is an A premium Stallion imported from Holland as a foal. His father is the Stallion Brusvein, Preferente Hengst-Keurhengst, 1-ste Premie. An interesting story to the best of my knowledge, Brusvein was sold to Holland while in process of being named Champion of Norway, so the Dutch were thrilled to get him. He is still a foundation Stallion breeding now. Hostar's Dam is Viola one of only , I think 13 Elite mares in Holland. We met her at age 22? last year on a buying trip to Holland she looks great and is very dark Brown Dun with a strong body like Hostar. She had a foal I would love to have purchased but she is keeping her to replace Viola. Hostar has the highest score possible in conformation in the Dutch System , AA in Riding, A in driving and A in Draft. This makes him a Prestatie.Hengst, the highest performance rating in the Dutch System. Only 2 Stallions in North America hold this designation as far as I know. He is approved to breed in Norway, Holland, Canada and the US. He was imported by Pat Wolfe, who competed him alot, and then Joe and Meg Hempel who really loved him but did get out of the breeding business. The interesting thing is that all 3 of his owners competed their horses alot and tended, to my knowledge, to breed on the farm and not accept to many outside breedings. Therefore I believe this is a line that should be bred more in this country. His foals that have been shown are doing very well, lots of 1st and 2nd place. They are in different parts of the US and Canada so it was hard in the past for people to see them in one area. We have put collected some photos and put on our web page for people to see them. They tend to be very athletic, nice bone and length of leg, high neck set and handsome heads. The Movement is really my favorite part, being a driver. He has many Competition wins, Overall Halter Champion-Woodstock, Winner of NFHR Versatility Award, Rolf Trophy, and Baldur Trophy, NFHA year end Stallion award and year end Competitive Distance Award. We have done well in Sleighing and Combined Driving also. He is 12 years old and his color is striking. I guess you can tell how much we love him! He has not been evaluated yet in the American System, but he was chosen best overall Halter Champ at Woodstock by Wayne Hipsley one of the NFHR Evaluators, We have also had mare owners refered to us by evaluation judges, as a good Stallion to improve the mare. Brian, One of his foals is out of a Grabb Daughter and the movement is very Floaty and forward, I am crazy about it, thought you would like to know. The great thing about America is we are not locked into the Norwegian and Dutch Governments. We believe in breeding super mares, whether Dutch, Norwegian, or American Bred. All the Systems have good animals! Well, enough for now, and Carol Fellers, Angela did a great job riding him this summer, I think she really enjoyed him. Laura of Mink Hollow
Thanks for the kind words
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cynthia, It will break my heart to sell the big guy, but if he has a home that can focus on him like we have till now, I think he deserves it. And yes, a lottery ticket is worth a try! I am happy you and Tank have been doing so well in your CDE ventures. I did find out Ekkar passed away due to colic, out of nowhere, he was very well cared for , just happened. I could use some good news after hearing that. Anyone know a good place to get mats for the barn? L of the Hollow
Prestatie Stallion for sale
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, We are considering selling our Stallion Hostar so we wanted to give you all a heads up. He is a fantastic animal, great at Driving or Riding, and I know I am partial, but his babies are the best! I just did about 45 minutes Ridden dressage on him this morning. He is super, super to ride. We are really serious about competing internationally in the Combined Driving and we are torn between having a full breeding operation and Traveling alot to compete. We still plan on breeding training and selling our Fjords but feel Hostar should be competed , campaighned and Bred. He is to special not to be the central focus of a Fjord operation. His price will be 25K firm, and you can see him at http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com We would only consider a home that will concentrate on him and use him. Serious inquiries can call Craig or I . I am not sending out tapes as I would want to meet anyone considering buying him and I would want them to meet him in person. He is very very special. Laura of the Hollow
Bad news and good news
