suspend digest delivery
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, We'll be gone for awhile, may I please have the digest delivery to [EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] suspended until mid December. Thank you very much. Bonnie Helena, MT
State operated horse parks
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I'm wondering how many states own a horse park? I know KY, MD, CO, NY have horse parks. Please respond to my email as to any other state owned and operated horse parks. Thank you very much. Bonnie Helena, MT
what if?
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To the general member list: We just met our new neighbor, he has a quarter horse stud, very nice mellow horse we were told. He keeps him in a pen and a small pasture, his pens, barns, and house sit right next to the southwest corner of our hayfield. During most of the year our mares are here closer to our house, dry lot and some small pasture fields. However, during Nov through March, the horses are turned out in the hayfield. I explained that I did not want the mares bred and why, he said it would be 'no problem'. The previous owners had no clue as to fencing, so the fences are not the best. What the heck do I do if that stud gets with the mares? I'm hoping that being the nice northern gals they are that they won't be interested during the winter?? ha And for Mike, surely this has happened before? What does the assoc. say about this? I would hate to abort my mares. I hope all this rambling is for nothing. Bonnie Helena Windy with great sky show of clouds
drooling horse
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I do have two Fjords, but this is a problem with the mustang. He has a lot of slobber at the back of his mouth, he will stretch out his head and neck when I'm around, look at me, and makes chewing motions. He has had this for about three weeks; he had a vet check last week, all normal that we could tell, he floated the horses teeth lightly and no tenderness was found. We couldn't see anything. The horse is eating, peeing, pooing, runs around, is not contagious. My only guess is that he has a chunk of wood in there somewhere. Any other thoughts? Is there a gutteral pouch that might be the culprit? He is not tender anywhere on his jaws. Seems fine except for the drool, and that isn't real evident when he's just in the lot. He slobbers more when I have the bit in his mouth. I've used that bit for last two years, the hay does have some alfalfa and clover leaf, but not a significant amount. He's been eating this hay for the last eight years and no problems. Bonnie Helena nice fall days
strollers
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, One time when I saw the Budweiser horses being hitched, they were in a barn, lots of strollers parked out in front of mommy and daddy who are standing within 6 feet of the hitch; same parents went into the area between two large barns at the state fair grounds, backed up the other barn, strollers still in front, and when that eight horse hitch hit the tugs and went out of the one barn to turn towards the street, area between the barns (which was about 20 feet) all those people had those strollers about 4 feet from the other building. Made my heart about stop. I know most horse sales that WILL NOT allow strollers in the barn. There is a lady who is an attorney specializing in Equine Law and Liability. She lives in Texas, comes to present seminars for interested people. She is good, presents things in a manner to make us horse people think about HOW we are doing things. Is religious that anyone in the public with their horses should have a Procedure Manual made up. Everything from how we catch the horse until we turn the horse loose. It might be good mental exercise on a cold winter night to make one up. Safety for all, been to horse events all my life, seen a few wrecks. Seen a few that could have been disastrous, but because of training the horses remained responsive to the driver. Safe driving to all, make a list of what you can do better. Think safety, continually. Bonnie Helena, cooling down, amen
re: grazing safety
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, In the Equus magazine during the past year or so there have been several articles on 'grass'. One was titled, Danger in the Grass the study came from Wales. It was very interesting stating that the sugar level in the grass rises during the day and decreases in the evenings. This had to do mostly with 'cool season grasses'. It stated that people with the smaller breeds of horses that are most susceptible to founder graze their horses late in the evening. Then in January and February 2005 there are the articles dealing with insulin resistance. The articles helped in our management, although I had been limiting the time on grass for a long time, my mustang has the same problem. Once he nearly foundered in January !! In Montana!! One would think the cold would lessen the chances. Now, would folks be interested in sharing some of their favorite horse sites? We could probably build quite a list from our diverse membership. Just a thought. Bonnie Helena cloudy, some sun, rain since last Wednesday when most areas received over an inch! Hopefully this will slow down the fire seasonor give us lots of fuel to when it dries out again.
re: Fjord prejudice
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I ran smack into a very negative opinion of Fjords about a year ago, a somewhat local trainer, was giving a clinic at our nearby arena. I watched her work and stayed for the discussions on harnessing and bits, etc. During the discussion she 'casually' mentioned that she trains most breeds, including mules, but draws the line on the Fjords, claims they are 'brain dead'. Said she hoped she didn't offend, I told her she . did and left. She is now advertising driving lessons in Lewistown, MT. Anyone wanting driving lessons and owns Fjords might as well skip her. I talked with someone who had just purchased her first Fjord and taken lessons there, she said it was quite a trial to try to focus on the driving part and let the snide remarks go by. I figure any time a 'trainer' runs down a breed then they really aren't a 'trainer', eh? In a side note, we had a heavy duty fifth wheel wagon for sale, they wanted to buy it, 'at a bargain price', nope, they didn't get it Bonnie who owns two very nice Fjord mares, over 14h, both ride and drive, and can out walk most other horses. in sunny Helena, every night about 20 degrees, inching towards 60 during the day. and the winter project of building a garage is marching on, should have roof on by end of the month if wind doesn't stop us. Husband still working day job, it's been a winter/week-end project.
