Re: Fjords-----------mules
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I do a lot of packing with my fjords in the mountains here and I've had other packers tell me that my horses are so impressive that I don't need mules. I have seen a few fjord mules around. I'd prefer not to discuss the subject on this list, but you can email me privately for more info. I prefer larger horses too, but I've noticed that my smaller fjords keep up just fine and travel over big logs and rough terrain just as easily as larger horses, and they can carry just as much weight. And they sure are easier to get a pack onto! I think a fjord mule would be just right. Sarah Soldotna, Alaska - Original Message - Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2006 20:10:48 -0800 From: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Fjords---mules This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi List, It finally stopped raining here. I guess I will have to drive in the mud tomorrow. I always get a chuckle when someone says their horse is like a mule, stubborn. To train a mule one has to be smarter than the animal. I believe that mules have the ability to question/ analyze the problem. That is, if a predator is after them, they might turn and fight the animal, much like a moose would. Mules, have a different movement, usually smoother and, more natural balance. Packers usually prefer mules over horses, because the loads ride better. Also, they usually walk a little faster than a horse. Years ago I heard that someone was breeding Fjord mules in Western Montana. I tried to locate them but was not able to. I wanted to buy one. I still would consider buying one. So, if anyone knows of a Fjord mule I might be interested. The main problem that I see would be their smaller size. I prefer a Percheron mule 16-17 hands. Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson, Ca The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Vinegar and Flies
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi everyone, Just a quick note on flies - I got a Mosquito Magnet early this summer and I love it! I also put out fly predators and that seemed to help also. There are almost no mosquitos or flies at my place. Of course, it's a different story as soon as I ride off the property. I've been using RepelX fly spray, but it only seems to work for a short time. I think I'll give garlic a try. Sarah in Soldotna, Alaska Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 00:49:59 -0700 (PDT) From: "Olivia Farm, Inc." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Vinegar and Flies This message is from: "Olivia Farm, Inc." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Greetings, Pondering the upcoming fly season this spring I decided to do some research on feed through fly control systems. I soon began to notice that the active ingredient in many is granulated garlic. As such we began to feed granulated garlic this spring at a rate of 2T per day (1T morning and night) the first week mixed with the horses grain. We decreased this to 1T only in the morning and have been having good results ever since. You might find that it is easier to start with 1T, work up to 2T and then cut back to 1T as some horses are more sensitive to this change in flavor.
draft size hackamore and hunting
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi All, Does anyone know where I could find draft or fjord size hackamores? I followed the recent thread on bits, but didn't find any hackamores. I like the Reinsman "little s" hackamore, but I just can't make it fit my jughead fjord Boone (especially in the winter with all that extra hair). Also, I must have missed the recent posts about hunting/packing, but I do a lot of that with my fjords. We pack moose, caribou, bear, and all sorts of camp gear. Even packed a poodle (alive) out of the mountains once! We spend most of the fall season camped out in the mountains somewhere. You can see some pictures at http://photos.yahoo.com/~sdonchi <http://photos.yahoo.com/%7Esdonchi> My string of fjords and fjord crosses are the envy of every packer and hunter around. Literally everyone we pass on the trail is impressed and wants to know all about them. Sarah in chilly Soldotna, AK where they're calling for a foot of snow tonight!
Re: hoof stand
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I bought my hoof stand from http://www.piehtoolco.com/ <http://www.piehtoolco.com/> for $110.00. It's a slightly different style, but I love it. They have good pricing on rasps also (I think Nicholson rasps are the best) and they ship to AK! Sarah in Soldotna, Alaska (temporarily out of lurk mode since it's too cold to be outside!) >-- > >Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2004 19:48:27 EST >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: hoof stand > >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >For those of you who asked about hoof stands. > >The Hoof Jack is now available through the Country Supply catalog for only >$139.95 (compared to $159.95 through horseshoes.com). Country Supply's web >site >is www.countrysupply.com. > >As a side note, if you buy farrier tools with your hoof stand, don't waste >your money on the cheap ones! Rasps should cost between $15-$20 and nippers >between $80-$100 to be any good.