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, I guess the bad news first. Those of you that know Craig and I may know a wonderful horse named Ekkar who we have competed in Distance, Sleigh Rallies, and Combined Driving. I was just told he died in August 99. My heart is so heavy, he was a fantastic riding horse and a very good Combined driving animal. His picture will be in the Mishka 2000 calendar. This was a very special gelding, he did it all, even, Skijoring. He was a son of the elite stallion Drageset and The Dutch prestatie mare Tilly, We sold him a year or so ago to a wonderful horse person who does alot of Ridden Dressage, and she also loved him. I do not know what happened to him yet , but We are very sorry for her loss as well. He was only 14 years old so I thought it was a mistake when I first heard. We will miss him terribly! It was nice to see the Stifel's at Fair Hill and The Bolinski's. That mud was thick but Nessy did well on her marathon. I had a memory lapse in her dressage ( sorry Nessy, I blew it on you!!), Craig's pair were 3rd in Advanced but our animals need a rest now, it was a long season for them. It was the first season for 2 of them and they went all the way to Intermediate level. I decided to trace clip Nessy all the way and boy did she look funny on one side, but it did keep her temp real low. Best to go for the animals comfort. Laura of Mink Hollow
Use of the whip
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Martie, Cynthia and Vivian are correct the whip is soo important for driving properly, it replaces the leg for ridden dressage, it comforts the horse to be directed what to do, and it is needed for safety. Hence a driver is called the whip. Your hand will get use to carrying it all the time, if you keep using it. I hardly ever put it down, even when rules say you can. I have a horse who never looked twice at water crossings, and one day out of nowhere she did, luckily I had the whip ready or it would have been to late. Have funDrivingSafe! Ursula, what are the big CDE shows out your way? We saw Bill Long driving a 4 in Hand at Gladstone and a trace got caught on a post. His son (navigating) crawled up under the reins onto the horses backs and pulled it off! The rules for Combined driving say the navigator cannot touch the whip, brakes, or reins! It was really cool to see. Laura of Mink Hollow
Folf Trophy
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Julie, We have the Rolf Trophy and will be sending it out to you shortly, thanks for the patience we have been busy. Laura of the Hollow
clipping, Fair Hill , Potomac
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, Martie, Marsha has good points, look at this as a learning exp. and you will do better if you feel safe. Safe , Clean and tidy is what you need to concentrate on and haveing the ADS appointments required, like a spares kit, lap robe of some sort, gloves and whipetc..She is right you may get marked down by certain judges because you are not in traditional garb. I try and opt for Safety also, If my harness is brass and I need tongues that are stainless, and a bit of stainless, to feel safer, I will do that. At the Laurels I chose to drive the dressage test with a beautiful Holly whip, bad choice, my horse did well but she could have been great had I used the whip I have been training her with, she wasn't ready yet to switch. I kept the whip I train her with at Gladstone and she was amazing! Try to do everything with harness and dress as you would day of show so you have no surprises, bad Idea to change things day of. On clipping , it is good for the horse to cool off, try it! Look at pictures on my web page, http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com for examples of trace clips we do. We shave under the belly and you do not have to go to far up the side till you experiment and become brave! The chest and neck are a good idea. Just take your time, your horse will thankyou. Do not shave under the girth, for protection. Anne Morgan Fair Hill is in Maryland DE oct 22 to 24 th , Fri is dressage, sat. is marathon, sun. cones. phone for info 410-755-6065. This is an Intermediate and Advanced Competition in Combined Driving. Ingrid, I am so sorry to hear about your horse, if eating sounds on the mend. I am surprised to hear she got it , aren't you in Ohio? Usually a southern disease I thought. We vac., our show horses that travel for this. Good idea if you go state to state . L of the Hollow
help with trailers and travel
