Re: clicker training
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:30:42 -0500 From: "Tamarack Lamb & Wool" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: clicker training This message is from: "Tamarack Lamb & Wool" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> OK, I watched the video and have to wonder this: how many times do you think that lamb will do the agility course without a reward? clearly the only reason the lamb goes through the course is because it was lured through with a treat. anyway, my question is, for those who use clicker training, how long does the animal perform the more complex activities without a food reward or a clicker? Does the enthusiasm wain if the reward (food and associated click) is removed? Janet You might ask, "How long would people continue at their job with out a pay check? Would their enthusiasm wain?" The answer would vary, but most folks would certainly loose interest. So it is with the animals. Animals, like people, are motivated working for a pay check (reward). They are also more likely to continue if they enjoy their work and don't have other concerns. I think of clicker training as a huge way of saying "yes!". Most training techniques have a lot of ways of saying "no", "don't", "quit". Clicker can be incredibly fun for both the trainer and trainee. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: white markings
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Last year, one of our mares produced a beautiful colt, a dark, rich brown dun with a prominent white star. This was the mare's 6th foal, the first with a white mark. I talked with the stallion owner (who hadn't had white come up in other progeny) and after some research, they said that the white could come from Lidaren. Both parents had Lidaren several generations back in their pedigree. The very beautiful colt is a very beautiful gelding. Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
dressage fjord
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Looking for a Fjord gelding for sale on the west coast with solid dressage training. Please email me privately. Marcy The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: PARELLI,,, and the classics
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Beth wrote: >Over the course of the winter, I have been re-reading works on horse >training, or horsemanship (if you will) written by men who are >considered "masters" i.e., M. de la Guerniere (1688-1751), Gustav >Steinbrecht (1808-1885) and works about Francois Baucher (1796-1873) and >Nuno Oliviera. > I too, love to read the "classics" and follow the threads of classical horsemanship and dressage rather than modern competitive dressage. I studied with a student of Olivera in Portugal. His focus and percision were astounding and his horses' engagement and lightness were beautiful. I would recommend Decarpentry added to you list, if you haven't read him yet. >The other is that most emphasize working with the horse as he is, a >horse, and working with the nature of the horse. No forcing, with >patience, and taking the time to help the horse understand what the >rider/trainer is asking of it. This, in my opinion, is "natural >horsemanship." > I wonder how much of classical training influenced the western horseman that evolved into "natural" horsemanship. The western vaquero tradition had its roots in Spain, home of the Andalusian and a strong dressage (menage and bullfighting) culture. The balance and responsiveness needed for a bullfighting horse would be similar qualities needed for a good working cow horse. I also wonder how Baucher's flexations were translated into the giving to the rein. If you read early John Lyons, his descriptions of the horses giving to the rein at each vertebrae are not far removed from some of Baucher's flexations. To bring this back to Fjords, I find the application of French Dressage theory works very well with Fjords. Some (not all Carol!) Fjords can be a challenge to balance. I find that the German system, of "motion into balance" frequently doesn't give me the lightness I'm looking for. Using the French tradition of "balance before motion" has helped me get the hocks engaged and lighten my Fjords front and give me the lightness I'm searching for. Marcy, in Vermont, where we finally have some real winter, which is why I'm inside at the computer talking theory, not out with the ponies using it! www.briarhillfarm.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: cresty neck
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cheryl, a cresty neck could be something to be concerned about. If your Fjord tends to be an air fern (more than most), tends towards a cresty neck (fat deposit along the crest of the neck), develops a fat pad at the base of the tail, you might want to have your vet check for low thyroid function. Other signs of low thyroid can include brittle hair and hoof. Low thyroid is not uncommon in Fjords and is easily managed Even if your Fjord is not low thyroid, but cresty necked, he could be more prone to laminitis. Adding magnesium to the diet can help melt that fat pad (given that you are not over feeding and it doesn't sound like you are). Check with your vet. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm / breeding and training Fjords for 20 years www.briarhillfarm.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Lorenzo
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >I had the good fortune to see Lorenzo perform last year in Essen at >Equitana. I'm afraid I had to pry my jaw off of the floor after he >finished his liberty act. A great performance to strive towards! Beth > Then maybe get we'll see you doing this with Fjords at the next national show! Don't doubt that you could! Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Colorado Snow Pictures
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Nice photos, but I though you folks got a lot of snow! ;-) Marcy Briar Hill Farm The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Lori & Sparrow
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I had no idea that there were going to be pictures of us in the article. Now I gotta run out and buy five copies for my mother :-) :-) Lori Only 5 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
A Fjord is like.....
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> What breed is a Fjord most like? In Vermont, you can say they're a bit like an old time Morgan, before the show ring took the Morgan bred in a different direction. Out west, I would suppose you could compare them to a foundation Quarter Horse. In the British Isles, you might compare them to a Highland Pony. There are certain breeds bred to specialize (Thoroughbred, Warm bloods, Iberians, Tennessee Walkers, etc.) and certain breeds, like Fjords, that are "jacks of all trades" that are bred to do a bit of everything. It's what I love about these guys and keeps me tickled and interested after more than 20 years working with them. When people ask me about Fjords, Are they draft ponies? are they driving ponies? Can they canter? what I stress is the Fjord's versatility. The Fjord is unique in its versatility - in that a single animal can work in the woods, be a smart driving horse and perform well under saddle. There are other breeds that claim versatility, the Quarter horse being one. But other breeds may have one type for reining, one type for halter one, one for hunter under saddle, one for working cow horse, etc. You get the idea. The hallmark of a Fjord, and the best of the Fjord breed, are those horses that maintain the ability to perform different tasks and different disciplines. Fjords are unlikely to be at the top of most disciplines. They are unlikely to pull as much as a Percheron, jump as high or gallop as fast as a Thoroughbred, trot as sharp as a Friesian, have brilliant extensions like a Warmblood, travel as far and as fast as an Arabian. But what is amazing is that you can get a little bit of all of that in a very appealing, sturdy, efficient, friendly, smart package. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com fjordhorse-digest wrote: >fjordhorse-digest Friday, November 24 2006 Volume 2006 : Number 266 > > > >In this issue: > > Time to submit photos for the 2008 Fjord Calendar > Re: Horse Illus. > Mike's Words Horse Illus > Trim Your Replies, Please > Re: fjordhorse-digest V2006 #265 > Fjords, Mules and Cantering > Re: Horse Illus. > Interviews > Holiday Shopping > Re: Horse Illus. > Re: Mike's Words Horse Illus > Horse illustrated and the whining > magazine article > Re: fjordhorse-digest V2006 #265 > Re: Horse Illus. > Re: A Somber Update... > Re: Mike's Words Horse Illus > Re: Mike's Words Horse Illus > Mike's Words Horse Illus > the joys of being interviewed > Re: Horse Illus. > kneeactiondressagemuledraftstuff > >See the end of the digest for information on how to retrieve back issues. > >-- > >Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 08:29:38 -0500 >From: "Carol Tacey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Time to submit photos for the 2008 Fjord Calendar > >This message is from: "Carol Tacey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Hi Fjord Friends, > >Photos are now being accepted for consideration in the 2008 Norwegian Fjord >Calendar. The photos are collected from Fjord farms all over US, Canada, >and Europe. You could have your Fjord and Farm featured in the 2008 >calendar. Photo releases go out in January 2007 and final photos selected >in March 2007. > >How to send photos: >Send your photo to address below, I will scan it am mail it back to you. >Send jpeg file to my e mail with contact information. >Send jpeg CD to the address below with contact information. > > Photos must be 600 DPI and at least 5 x 7 inches (larger is better). Large >jpeg files need to be mailed on a CD because large files do not travel well >via e mail. > >I am always happy to see so many wonderful Fjord photos, however only 13 can >be used. If your photo is not used this year, it will be held for >consideration in future years. I get many great photos that I cannot use >because the resolution is poor. In order to enlarge a photo to 11 x 14 >inches it must have high resolution, that is 600 DPI or larger. If you >download you photos from your digital camera do not reduce the size, it is >best to send the larger version of your image on a CD and I will make the >size adjustment. > > I thank all my Fjord Friends for making the annual calendar a success. > >Carol Tacey >Totem Farm >319 Waites Corner Rd >West Kingston, RI 02892 >401-789-2062 >[EMAIL PROTECTED] >http://www.painteasy.com/calendar.html > >The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: >http://tinyurl.com/rcepw > >-- > >Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 09:41:26 -050