Re: predators
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey Jean - do you guys ever have problems with bears? We have lots of brownies that pass through, but usually never bother anything, although we did loose a couple of chickens this spring. Last year we had a young one go right next to the paddock and my husband and I stood right by the horses and shot cracker shells at him. The fjords just stood there looking at us like we had come out to feed. Bears don't usually attack horses here, but it has happened, usually in a case where a horse is neglected or sick.. Stray sled dogs are a much bigger problem as they pack up and will get a horse running. I know a guy who had a mare chased through the woods by to Rotties until she fell and broke her neck. I later saw a horse I bought from him kill a stray dog in the pasture. Speaking of coyotes, I have seen a lone coyote playfully lure a dog away and then several more appear and attack the dog. Are you enjoying all that daylight up there? Sarah Soldotna, AK -- Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 23:25:31 -0800 From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Wildlife question This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The Unrau's whole Fjord herd became much more wary and the herd behavior changed after the cougar attacks there, according to Anita. Is Anita reading the list? Tell the details! I don't think it would be a good idea for a Fjord to stand it's ground with a cougar! As for Coyotes, My old mare Stella has killed dogs, according to Anita. I haven't given her the chance to do that here, but I have seen a fox wandering around the corral with no reaction from the horses.Lately a Sandhill Crane has been keeping them company. picking around the corral, especioally where I throw a handful of grain!. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, still warm and light out at almost midnight..Doesn't get dark now.
Re: frozen septic tanks and mosquitos
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> More advice from Alaska - my husband lays in dec approved septic systems and water lines here, and they bury at least 10 feet deep with 2 inch blue board insulation. We have never had a problem. Our mild winter has taken a break here with temperatures around zero and winds up to 70 mph. For the first time this winter, my Fjords actually decided to spend the night inside their barn! About mosquitos - we have lots of individual swallow bird houses stuck on trees. They all fill up every summer and they are a huge help with mosquitos. We also keep guineas because they eat wasps and carpenter ants. Sarah Soldotna, Alaska How deep do folks there bury their water and sewer lines and septic tanks? My leach tank is in the horse corral and for the last several years with very little snow my septic system quit about the middle of February. The leach tank and lines are buried 6' down with a layer of styrofoam over the top before back filling.
Re: Rottweilers
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a female 4yo rottie and she is the sweetest, smartest and easiest to manage dog I have ever known. She is good with small children, cats, chickens, and horses. She is however protective of our property and every critter on it. She has successfully defended my chickens from hawks and coyotes, and chased stray dogs and bears out of the horse pasture. I can tell by the way she barks at night whether it is a moose or a bear walking through the yard. She is also an excellent trail dog - if the horses balk at something, she will lead them through it and they will follow her anywhere. On the other hand, I was once given an adult male rottie and the owner neglected to tell me that the dog had once attacked her horse while she was riding it! It didn't take me long to realize that we had a problem, even a shock collar and electric fencing did not deter him from stalking the horses. We had him put down. Also, a man I brought a horse from had a mare that was attacked by to rotties and they chased her through the woods until she fell and broke her neck. I think the key is getting a dog when it is a puppy and training it very well. By the way, Jean, my fjords have been shedding for two weeks! It's break-up two months early down here! Sarah Soldotna, Alaska > This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > .. > have went wrong that this child was killed. I am sitting here with mixed > feelings about our puppy. Is it the way they are raised or are they like > lions and tigers born with an instince to kill? Do any of you out there > have any of these dogs? What is everyones take on this? I have a pair of > little poodles and
Re: hoof trimming (hoof jack) and new member
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello everyone, I have been lurking on this list for a while, but thought I might add a small comment here. My current farrier has a hoof stand like the one you described, and my fjords absolutely love it. Other farriers have had a horrible time trying to trim or shoe my horses and I could never figure out why. I was always so embarrassed about my horses misbehaving and couldn't understand it as they were always fine with me holding their feet the same way (except that I'm really short - 5 feet tall!). I finally realized that they were just getting really uncomfortable. This new farrier says she hears the same story a lot. She claims the cradle stand is especially good for fjords and draft horses since they can lean on it without leaning on her. Her stand is home made - I'm not aware of one for sale anywhere. If anyone is interested I can probably get the specs on it or a picture. By way of a belated introduction, my name is Sarah, and I live in Soldotna, Alaska (Hi Jean!). I have six horses: one quarter horse, three fjord crosses, and two registered fjord fillies. I do a little driving with my horses, and a lot of trail riding, camping, and hunting in the mountains. Thanks to everyone on this list for such entertaining and informative discussions! Sarah Soldotna, Alaska >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Hi Everyone- > >A while back we had a discussion on stands and other tools used for hoof >trimming. > >So, the helpful item is called a Hoof Jack. It's an adjustable stand with a >cradle for doing the underside of the foot Knute, who is usually resistant of hoof