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear list, Craig and Laura of Mink Hollow here. Hope you are all having a super day. We are trying to do the impossible and both compete, we are wondering if anyone has any good ideas on trailers 4 horses, 3 4 wheelers, 1 2 wheeler, 1 ATV, to fit in one trailer, anyone stack like Orville and Anita? We don't care much about lots of tack/dressing room. We also travel with 2 navigators, one mom to babysit, 2 kids and ourselves. We have seen alot of people using travel trailers to camp in and seperate trailer for horses and Equipment. Any Creative Fjord people who could offer suggestions. Love to hear your input. We had a really fun trip to Gladstone, our first intermediate CDE. I was 2nd in Int. single pony and Craig was 3rd in Int. pair pony. It was a learning experience for both of us, moving up and the following Craig's pair Abby and Evita, had their ECC vehicle lock the back brake and basically had been pulling the vehicle like a sled, the poor dears! They made their times amazingly enough yet had no usual go in the hazards, Craig and Russ did not know the brake was still frozen till the end when they picked it up and tried to turn it. Those Fjords do not give up!! I had a day that I truly needed a good navigator. Niki May was riding with me luckily, I have a new horse I have been bringing along , She did super, 1st in dressage and only knocked down one in cones (30 cm) but before the marathon she spooked over some water and sent herself up the side of a bank before I could blink. She is athletic, so we tried to send her up the bank but a tree blocked the vehicle. Niki was calm and collected , together we backed her down the hill and made her go back over. This set the tone for the day, she tried to exit a large water crossing by jumping a barrier and once again Niki saved the day and helped lead her over. Thanks Niki , really needed that Excellent horsemanship! Our last bit of news is that SFAbigail will be the 9th recipient of the NFHR Registry of Excellence award, a nice tribute to Holunder after his recent passing, she is his daughter. We are off to Fair Hill International in Maryland shortly, any Fjord List members be there?
Go Fjords!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello list, Mink Hollow here. We just returned from the Laurels CDE in P. A. and by the way , met the owners of Kilar who are from the list. During the CDE season we do not have alot of time to write. My husband Craig Wich won the Bellcrown Preliminary Pony Triple Challenge in Combined Driving( best score in 3 CDE's including the Laurels). His dressage was super and his hazards fast, He is driving 2 of my ponies ( I have a feeling I am not going to get them back!) SF Abigail and Evita. He and his navigator also won the Laurels, were 2nd at Myopia, competing fjord ponies against horses , and won the Waldingfield Trial Pair pony Championship, 4th at GMHA and 1st at the 2 phase he managed in the spring. The judges have been commenting on how fit the fjords competing this year have been. Good job everybody. Dave Mcwethy, I know you are on the list , we missed you in the Fjord /Haflinger competions, Dave Hirsh told me to Raz you for not coming to the Laurels. My new horse Neschild is doing very well, 1st at Green Mountain , 4th at Myopia, and she was great trying out a new vehicle in the hazards at the Laurels but I withdrew before cones due to my 2 month old keeping me up all night. I could no longer see straight!! Wish us luck at Gladstone next week, we will be in the intermediate Division. We love it when list members introduce themselves! Laura of Mink Hollow
White Duns
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Jean, Thanks for the info, We just purchased a white dun recently named MVF Sara. She is a 2nd premium imported from Norway. Her Sire is Garjo (sire Hovdaren-Dam Bjorka) and her Dam is Siri ( Sire Norden, Dam Freia) She is super white with dark muzzle and black mane and leg markings. Very sweet. Speaking of Modellen, did I hear he passed away? Is this true? Anyone know what happened? Sorry to hear this if true, I have seen alot of his offspring, white and brown dun, but only video of him. Do you know Dave M? Pat, appreciate the bickering comments, it grows tiresome, I really enjoy the info minus the negative vibes. L of Mink Hollow
oops!!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sorry for repeating a post I was not sure if Forward was working! We also have a white dun imported from Norway, How many in NA that you know of Mike? Laura of the Hollow Ps. Anyone know how Holunder is doing, I have two of his mares one bred in Holland one in the U.S. they are super ponies.