Hostar offspring for sale
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Beautiful 9 year old mare for sale. Zjeena is by Hostar out of Hella. This mare was bred by Lindsay Sweeney out of one of her top mares. Zjeena has her dad's distinctive looks - dark, rich color, wide forehead and large, liquid eyes. Zjeena is a looker and always attracts attention. She has also inherited her sire's athleticism and "let's go" attitude. She has her dad's (and Mom's) jumping ability. She absolutely loves to jump, tucks up her front legs and shows good form. She's a natural at finding her spot for take off. Zjeena was owned by a youngster who competed in the top Hunter/jumper circuit. Zjeena was her fun horse away from the big brown horses she competed. Her young rider took her out around the farm, down the trails and and, of course, over fences. Zjeena has also competed in local hunter shows with a junior rider and always placed well up in the ribbons against the brown horses. (judges comment "I didn't know Fjords could jump this well!"). She is a "go-y" horse, so not for a beginner. Sound, very good ground manners. Trailers, clips, bathes. $9,500 Contact:: Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com > > >-- > >Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 15:41:58 -0500 >From: "Pat Holland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Hostar & Blue Earth > >This message is from: "Pat Holland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >I mentioned on the end of my last post what an honor it was to show Hostar >for Melinda Springs at Blue Earth. Because his and my story together is >slowly coming to an end, .he will be going home to Melinda after the >25th Anniversary show in October. > >My time with Hostar is bittersweet. I've known of this stallion for a long >time, as many of us in the NFHR Registry did. He's had many owners, >possesses many talents, and the reputation of his large amount of energy. >Hostar has been all around the country and has many offspring out there and >about. One of his best is SF Arve recently featured on the cover of the >Fjord Herald. > >My experience with Hostar was somewhat different. He came to me with health >concerns and through the extremely kind hearted spirit and love from Melinda >(not to mention a great deal of cost) we were able to present Hostar back >into the public eye looking like an 8 year old rather than the 19 years he's >lived. > >Hostar is ONE HECK of a great stallion. As the infamous Wayne Hipsley >always says "he looks like a Fjord".Hostar IS a Fjord..his >temperament was exceptionally calm, cool and all work at Blue Earth. I >showed him in conformation (Grand Champion) in draft (won the log skid with >my husband behind) won the turnout AND Open Driving Ladies with myself and >placed 3rd in the Drive & Ride and Reinsmanship. > >Waiting for my classes outside the ring was an experience I will always >remember. People forgot I was sitting behind a stallion,...people drove >alongside and was talking to me with mares and geldings and one mare in >particular was a mare he had just bred this spring. Hostar was a perfect >gentleman. PERFECT. I could not ask for a better behaved animal, >stallion - mare or gelding. > >Amy Evers and Patti Jo Walter's were my headers for the Drive & Ride and I >don't think he took a step during the whole tack change process. > >I showed in rail classes with other mares, geldings and a stallion.again >a perfect gentleman, even in the Reinsmanship class where there was allot of >waiting. His focus was on me and the job I asked him to do. > >Hostar also has a presence in the ring like no other Fjord I've seenhis >power and strength is immeasurable and pricelesshe is one beautiful >horse, of which there are no others like him. > >When Hostar leaves in October he will have been a major part of my daily >life for 16 months. I've gotten to know this guy like no other and I will >miss him. > >Those of you whom may want a part of this great stallion, and keeping his >bloodlines alive - I highly suggest contacting Melinda Springs for a >breeding contract and to come see Hostar himself at the 25th Anniversary >Show. > >With respect for a great stallion >Pat Holland
Re: white dun
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> She is beautiful! And nice to have a new white filly in the US. It's interesting to notice that most of the ulsblakk Fjords in the US have Kviten in their pedigree, if not, his sire Ola Gik. Are their any breeding ulsblakk in the US that don't carry these lines? Just wondering, Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com >-- > >Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2006 07:17:01 -0800 >From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: White Dun Filly Arrives! > >This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >She is lovely! I looked at the pedigree and note that , yes, She is >related to Line and Stella II, etc. on her dam's side: Kviten, her >Grandsire , is a full brother to Line, with Ola Gik and Flikka as Great >Grand parents. How Interesting!
Re: scam
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks to all who wrote back that it was a scam and to not fall for it. Anybody Else get one? Fred I got the same one. Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com
Re: Saddles Revisted
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:58:14 -0400 From: "Lisa Wiley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Saddles Revisted This message is from: "Lisa Wiley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Genie, Thanks. I will have my daughter Claire ask Marcy. She is at Briar Hill now. We will be going up there in a few weeks so I probably could stop in Bennington. I have also asked Claire to have Marcy try my Passier on Fjiona and see how the fit is. If she thinks it can be reflocked I may try that. Claire told me it would not fit. Yesterday I found out she hasn't tried it yet. I am sure it is because Marcy has her very busy. Lisa Wiley Hi Lisa, We have several saddles that you can try when you come to pick up Fiona. We keep close to two dozen saddles (all purpose, dressage, close contact, trail, Western) as no two Fjords are exactly alike and Saddle fit/comfort is absolutely essential to the training of a horse. (we also train those brown horses with funny backs) Miss Fiona has an unusual Fjord back so don't rush out and but a 36 cm tree! She is not very wide for a Fjord and has prominent withers! Her back is not flat - table top like many Fjordies. Currently her back is not one that would be appropriate for a treeless saddle, in my opinion. I find the treeless can put pressure on the withers even with padding. (We have three different kinds you can check out while you are here). We currently have Fiona in a Wintec, all purpose, Cair panels, MW tree. I would anticipate as she is worked more, her back will develop more muscle and she will need a wider tree. Already her back has changed some. I like the Cair panels and the flexibility of the changeable gullet of the new Wintecs. Although the saddles don't fit everybody in the barn (doesn't work as well on a shorter backed horse) They are a nice saddle at a reasonable price. If you prefer leather, the Bates have the same panels and changeable gullets, but are pricier. I'll most certainly try your Passier. And if the Passier is a close fit, I can arrange for a saddle fitter to come before Fiona leaves, if you like. (We have a Combined Driving Clinic here this week end and yes, both Claire and I are pretty busy!). We don't like to send horses home with out being sure their equipment - saddles, bit, harness, cart, etc. are safe and comfortable. We are committed to horses going home safe, comfortable and happy and happy owners, too. Of course, I hope you're planning on a couple of lessons before you head home, so that you are comfortable with how she has been trained. As for bits, Fiona is so far, most happy in a Myler comfort snaffle. (I may try several bits over the course of training a horse to find what they are most comfortable in, gives clear communication and the horse can stay soft) . Happy Fjording Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com PS. Claire, by the way, is an awesome intern!!! We are incredibly lucky to have her here.
