Re: Spring?
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com Silja On Jan 14, 2015, at 4:17 AM, Carol Makosky cmako...@sirentel.net wrote: This message is from: Carol Makosky cmako...@sirentel.net Oh yes to the shedding going on where it is sometimes extreme way below zero ( *MINUS* 28 yesterday with a wind ) snow country here. The shedding starts very soon after our days begin to get longer, but we still have several months of cold wet windy cold to face. I kind of try to keep my distance so not to go back in the house full of Fjord hair looking like one. BTW It is so nice to get some chatter on the list once in awhile. It has been like a very dry desert for way too long. On 1/13/15, 11:47 PM, me.kint wrote: This message is from: me.kintme.k...@yahoo.com My two have begun their shedding in sunny, cold, So Calif. -- God forbid that I should go to any heaven in which there are no horses. R.B. Cunningham Graham Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Porta grazers
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com I have had my porta grazer for two or three yrs and am still using it! I like it, we take it camping, us it at hm, etc. it only slows her down a little bit and over time the holes in the insert have gotten bigger but i don't really care. U can only put about three flakes in there and it does not replace the need to feed small amounts frequently but it does slow them down, keep their body in a natural grazing position and keep the hay off the sand if needed. My mare makes a huge ruckus with it so we take it away from her at night. I give it a 'B-' but i do like it. Silja Berthoud, CO On Aug 13, 2013, at 10:24 AM, Gail Russell g...@zeliga.com wrote: This message is from: Gail Russell g...@zeliga.com She will destroy it in short order. I have one, with a not too aggressive Fjord. Wrecked in a month or two. Gail Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Trip across country
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com My in-laws have a horsey bed-and-breakfast near north Platte Nebraska. It's a quiet safe place for the horses. Let me know if you would like contact information Or Google Knolls Country Inn. Have a safe trip! Silja On Aug 7, 2013, at 7:19 AM, Linda Lottie horselo...@hotmail.com wrote: This message is from: Linda Lottie horselo...@hotmail.com Good morning Fjord Folks; I and my cousin will be driving from MN to New Mexico - hauling a horse trailer - leaving September 1st. My trailer has living quarters so we hope to stay overnight at horse BB's. Our route includes MN to Kansas City, to Witicha, across Kansas to Ok Tx then into New Mexico/Albeq. area. I welcome any advice, thoughts, ideas, suggestions. We have done this route by vehicle but not with the trailer. Thanks!!! Linda in WI Lena Hasse. (mother son) RIP my dearest of all, Sven Sent from my iPhone Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: What Size/Brand Saddle?
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com I love my McCall Saddle for my wide Fjord. From: Joy Kitson hvyh...@gmail.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 12:04 PM Subject: What Size/Brand Saddle? This message is from: Joy Kitson hvyh...@gmail.com Does anyone have suggestions for a fairly new Fjord owner for fitting my mare with a saddle? I am finding nothing appropriate. Thanks in advance for any wisdom. Joy and Berit in Southeastern MI Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: horses and growing old
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com I wanted to express how much I appreciate you all sharing your thoughts, concerns and life stories on this subject. I am (just) turning 40 this year and I hope I have decades left to enjoy these amazing creatures, but one never knows what tomorrow brings My mentor passed this year at age 78 of cancer. One of the strongest women I will ever know. She taught me so much, and I think about her often (especially while mucking the pens! :) When she gave away her horses, I knew she was ready to go, after that it didn't take long. The Doctors say her horses kept her alive much longer than she would have lived without them. I miss her and I thank her for everything she taught me. Silja From: brass-ring-f...@juno.com brass-ring-f...@juno.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Friday, May 4, 2012 2:41 PM Subject: horses and growing old This message is from: brass-ring-f...@juno.com This is a subject dear to my heart right now. I am 62 with 3 horses aged 27, 21, 15. I have had knee replacements and an ankle fusion. I know what arthritis is. 2 years ago we bought property on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I am very familiar with the area since my grandmother and mother came from there. Land is still relatively inexpensive so we were able to get an acreage on the water for my husband's fishing and enough to build a barn and keep the horses. I am not sure how any of us will like the bugs and heat, now living in NE, but I won't miss the ice, which gets more slippery every year. Unfortunately we are selling our lovely log home and farm at a very bad time, but that is the way it goes I guess. So far we have built the barn there, first things first. I get up every morning at 6:30, cut evenings short to go home and feed, worry on vacations about horse care, go out to the barn 5 times a day to fed, clean, take muzzles off, put muzzles on, and so on. Maybe it is keeping me alive. I know I melt when I see the heads over the doors in the morning. And I love going out in the cold dark with a parka over my flannel robe and muck boots in the winter, really quite the sight. Some days I hurt, now when I ride I hurt all the afternoon and get nothing else done but horse care, and maybe dinner. I guess I am addicted. I am not sure what the future brings. I just know if I got rid of all the horses the first thing I would want to do is go out and buy a horse. Valerie 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4fa43f465df62233fcm03vuc Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: recommendation for horse transport
