Welcome Susan from Narnia!
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] I do hope that, unlike the Susan from Lewis's Narnian Chronicles, you remain a friend of Narnia! I love the Chronicles and have read them aloud at the dinner table several times over the years of growing children. Welcome to the List! You will find a truly marvelous group of knowledgeable, generous folk. I sure have. My name is similar to yours -- Sue -- and I am from Rivendell :~)! I have ridden most of my life -- just back yard stuff, and am now riding and driving my first Fjord. They are truly remarkable as a breed and delightful as individuals. They require more quiet persistence and understanding than other breeds I believe -- make awesome, thoughtful partners. But no anthropormorphizing here -- still horses! Enjoy. They are worth what they cost. I always remember that it costs just as much if not more, to keep a mediocre or unsuitable horse as it does to keep the right one. I live on the other side of the (world) state, in upstate New York -- and it is less costly to keep a horse here, than in the City God Bless and good luck. Sue Freivald.
Re: CD-L Digest - 12 Dec 2001 - Special issue (#2001-274)
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have just purchased the 6 acres directly across the road from us -- and this spring will fence it and be able to put my babies where I can sit on the front porch and watch them play! However, we will need to use a Solar charger for the electric fence (Using wide tape). Can you wonderful people out there with all your experience tell me what kind of experience you have had with what kind of chargers? My husband says it should be a low impedence charger -- don't ask me, but I will ask him when he gets home from Chicago at the end of the week. Anyway, if you do have any collective wisdom on the subject I would be most grateful to benefit from your advice! Sue Freivald in upstate New York where it is almost beginning to resemble winter.
And speaking of helmets . . .
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just came back from an incredible weeklong pony trek in Scotland - 200 miles in 6 days through the western highlands. The horses were incredible athletes--the guides terrific and the terrain unbelievable. If I had known how extreme (for me) the riding would be, I might have chickened out. Sure glad I didn't know -- it was an awesome, wonderful experience. We galloped down forest roads, worked our way over mountain passes, fought our way through bogs, forded rivers, and swam, yes indeed, swam across the end of a loch. On one wonderful gallop I looked up in time to see my 17 year old granddaughter on the ground, tucked into a little ball, with my daughter's horse leaping over her to avoid stepping on her. The horses hoof grazed the top of her (helmeted) head. No harm done. Not even a head ache. If any one is interested, the ride was the Rob Roy trail through Argyll run by Brenfield stables and contracted through Cross Country International. Everything was excellent and I would recommend it without reservation.
Sue's loss
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] I work in a nursing home and a number of our residents have alzheimer's dementia. Somehow the loss is both more difficult, because one wasn't really able to say goodbye, and a welcome release. You have my heartfelt sympathy. It is never easy. Sue
Pony needed
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] This a HUGE heartfelt thank you to all of you wonderful people who sent your condolences on our loss of the little mare who was the delight of our grandchildrens' lives. And a another thank you to all those who had ponies or knew of ponies available. We have purchased Spunky from Lynda and Dan of Bailey's Norwegian Fjords and are anxiously awaiting his delivery! Joana, there are no words to give comfort for the loss of Luna. But we sure try to surround you with support in your pain. The outpouring of comfort and love and concern from those on the list is truly wonderful. It is a joy and a privilege to be associated in any way with such caring sharing people.
Pony needed!
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] I notice that some of you are from upstate New York -- and this is primarily for you, but farther a-field could be considered. We just lost our little riding/driving pony that took care of grandchildren! She was pretty long in the tooth, went into acute renal failure and had to be put down. Needless to say, it's a hard lesson for all about the responsibilities we shoulder when we have horses, or other animals. The grandchildren helped hold the little mare and the vet was absolutely wonderful with them as well as gentle with the mare -- and the rest of us! We need another pony. You know, the pony that everyone wants -- gentle and sensible and good with kids -- not too big, not too little . . . The resident grandson is just six and got a pretty good start with the little mare. We have others who visit and would sure like to be able to ride a pony under grandma's watchful eye. Riding is a must, driving is an added bonus. Please e-mail me if you know of anything that would suit -- Thanks for listening and looking! Sue Freivald.
steel wheels for an easy entry cart
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Help! I am looking for big steel wheels for an easy entry cart, the ones like Julie Will has on her EE's. Hers were from Milton Carriage works. Their web site is still up, but there are no answers to e-mail. Dave McWethy (who is building me a beautiful custom harness for my Venn) tells me he believes they are out of business. Does anyone out there know of a source for this kind of wheel. I've located wooden ones in Pennsylvania, but with a steel cart, wooden wheels would look a little silly. I'd like to have the ones with a rubber tread that would bring my cart up so the shafts would be parallel to the ground when Venn is hitched and not tilted upwards. I'm also paranoid about potential flat tires on the pneumatic wheels, and concerned that a tight turn might just peel the tire right off the wheel. Ergo, my search for the big steel wheels. I certainly appreciate any direction you might have for me. Thanks. Sue in WNY where the water is just beginning to show around the edge of the ice on Canadice Lake and the birds are singing in Spring.