Re: Luke
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On another note, I was hoping someone might have some more information on my fjord. Luke is somewhere between 12 and 14 years old. He was bought in '99 from Leslie Haynes in Randolph VT. She told the previous owner recently that she does not remember where he was purchased from but mentioned the "Round Barn" in Tunbridge VT. His registration papers are lost which is OK w/ me but he has such a wonderful temperament and is so responsive and a pleasure to ride that I would love to find out more about his breeding in case we think of purchasing another fjord in the future (He's a gelding but his disposition is so wonderful that I would love to go with the same line. He has not done anything since they purchased him but he has remembered all of his training and I am very eager to drive him soon.) If any one could give me any leads as to where to look for more info I'd appreciate it. I have a call into Leslie to see if she can remember his registered name because I am sure that would helpful too. \ Michelle, Is that Luke tall, dark and handsome? The Luke from the round barn in Tunbridge was by Bauldar, bred by Peter Bravman. I knew him when he was around 6. Arcording to the pedigree site, though, that Luke went to Ohio. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com
Re: Shilo and Arve
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >-- > >Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 00:06:03 -0400 >From: Beverly Weston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Kudos for a job well done at Bromont > >This message is from: Beverly Weston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >I also wanted to let everyone know and congratulate a good friend of mine >for a job very well done at Bromont this past weekend. Shiloh Simino and >her adorable okay awesome, 15H gelding, Arve, did awesome this past weekend >competing at the Bromont CDE. > I've seen Shilo and Arve in action several times and they just get better and better! Shilo has done a fabulous job training this Fjord and they are a fantastic team. Good to see they are moving up as they can definitely do it! Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com
13.3
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My Zoe, AKA "the Power Pack", now 18, is 13.3. In our time together Zoe (Solar x Zeera) and I have competed through 1st level dressage (scores in mid 60's), we've done horse trials and hunter pace. She's won a couple on Competitive Trail events. Zoe jumps 3 foot, willingly. What she lacks in style, she makes up with a can do attitude. Last year Zoe started driving. She's represented Fjords at Equitana USA, carried the flag in opening ceremonies and she has been in the night show at Equine Affaire in MA. In demos, she's done tandem riding, jumped rope and demonstrated bomb proofing. She's fun for me to ride and a good ride for beginners; she seems to know the difference. The best part is, that she never ceases to make me laugh every time I ride her. A couple of years ago, I took Zoe to a dressage clinic. We were probably the only horse under 16h. The instructor, a French gentleman, asked with disdain at the beginning of the clinic, "Is that a pony?" "Is that a problem?" I replied. The second day, Zoe was doing beautiful legthenings, really showing off. "Look at the little one" the clinician was shouting to the whole class, "look at the little one". He had everybody stop and watch us and applauded. Yep, she always gives me a good laugh. Don't discount the little ones. When I got Zoe, I was searching for a tall gelding and brought home a small mare and never regretted it. Her heart and soul are far bigger than most horses. Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm
Re: bloodlines
This message is from: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am a bloodline "addict"and I have been fortunate to have worked personally with several lines. I love watching blood lines, too, Pat. Having bred and trained Fjords for 20 years I have a good sense of certain traits in Fjord blood lines. Over the years, you can see certain characteristics repeat them selves when you have worked with several offspring of particular lines. You talk about the old stallions. You shouldn't forget Ring. What a pleasure to work with his offspring. Always good solid workers. I think Ring is well into his twenties and not breeding anymore. I miss Eggeprins, one of the early imported stallions. I would run, not walk for an Eggeprins get. What fabulous minds and what a pleasure to work with and a joy to train. I'm a great fan of the MVF Hegdal offspring. He's over 20. He consistently produces very good dressage movement with calm, quiet, co operative minds. I disagree that Hostar is the only Brusvein offspring. Maybe you meant the only stallion. There were Freya and Elda, owned by Cece Henderson, I have an Elda daughter, Bella, a great performing Fjord in dressage and a talented jumper like her grandsire, Hostar.. Marcy Briar Hill Farm www.briarhillfarm.com
Really nice Fjord T-Shirts
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> If you are looking for Fjord t-shirts and sweat shirts, check out the NFHA web site at http://www.northeastfjord.com/ The Northeast Fjord Horse Association has a great design with several color options, with and without printing. Get you order in soon and you'll have them for the holidays. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm http://www.briarhillfarm.com
Breed publicity
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carol, I couldn't agree with you more; the registry could create more of a presence for the Fjord breed. I might remind you, though, that regional clubs do a great job of presenting Fjords at regional fairs and exhibitions. This weekend, several people will be at Equine Affaire in Mass. staffing the Fjord booth, answering questions and extolling the virtues of the breed to tens on thousands of horse enthusiasts. Ceacy Henderson's Junior Drill Team will be performing a breed demo (they have been practicing since early summer) and there will be Fjords each night in the Fantasia (as there have been for each year). Sue Giagiari organizes the booth, Barbara Howard has made wonderful costumes. These Fjord owners and enthusiasts have donated tremendous time and energy and are supported by the North East Fjord Horse Assoc. (check out the web site at http://www.northeastfjord.com/ ). Why not throw some support to the groups that are working to promote the breed? The Fjord demo is scheduled for 3:00 on Nov. 8, right after Monty Roberts. We hope that local Fjord supporters will come and cheer the group on! By the way, I don't think it we need to promote Fjords by denigrating other breeds or cultures. The Vanners are good horses, I've worked with a few and have enjoyed their temperament, intelligence and forwardness, their flashy colors, feathers and movement. Coming from Gypsy (Romany) heritage on my grandmothers side, I'm always surprised of the prejudices that people have about Gypsies. I don't recall anyone in the family fixing tin pots or anyone outside the law. My great grands spoke five and seven languages (there was a contest between them !). The Rom have a fantastic oral tradition; they prize their horses as dearly as the Norwegians do theirs, and I'd bet they could rattle off stallion lines ad infinitum. So if the Vanner folks are selling horse, lets applaud them for a job well done ( as some of us applaud you, Carol, for your excellent ability at marketing), and use them as an example to change our tactics in a down market. Marcy Baer http://www.briarhillfarm.com
Prydarson filly for sale
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We are offering for sale our beautiful, talented Prydarson filly, born this year. This is a hard one to sell as she is a real knock out and a total darling. We would keep her if we had room for one more! Bryhyl Sophy is by Prydarson out of the Dutch imported and Norwegian & Dutch approved mare, Hertel ( winner of the produce of dam class at Woodstock '03). Sophy has her Dad's incredible movement with beautiful animation and a natural ability for lengthening her stride. She's up-headed, has a laid back shoulder, long (for a Fjord) pasterns, and an incredible powerful hind end. To top it off, she is sweet, easy to handle and a joy to teach. Please email us privately, or call if you are interested in a top performance or breeding prospect. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm, East Calais, Vermont
"proper footwear"
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > but was > wondering when I compete in our 'fun' CDE this fall whether Old Mac > boots would be allowed for all 3 phases? > Martie in MD - and Kilar the barefooted Martie, Susan had Old Mac's on Bryhyl Aryel for the marathon phase of the Green Mt. Horse Assoc. CDE. At the preflight check, there was interest in the Old Macs, not about their legality, but how they would perform. (They worked well through some rough terrain and several water crossings.) We received some positive and some negative comments from other competitors, but no problem from judges. She did not use them in cones or in dressage where presentation would have been judged as the footing there was suitable for bare footin'. Article 2017 of the ADS handbook says: "Types of Shoes. Any conventional type of shoe is permitted." We figure that "conventional" is subjective. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm > > -
Bridle measurements
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I used to be able to custom design Fjord bridles - usually horse crown and throatlatch, horse or warmblood brow band, cob or pony cheeks, cob nose band. But with Millers and Eisers out of business, I don't know where one could do that reasonably priced. Dave McWethy at Camptown Harness made me a great training/work bridle out of Beta, all custom sized, that is very nice and reasonably priced. Dave speaks Fjord and is familiar with their sizing issues. Marcy www.briarhillfarm.com
arena footing
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We built our indoor last year. What we have is a base of packed stone dust (4" packed) and 3" of washed sand on top. We also use the arena for multi- discipline, although we keep our higher jumping outside in the deeper sand. The USDF put out a booklet called "Under Foot" with very good info on arena bases, footing, maintenance and repair. Phone 402 434 8575 Marcy Briar Hill Farm
Humor - Lightbulb changes
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > HOW MANY HORSES DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHTBULB? > > THOROUGHBRED: Who ME?? Do WHAT? I'm scared of light bulbs! I'm outta > here! > > ARABIAN: Someone else do it. It might get my silky mane dirty and > besides, who's gonna read me the instructions? > > QUARTER HORSE: Put all the bulbs in a pen and tell me which one you > want. > > STANDARDBRED: Oh for Pete's Sake, give me the damn bulb and let's be > done with it. > > SHETLAND: Give it to me. I'll kill it and we won't have to worry > about > it anymore. > > FRIESIAN: I would, but I can't see where I'm going from behind all > this mane. > > BELGIAN: Put the Shetland on my back, maybe he can reach it then. > > WARMBLOOD: Is the 2nd Level Instruction Packet in English? Doesn't > anyone realize that I was sold for $75K as a yearling, but only > because > my hocks are bad, otherwise I would be worth $100K? I am NOT changing > lightbulbs. Make the TB get back here and do it. > > MORGAN: Me! Me! Me! Pleeease let me! I wanna do it! I'm gonna do it! > I > know how, really I do! Just watch! My parole officer said it's okay, > really! And when we're done we can go go go. > > APPALOOSA: Ya'll are a bunch of losers. We don't need to change the > lightbulb, I ain't scared of the dark. And someone make that dang > Morgan stop jumping up and down before I double barrel him. > > FJORD: That thing I ate was a lightbulb? > > > .