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com Nation Wide Horse Transport did a great job for me a few years ago when they hauled my Fjord mare from Montana to Colorado. Good Luck! Silja From: Cherie Mascis vikinghorseri...@bellsouth.net To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sunday, April 8, 2012 6:57 PM Subject: recommendation for horse transport This message is from: Cherie Mascis vikinghorseri...@bellsouth.net Hi all, My husband Ron and I are moving from western North Carolina to Kanab, Utah around the last week in May, and trying to decide if we want to haul our 2 horses (a Fjord mare and an Icelandic mare), or have someone else do it. Can anyone recommend an excellent hauler? I'd like them to ride loose in box stalls. A second questionif we take them ourselves, does anyone know any good places on highway 40 where we can overnight the horses? Thanks, Cherie Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Slow feeders for fjords
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com I purchased two Port-a-grazers last year and use them for my Fjord and Paint that are on a drylot. I tried the 24/7 feeding approach for 3 months. The Fjord got fat, the Paint got skinny. Now my approach is to still use the Port-a-grazers for the Fjord to slow her regular meals down. So a 1.5 hr meal now takes her 2.5 hrs. Plus she gets one flake for lunch. The Paint gets all he can eat thrown in front of him for breakfast and dinner while he is locked up for several hours per meal plus beet pulp. What ever hay he doesn't eat, the Fjord gobbles up and keeps the wastee down. The Fjord still eats a good portion of the day, but the Paint only leaves her the stemmy stuff he doesn't like. I try to ride as much as I can which means for her about 2 one hour rides a week with a good mountain butt buster of a trail ride once a week. It is the best I can do. Is she losing weight? Not yet, but I am hoping to notice changes soon. Looking back, I wish I had never tried the 24/7 approach, even with the Port-a-grazer for my Fjord. She was in better weight before I started the 24/7 feeding schedule. She NEVER self-regulated. Getting the weight off is pretty hard and she seemed 'just fine' mentally all along. Silja Knoll www.HighPlainsNaturalHoofCare.com In Berthoud, CO where we have had the muggiest summer! Thank goodness the mountains are close by! From: Robin Churchill rbc...@yahoo.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 4:09 AM Subject: Slow feeders for fjords This message is from: Robin Churchill rbc...@yahoo.com I know we have seen some discussion about slow feeders on the list. I have a gelding that is out on pasture a good part of the day and so this time of year he gets very little hay in order to control his weight (my pasture is common Bermuda which is a warm-season grass that stores carbohydrate as starch rather than sugar and seems to be reasonably low calorie since I don't have a problem with the horses getting too fat on it as long as I don't feed them too much hay). He is almost frantic when he eats his hay because he acts like he is always starving. Now he isn't fat, but he is by no means too thin either. I was considering getting him a slow feeder and have looked at a number of these. In reading about them, some of them supposedly eventually are supposed to relieve the horses' food anxiety because they allow them to have constant forage and then self-regulate their intake. This is supposed to take some time but I think they are referring to horses in general. Does anyone use one of these big slow feeders and fjords ever really self-regulate? I thought about getting a slow feeder and feeding more hay but muzzling this fjord when he is on pasture so he could eat all the time just more spread out but I didn't have good luck with a muzzle with one of my other fjords because she would get so frustrated with it although I guess she did eventually resign herself to it. I just feel sorry for these guys because they are always hungry and we as owners are always trying to keep them from eating too much. I am also a little concerned this gelding is going to choke because he bolts his hay as fast as he can eat it. Robin in Florida Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: haynets-grazers
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com Hi, this grazer looks great, but I have had a horse that kicks stall walls and she would have destroyed this thing in a single night. Love the idea!! Silja --- On Sat, 1/15/11, Ellen Barry ethba...@yahoo.ie wrote: From: Ellen Barry ethba...@yahoo.ie Subject: haynets-grazers To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 2:10 PM This message is from: Ellen Barry ethba...@yahoo.ie I've actually been thinking of buying 2 of these and have someone weld extra bars to the top to slow them down more. (or just put an extra haynet in it. http://www.buytack.com/products-ranch/dl/grazer.htm Ellen. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com I recently purchased two of these Porta Grazers. Initially I liked the idea that the horses could move the tub all over the paddock and increase movement, but then the Fjord learned how to get the insert out by tipping the tub over, not on its side but on its top. This would cause the insert to fall out, giving her full access to the hay. :(.. so I have chained the tub to a post in her pen and now it seems to work the way it was intended. The type of hay you use has a lot to do with how fast or slow they get the hay through the holes. The stemmier it is the slower it comes out, to the point where they can't get it out at all and give up. I figure it had to be pretty impossible to get the hay out if it resulted in a Fjord giving up on trying. But if you have 'easter basket' type hay (which I don't believe is the best kind of hay for Fjords) then they get it out pretty easy. My Paint gelding gets along with the grazer perfectly, the way it was intended. Overall I rate the Porta Grazers at a B-. I look forward to having it with us when we go camping or they are confined in smaller areas to reduce boredom. Silja --- On Fri, 1/14/11, Lori Albrough l...@bluebirdlane.com wrote: From: Lori Albrough l...@bluebirdlane.com Subject: The Porta Grazer, also weight control discussions To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Friday, January 14, 2011, 12:32 PM This message is from: Lori Albrough l...