Western Saddle/gear
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] My granddaughter, Katie, has been accepted into the equestrian studies program at Findlay (sp?) College in Ohio this fall, and needs to bring her own Saddle, Martingale, etc. Since I do English and know diddly squat about Western tack and I have been asked for my input . . . Well, help, out there, all you western riders! What would you recommend for a good all round quality western outfit? I don't think price is a real object, since her daddy just retired at 39 and is going back to work because he is bored! (Boy, would I like that problem). I would imagine it would have to be pretty versatile, ie able to fit or be fitted to any number of different horses. Any/all suggestions/recommendations welcome! Sources? Things to avoid? Thanks. Sue in New York where it is still much too cold, but not much snow. Oh, and while I think about it, since I don't do winters well, poor Venn's mane has gone untrimmed since it got cold and is now falling over -- do I roach it right down and let it grow back from scratch, or do I try to shape it? I - am - NOT - good at this mane thing -- I don't even do my own hair. God knew I needed natural curls and to keep it short! And that's probably why he sent me so many sons -- clippers work real well! Any sage advice?
driving minis
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] I do have to 'fess that I, too, have a mini -- 34 of spunk named Sweetwater's Black Duchess. She's 20 and absolutely bomb proof with kids if that's possible. Got her for my grandson at four (grandson, not horse) -- he loves to ride her and we pony her out on the trail with Big old Venn (they are buddies). But, I also have an itty bitty easy entry cart and drive this little one -- she paddles those little feet and holds up that little head and doesn't take a back seat to anyone! The grandson is learning the fine art of becoming a whip with Duchess and doing very well. His mother would have a stroke if I handed him the reigns on my standardbred cross or Venn. Little can be a nice introduction when they are little and sweet.
touchy e-mails
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] One of the difficulties with this incredibly wonderful venue is that there is no hint of a smiling face, a warmth of expression, a tongue-in-cheek, or a scowl. It is emotion-neutral in the sense that the body language and intonation we use in normal conversation is missing. Makes it real easy to take something wrong, or feel attacked when that (may not be) the intent. That's where those funny little faces called emoticons came from. :~). Just as someone felt that Carol was shouting with her CAPITAL LETTERS and Carol's intent was simply emphasis, it is easy to mis read and/or over react to the words we put out on the digest. Our family -- 10 adult children, six spouses, and two adult grandchildren, plus the matriarch and patriarch (me and papa) have a list-serve, or virtual kitchen table, of our own, and we had to really work at understanding how easy misunderstanding can be on-line. Feelings can be easily hurt, feathers ruffled. Great charity and assumption of good will is certainly required. I delight in the passion and knowledge and desire for knowledge displayed here. We have the same needs as a Fjord Family as our own small Freivald Family has when it comes to this kind of communication. Keep up the GOOD work (not a shout, an emphasis!). Thanks for letting me put in my two cents.