Re: Gingard x SF Willow bloodlines
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Could not agree with you more about that Gingard x Willow cross. Several years ago we picked up 2 fjords with that breeding as prospects to train and sell. Sari is coming 5 now, trained to ride and Bekk her brother is 6 trained to ride and just started driving. Sari and Bekk are beautiful movers and willing partners with a great work ethic. They are trained by Marcy Baer using Linda Tellington Jones TTOUCH methods and ridden by adults and teenagers. Both are for sale and ready to start their life at their new home. Anyone interested can see pictures of them on our website www.briarhillfarm.com or call us for a video. Susan Cook, Briar Hill Farm 802-456-1680 > Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 10:50:55 EST > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: IMPRESSIVE WEANLING FJORD COLT FOR SALE > > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > BAYSHORE OLIVER (Gingard x SF Willow) is an outstanding Fjord colt, foaled > in September 2002. His imported Dutch bloodlines carry Elite and A-premie > evaluations in both sire and dam making him of serious show quality. Oliver > will mature to 14.2, is very leggy and a super mover. He is simply too cute > with the funniest sense of humor... truly everyone's favorite on the Farm. > This colt enjoys handling and trains easily. Being handled daily, Oliver is > off > to a great start. We have scheduled the vet. for December 16th to geld him > unless the buyer prefers not to do so prior to that date. He will be a > fabulous > Fjord for riding (Dressage) and driving when he matures! Bayshore Oliver > (raf) is being offered for sale very reasonably to the right home. If > interested, please contact Karen Emirzian, Green Meadow Farm, Wilbraham, > Massachusetts (phone: 413/596-9009). > > --
News from Nebraska
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > -- > > News from Nebraska Saethersblakken has arrived from Finland. How exciting!! I saw Herman in Norway. What a wonderful horse. Beautiful, athletic, and having that something special that just made me smile every time he was in the ring. How great to have his sire here. I would love to see that 4 foot jump!!! Marcy Baer http://www.briarhillfarm.com
FJORDS RULE AND WARMBLOODS DROOL / brag alert
This message is from: Briar Hill Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> FJORDS RULE AND WARMBLOODS DROOL We have been going to local events with our fjord horses. Marcy with her 13.3H red dun mare Zoe (Solar x Zeera) and her niece Bear with Bella (Montano x Elda). 1st they went to a Hunter Pace then to a 2 phase event (dressage and jumping). At the Hunter Pace (6 miles), Bella and Zoe took the jumps (2ft9), had to slow down their ponies and came in 10 minutes ahead of the time with everyone else way behind the time. They came home with the blue ribbon for the entire event. At the 2 phase, Zoe was 1 point below the best dressage score in her class, (having taken the highest level test of any of the class) and the only horse to go a clean round jumping. Zoe going over barrel jumps, hay jumps, cords of wood where other horses shy and refuse. Zoe and Marcy again came home with the blue ribbon for the overall event. The dressage judge came out after her test to tell Marcy how nice it was to see a horse so relaxed and what a lovely ride it had been. The jumping judge said that it was great to see how much Zoe was enjoying herself out there on the jump course (2ft6), calling her a "power pack". Both Marcy and Zoe came off the course with huge grins. At both events there were warmbloods, morgans and Tbreds. There were "made" horses we knew the owners paid $10,000 to $20,000 for. There were people who came with their pricey horses and their trainers. And then there was Marcy with her little fjord pony with the exuberant style and endless energy, just enjoying each other and the pure fun of the event and wishing they could go through the course 1 more time. FJORDS RULE AND WARMBLOODS DROOL!!! For photographs of Zoe eventing go to http://www.briarhillfarm.com click on photo albums then click on Zoe and Marcy Susan Cook
2002 Northeast Fjord Horse Assoc Show
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Several folks have mentioned to me that I should put the Northeast Fjord Horse Association 2002 Show information out on the list so here goes: The 2002 NFHA Show is again and for the last year at Green Mountain Horse Association in S. Woodstock, Vermont. (GMHA has asked the 2 remaining groups that are holding non GMHA events to find other facilities). The show is August 23-25th. Friday 8/23, from 1pm-5pm are the halter classes, Saturday 8/24 are all the driving classes and in the late afternoon the games, and finally Sunday 8/25 will be all the riding classes, Cross Country course and Draft Classes. For those of you who came last year, the program is identical to last years. We are delighted to have judging for us this year, Jim Havelhurst. Friday there will be an NFHA meeting and pot luck and a walk of the cross country course just before dark. Saturday night will be our dinner and auction. If you want to get more information, would like to put an add in the program, sponsor a class, help us find a facility for 2003 or volunteer to help at this years show please email me or call me at 802-456-1680 Susan Cook Co-President NFHA
carabiners, carbiners
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Knutsen Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Joni - a "carbiner" is a person who shoots a carbine > > Just kidding. It's "carabiner", a handy spring clip device used by climbers > to attach harness and other items around their persons. They call them > "beeners." Since the clips, made of aluminum or steel, are so versatile and > easy to use, they have been appropriated for horse harness and many other > applications. Peg, Don't know what you folks use out west, sounds pretty tame. We go for the real thing here. Using a real carbiner can keep the road clear when you have a galloping Fjord with a madly laughing woman, icicles in her hair, towed out behind. Marcy
re: descendants report
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > They are listed. The horses with medallions awarded are shown. To see an > example look at VALEA'S LEE Medallions are shown, but not blue, red or yellow for conformation? Marcy
Re: skijording-Vermont style
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Up here in Vermont, where the winters are long and the snow is deep (a good two plus feet and snowing as I write), we get serious about our fun. Our skjording is funky, but works and needs no special equiptment. We tack up our Fjord with regular saddle and bridle, then add a driving breast collar and traces. Bring the traces under the saddle flaps, then up over the croup and fasten together with a carbiner. Add a long, stout rope tied to the carbiner and going out back - about 15 feet, then add a handle made out of what's ever available, that looks kinda like one used for water sking. For skis, we have an old pair of x-country skis with the bindings removed and inexpensive snowshoe bindings put on instead. That way you can skijord without having to put on ski boots. A rider gets up on the horse, the skijorder picks up the tow rope, and off we go. If its too fast, or feels like you're going to fall, just drop the tow rope. We also use a sled sometimes instead of skis. Just sit down and hold on to the tow rope, then hoot and laugh as you go faster and the horse kicks up snow. On our hill, you can sled down, then sled-skijord back up. Its great fun and the Fjordings seem to get into the spirit of it. I'll get some photos up when the kids come for spring break (spring in Vermont means more snow, just heavier and wetter). Marcy Baer
Re: descendants report
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Announcing a brand new feature on the NFHR Pedigree Site! > > We now have a "Descendants" report -- this will show all the descendants of > a horse and their descendants and their descendants and so on. Wow! Great work! Thanks Lori! > Warning: this is really fun to play with, so don't blame me if you don't get > any work done today :-) Even with the warning, I got totally involved. Question: for you and Mike. Why does the pedigree site and NFHR papers list premiums from other countries, but do not record premiums from US Evaluations on the pedigree? I know its not true, but it looks as if we take Norwegian, Dutch, German and Danish results more seriously and give them more importance than our own. Marcy Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
Woodstock Show
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The tenative dates for the Woodstock Vermont Show are: Aug 23, 24, 25. I say tenative because if there isn't enough volunteer participation this year, the show will shut down. Some of the organizers have moved on. If you are not aware of this or the show dates and are a Fjord owner in the Northeast, I suggest you join the NFHA - North East Fjord Horse Assoc.- and get their monthly newsletter (Call us at 802 456 1680 to join and get more info). There is a meeting of the NFHA January 13 in White River Jct. VT. Below is the annoucement for the meeting: The NFHA wants you! Come plan next year with your fellow fjord friends! Our annual meeting is on January 13th from 11am-3pm Ramada Inn, White River Junction, VT at the intersection of 89 and 91. 802-295-3000. We will discuss the 2001 show, the show plans for 2002 and hold elections. For 2002 we will be putting together the show committee to plan and coordinate our show. The show date the GMHA has offered us is 8/23/02-8/25/02. Don't worry if you don't have experience or if you are new to the group or Fjords. We need help with pre-show planning, getting adds, preregistration, show program layout / printing and then all the tasks the weekend of the show. There's lots to do and it ain't rocket science! For the NFHA election we need a Treasurer (mostly just keeps the checkbook and accounts), a Secretary / membership person (does the mailings and keeps the membership list) and the President and Vice President or coPresident (keep everything together and moving forward). Come to the meeting with your ideas and energy. The NFHA Show has a long history and I think there is still a need for the organization and a Fjord Show in the northeast. We can't do it without all of your support! I know we all want this show. Let's pitch in and make it happen! If you can't make the meeting, give us a call with your ideas. Susan Cook, NFHA co-President: 1082 East Hill Road (Calais), Plainfield, VT 05667, (802) 456-1680, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Jennifer Johannson 603-364-5710 Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
Re: crest
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> . My warm blood mare always has a crest and I must watch her feed > during the spring, summer and early fall as the crest can get very hard and > to me that means founder. Seems to me it stays the same size only softer or > harder. Jean Horse Journal, Jan 2001, has an article on supplementing magnesium on cresty, prone to laminitis horses. I used the magnesium along with exercise and diet program an a very cresty mare I had in for training, with good success. Marcy Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
Linda's horses
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Linda's sister owns Fjords and Linda did own one a while back. I am not sure > she is a member of NFHR though. > > Catherine Lassesen > HESTEHAVEN - THE HORSE GARDEN Linda's sister, Robyn Hood has Icelandics, about 130 of them, last count. (and I thought I had a lot of horses!) Linda took quit a spill at the west coast Equine affaire when one of the icies took a sideways hop resulting in two horses meeting head on while doing the flying pace (30 - 35 mph). She was right back up and on the horse and doing the flying pace again. There's not much that slows her down. Marcy
Who was that Fjord?