Fwd: Volunteers?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, Craig is Managing a 2 phase driving event( a CDE with only 2 of the 3 phases, cones and dressage, no marathon) on May 23rd , this weekend at Green Mountain Horse Association in Woodstock. 3 Fjord lovers have already volunteered, Angela Fellers, Gail, and my brother Russ. Anyone else interested in helping with cones or odds and ends? Free donuts, coffee and lunch for those willing and a good opportunity to learn about the Combined Driving world. I wish I could drive!!! Call us at 802 333 9961. 2 people needed. Julie, very interesting post. Do you or anyone else have info on the requirements to become a 1st premium for a stallion or mare in Norway. I do know it has to do with judging their offspring. I was interested in more detail. We have 2 mares now that were judged as 2nd Premiums ( and another we sold) that had not had offspring yet and I understand it is hard to get a second premium without having offspring judged yet. Does anyone have more detail?? When they judge them at 5, stallions, are they breeding and judging offspring yet? Just Curious Laura of Mink Hollow
Breeders Group
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, Anyone breeding a Fjord horse is a breeder, Anyone who wants to further their education about it or take care to keep the breed pure is a breeder, or breeder at heart. I think Carol's heart is in the right place, sometimes some of us feel we are not being heard. For example when the breed standard was coming out, it had been a long difficult procedure and the registry wanted to wrap it up. Some of us had some last minute, very important issues we wanted to be considered. We thought about this group as sort of a sub group to the NFHR to ban together to be heard. Craig and I decided best to work within the NFHR guidelines first, We found a forum to get the info to everyone, The Herald, and then tried again to write to the board and the president of the NFHR. They did hold off and review what we and others had to say, they did consider it when going forward with the Breed Standard, It was the right way to go about it I think. I think it is best not to splinter the group if things can be worked out. I would hate to see people over committing to to many groups and not getting anything done. How about allowing Carol or others on those committees? Can't you always use one more volunteer I never heard of no we do not need anymore help Just some thoughts. Laura of the Hollow
RE: VOLUNTEERS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, I am not sure my last post went through, I was hoping Julie, Brian and Ursula or anyone else on the norway excursion could give more details as they come to them. I was interested in when(the age) the stallions or mares offspring are judged because I am under the impression that to get a 1st premium the offspring need to be judged. I have some second premium norwegian bred mares that did get a 2nd premium before they had offspring, I understand this is rare. Anyone have more specific info? Craig is Managing a 2 phase CDE at Green Mountain in Woodstock this weekend could use 2 more volunteers, Angela, Gail and Russ (Fjord Lovers) have already volunteered. Free Lunch, and breakfast, and a chance to learn about the sport! I posted this earlier but not sure it came through. Joel, We do not use Running W I am afraid you misunderstood me, we do not make the horse behave this way, I was merely suggesting if a horse has a problem with this how to handle it. Maybe showing what I mean is more my thing. I may not be gifted with the written word , but we do not tip them over Sorry if this gave you the wrong idea. L of the Hollow
on Norway
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Ursula, Brian, and Julie, have I forgotten someone?, I do not save my posts, enjoying your thoughts on Norway. Keep posting tidbits as they come to you, some of us are living vicariously! Laura on bed rest at Mink Hollow Ps. On rearing horses, starting from the beginning was great advise and we have found working in long lines, with blinders , as when you teach a horse to drive can help this problem in some horses. I recommend you have someone knowledgeable helping you do this if you are not experienced with it ( and atleast one extra ground person). If the horses habit is to rear when afraid or just evading work they will not tip over a cart or rider, just themselves. I do not mean you want this but in a controlled safe area I have seen other trainers, very famous ones, allow the horse to back up or rear and once they tip themselves over or they get no where by their antics they learn it does not work so why do it( this is why you want someone who knows exactly how to handle the training in longlines. I have seen it work on different breeds.) What you do not want is to allow the horse to do it without some form of correction, or somewhere you cannot controll the safety of the horse. You do not want to let the horse do this and get away from the handler, or for that matter dump the rider etc... Longling is a great way to work with Fjords learning to canter( and loose the buck!) Just a thought on something that has worked very successfully(sp?) for us at the Hollow
Herd Reduction Sale