@bluebirdlane.com On 1/14/11 12:15 PM, Mary Poe wrote: Goggle 'porta grazer' or go to www.Porta-grazer.com. Hope this helps. Mary, I watched the video and this looks like a good way to feed hay! Very interesting. I would be interested in hearing about the experiences of anyone else who has tried them with Fjords. On the subject of weight control, I believe exercise to be one of the most important factors in the equation. I have never had to starve a Fjord horse, even those that come in here morbidly obese. Perhaps this is because they are worked five days a week. Basic Pony Club rules apply to feeding Fjords, feed little and often (I feed hay four times a day and concentrates twice a day) and ensure regular exercise (which is simple in concept but I know can be difficult to implement with everyone being so busy these days). Unlimited access to forage is not generally going to work with a Fjord (with some exceptions.) I think weight tapes are very good to monitor relative changes. Like any testing method, consistency in timing and technique is important. Testing at the same time of day and the same time relative to exercise and feeding schedules will give a more realistic picture of progress. As well, be very detail oriented as to where you place the tape and how much pressure you exert and so forth. My belief based on comparing weight tape readings to scale readings at OVC is the weight tape reads about 100 pounds (45 kg) lower than actual. My opinion is one of the best things you can do for your horse's health is to keep them at a proper body condition (not too fat, not too thin). I like to see a well developed musculature (remember, the more muscles you have the more you can eat :) with just enough fat covering over top. With a Fjord they should look rounded, not like the flat planes of muscle you might see in a Thoroughbred. Lori -- Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0 phone: 519-638-5598 email: l...@bluebirdlane.com http://www.bluebirdlane.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: trims on horses feet
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com Hi Debby, I was waiting with my reply to see how others on this list respond to your questions, but have to received any emails about this topic. I am a Natural Hoof Care Practitioner in Colorado. I base all of my trimming on the bottom of the foot. From the external structures on the bottom of the foot, I can tell where the coffin bone and the coffin joint are on the inside and how the foot should articulate and balance. I know how far to bring the heels back (and therefore lower) based on the live sole tissue and the bars, as well as where to put the breakover point in the toe area based on the true apex of the frog. Anyway, my point is, I don't look at the exterior of the foot at all for my main trim. I do apply a mustang roll from the top to decrease any leverage as well as reduce chipping of the wall in between trimming visits. You might want to ask your trimmer some questions. He/she should be happy to help you understand why they leave what they do and why they take what they do. I know I love it when my clients are involved. I know there is also a 3 - 2- 1 rule. 3 in the toe, 2 in the quarters, 1 in the heel. But I still prefer to let the bottom of the foot tell me what it needs, rather than some 'general proportions'. Not sure this helps, feel free to contact me with any other questions. Happy trails, Silja Knoll --- On Fri, 10/1/10, Debby miss.am...@earthlink.net wrote: From: Debby miss.am...@earthlink.net Subject: trims on horses feet To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Friday, October 1, 2010, 7:20 AM This message is from: Debby miss.am...@earthlink.net When yall have your fjords and others trimmed, do you have problems with the farriers leaving too much heel. Some seem to either leave too much toe or too much heel. When they first leave, it might not be so noticeable, but one sees it within a week or two. They end up looking like a box. If one measured from the coronary band at the quarter line, to the floor, how many inches would you'd think? I'd not think much. I always trim the hair at the coronary band too, so they get a good look, as the mare surely grows alot of hair there, I'd love to leave it, but seems I don't get a good trim for them if they don't get a good look. Debby Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Foal Announcement!
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com Congrats Sandy and Beth!! That is fantastic. My daughter Anya has been talking about wanting to see Sara again. (she rode her briefly at the Expo) Any chance we could come by next week to see the foal and pet Sara? Silja --- On Tue, 6/23/09, Starfire Farm starfiref...@usa.net wrote: From: Starfire Farm starfiref...@usa.net Subject: Foal Announcement! To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 6:38 PM This message is from: Starfire Farm starfiref...@usa.net Born at 1:00 this morning, Starfire Ivar, a beautiful, strong red dun colt. Mother is OH Adrianna (Flotren x Edel Berger) Father is Odden's Frode (Smedsmo Graen x Wood's Karina). This is Adrianna's first foal and she is a fantastic mother. Look for their photos in the new NFHR Gallery once they are up! Beth -- Starfire Farm Beth Beymer and Sandy North http://www.starfirefarm.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Fjord vs. Morgan race
This message is from: Silja Knoll siljakn...@yahoo.com After today's ride I just have to chime in! I did have a trotting race with a friend on a Morgan and my little Fjord won! Once I clocked her trot with my GPS at 12 mph! Pick your footing to minimize concussion, we had a wonderful endless grassy field to play on. Good Luck! It CAN be done! Silja --- On Fri, 2/27/09, Sarah Clarke sarahmagdalencla...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Sarah Clarke sarahmagdalencla...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Fjord vs. Morgan race To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 12:30 PM This message is from: Sarah Clarke sarahmagdalencla...@yahoo.com --- On Wed, 2/25/09, Hope Carlson hillsidefarm...@att.net wrote: So how to work on an extended trot without seeming to her I am punishing her for the hard won jog? Hope there is nothing incompatible with having a horse jog (when you want them to) and also do extended trot (when requested.) It's about developing a vocabulary of aids (cues) that let the horse know if you want the pace slower or quicker and if you want the stride longer or shorter. IF you want to do minimal posting, that may be an issue as you may need to do some posting to get the horse trained to where the extension can happen. The fact that her canter is non-existent may work to your benefit as there is less risk of her breaking as you push her stride longer. That being said some Fjords will have that trot you describe more than others due to conformations. The basic tenet of lengthening the stride is to hold gently with the reins (to say don't speed up)while pushing forward with the legs - to say but get your stride longer. This works best when posting because you can use the posting to help regulate the tempo. Usually you push the horse forward for a stride or two and then let them settle, then forward again, and over time you increase this until they can really go for a long time. How long until your race? It may take a couple of months of work to put a nice extension on horse that has only been jogging. Good Luck - Hope these comments were helpful. - Sarah Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Treating abscesses