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Does anyone know who the Fjord featured in Linda Tellington Jones' > new book _Improve Your Horse's Well-Being_ is? There isn't any hint > in the photo credits as to where or when any of the pictures were > shot. All I know is that the horse is from Germany. Great book! Marcy
Rainbow bridge
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks to all who sent "Rainbow Bridge" and the other beautiful poems and thoughts and words for Sarah.We put Clifford to rest (Clifford was a Brown Horse, but a good one and much loved) on our hillside near our ring where he and Sarah spent many hours together. Next weekend Sarah will come up and we'll plant an apple tree by his grave and probably cry a lot for all the Beautiful Ones we miss. Marcy
Rainbow bridge
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does someone have the words of the "Rainbow Bridge" The young woman who works for us (some of you know Sarah from the Woodstock show) had her horse die from colic today. I thought she could use the Rainbow bridge, but can't find my copy. Marcy Baer
Fjord Show
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> . I want to present some Camptown Buckles-Up halters for > the auction. Who is handling that? If I have an address, I will mail them, > or I could leave them at the office at GMHA this weekend. > Dave Thanks for the donation Dave. Leave them at the GMHA with my name or send them here. Susan & I will be doing the auction again - after dinner on Sat night. There will be great stuff again this year, including beautiful art work by Julie Merriman. Sorry you won't be there. Marcy Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
Eguine Journal
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I second this. Pretty classy to have some pictures with the article. > Didn't know we could do that. It looked great. Gotta love those digi cameras! Anybody from the North East can send us photos and we can get them published with the article. Any news, chat, or bragging can be included, too - just email it to us. Marcy
cinches
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > where can i find a > longer girthed cinch, in mohair with 2 english style buckle connections? TTEAM makes a beautiful mohair girth with elastic ends and English buckles. They will make it in most any size. Not inexpensive, but very nice. call 1-800-854-TEAM Marcy Baer
Horses for sale
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Friends of mine are having to sell their Fjords because of health problems. They have some very nice mares, one imported from Norway, some with foals at their sides and some good looking young horses. Also a young stallion. All the horses have been handled regularly and well cared for. Some of the mares have had some training, but have been mostly broodies the last several years. Very reasonable prices. Located in Northern Vermont. Please email me privately for more info and photos. Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
more on biting
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> One of the things I used from my first TTEAM clinic ten years ago was the TTEAM mouth work - a specific and aware method of manipulating the horses mouth. The theory is that the mouth has a neurological connection to the limbic part of the brain - the seat of emotions. By bringing new awareness to the physical (mouth) you can change emotional state and behavior. I first used the technique with my Morgan stallion, who had been very mouthy and began to notice that over the next few weeks, his mouthyness subsided. I use the mouth work with foals. Most young animals investigate the world with their mouth. I do not find it a punishable offensive, as such. I'll use the mouth work on the youngster, to give him more awareness. Push his head away and give him something else to do - set up the behavior I want and reward him for it. With a nervous horse I would find ways to settle the nervousness first. Linda uses stroking with the wand and lowering the head to get the horse to think rather than react, John Lyons teaches lowering the horses head, other trainers might recommend moving the horses feet to get him to focus on you. As the horse becomes less nervous the expression of it, the biting, will subside. I would train it at home, setting up mildly challenging situations first teaching him to overcome his fear response. If I were to go to a party where I didn't know anybody , and things seemed a bit strange, I might hang out at the buffet table and eat, or talk compulsively, human ways of being mouthy when nervous. If someone came up to me and for 3 seconds made me feel like I was going to die, yes I might stop the eating and talking, but its unlikely that I would feel more comfortable and less nervous! With older horses that have a biting habit I might use clicker training. I would think about the behavior I want, make it easy for the horse to get there, then reward the horse for doing the right thing. I would try to be aware of the behavior the precedes the biting, set him up the on the right track way down the line and reward. Another 2 cents worth. Marcy Briar Hill Farm http://briarhillfarm.com
Re: fjords on TV
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Starfire Farm, LLC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Well, I'll be darned! We just subscribed to a dish television network > instead of cable, thus were able to obtain "Horse TV." One of the first > things we saw was video of Equitana 1998 Mane Event and lo and behold! > There were Fjords in the program. I remember reading about the fjords > substituting for another breed in the Mane Event when they determined > that the "other breed" couldn't handle the Mane Event atmosphere. > Looked like Ceacey Henderson ground driving a mare with a foal at her > side, and a couple of people driving to Meadowbrook carts. Maybe > Lindsey Sweeney and Susan Cook? That would have been Sue Giargiari ground driving Dena, I believe, Ceacy Henderrson driving Kongard and Jennifer Johansson driving SF Elza. There were also several other Fjorders riding, driving in the drill, working support and running the booth. And the Fjords were no "substitute", they were asked to join this part of the event. What a great job everybody did; glad to see we are still getting exposure from it! Marcy
Adjustable tree saddles
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Has anyone tried the saddles where you have a key and can widen or narrow > down the tree? I have a Rembrant with the adjustable Wellup tree. It gets a lot of use as I ride several different breeds of horses in various sizes and shapes. I do not recommend it if you have one horse or a few horses of similar size. I think of it as a kind of vegematic - it can do a lot of things, but none of them particularly well. It can be an acceptable solution for several horses, but it is seldom an ideal fit. Marcy Baer
Color?
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *If your horse is a cremello dun, he most have inherited the creme-gene from BOTH parents. In that case, *his mother probably is a yellow dun, incorrectly registred as a red dun. Mom has classic red dun coloring. *What colour is his father? Dad is a brown Marcy Baer *
Creamello?
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a question for color experts on the list. Yesterday, my red dun mare foaled a colt with red dun coloring in its foal coat (chestnut colored dorsal, no black hairs), but with blue eyes and brownish-pink skin on the muzzle and around the eyes. The red duns I've known are black skinned and dark eyed. What is this little guy? He looks a lot like the photo of the Creamello on the registry site. Marcy Baer
Bridleless/neck ring riding - taking it off!
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > I agree - the TTEAM neck rope is the greatest, > easiest and fastest method I've ever found to teach a horse to neck rein. In > fact, it's so easy it should almost be patented! I work most of the Fjords here at Briar Hill to ride with just the neck ring and have taught many rider/horse teams. I like to use the wooden neck ring with Fjords, unfortunately you can't get them from TTEAM any more. The lariat or good climbing rope can work well. Our Fjords Koen and FH Bella have given exhibitions of bridleless riding at Equitana, Equine Affaire and the Mass. and Vermont Horse Expos riding patterns of walk, trot and canter and going over small jumps. Allison Quinn and her Fjord, Ayla did a bridleless pas de deux with me and Bella 2 years ago at Equine Affaire. When people suggest that fjords can be heavy and unresponsive, its fun to say give this a try. Although I've taken Bella and other horses out on the trail bridleless, you would want to make very sure that your horse is very responsive to it. Bella and Koen have also jumped fire guided just by the neck ring. We've gone through trail obstacles, over plastic tarps, bubble wrap and teeter totters. As Ruth wrote in her post, make sure you start in a confined area with a horse that is responsive to your leg and seat. Keep your bridle on while you build communication and responsiveness with the neck ring, only taking the bridle off when you are ABSOLUTELY sure you and your horse are communicating well. You can also have your horse wear a light weight rope halter and long lead with a handler on the ground to reinforce your signals if need be. Carrying a TTEAM 'wand' and giving a little flick on the nose to reinforce a turning signal and tap on the horse's chest to reinforce the whoa can be useful too. I've ridden many horses bridleless, beyond teaching neck reining, it can loosen the horse's back, lengthen and loosen stride, teach a rider to 'let go' and builds the bond between horse and rider. The horse's eye always seems to soften as the bridle comes off ; they seem to enjoy the freedom. And having your Fjord turn into Pegasus, well, it doesn't get much better! Marcy Baer - TTEAM clinician off to co-teach a TTEAM clinic in New Hampshire.