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, Long time no talk to , Craig and I hope you have all been having a happy spring. I have not posted since Nov. so I hope I am doing this right. We sighned off in Nov. so we would not be overloaded with mail after our trip to Europe to purchase horses. We had a great time and returned with 7 premium yearling fillies from Holland. We saw many stallions and an enormous amount of Fjord Horses which is harder to do here because of distance. Julie, tell us about Norway when you get a moment and let us know when your new Stallion is posted, love to see him. We have had a hectic spring, my dad passed away and Craig and I are expecting our own baby in June, although the little bugger is trying to be born early! ( oh, well no carriage drives for me for a while!) Which prompted me to write this post. We have decided we are up to about 20 horses at the moment and we need to reduce our herd. Craig is doing all the work with me being layed up. We are going to have a herd reduction sale and I thought I would give the list a heads up. 10% off Hostar offspring, 5% off our Dutch imported Fillies, and an extra $500.00 off the total price if 2 horses purchased at the same time. I will not take up space with details I will be updating our web page shortly, http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com/ We had some fun list visitors this past weekend, Mike, Nikki and Renee May. They had time to fit in a ride and drive in the Vermont Country side. Craig's pair had an equipment failure that luckily was minor and the girls never blinked, yet we did realize how important it is to have those spare kits, you never know when you will need them or a good knife that cuts leather! Happy Trails Laura of Mink Hollow
Re: What a beautiful weekend for horses!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kristine, I find your manner abrupt , if you take exception to something I have commented on maybe you should be thoughtful enough to ask me more detail before criticizing me publicly. You have contacted me privately for advise on training and I have always been polite to you. I was merely trying to show some of our early methods to bring youngstock along to START to learn to drive, thought people might like to hear another perspective. We never pull anything to heavy, we only work for short periods of time, the youngsters feel like they are playing and getting a treat for it. We always have extra help on the ground. We take breaks every few minutes for reassurance and pets. This has worked very well for us. Give a person you don't know the benefit of the doubt, You may learn something. When I first decided to post on the list I did so with some kind prodding of Mike May. I had been enjoying the humour , thoughtful ideas, patient teachings and stories of other Fjord lovers. I am ,as many of you may be a member of the Combined Driving List as well, and people on that list treat each other with respect it never makes me uneasy, I would like to request we all behave in that fashion. Make this fun and progressive, not Judgemental and stale. Sincerely L of the H
Thanks for the Humour it made my day.
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Cynthia, the thought of putting Tank in the Trakehner workout cracked me up. Watch out Tank Mom's getting ideas again! Carol and Arthur Rivoire sent me a fun note. They wanted to know if I wear the harness while doing chores?They titled it Kinky barn Clothes. Carol and Arthur, I am working on getting into a Cob size. Sincerely L of the H
oops!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just re read my last post, I am sure you all know I did not hitch my fjord with my Hanovarian, Sounded very comical!! L of the H
What a beautiful weekend for horses!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] We hitched Evita and Carol today, they were perfect, I think they will be Craig's pair for Sleigh rally season, Ekkar went to his new home. We will miss him!! My Brother navigates for Craig at CDE's and he was here learning to ride on Hostar, a very good teacher, and learning to drive Hilde on the roads.We hitched our one and a half year old fjord gelding to a cart for the first time and same age Hanovarian, She thinks she is a fjord in a brown suit. Went off really well. We spend alot of time wearing harness in the stall while we are doing chores to get them use to feel, movement and sounds in blinders (ofcourse you must be ever vigilant) Cynthia I thought your idea for the Herald would be fun! Doesn't Sally Weber do a super job, and she is always so pleasant! Pat, nice picture of the Tandem, cool! Enjoy the autumn on horseback! L of the Hollow
Hello from the Hollow
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, Hi Anita, I agree whole heartedly with your comments on pecking order(Just watch Momma Fjord teach baby to stay away from the electric fence, or lead mare tell others to get out of her space when she is eating till invited in to join her.) Be your horses lead mare, I know all 5ft 1 of me is exactly that. Josie, start with feeding time as well, bring a crop. keep space between you and the food bowl till you invite the horse in . When inviting in turn your body to the side so you do not look confrontational but welcoming. Your Body language is something they understand. Nancy, thanks for letting me know that the discussion on farm hosting is on agenda. I did assume that an evaluation would be open to all horses wishing to participate and you are right, enormous amount of time to hold and plan an evaluation, How many depends on local volunteers everyone, as opposed to the registry or BOD. Marge and Bill, Asta's name sounds perfect. Take Care Laura of Mink Hollow
Re: Fjord Stuff
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Pat, My name is Laura Wich actually and her Daughters name is Abigail. If you want to see pictures of her look at http://www.norwegianfjordhorses.com/ , Her Grandson and Granddaughter are MH Tristan, and MH Ava. You can see alot of Anitra in them. The fellers, Greg, Carol , and Angela own Amy one of her other daughters , a grey. I understand Amy did her first show at woodstock this year and won in her driving class. They have a page as well with Amy on it, and they also own Hannah another daughter of Anitra, great horse , does side saddle and jumps well. Have fun, sounds like she will have a super home. Laura of Mink Hollow Ps. If you are there Fellers leave the web address for Pat to look.