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have used the hoof shaped ones and was really impressed. I keep a few in my tackroom, just in case. Good Luck! Silja with a Fjord who already is sporting her winter coat! Today we had 80 degrees! --- On Wed, 9/17/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Treating abscesses To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 2:33 PM This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cruising the net, I see that Valley Vet, TSC (Tractor Supply), and many other sources carry the Animalintex poultice. Folks who've posted reviews at VV seem to like them very well for abscesses and injuries. Valley Vet product listing: http://tinyurl.com/45bofm 3M brochure: http://tinyurl.com/5xz8a8 According to the TSC website, you can get them online or at their stores. We have a TSC about 30 miles away ... can't say I've seen them there, but I haven't really looked for them. I'll check next time. It looks like a reasonable price for a single 18 x 6 poultice is in the range of $6-$7 US. The hoof shaped ones come 3 per package for roughly the same price. Some sources charge considerably more for exactly the same product, so shop for price. Looks like a nice product to have on hand in the first aid kit. DeeAnna Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: KNEEding a break
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi! Those motorized carts you mentioned have been a life saver for me. My Fjord mare slipped on the bad footing that we have had here in Colorado all winter and fell over on my left leg while I was riding her. (it didn't look snowy or icy at that spot but it must have been) It broke my leg down by my ankle. That was a month ago and now I am already gimping around without crutches on a walking boot/cast. Despite Dr. orders I enjoyed three days of riding again last week! Those carts actually make Super Walmart managable! Happy Trails, stay safe! Silja [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lisa! Glad to hear you're on the mend with a great family to help you along. I hope the surgery was successful and you'll be back to normal soon. Nice weather here, no muddy Fjords (although if there is one puddle out there, they will find it)! I've been up to my ears in work since I took over management of the local animal shelter last month. I love it, but it consumes my time and my thoughts. Seeing so many animals being saved and going to new homes makes it worthwhile. Plus, I get to take my dog to work :-). The shelter is in San Martin, just south of San Jose, and my coworkers turned me on to the Gilroy Super Walmart. As if Regular Walmart wasn't massive enough ... this thing is like a small town! You can buy food, clothes, get your nails done (like I'll ever do that), hell, they probably have a department for mail order husbands and wives. I was so overwhelmed I just bought a few shirts for work and left, but I'll be back, and maybe I'll try one of those motorized carts... Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Tornado
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Meredith, my heart goes out to you, what a terrible ordeal! I am so glad you and Steve together with the critters are all ok. Best wishes as you pick up the pieces, Silja, Berthoud, Colorado Steve Sessoms [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Steve Sessoms We have had a terrible week. We got hit by a tornado. The thunder woke me up about 3:15am. I turned on the TV in the living room to find the weather. About that time Shari White, my good friend and horse trainer, called and told me a super cell was headed straight for us. I woke Steve up. By the time I woke up enough to understand the extreme danger we were in, I was already hearing the 'train' coming ... too late to run in the dark when you can't even tell where the sound is coming from. Around 3:30 we went into the little interior hallway with our Labbies and the Rhodesian Ridgeback I was puppy-sitting, who is terrified of thunderstorms but who sat as sweet and quiet and watchful as she could throughout the whole ordeal, and we sat on the floor praying as we listened to the storm try to blow out the windows and tear the roof off. The pressure was awful. The house was whistling like a teapot. Then it passed. I grabbed every phone in the house to try to call Shari, or 911, or someone to report a tornado touchdown. No phone worked. The only real damage to the house was the roof over one room was so weakened that it seemed like it was raining inside! I was terribly worried about Shari and her family, they live 40 minutes away and most storms that hit us track towards their place. Thank heavens it petered out before it made it that far. Before it hit us, it tore through houses in Alder's Grove and Speak. Then it completely leveled the most beautiful white house on our road and the big red barn that stood behind it. It clipped the corner fence to the foal paddock at Hooper's cutting horse breeding farm a couple doors down from us. Then Gordon, our next door neighbor, and I both think it lifted into the air just before it went over his house, then it touched down in my horses pasture. It ripped through the woods and struck another group of houses through the woods from us on the cemetery road. It lifted and came back down and tore off some roofs on Modus Road. 7 people were killed and it left a path of damage 16 miles long. At first light I found all our horses. Remarkably, not one of them was hurt. You always think horses would run like mad things and get slammed by debris, but they must have huddled in the low spot near the barn. Anjee was the only one with access to the barn because of the stitches on her pastern. I bet she stood beside the others by the barn gate instead of inside the barn. They were still on the property even though the fence line was a shambles. They all came to our whistling and we rounded them up and put them in the lightly damaged barn. Several horses and cows in Speak had to be destroyed. Seven trees in my fenced yard were felled including the most beautiful gnarled old