Re: xbreeding
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > BUT , how may TB are NOT good horses in terms of temperament or have bad bone > and otherwise would be a suitable horse to compete with? That is my point. > The Fjord could bring the hotness down, and could add good bone to the TB > and the Arab. > > Anna Ah, yes. Breeding could be so easy! If everything went according to plan, we could breed perfect horses, perfect Fjords within a few generations. But wouldn't it be just as likely for the Arab to put its hotness on the offspring or the TB to pass on its bone and feet? If we could only predict the outcome of our breeding ventures, things would be so easy! Even breeding like to like, we are never assured how the genetic soup will come out. Maybe you would get a tall, well proportioned, sane, intelligent, athletic horse with good bone and feet. Maybe you would get a short legged, long bodied horse with a short, thick neck, heavy bodied with small bone underneath, poor feet, wingy temperament with lots of go, but without the legs to go far. And what would become of these horses?
Therapeutic riding
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> + Thanks for posting about Jiminy and Hey, maybe this could start off a round + of posts about AI or Handicapped ridding Fjords! I'm looking for a photo of a Fjord in a therapeutic riding program to use for the new NFHR brochure. Anyone have one?? Please contact me - Marcy Baer Thanks
Redraft vs. sport
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I find it interesting that people view draft vs. sport Fjord in terms of bulk and muscling, wither height and cannon measurement. Rather, what I find most important in differentiating the two is the underlying structure - the length, and angles of shoulder, humerus, fore arm. The angles and length of the hip, the thigh, stifle and gaskin. The quality of the neck, the structure of the spinal column, and how it ties into the shoulder. All these factors go into how the horse moves and uses itself. I have seen deeply muscled, heavy boned horses move with the lightness and balance of a dressage horse - bringing their hind legs deeply under their body, lifting and pushing powerfully forward. I've seen light bodied Fjords, that on first glance, one might describe as sport type, have the underlying structure of a draft horse, thus be more front end loaded in movement and not able to push off with their hind legs. Of course, the muscling is important. Its the muscles that move the limbs. But its the underlying structure that determines the quality of the movement and what the horse can do. Marcy Baer
TTEAM book
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *I liked it so much I ordered another of her *recent books, "Improve Your Horse's Well Being", a step by step guide to *TTouch and TTeam. * And guess what, She uses a FJORD for many of her photographs *demonstrating the different exercises. I was trying to figure out if these *pictures were taken in the US or in Germany as she gives credit to Gudrun *Braun for the photos and German text. Anybody know if this fjord was in *the US? The photos were done in Germany - I believe its a German Fjord - the book was originally published in Germany where TTEAM has an extensive following including upper level dressage dressage competitors. Great book isn't it? Some good exercises too for those Fjords that stumble or are heavy on the forehand. I find "Let's Ride" lots of fun for children and adults too. Marcy Baer (TTEAM practitioner III /clinician)
Botas
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Re: guys and their giant Tonka toys - Doug's long sought-after used Kubota ... Peg, It's not just a guy thing. I kiss my 'Bota regularly. But never after moving manure. (Especially with chapstick on). Marcy Baer
Northern Vermont Trip
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > > My sister Rachel and I are planning a trip to northern Vermont, about 650 > > miles from where we live in Western New York. It's a multi-purpose trip > with Hi, from Northern Vermont, We are in the north west part of Vermont, about 2 hours from Lindsay and Jim and would love to have you for a visit. There are 15 Fjords on the farm right now. We have offspring from Solar, Stording (Grabb), Montano, Yogi (Myrstein), Holunder, Hegdal (Pedro), Glengard, Ramstaad, and Ring, so there's opportunity to see a variety of Fjords. Weather and time permitting, we could ride or hitch up the sleigh. If you take 91 north from the Coli's, 89 to the Sweeney's, then we are off 89 farther north. You could go home through Burlington, down rt. 7 to Ticonderoga or Whitehall, then back to NY. Marcy Baer & Susan Cook. Briar Hill Farm
Re: White duns & white tape
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a Modellen son; FG Kvitten, a tall ulsblakk gelding, out of Lin. "Vitters" was owned by Chelle Sherman who some of you may remember, was editor of the Herald before Sally. Chelle had Vitters in training for dressage work, but sadly one winter he came up 3-legged lame. It was believed that he had slipped on the ice and was diagnosed with a broken hip. Chelle nursed him for a year but when it was evident that he would never be totally sound, she gave him to me. Vitters' job here is to be a uncle to the youngsters and a Fjord ambassador as he has a lovely temperament, loves attention, pets and small children on his back. He has also helped me in learning alternative healing modalities: TTEAM, massage, accupressure, and recently myofascial release. I think he likes this job better than babysitting the young ones! In reference to the term 'white dun', I went back to my notes from the breed standard. When we asked the Norwegians to review the breed standard, they suggested we use uls dun, not white dun. Evidently, in Norway a white, or kvit horse is more like a creamello - has light eyes and skin - and is undesirable in the Fjord breed. There were more of these horses produced when the uls dun was more popular and uls was bred to uls, sometimes resulting in a white. In reference to 2" tape, I have used it to great success. It has worked on those horses that find metalwire fence optional. Of course it is only as good as your fence charger. We plan to use it at the new farm we're building - in brown attached to wood posts. Marcy Baer
Re: fjordhorse-digest V99 #143
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Re: Red dun stallions > MELODY'S ZEBEDEE. He is owned by: Susan Cook & Marcy Baer now. I think they may be on the list > > yet. So if you are still here is he a stallion or a gelding? > Mike > Mike is right we do have the red dun Melody's Zebedee, but he was never used as a stallion that we know of and was sold to us as a gelding several years ago. He is a nice horse but was probably never a stallion prospect. Briar Hill Farm
Re:Red Dun Stallion
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Zebedee is definitely a gelding. Guess I need to send in a gelding report! I like the red dun color, have 3 on the farm right now. One of my favorite mares, Zoe, is red. By the way, all their feet, amber and striped, are excellent Marcy Baer
Re: welcome sue
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Welcome Sue, Thanks for the great work you do organizing and staffing the booth at Equitana. What a great job you do! Marcy Baer > I am new to the fjordhorse mailing list an thought I would introduce myself. > My name is Sue Clark-Sorger, I live in the mountains outside of Albuquerque > New Mexico. I own 2 fjords, a 9 year old mare that I drive, and a yearling > filly.