Those stars!
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, This discussion on the stars reminds me of Dr. Seuss's Stars Upon Thars story. I don't think there is any chance that this registry will go the way of the AQHA, whereas if it looks like a quarter horse even with 'color' or as an Appaloosa or as a Thoroughbred or as a 'quarter pony' they are QUARTER HORSES!! I came from an area in the midwest that any self respecting sale barn had enough quarter horse papers to register a small herd. Breed integrity is difficult to manage as more and more people become involved. In this small valley there are two teams of Fjord mules, purchased at Sandpoint, ID a few years ago. On our road there is a very sweet buckskin gelding, has a dorsal stripe, the mealy colored muzzle, dark fetlocks and hooves, a scraggly standing up mane with few white hairs on either side..is he perhaps a half-Fjord? Haven't been able to catch the owner, but the gelding comes to the fence each day for his hugs when I take my walk. from Helena, still cold, no snow, lamenting the fact that the frost isn't out of the ground yet...IT'S FEBRUARY, for gosh sakes, I want spring.. Bonnie
Fjord focus
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I picked up a copy of Horse Connection, freebie. They list their breed profile articles for the year and in November 2005 they will profile the Fjord. Horse Connection 380 Perry St, Suite 210 Castle Rock, CO 80104 www.horseconnection.comhttp://www.horseconnection.com/ [EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 303.663.1300 Opportunity for Pacific Northwest and other Western breeders to advertise. Probably be good for the Pacific Northwest Group to have a 'group' ad, one page or less with all members.
clippers
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, We cut the mane with the Fiskers razor cut scissors. They learn to stand if we tie them short, away from food. We use the clippers to cut the bot eggs off, very difficult to see bot eggs on a Fjord. They never did object to the use of the clippers, Fjords stood great, that Mustang of mine even did fairly well. There must be Arab in him somewhere!! We now have some snow, and some really cold stuff. Will gladly send this on. Bonnie Helena, MT
trailer info
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I'm looking at possible purchase of a Thuro-built trailer, bumper pull, stock type. It is probably wide enough to carry our buggy too. BUT we have only one dealer here in MT, and they are not highly motivated to show or sell, at least one employee isn't. The trailers are built in Medford, OR, does anyone have any info to share. What is the quality? etc Had my 6 yr old mare choke last evening. Weird circumstances, came in from the hayfield which is really short pickings now, and they were in the yard eating where the grass had been irrigated. Two possibilities: one she bit off a piece of prickly carrageana, didn't get it thoroughly chewed, and swallowed it. One she tore up a chunk of grass and earth and swallowed too quickly. WHATEVER. She is fine, have her on the anti bios for any possible aspiration of those long green goobers. Sure kicks the adrenaline up a notch or two... Bonnie Helena cloudy, windy, dry, dry, dry
Fjords at Waverly Horse Sale
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] From Helena, MT. At the Waverly Midwest Horse Sale, Waverly, IA -- March 25 -- 29. There will be a farm dispersal of 24 registered Fjords, older ones broke, several yearlings. One mature stallion, another stallion, two yearling stallions, geldings, mares, some mares bred back. Another group of 14 Fjords, 3 weanling stallions, 2 mares and 8 geldings. website: www.waverlysales.com; to email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have no idea how the Fjords are selling at this sale, this is not the first time they have sold there. This is primarily a draft and driving horse sale with lots of driving stuff, they usually have about 3 rings going at one time. Harnesses, carriages, wagons, sleighs, horse drawn farm equipment, all the other stuff too. Will anyone be attending the Small Farmers Journal sale in Sisters, OR -- April 25-27? Horses and equipment for farming, and driving. Swap meet also held on the grounds. Horse Progress Days, July 4-5, Mt Hope, OH, showcases the animal drawn technologies. Usually some Fjord teams will attend. If anyone goes, please report back the results on the prices overall and in particular the Fjords. We have a gelding for sale, 4 yrs old, drives well, sort of laid back, just started riding, (walked up to the stake with the surveyors tape and I think he tasted it!), will be ridden in the mountains this summer. He will have some size. We have a local Helena Equine Expo, all volunteer staff, our 10th year, up to two days now. We always take a team to the event with the wagon and give rides. We missed one year, and the next year people were really aggressive when asking, 'where were you?' Bonnie, Helena, MT -- where we hope to have spring moisture! A very mild and somewhat dry winter.