redbud and the pecan tree that produced the bestest, sweetest, fattest nutmeats. My entire farm fence line was destroyed, a 50 year old hedgerow full of mature cedars and hardwoods is decimated; some snapped in two, some twisted and broke, some ripped out of the ground and tossed root ball and all. The apple tree my little hen slept in was torn out of the ground, I found her late the next morning unharmed. She must have flown under the garden shed or into the muscidines when the winds got too strong to hold onto her perch. We found our barn cats too! No one on my place was hurt. It tore the electricity and cable right out of the house. The electric was repaired the next day, but we just got our cable back yesterday afternoon. On Saturday, we had a big chain saw party. Shari and Avery brought their big tractor with a boom on it. They and friends driving our little tractor with a big chain behind it hauled downed trees away from the fence line in the main pasture. More friends with chain saws cut them into fencepost, firewood and manageable pieces. Folks from Boeing, the local kennel club, and the Parelli horse club all came to help. It was amazing that in one day we got the fence line clear from the top of the hill to the barn so now the electric fence is working. Today, I turned the ponies out to run for the first time in almost a week. Boy, did they enjoy the romp! We couldn't have done it without our friends! Every time I stop to think I just want to cry; horrified at the storm and so grateful for good friends, both bring tears to my eyes. Hugs everyone, I am just so glad to still be here, Meredith Sessoms Moulton, Alabama The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: still burning
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am on the Larimer County Horseman's Association Evacuation Team. It is subgroup of our local horse club in Colorado that is trained in emergency evacuation procedures and has annual inspections for our trucks and trailers. We are dispatched by the local sherrif department as well as Animal Protection and Control when we are needed. We have been called upon several times over the last 5 years or so. Fortunately Colorado's fires have not been major the last couple of years. Contact me directly if you want more details. We are happy to help other groups get started. Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] 970 402 5104, cell jerrell friz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: jerrell friz Genie wrote, Our local horse club will be discussing that tonight. I was wondering if there is a repository so-to-speak of sample disaster plans that groups can draw on when writing their own plan. Does anyone out there have one that they would like to share? It seems silly for each group to reinvent the wheel. --- Hi List Again, Genie, or others ,,on the CDL, over the years there has been a TON on info., no need to reinvent the wheel, just look in the archives. A couple days ago there was an excellent post from an Australian fireman. Regards, Jerrell Friz, Anderson,CA. For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Ariat Terrains
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ditto that! I love my Terrains and bought them especially for trail riding because here in the Rockies it is wiser to get off and lead certain stretches of the trail. If you try that in regular cowboy boots it can get pretty slippery. Now I wear them all the time! Silja in hot and sunny Colorado. Lola Lahr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Lola Lahr yup, I ride in them all of the time. I love them. I've never had any issues with the sole catching in the stirrup (I ride English). They are also very comfortable for those times when it is wiser to walk your horse through some scary places on the trails (never have to do this with my Fjord, but do with an Arab of mine). I found out the hard way that the lace up riding boots are NOT for walking any kind of distance - ouch! That's what led me to the Terrains in the first place. On 7/17/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] You guys are riding in these Terrains? They look like they have that hiking boot kind of non-slip, sole? Kate ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Haflinger Type western saddle for sale
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello to everyone; A friend of mine would like to sell her saddle. It sounds like it might fit some of our 'hard to fit Fjords' so I wanted to share the information with this group. She bought the saddle brand new in the summer of '04, rode it some that year, hardly rode it in '05, and not at all in '06 (due to the horse being laid up with stuff). The saddle is in excellent condition, just broken in, has added knick-knacks for attaching e.g. a docker, hooking up the cinch, bag straps, etc. It is a BIGHORN Haflinger, fiberglass covered wood tree with Haflinger bars, 4 cantle, 7 1/2 gullet width, 16 grainout padded seat, double stainless steel dropped D rigging, silver conchos, barbed wire border trim, brown, 27 lbs. It was $988.50.- new without the extras. She would like to get $800.- for it, but that is negotiable. Please contact me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] if interested. Cheers! Silja in extremely hot and dry Berthoud, Colorado - Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: tick repellents
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I heard that chickens and guinea fowl can really help reduce the tick population. A 20 acre pasture might be too much for them.. good luck! Silja in CO Linda Lottie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Linda Lottie good questionI am wondering also. Ticks are very prevelant in my area. The horses host many tick families in their tails. I shampoo and spray but heard there is a spot on. LJBL in WI From: Katherine Carter Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: tick repellents Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 09:01:52 -0500 This message is from: Katherine Carter Ticks are really bad on my horses this spring and since they have a 20-acre pasture to wander in, I'm looking for a repellent that will last a while for each application. Has anyone on the list has used the permethrin-based spot-on type of repellent that's supposed to keep ticks flies off the horses for two weeks? If you've used it, did it work? Any recommendations would be appreciated! -Kathy Carter The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: recommend a hauler from So Cal to Boston?