Passing of Evon
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For those of you from the northeast, we have had another tragic passing of the legendary fjord mare, Evon. Due to a freak accident in the pasture Evon broke her femur bone in 3 places and severed an artery. Luckily Jennifer and Michael Johansson were right there with her to help her pass on with love. Jennifer and Evon spent many years as ambassadors of the Fjord Breed in New England. They consistently won in the NFHA S. Woodstock Fjord Show, did parades and open shows in their home state of N.H and all over the east coast. Jennifer and Evon were a beautiful sight to see doing: dressage, jumping, cross country or pleasure riding. Jennifer and Evon showed us the deep love and understanding that a horse and rider can have together. Evon was a gorgeous mare, and has had several quality offspring. Her passing is a tremendous loss to us all. If you know Jennifer or have seen Evon, please send her your condolences. I am deeply saddened by the losses the fjord community have suffered this past year. In one year we have lost 2 imported stallions (Modellon and Holundar) and Evon. These horses were foundations of Fjord quality and presence for over a decade in the US and especially the northeast. I am planning to bring a motion to the Northeast Fjord Horse Association Board meeting in January to create a NE Fjord Horse Hall of Fame. Maybe other regions might be interested in doing that sort of thing as well. These legendary figures spend their lives introducing quality fjord horses and owners to the public, and should be recognized for their contribution to the breed. Susan Cook
equitana99
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 19:44:31 -0400 > From: "Dave McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: EQUITANA > > This message is from: "Dave McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> A few corrections and additions to Dave's great write up about Equitana Managing the booth was Sue Souger from NM. Helping was Sharon Abbott and her good friend Sue Miller from Louisville, Ky. Niki's friends from NY were Kendra Miller, Emily Ryan and Kelly Stevens and their special friend Miguel. Dave is totally correct that fjords were awesome in Equitana again this year. Just so you get a flavor of the fjord presence, every day we did a mini fjord expo in the morning, a larger breed demo in the afternoon and helped staff the booth from 9am - 7pm. On Saturday in addition to those 2 demo's we did the drill team (to Norwegian music) 2 different times. Our daily breed demonstration consisted of riding, driving, draft, tandem riding, jumping rope, jumping poles and bridleless riding. Dave led with the 4up, Ceacy drove her stallion Konggard, Lindsay did tandem riding with Marcy's red dun mare Zoe and Lindsay's red dun mare Sonora, Jennifer Johanson jumped rope with SF Elsa, 13 year old Krystal Howard and Gustav rode in Norwegian costume. Niki May did a Western Pleasure demo and Marcy and her mare Bella did a bridleless riding demo. Emily Ryan (one of Niki May's friends) with Zoe, Jennifer and Elza, Marcy and Bella, all jumped over poles together 3 across. Sue Giagiari drove the Ceacy's mare Freya and her foal hitched to a stone boat. Our daily mini demo had Niki May riding western, Krystal Howard riding Gustuv, Marcy riding bridless with Bella, and Jennifer jumping rope on Elsa. Many people stopped in at the booth to tell us how wonderful our demonstrations and drill were. Everyone was very complimentary about our presentation. The Equitana paper had the fjord mare and foal on the front page on Sunday. We were a tremendous success! There is no other place that fjords could go and get such a viewing by so many people from across the country, in one weekend. Well, I have to go to sleep now, still have not caught up. > >
Re:Rosendalsborken
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- > >I am dying to see this picture. (Picture worth a thousand words :)) Do you > >have it in digital form - to send direct to me or arrange to put it on a web > >page somewhere? Would love to see it. > I am pretty sure this is the picture you are looking for. > > http://home.sol.no/~snygaard/fjord.html Yes, That is the image in question. Below is a message I received from Fjord Horse International when I asked why they used Rosendalsborken in their logo. "Blandet" means mixed breeding. Rosendalsborken is a symbol of the pure Fjordhorse and has historical significance in that regard. The Board of Directors decided against using the image of Rosendalsborken in the breed standard to avoid confusion. Although it is a beautiful picture, and a nice horse, he is not considered the "ideal" Fjord, here or in Norway. Marcy Baer Hallo Marcy Baer, Thank you very much for your e-mail. About your question about Rosendalsborken, so is he a symbol off pure breeding. We don't like blandet Fjord Horses. About ca 90 years ago,was in Norway a fight between breeders, some would like and bland them with the norwegian "Doler"Horse - it's a heavy type and the other wouldn't. Since this it is only pure breeding with the Fjords. It is difficult to say that Rosendalsborken is the "ideal" Fjord Horse. I am shure that he was it in his time. We mean that the pictures are very nice. I think that is some times, why he will be used so much. I'm sorry that my english is not the best, but I hope that you can understand me. Kind regards Erhard Martin Marketing coordinator
Equine Affaire
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello from sunny Vermont where the first snow has come and melted. We returned Sun. night from the Equine Affaire in Springfield, Mass. What a fabulous weekend! Three days filled with horse events with the Fjords very prominent. We had 12 Fjords performing. Mares and foals were petted and admired at the booth. Sat. was our breed demo. The arena was packed! Bleachers filled on both ends, people 8 to 10 deep alond the rail. Many more people than attended the John Lyons demo the night before (with a Fjord). Our breed demo starts with a parade of horses driven, ridden, and in draft harness, walking to a stately, traditional Norwegian wedding march. The front two riders carry the Norwegian and American flags. We then do sequences showing the versatility of our horses - carrige driving, a draft hitch with two mares and foals at their sides; the riders show horses jumping rope,and tandem riding where one horse is ridden with the rider driving a horse out front. We did a synchronized jumping sequence and a pas de deaux ridden without bridles. The crowd loved the Fjords! The booth and barn were crowded with admirers afterwards, people new to the breed asking many questions. The display at the booth emptied of flyers and information. Sat. night we paticipated in the 'Symphony of Horses'. Fjords were represented by Zoe, a beautiful red dun mare being ridden, and Konggard, a fabulous brown dun stallion, being driven. The show was sold out and the Fjords were enthusiasticly cheered and applauded. On Sun. we performed our beautiful ride, drive, draft drill pattern, a painting in motion, to an another enthusiastic and appreciative audiance. Again our booth was packed after the show . People loved these horses (how could they not!) and were very impressed with what they can do. Many thanks to the N.E. Fjord Horse Exhibition Team, our wonderful supporters, advertisers, and of course, our Fjords, who make it all possible. Marcy Baer / Briar Hill Farm
Re: Equine Affaire
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yesterday was a beautiful Indian Summer day in Vermont. Blue skys, crisp cool air, leaves swirling about our feet, perfect Fjord weather. A group of us got together to practice for our demonstrations for the Equine Affaire. As many of you know, the Equine Affaire is a huge horse exhibit and trade show, much like Equitana, but more regional in scope. Its being held at the "Big E" fair grounds in Springfield, Mass., Nov.6-8. We will have a booth in the trade show, with a stall attached for a 'petting horse'. We will also do a Breed Demo; The Fjord Versatality Drill Team; and be in the Symphony of Horses - the evening show. The breed demo will have a parade of our Fjords driving, doing draft,& riding. The leaders carry the Norwegian and American flags, and we ride to a beautiful, stately traditional Norwegian wedding march. We then break into individual demos of Fjords doing pleasure driving; draft - two mares with foals pulling a stone boat; riding - tandem riding, jumping rope, synchronized jumping, and a brideless pas de deaux! The Drill Team will follow John Lyons again, so we should have a good crowd. We are producing this on our own, without registry funds. As you can imagine, its fairly expensive. We would appreciate any individual support. ANY donations would be great!. For $50.00, we will display farm flyers and sales lists in the booth, handing them out to interested people. We can also use personal support, if you live near by, help staff the booth, head horses while we line up for the demo, or just stop by to give us moral support. Any applause, or 'atta boys/girls' will be warmly received. Contact Sue Giargiari for advertising or booth info at 603 924 9133 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Marcy Baer Briar Hill Farm --
Equitana
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I find it surprising that the registry would be admonished for not doing enough promotion, like the Icelandics, Fresians, Arabians and others; then it be suggested that we not participate in Equitana. The breeds mentioned above along with others, are able to contribute far more to their Equitana presence. The Arabians spend in the neighborhood of $100,000. Fresians and Icelandics take up a whole aisle each (we have 2 booth spaces). The Paso Finos create a "village".These groups are supported by their registries, but also individual farms rent their own booths within the aisles at about $2500. each. Given what they put into it, it apears that they find Equitana very important.It seems that the more presence groups have on the trade floor, the more promotion time they are given in the Mane Event - a show where thousands of people see horses perform each night. With our $7000. plus $$ raised by indviduals to cover costs of transportation of people & horses, hotels etc. we provide a very large impact for a smaller breed. Individuals who go, do so to promote the breed, not their indvidual farms. Half of them are one or two horse owners. In the booth, volunteers are instructed to present materials for the NFHR and all the farms who paid to sponser the booth and display brochures and sales lists, not to promote themselves. I've been to Equitana for 2 years now, and believe we get good exposure for the money spent. It is short sighted to measure the impact by horses sold in a particular year. There are hundreds of people a day who pet Tobyn's nose who may not be ready to buy a horse for another 5, 10, or 20 years. There are thousands who saw Bella fly over jumps bridless, Zoe jump rope, the incrediblely poised Lillihammer in a pas de deaux, Kongaard and Evon keep pace with, then blow by the large draft hitches in the Mane event, and The Fjord Versatality Drill Team - riders ,drivers and draft hitch, doing a pattern to Norwegian music - a painting in motion. The fjords made an impact, and our image grows. The impact of what we do live is far deeper than what we can convey in print. The 40 thousand and more people who saw us in 1998 may not be buying a horse this year or next, but will remember us when they do, or when they talk to friends. The presence we create at Equitana helps develop a market for the future. As one breeder who saw us there this year said, "It's an incredible amount of work and money, but I don't see how we could NOT be here." Marcy Baer / Brair Hill Farm
Re: Articles/Promotion