Vaccines
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] While I don't for a moment think we would like to return to the days before penicillin and small pox vaccine, the issue is certainly one that demands serious consideration. I have been particularly interested in the mother's comments about her autistic son -- we have a grandson (4) now who is autistic. He was entirely normal in development and behavior until he received his 18 month vaccinations. His mom (my marvelous daughter-in-law) and dad, who have also a 6 year old, 2.5 year old and 9 month old, and who are following a similar stringent diet for Garrett as discussed here, have been doing an awful lot of research on the subject and there seems to be some evidence that children whose immune systems are not as mature as might be (and how in the world can we tell THAT in advance), or who have a reaction to the vaccine's carrier, can develop gastrointestinal, electrolyte and brain dysfunction of the autistic type as a result of being vaccinated. As a result she has held off on any vaccinations for her two youngest children. There is some new literature out from Great Britain where research shows a possible connection. The whole thing is scary as hell. Can we damage when we intend to protect? And just whom do we believe? and where can we go for good information? My Jack Russell BTW lost all adrenal function after receiving the battery of shots required by the vet and has full blown Addison's disease -- which is how I ended up with her. No one wanted the time and/expense involved of caring for her. We are one vast, uncontrolled, biochemical experiment, and the blessings are sometimes overbalanced by the individual cost.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #30
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 11:26 AM 1/26/01 -0500, you wrote: fjordhorse-digest Friday, January 26 2001 Volume 2001 : Number 030 Does every crazy person have a Jack Russell? I have wanted one since I was a child and last year -- at 62 -- finally became the well owned person of a JR. My husband did NOT want her. She was three years old, had developed Addison's disease from trauma and was abandoned. I got her through a Jack Russell rescure here in upstate NY. She requires an injection of long acting steriod every 27 days -- and not one day later -- to survive. Has no adrenal function and I keep rescue prednisone one hand. that being said she is entirely normal -- for a JR -- in her behavior. Husband is now well managed by Sally. the only reason she doesn't sleep in our bed is because my husband closes the door -- he likes to be able to breathe (unreasonable man!), so she sleeps on the couch curled around the cat. And yes, if we don't keep the chairs pushed in tightly to the table she's right up there. We have a 155# GKW (God Knows What) long haired dog whose teeth and mouth she grooms at every opportunity -- he growls with his lips curled back as she reaches up into his mouth to be sure his molars are clean. She thinks our Fjord should be herded around. He doesn't. So far no squashed Russell. She is FIERCE, and absolutely fierce in her loving. I take her frequently to work with me during good weather and she makes rounds in the Nursing Home. The residents love her. I sometimes take my love birds on my shoulder when I round and they are quite popular. Trying to figure out how to transport my miniature horse (no truck or trailer :~( ) to the nursing home with her little cart.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #29
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 07:30 PM 1/25/01 -0500, you wrote: Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] There is soy milk and then there is soy milk. Some tastes awful, the only brand I like is the Pacific: Pacific Select, Pacific Enriched and for a really rich tasting drink, try the Pacific Ultra. Pacific also make almond milk and I did try some since it was mentioned on the list. I'll have to try the chocolate. However, I drink Soy for the benefits of Soy isoflavones, as well as the taste, etc. Most of them I can't stand, however. Just the Pacific brands. Jean in balmy Fairbanks, Alaska to me. I hate soybeans, but drink soy milk. Campared to that, potato milk, Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - -- I'm with Jean. I really like soy milk, however -- I think it is an acquired taste. I especially like the VitSoy Vanilla and keep it in the frig at work so there'll be some for me to drink! My five year old grandson beats me to it otherwise! I'll have to try the Pacific.The nutritional benefits, especially for women are really good. Rice milk is way too sweet for me, haven't tried the almond. Most recently -- health wise -- I've worked really hard to increase the fiber in my diet ( I know, I'm OLDER), not for regularity (to put it delicately), but to lower my cholesterol -- and it has -- 40 points over six months with no change in diet except addition of fiber supplements. Then I re-tooled my diet to get the fiber naturally. Lost 20 pounds in the process and now don't make Venn groan when he sees me coming! BTW, my husband is NOT a horse person, but has dealt kindly with me over the years. Yesterday (mark it on you calenders) he said, I think we must get another Fjord so I can ride with you -- I'd really like that, and if he's characteristic of the breed, we need another (have a peanut?) I am really sad that the only Fjord show I could get to this year is the same day we leave for Scotland (trip is a gift from a son)! Maybe next year. (Finger Lakes). Sue in frigid upstate New York.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #22
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 03:03 PM 1/21/01 -0500, you wrote: fjordhorse-digest Sunday, January 21 2001 Volume 2001 : Number 022 If I may be so bold as to make a request -- please, please let us not discuss 1. the election 2. religion 3. abortion 4. gun control 5. homosexuality, 6. racial/ethnic bias 7. class distinctions/divisions, or 8. anything else that demands/reflects deeply held values apart from love of horses and dedication to the Fjord horse. I get all I want in any other venue of the above. I have very strongly held beliefs on all of the above and don't feel like defending/attacking any of this type of issue HERE. Please, let us maintain the grace to enjoy one another on the level the list promotes. If that's not a reasonable request, or not possible, I for one will quietly remove my name from the list. Takes all the joy of sharing away.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #14