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I had a WONDERFUL experience with Nation Wide Transport out of Colorado Springs, CO. They have wonderful huge semi trailers that haul your horses in comfort. They have stopping points across the country for really long hauls to give the horses a break. Check out their website which will answer many questions. I would use them again in a heartbeat. Good luck! Silja Sharon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Sharon Hi, A gal at my barn is moving from So Cal to Boston area in late July/early August. Can anyone recommend a good cross country hauler? Thanks a lot, Sharon The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: English and Western Saddles
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have had great luck with a recent purchase from Montana Mountain Horse, Inc (out of Buffalo WY, go figure...) They have many western style saddle to chose from and they will modify their flex draft tree (shorten the bars) to fit a Fjord or a Haflinger. Their customer service was wonderful! They sent me just the tree to make sure that it fits and than build the saddle you chose on that tree. Sounds expensive but it wasn't, by the time it was said and done, I had a brand new 'custom-like' saddle for under $700. Did I mention it is really comfortable for the rider as well? To be fair, I should mention that I am also saving up for the Sensation treeless dressage saddle that I demoed a while ago. What a comfortable saddle! Good luck! Silja ps. the 38cm are the dimensions for an english saddle which refer to the width of the tree, my mare needs a 38 cm, the seat size for the rider is measured in inches and would be 17, 18 inches or so. For reasons I am not sure, english saddles tend to run bigger in the riders seat size than western saddles, for example, I need a 17 inch in and english saddle, but a 15 inch in a western. Who came up with this stuff ? Skeels, Mark A (GE Healthcare) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Skeels, Mark A (GE Healthcare) OK, I've seen a lot about English Saddles, sizes, etc. But I would like to get a Western Saddle, and don't know where to start. I've heard about 3/4 bar, 7/8 bar, Full Bar quarter horse saddles, don't know what that means, then Tree Size, as English Saddles, like 36cm, 38cm etc, where does that come into play on Western Saddles? Just fishing for information and knowledge before I go ahead and get a Western Saddle. The reason I would prefer a western saddle is it seems for trail rides the English style doesn't do to well, especially when going down steep grades, feels like your going to fall off the front. I have a couple Deutz Trail style English type saddles, not sure of the model, other than trail. Anyhow, they are hardly used, 1 may have been put on a horse 1 time, the other one maybe 10 times. Wondering if anybody would be interrested in purchasing one, they are 38cm tree's. I think they were around $900 new just a couple years ago. You can email back privately or call, 406-475-3123 [EMAIL PROTECTED] The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Portable Corral
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lola, I found that a good quality grazing muzzle has been pretty successful in at least slowing my fjord down when she has access to grass. I hesitate to put her in anything that isn't electrified. They make portable corrals with hot wire that run on a car battery. You might be able to find them in horse supply catalogs. They are fairly affordable. Good luck, sounds like a great trip! Silja Lola Lahr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Lola Lahr Hi List! I was wondering if anyone out there has had experience with portable corrals/fjords? I need to make a decision soon about how I will contain my grass-greedy not so little mare on a week-long large group ride that includes camping for a few nights. Any suggestions?? Lola whose cute mare, Lisa, just ducks and runs faster under the electric fences The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible new car smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Freeform treeless saddles...
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am currently trying out the Sensation dressage saddle (treeless). I only had about 20 minutes of daylight left last night to try it out and so far I absolutely love it. I am planning to spend a few ours in it this week on my TB cross and on my Fjord to see how it does. Do any of you have experience with this saddle? I wonder how it holds up over time. It is the closest thing to a Lazyboy I have ever sat on. The horse seemed to like it as well, but miles will tell. Also, for a western saddle I found a saddle maker out of Buffalo Wyoming who will modify a draft flex tree for Fjords and Haflingers. They will send you a tree first to check the fit and then build the style you want on that tree. It is the closest thing to a custom saddle that I can afford. For under $700 I ended up with a nice saddle that fits my Fjord and me. Just in case any of you are saddle shopping. The company is called Montana Mountain Horse Inc. They were really nice to work with. Cheers, Silja in Berthoud Colorado Lola Lahr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Lola Lahr I have and I love them. I have 3 of them now - for all of the riders and horses my trailer can accommodate! I trail ride, and I use them without breast collars or cruppers - and they don't move! Some the the trails in the foot hills of the Cascades are steep and rocky, with long ups and downs. We cross streams where you have to ride down the bank, cross the water and up the opposite bank. My mare, Lisa, needs to sniff any unfamiliar water before deciding to cross, so there was one time when her hind legs were on top of the bank and her fores were at the edge of the water, with her head down, it gave me the feeling that if she took one more step down, I would go tumbling over her head. That was the only time I thought it might be nice to have the Australian poleys or a Western pommel (without horn!) in front of me, but that would happen with any English saddle! She then jumped the stream, so I was glad I had been leaning forward! I have one Fjord who needs the forward girthing, and one who needs the girthing further back, so one of my saddles has the full girthing option so I can accommodate either. Mine have 11 dee rings so I can tie on the Stowaway saddle bags, and other stuff. I did not like the Bates equivalent to the Wintec webbers that came with my 1st saddle, too hard to get that t-buckle into the stiff little hole, and too short, so I replaced them with a regular set of leathers. I love the way you can move the leathers to a stirrup position that is comfortable for you. I had a bad experience with stirrup position on a Bob Marshall, which was my $$ fault for ordering the wrong type of