Evaluations
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Mike and List, Mike did tell me if your horses were in the evaluation you could not hold one, I forgot to mention this. But the reason I was asking is because I am very excited about having our youngstock evaluated, and customers we have would like a more local place to be evaluated. That is why I would consider offering a location when our rings are finished. I was just offering and innocently asking for comment. If I feel strongly enough I do send my own letters, but not till I have formulated a fair and accurate opinion on something. I think the list is a nice way to get input. Lisa, nice print! Have any of you seen the ancient french cave drawings of horses? Looks exactly like a Fjord to meSincerely, L of the H
Welcome
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello to Ann Sullivan, I was glad to see you on line, I have been trying to reach you to thankyou for the Lovely pictures of Hostar's filly you sent, Thankyou. I hope you had good luck finding a nice harness. Marge if you are out there were the minis friends or relatives you were helping at Gladstone? They were way to cute and I heard they were very fast in the Hazards, for those lurking the minis were in a pair and another pair of minis were driven Tandem. They have been trying to get them more involved in combined driving, I think they surprised everyone with their efforts! So No Fjord Campers on the trail out there?? On evaluations I had inquired recently to see if any evaluations were planned for the East Coast and was told not at the moment. I then offered to host one if location was an issue and was informed they do not allow breeders to host an evaluation. Seems a little silly to me, what do you think? It would save money if location was donated and I do not think they're would be any home team advantage because the grounds would have all new people horses and equipment around, in other words it would not be business as usual. Besides other breeds do it this way. I also think you have to assume any judge worth their salt would not be swayed because of this, I would go no matter where it was held, just food for thought. L of the Hollow
Fjord Stuff
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello List, Congrats Pat, looking forward to seeing Felix Drive! Congrats to Pat M on you new Fjord Annie , if this is (Anitra) I own one of her daughters and I have to admit if you can have a favorite, not sure this is possible with Fjords, she is mine! Very trustworthy! I am sure you will love her. Josie, I am sorry to hear you have not been able to ride this summer, Do you drive a cart? Something to consider, worth learning! On the subject of judges and evaluations, I also feel Wayne and Jim have an excellent eye, have studied hard, and have enormous amounts of knowledge to offer, I would hate to lose them if that is what is being suggested. I am sure the registry would not let that happen. I do however feel continuing to educate all of our judges further to keep the pool fresh is a good idea. I do know a bit about the other judges we have but maybe someone could share some of their credentials as well, for the other members of the list. Could someone speak to what education is in the works for our judges and how one is chosen for this position. How about some new discussion. A while ago I saw some beautiful Fjords and covered wagons in the Driving Digest, would like to know who they belonged to and if people have good advice on camping out with you Fjord on the trail, Hobbles? etc Packing etc... ps. Dave in Humans there is a huge outbreak of Lyme disease in MA, RI and I think NH, not VT yet, but that is so close. Do you know if same kind of tick? My Dad and my sister in law live in Ma and both got this. respectfully submitted L of the Hollow
Re: Log pull
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey, there you go Pat, Let's put Felix and Hostar together and pull a pickup truck through the cones! Oh, and I am sure Dave will insist it be a Dodge Diesel! L and C of the H
Re: Results of Evaluation
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike, I have attended the a Hanovarian Evaluation as well, they also used the 3 judge system. L of the H
Re: Log pull
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hostar wants to know if there is room for 3 in this showdown! L and C of the Hollow
Craig's Sleigh...