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] I personally love the idea of a member data base! Of course Carol started this whole age business with her starting to ride again at 60 and I egged it on with my questions! I used to ride with several other woman, all of us over 50 and we called ourselves the Geriestrians -- short for geriatric equestrians. One of the remarkable things about the love of horses is that it truly eliminates all artificial age related barriers. However, it is inspiring to hear people continuing or beginning to live their dream regardless of age. I have to admit I am a bit envious of those who have many many years to play. Didn't you enjoy the Equus issue called Growing Older, Going Strong about the aging horse? As a nurse practitioner with a specialty in gerontology it was fun reading articles that could as easily have been written about my residents as about the horses! My youngest daughter and my granddaughters and a daughter-in-law and I are all peers on horseback. It is a glory.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #10
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 12:35 PM 1/12/01 -0500, you wrote: From: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Mensches Kinder! This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oh oh Ingrid, how was my spelling and grammar? Thought no one would verstehen! Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes Noble Book Stores Ich kann es nicht gut sprechen, aber etwas verstehen! Es ist mir gut, Deutsch to lesen! Ich hab' es im 1956 studiert! Perhaps translations could be attached so all can share the fun!! Sue Freivald
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2000 #247
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just wanted to share a bit of fjord-joy. The vet was out today. We have four horses and one is a Fjord -- my first, purchased this spring from Julie Will. He needed his teeth floated and held his head down and his mouth open for the vet, who was almost in shock! He has only seen/worked on one other Fjord and said he was equally good. Later on today, the gelding (MVF Venn) and I were riding in the woods -- spooked some deer (they didn't spook US!), and later got tangled in some vines. Couldn't get out forward or back out, pretty well wrapped around his hind legs, He tried to shake them off, gently and then just stood stock still until I could get him untangled. Lifted feet as asked, stayed quiet as I unwound and pushed them down. My fault for getting into the pickle in the first place, but HE was absolutely GOLDEN. In thirty years of riding, I have never had a horse that had it all as he does -- willing, sensible, strong, moves out beautifully, straight reins, neck reins, responds beautifully to leg aids, drives like a prince and jumps willingly and well. I just had to share my joy with those of you who really know and appreciate the breed, and to publically say Thanks to Julie for matching us up so well. Sue Freivald In the beautiful Finger Lakes of New York
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2000 #179
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] With some decent weather, I have finally been able to spend some time (not enough, but some!) with MVF Venn. He rides beautifully and is a perfect gentleman. He drives like a dream. Traffic, trucks, boats, motorcycles, don't phase him at all. However, his ground manners on cross tie leave something to be desired. Any tricks of the trade or advice/techniques/exercises out there that would help him to stand quietly? Part of the difficulty I know is environment -- the cross ties are between two trees and the succulent lawn spreads out in front of him. I do not currently have an indoor facility to use, but am working on correcting that. He leads well, although it requires the old chain across the nose to persuade him that walking is more desireable than eating! All in all, we are doing well. I just want to be sure that I have a good/correct/effective approach with him on the cross ties for standing quietly! I have learned very quickly that to hand feed him is to create a nibbling monster. So we don't do that anymore and he has settled right down. They are lippy, mouthy, engaging creatures, aren't they? grateful for any advice! Thanks. Sue in wet and cool New York.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2000 #162
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 09:20 AM 6/10/00 -0400, you wrote: Just returned home from a wonderful day at Julie Will's Old Hickory Farm. Pat Wolfe is an informative, entertaining, and very patient instructor -- and I for one am tired and happy. We had to opportunity to drive several of Julie's beauties. It is the sort of experience that reinforces the love affair with these magnificent horses. My husband Joe took 42 pictures (digital) and surely some of them will be worth posting! I am really looking forward to the first annual finger lakes fjord show in weedsport in august. And I can hardly wait for tomorrow to come so that I can fit the harness to Venn and drive him for the first time. Thanks, Julie. It was most satisfying.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2000 #161
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ray Johnson who makes the Glory Bits just got out of the hospital after a siege -- coronary artery bypass earlier this year, complications, and then some thoracic surgery for a lung problem. His ex-wife tells me he is tough and stubborn and it looks good for a full recovery.
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2000 #150
This message is from: SueFreivald [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 08:52 PM 5/25/00 -0400, you wrote: I've been off line for a week or two while my husband rebuilds the computer network at home -- am suffering from withdrawal -- until tonight when everything is back and working! I would recommend Pete Egoscue's book Pain Free -- available for about $18 from Amazon.com. Egoscue is a sports physiotherapist and his book provides simple stretching exercises for back, feet, neck -- the entire body. It is accompanied by actual pictures of real people in the correct positions for his exercises. As a nurse practitioner I have recommended it to several people for specific problems, especially back pain, and seen great improvement with those who actually do the exercises. It is simply written and he explains the rationale for the exercises so it all makes sense. i have even used his approach to cure plantar fasciitis -- my own, and a police officers who had been on disability for months with other treatments. We've finally had a few days between rain drops and I have actually been able to take my noble Venn out on the road. He is a perfect gentleman and exactly what I had hoped for! Now we'll need ANOTHER Fjord! Am looking forward to the driving clinic at Julie Will's in two weeks. Sue Freivald in Springwater, NY