white Fjords
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Maybe I'm a bit on the picky side, but isn't there the factor of 'lethal white'? Arabs, T-breds, Paints, sometimes Appys all have it, is this what we want? The foal is born, but dies from an autoimmune problem. Those who know, fill us in. Bonnie Helena, way too warm, no snow to amount to a hill of beans
the fjord horse
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] from Bonnie in Helena, MT Now let's see what we do agree on: We like the Fjord breed - yes, that is a good start Some ride'm, some drive'm, some (heaven forbid), DO BOTH, with the same horse!!! Some ride english Some ride western, mostly I suspect for the trail riding Some breed'em Some will never breed'em Some have one, some have more Some have a taller horse, some a shorter horse Many say don't cross-breed, don't ever want to look like the QH, Morgans, Warmbloods, etc. Well, no, the Fjord is unique, a shorter version for those of us who don't need to be 10-12' up in the air. Seems like we all like our horses whether they be of this or that type, because types do appear naturally in the breed. We LOVE the disposition and willingness to be agreeable. I am astounded at the sensitivity to body language these horses have AND their ability to tell when someone is ill or has a 'condition' (such as MS, Epilepsy, etc) So, instead of always having such grinding displays of opinions, let's look on the brighter side of things now and then. The damned slaughter market will always be there as long as there are horses; there will always be slob breeders in the horse world; there are lots of slob trainers (they charge the most); but we will keep doing the best thing for the breed because we know. We won't follow 'trends' or god forbid, breed for the show ring. We love these short horses and we tell anyone we know how kind they are. Now, I'll shut up for a month or so. Bonnie Helena, MT cold and very very very dry, no snow pack in mtns to speak of.
learning to drive
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Helpful sources for driving information: Carriage Association of America, the premier source for correct and spiffy www.caaonline.com Carriage Driving World, magazine www.carriagedrivingworld.com Driving West magazine www.drivingwest.com Driving Digest magazine www.drivingdigest.com Small Farmer's Journal - don't discount this one, LOTS of information www.smallfarmersjournal.com Also, look for the older folks in the community that drove'em when they were needed to do the work. Some of them are still around. Look mainly for experience in the driving area, someone who has been driving for a year needs more experience. Good luck and have fun, please be careful. Bonnie, Helena, MT clear, sunny, 20's, dry, dry, dry
bobsledding with the team
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, We had a very foggy Thanksgiving Day here in the Helena valley, we had some snow, so we brought out the young team and went bobsledding in the hayfield. It was so foggy that you literally could not see across the field. It was really a neat experience. As far as team stuff goes, we use standard equipment, these guys don't even slow down with either the full size bobsled, manure spreader, or the wagon we purchased from a gentleman that had Belgians. We use the wagon only on the roads, it is way too heavy to be pulled on a wagon train by the Fjords, we are re-building a mountain wagon for that purpose. Bonnie, Helena, MT valley, snow on the ground, below freezing temps for the past week, we are in winter mode.
not so new member
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Bonnie, Helena, MT I've been a subscriber for about a year. We live in the Helena valley, we have 6 Fjords, the original two mares came from Canada. We've had two foals from each mare, total 5 hers, 1 him. I also have our son's old 4-H quarter horse gelding and my mustang gelding that I use mostly for trail riding. The horses are all broke to harness, almost all have been out at least once this summer on a trail ride. I am in my 60's and do much of the riding training; my husband would rather drive the horses. We use them to harrow the fields, go on wagon trains, (we belong to a local driving club), and generally just drive. We have hooked all six up, they just walked off, ho hum. Like the Fjord breed, hard to move them in this QH country though. People don't know much about the personality. We are trying -- take a team to the local Equine Expo each year, usually with a wagon, last year it was -20 the morning of the Expo, however, by noon we had all acclimated and we came home for the bells, team, and the bobsled, great fun. Bonnie [EMAIL PROTECTED]
West Nile/Ultrasounds
This message is from: Robert Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] My first time to respond to the list, have responded to some individuals. So here goes: 1. We also were encouraged to vaccinate for W. N. We live in a low area in the Helena Valley with the mosquitos, we vaccinated all six Fjords, one old QH gelding, and my mustang gelding. No problems, I thought they looked a little lethargic after the first one, but no one went off feed, or really had any significant problem. 2. We ultrasounded several years ago -- our Petra mare stood with us and watched the monitor with her ears up and very interested... 3. Saddles, the Arabian trail saddle will sometimes fit; I've had good luck with the old '50's styles western saddles, broad and flat. 4. We have one filly that does not gain a lot of weight either, but she is tall, always has been for her age, and by my rudimentary measuring, she still has a hand to grow. She is now 3, so she gets light work, she drives and is beginning to carry a rider. We work and are still cleaning up an old farm that we bought in a moment of senior senility about 5 yrs ago. Light work fairly accurately describes our situation. 5. I'm glad to hear of new horse and Fjord owners using trainers. It is so easy to mess up a horse and have to undo it takes forever. Everyone seems to be very well read and intent on doing the right thing. Don't forget to just hug'em, they are very much like children. Enough rambling. From Helena, MT where we have actually had RAIN..we were looking at a very dry year, and IT RAINED over most of MT. amen amen Bonnie at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