saddle. I love the deep seat. I feel vvery secure in my Freeform, whereas, with a Wintec, I felt perched way above my horse's back. The Bob Marshall's were a little too long for my Arabs and Fjords, and built up a tremendous amount of heat underneath! That was a HUGE problem for one of my horses. The difference in my horses' movement is incredible. I no longer have to deal with them hating that thing coming at them when I go to saddle them up, jigging around when I get on, or trying to run out from underneath a saddle that is hurting or uncomfortable. I wish I had known about (or that they were around earlier!) a long time ago. I have spent a tremendous amount of money - probably thousands of dollars- on saddles that didn't fit me or the horses. The Freeform is a great investment. I have various seat sizes that I can just pop on for my 12 yr old niece, my 50+ year old husband, me, friends. I just went to a Horse Expo in Albany, OR this weekend, and the Action Rider Tack store had a wonderful display of the new Freeeforms. They have redesigned the girthing system so the there is more flexibility in where it fits the horse. The leathers are hugely improved! they have the Enduro seat - with a smaller softer blend of the Western pommel (without horn) and the Australian poley. For $250, I'm going to order one of those seats! For $100 I can order the new leathers! I don't have to buy a whole new saddle to get them. One thing I learned is that you need to get a seat that is big enough for you. My original seat was 16.5. It was too short and kept pushing me forward ( I kept having to scoot back, but I still felt secure). I bought my next saddle, which was used, and it came with a 17.5 seat. It is perfect! I am 5'6. Sorry this is so long, but I really love these saddles! Feel free to e-mail me privately if you have any more questions. On 3/24/07, sbiluk wrote: This message is from: sbiluk I was wondering if any one on the digest has tried the Freeform treeless saddle? If you have I would love to hear your likes and dislikes... Thanx. Sandy Biluk Kristar Farm Romeo, MI The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2007 #47
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi everyone, My 5 year old Fjord mare has never had shoes on her hoofs and she handles the rockiest of mountain trails just fine! Her hoof actually grows so fast that I have to trim her myself every two weeks! My farrier comes around every 10 weeks or so to check on us and make sure that I am doing it right. He doesn't like to see her get too long, and who can afford a farrier coming every 2 weeks! I enjoy the training and being that involved in her care. My QH/TB mare has been barefoot for 14 months and is doing great. She maintains herself without much triming needed, we just keep and eye on her to make sure she stays balanced. When the trails get too rocky for her I put a set of Boa boots on for the day , but I seem to be needing them less and less. Barefoot is the way to go!! For the horses and for the wallet! Silja Berthoud, Colorado [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello listers, Here at our farm, we have been doing the barefoot trim for about eight years now. So nice to see the nice round hoof prints in the mud and snow. Also, at horse shows, it is a change from the high heeled, odd shaped feet of horses with shoes on, that are obviously moving around in pain! Our horses are never shown with black painted hooves, no matter where. Great to see more Fjord owners that are going barefoot-well, horses anyway!! Regards, Bernadine Karns Nottawa Crossing Fjords Marshall, Michigan Home of the Fjord Stallion Ivan (by King Gjestar) ** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink QA. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Adding salt(s) to feed
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, Epsom salt acts as a laxative. Adults (humans) can disolve it in water and drink it. For children it can be mixed into their bath water if they are constipated. I have used it many times for my daughter and it works fairly well. I am assuming that horses would experience the same laxative type effect that humans do. Silja Gail Russell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Gail Russell I have a friend who puts Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) into feed. She buys it at Costco in large quantities. I guess she thinks the magnesium is helpful. Anyone know any more about why Epsom salts might be a good thing? Gail As to colic in winter, our thoughts are that we must get as much water in the horses as we possibly can. -- To do this we have heaters in alll the outside tanks. -- We feed huge amounts of soaked (really soaked until soupy) beetpulp, and we put a lot of salt into each bucket. The salt makes them thirsty and the tepid water invites them to drink. We monitor the tanks and buckets very carefully to be 100% sure they're drinking a lot. We think the soupy,. salty beetpulp is the best insurance we can have against impaction colic. -- The horses need wet stuff in the winter because all they're eating is dry hay. -- They need lots and lots of water, and some of them will not drink enough water unless forced to by salt induced thirst. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: does the perfect saddle exist?
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks so much! Lolar also uses the Freeform and just seems to love it. The response to my email has been great, actually you are the only one who replied who doesn't care for the Wintec, I still love the concept of treeless, but am having problems finding them to try. I just don't want to spend more time and money importing them, just to have to return them after much disappointment. Cheers! Silja Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Eileen hehehe, nope. That's easy. For trail riding, I'm using a Bob Marshall sports saddle (treeless) in the trail model. I really like this saddle, and my mare moves freely with it. However, there is NO twist, but very comfy for me nonetheless. I've been looking for something for low level dressage. I tried the Wintec WIDE, which seemed to fit my mare with the widest gullet. Although they call it an AP, it is really more of a dressage saddle and the flaps are fairly straight. It does have a twist, but neither myself or the mare cared for it. (I'm getting ready to sell it). I bought a used Freeform english saddle (treeless) and I'll report on that as soon as we use it for awhile. I don't recall anyone on the list mentioning Freeform. I'm guessing that my mare would need a 38cm tree if we go back to conventional treed saddles. For now, I'm exploring the treeless models... Eileen and Jane, the micheline tire pony The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail QA for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
does the perfect saddle exist?