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Ingrid, I will ask Craig the price for you. We have never used a brake in a sleigh, not sure I would want it, could be hit to hard and cause an accident on slippery terrain. Greenall Carriages (look under the Carriage driving society for venders) or running brook farm in windsor vermont are great places for sleighs as well as Martins Auctions. Thanks for the feedback, nice to know you enjoyed the tape. Laura of Mink Hollow Hello Laura, Thankyou for letting me know about the sleigh, it's appreciated. It is lovely. I have only been looking for a short while, gathering information where I can. I searched some of the web sites, such as Justin Carriage and Troyers. Some beautiful new sleighs, but no consignments on used ones. Also, I have looked here, locally in Ohio, but have only found sleighs suitable for lawn ornaments. What, may I inquire, is the asking price for the sleigh? I have harness, so that's not a problem. I was wondering if there was any type of brake on the sleigh? Seems some do, some don't. I'm not sure how neccessary this will be. Thanks for your help and information in advance. Best wishes to you, Ingrid PS...thankyou again for sending out the video tape earlier this year, when I was looking for a fjord(s). You folks do a lovely job of taping your horses and showing them working under saddle, in harness and just their general attitudes. I did end up purchasing two mares this year, but may add on to my little herd come spring. I'll be checking your website for updates. Happy fjording! :o)
Re: Sleighs anyone?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Mike and List! Laura Wich here, My husband Craig and I would like to send warm greetings to you all, from Mink Hollow Fjords in beautiful Vermont. We live here with our son Logan, who at 2 years of age grabs the reigns and says trot trot. We own the Prestatie Stallion Hostar, and have a very successful Breeding, Training and Sales program in full swing. Most people who know us will tell you we are more than enthusiastic about competing our Fjords, they have so much heart!! Combined Driving is one of our favorite sports! We have competed 9 different Fjords in the CDE venue alone and done very well with all of them. We could not be more pleased with their ability to grow, learn and surprise non believers! We compete mostly on the east coast at the moment in sleighing, dressage, cde, pleasure, competitive distance and draft. We also love Skiijoring, and lengthy trail, ride, drives or sleighing. I have been a past director for the NFHA and a past member of the Woodstock show commitee. We have been active members of the registry and the NFHA promoting the breed in parades , exhibitions (sp?), County fairs and combined driving demo's. We have also held a combined driving clinic and plan to host more clinics to promote interest and knowledge in showing your Fjords to thier full potential, all as soon as our rings are finished. If anyone would like to see some beautiful pictures go to our web page at http://norwegianfjordhorses.com/ , go when you have patience to wait for the photos they are worth it . We also have our 2 current competition horses for sale, one is on the sales page and the other is Ekkar, a 14 year old fabulous dressage Fjord, who has been awsome at the CDE's as well. Just placed 3rd at Gladstone. Look forward to the list! Laura and Craig.
Re: Fjord show
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey Dave, We feel the same, would like to do both shows and I am sure your navigator Beth Sneider and Mine, Jean Ruhan, both dedicated Combined drivers as well would 3rd and 4th the motion they attempt to include the CDE schedual as they have in the past! Both Shows are well worth attending and great fun! Ps. who won the Rolph Trophy , the Baldur and The Versatility Award , Hostar would like to pass along trophies to the new winners for 1998! L of the Hollow
Re: Sleighs anyone?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Ingrid, Laura Wich here of Mink Hollow Fjords. Craig may sell his black and maroon sleigh , It is in the sleighing picture with our stallion Hostar on our revised web page, on the first page, http://norwegianfjordhorses.com/ Email me privately if interested it is a sleigh I purchased for him new 2 years ago. Reproduction of a portland Cutter. Very sturdy. Sincerely Laura of the Hollow