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Group, I am starting to get frustrated about finding a saddle that will work for my 5 year old Fjord and me. Although I like to do everything from dressage to low jumps, to riding in the mountains, I am leaning towards a dressage or an endurance saddle. I have ordered a treeless from England (that felt like trying to sit on a cube) so that one is on its way back, I am eyeing the Wintec extra wide saddles (dressage or endurance), I have tried a couple of different Duett saddles and they slid all over her back I would love to know what the rest of you are riding your Fjords in. I was told that (at least in a Duett) we need a 38 cm, 17 inch seat. I am not completely opposed to a western style, aussie, other endurance types, I just need something that fits us both. Thanks for any feedback, oh, and if you reply, please let me know the brand, style as well as any saddle measurements. Thanks. Silja - Don't be flakey. Get Yahoo! Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Bit question
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Speaking of those powerful shoulders.. are there some exercises that you guys can recommend? My 5 year old mare is getting entirely too much practice at this and other than raising my inside rein a bit, doing some leg yields I am at a loss. She has improved at the walk, but the trot is less than desirable and so is the canter. I ride her in a D ring snaffle. Once I get my new treeless saddle I will take more lessons from local trainers, but I was just hoping for some ideas from this group if anyone would like to share!? Still enjoying the snow in Colorado! Silja Sarah Clarke [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Sarah Clarke Liz, In your exploration of snaffles did you ever use a Mullen mouth? (a non-jointed snaffle, just a slightly curved bar.) It seems milder, but the horse can't avoid the action by pushing it off the tongue as they can the jointed snaffle. Both the kimberwicke and the pelham are combo bits that combine the effect of a straight pull or the leverage effect, but only if you have the reins correct. A kimberwicke is only milder than a pelham due to the ratio between the upper shank and the lower shank. A short pelham is as mild as a kimberwicke. Some people ride with the rein on the kimberwicke floating between the positions and then you never know what the effect is. If you use either a pelham or a kimberwicke and mostly use the upper rein it's not very severe, but you have the option of upping the ante if the horse gets strong. Double bridles are great for this reason also. They seem to intimidate people, but are really no harder to use than a pelham. If you are riding in a double bridle and the horse is going well, you can reward him by making the curb bit so slack that you are riding him completely with the snaffle. I don't really like twisted wire bits. They seem primarily for creating pain. If a smooth surface snaffle in all it's variants isn't doing the trick I think a leverage bit is a far kinder option and has the advantage that you can make the effect proportional to the need. One final thing to consider (depending on what the exact reason that you need more control, since you didn't say why you needed a stronger bit) is the use of either a draw rein or running martingale. It gives you a little more leverage and if the horse starts to pull, he's pulling against himself. Downside is you need 2 reins, but the advantage is that the effect is directly proportional to the horses level of resistance. Depending on how you arrange them, draw reins also give you some side to side leverage if your fjord is using those powerful shoulders to block you in turns. Sarah in Jamul, CA (where we are maybe expecting a shower tomorrow, but otherwise sunny.) Liz Rudy wrote: This message is from: Liz Rudy My questions: would a kimberwicke be a milder bit than a twisted wire snaffle? Any other suggestions on other bit options? I ride English and am familiar with the pelham, but think that is probably more bit than he needs. Torsten is used exclusive for trail/ring riding at the moment. Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: a saddle for oz
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have also recently tried the Duett saddles on my Fjord and found them to fit well. My mare would need a 38 cm and with her short back it was recommended that I do not go above a 17 inch seat so that she doesn't carry the weight too far back. Something to consider. Turns out that I am going to go the treeless route and ordered a Trekker endurance/dressage saddle from England. Should be here in a few weeks. With the amount of riding I do in the mountains and flatwork in the arena I hope it is the right fit for us. The Duetts are really nice saddles! Good luck! Silja in Colorado, where the snow has finally meltedfor now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] i want to thank whomever on the list sent me in the direction of the chubby pony website. she introduced me to Duett saddles, which are made for very wide horses. after having tried about 5 other brands, the best of which so far belongs to heike and she wants it back, today i rode in one of the Duett Companion II, which they call a trail saddle, but could easily be mistaken for an all purpose, or used for dressage. here i'd been thinking i could ride in a 17 inch, turns out that the 19 inch is really what i needed. and the tree size is 36mm. i think all you people who have round fjords like mine know what size that is. i am going to ride in it again tomorrow night, and have the barn owner check the size on oz, and then i think i have finally found what i need. and i love that it's a two tone design here's the site for the dealer: Duett Saddles: The Partnership of Horse Rider or: http://www.duettsaddles.com/trail.htm, if the link doesn't work it's fun to look at the photos of Horses in Duetts, there are several fjords on there. laurie, and oz, who is finally realizing that he can't get away with as much slowing down as he used to The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on Yahoo! Answers. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Saddle For Sale
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lee, Thanks for chatting with me the other day about your saddle. I think I am going to try to find one locally so that I might have the chance to try it out on my Fjord before I buy it. Good luck selling the saddle! Silja Knoll In Colorado Lee Hardin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Lee Hardin Hi Everyone, I have an extra wide,16.5 Pro-Trainer Event saddle for sale. It fits our very wide 14.2h Fjord. This saddle is an extremely comfortable all-purpose saddle with a close contact feel. It's a wonderful saddle for jumping, dressage, and comfortable for trail riding. If interested, please contact me privately. Thanks, Lee Hardin Spruce Pine, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] 828-766-6618 ___ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw - Cheap Talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: saddle for sale
This message is from: Silja Knoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I am looking for a saddle for my wide Fjord. How do you think it fits a Fjord's back? It is extra wide? What color is i? Does it have the CAIR system? I don't really know much about Wintec saddles, just what I have read on their website. But I am currently actively looking for an all purpose saddle. Silja Douglas Knutsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Douglas Knutsen Hi all, I have a Wintec 2000 all-purpose size 17 saddle for sale. It is in fine shape and will come with stirrup leathers and girth. I am asking $300. US, and will bring it to Winona if someone wants to pick it up there, or if it has not sold by then. I hope to see many of you there. Cheers - Peg Peg Knutsen www.elltel.net/kffjord/ The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