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I would be glad to write an article or two for the NFHR. I had spoken with > someone a few years ago (don't even remember who now but a BOD member) and > was told that they already had that taken care of. But I think that the > Small Farmers Journal already has plenty of visibility as far as Fjords are > concerned -- they have frequent articles, photos, and innumerable ads for > the breed. I think Equus and Practical Horseman are the kinds of magazines > that we could benefit from exposure in -- and it's not as easy to get > articles in those. I would be glad to try, if I could get cooperation on > getting photos, > The big publications are great, but don't forget the smaller, regional publications too. In the Northeast, there are 2 major equine news publications and many smaller statewide ones also. Every year, the bigger ones do articles on ponies or rare breeds, the smaller ones take news on farms and interesting things people do with their horses. Usually they are very happy to have material. If a puplication doesn't take articles promoting a breed, sometimes they like articles from a personal perspective as in: The Joys of Driving (My Fjord), Pony Cub With a Pony (Fjord), Learning To Ride Over 40 (On A Fjord). Trail Ride Into The Mountains (On Fjords). My Experiance At A Breed Evaluation (With Fjords).You get the picture. The possibilities are endless. Send in with photos. Press releases are also good promotion. Send out press releases on any fjord event or clinic in your area. Could also be sent to local newspapers, not just horse pubs. Maybe the promotion comittee could start keeping a file of acticles for regional groups to use. Marcy Baer / Brair Hill Farm
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #202
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am deeply saddened by the recent flaming of the NFHR and their Board of Directors on this fjordhorse digest list. Like most volunteer organizations, the NFHR does a tremendous job for it's members and should be commended for all the good work they have done. They set up an American Evaluation Process, certified judges, approved a Fjord Breed and Conformation Standard, and have done an excellant job promoting and representing the breed. They are not floundering, they are moving steadily forward! This digest is not an appropriate forum to hold a dialog with the NFHR Board of Directors, the Fjord Herald is. This digest does not have the membership represented, nor does it have most of the BOD represented. This digest is a group of people interested in talking together about the breed of horses we love and chatting about what we do with them. If you are interested in proposing something to the NFHR Board, you will have to contact them directly and they will respond. They are responsible to their entire membership, not just a few people with email. Mike May is not representing the BOD, he is a fjord lover on the digest list that is kind enough when questions of registration come up, to answer some questions for people. Most of the BOD do not have email and are not on this digest. If people want the Treasurer of the NFHR to comment on the funds in accounts, it will be in the Herald he comments or in a letter mailed out to that membership, not on an email list with a mix of members and nonmembers. It would be irresponsible for him to respond on this list. If some of you have ideas on promotions and education then I suggest that you volunteer for one of the many NFHA committees and help personally bring those ideas to fruit. I know they can always use more help in making things happen! If Wayne Hipsley or Carol Riviore have a proposal to make to the BOD of the NFHR they will have to present that proposal of what he would do and for what $ directly to the BOD. When there is a concrete proposal, not an emotional letter, I am sure the board will give it full consideration. NO MATTER HOW MANY CAPS YOU PUT INTO YOUR NOTES, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NFHR TO RESPOND TO YOU!! I myself am really tired of seeing this repeated topic on the digest. Let's get back to talking about our horses! On a different topic, what do people do with their fjords in winter? I myself enjoy taking my horse to sleigh rallys. In Vermont there used to be many individual sleigh rallys put on by seperate organizations. Several years ago they got together and scheduled all their rallys together in one series. They advertise together and have 1 large flyer and even give out Season Championship Awards. What do you do in your area with your fjords in winter? Susan Cook
Re: Rosendalsborken
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- > From: fjordhorse-digest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: fjordhorse-digest V98 #169 > Date: Friday, September 11, 1998 6:00 AM > > > fjordhorse-digest Friday, September 11 1998 Volume 98 : Number 169 > > > > In this issue: > From my questions to Fjord Horse International in Norway, I received the explanation that the Norwegians used the image of Rosendalsborken because of his historical importance, not because he is a representative of perfect conformation or the ideal fjord. To see more about the history,see the Fjordhorse page at http://home.sol.no/~snygaard/fjord.html . > The drawing that Bob Van Bon is refering to is of Rosendalsborken I 08. It > is used as the "symbol" of the Fjord horse in Norway and many other > countries and will appear on the cover of the NFHR standard as well. If > anyone is not familier with it, email me privately and I can email the > image to you. I have heard from one source that at least in Norway, it is > a "symbol" only, and not necessarily the "ideal" to strive for. Does > anyone else have any information about this? Julie @ Old Hickory Farm. > > -- > * >
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #127
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Re: shoeing of fjord We ride our fjords in the woods, in the ring and down country dirt/gravel roads. When we are training horses in the ring, we generally do not shoe them. When we start taking them into the woods we also leave them unshod. As we start going down the dirt / gravel road and longer distance with them, we often will shoe the front hooves. When we were conditioning for 25 mile ride/drives, we would mostly be down these roads and would have the horses shod all the way around. We would be putting so many miles on them a week (40-50) that it only seemed fair to protect their feet. This year has been extremely wet in VT and the horses have been standing in soft pastures all summer long. We found that their feet were more sensitive on the roads when we took them out. As with feeding, we find that what you do with shoeing has a lot to do with what the condition of the horse is and what you are asking the horse to do. If your horse is doing fine on your terrain for what you are asking him to do without shoes, why put shoes on? Of all 14 horses we have at Briar Hill Farm right now, only 4 have shoes on, and those for only front shoes. Hope that I have been some help. Susan Cook -- > From: fjordhorse-digest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: fjordhorse-digest V98 #127 > Date: Sunday, July 26, 1998 6:00 AM > > > fjordhorse-digestSunday, July 26 1998Volume 98 : Number 127 > > > > In this issue: > >more pony talk >Fwd: Shoeing Fjords > > -- > > Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 07:48:18 -0400 > From: "Dave McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: more pony talk > > This message is from: "Dave McWethy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hey, Susan Cook, nice to know you're on here. > I wasn't suggesting anyone call their Fjord a horse or pony, Phil. My point > is more that you are absolutely correct to call them either. > What I came to think was that there need to be no anxiety about not being a > horse, except in the artificial world of competition (where a horse breed > like arab or morgan can be called "pony", if pony height), since all ponies > are horses. > The problem in the case of Fjords is that the general horse world doesn't > know what to think of them. Much of the country, believe me, doesn't know > what to think of anything that isn't a quarterhorse or a Belgian. > So here we come with something which might be a pony, but is a bigger horse > than a 750 pound 15 hand arab, can do as much work in a day as a 2,000 pound > Belgian (a bold claim, I know, but I have been told a Fjord can pull 80% of > the load of a Belgian, and they have to be 20% faster.), and have all the > health and durability of a pony breed. Why should we expect this makes > sense to people who don't have them? Why should we care! > > -- > > Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 12:25:49 -0500 > From: Tim Page <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Fwd: Shoeing Fjords > > This message is from: Tim Page <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hello list, > I've just read the most recent digest and am curious about the shoeing > of Fjords. Over the last 10+ years we have never shod any of ours, and > didn't think anyone else did either. We ride/drive in parades, trail > ride, ride on asphalt, etc. and never have had any problems. The > farrier comes out every so often to trim, but that's it. We thought > that the durability fo the Fjord hooves were just one more reason to > own one! Tim, Ellen, and Alphild in sunny Placerville, California. > > > > > _ > DO YOU YAHOO!? > Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com > > -- > > End of fjordhorse-digest V98 #127 > * >
Re: fjordhorse-digest V98 #125
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> re: pony horse Fjords have the heart and smooth moves of a horse, are often the size of a pony, sometimes the size of a horse (bigger then 14.2). In the NE Pony Owners and Breeders Assoc Show (NEPOBA), we have our own Fjord classes and show in the open driving and riding classes too. In most open classes whether you show in a pony or horse class is about what height the animal is, not type breed. Icelandics ar all pony height, fjords range both sizes, welsh cobs often are ponies, some morgans on each side of spectrum, most halflingers are pony size. Maybe this serves to further confuse, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth. Susan Cook from Briar Hill Farm, Bakersfield, Vermont -- > From: fjordhorse-digest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: fjordhorse-digest V98 #125 > Date: Friday, July 24, 1998 6:04 AM > > > fjordhorse-digestFriday, July 24 1998Volume 98 : Number 125 > > > > In this issue: > >re: pony descrimination >Regarding the Hives >pony or horse >Re: pony or horse > > -- > > Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 08:14:28 -0700 (PDT) > From: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: re: pony descrimination > > This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > After reading about other's nightmares with trainers who have no idea > how to approach a Fjord, I feel I must add my 2 cents worth. There > are trainers out there who have sense enough to stand back and observe > the horse first, listen to what he is telling them, and then react > appropriately. I was lucky enough to find one on my first try, > although I must admit I have known the man for several years and knew > him to be a quiet and self assured person. He had never trained a > Fjord before, dealing mostly with the paints and Quarter Horses > popular around here, but said he would give it a try and see how it > went - no great sweeping promises of success. After two weeks or so > of a lot of frustration, he said he had them figured out - they were > like mules. "oh boy" I thought!! Then he went on to say that only > meant they were very smart, very sensitive, and apt to "freeze" rather > than flee. Having trained a few mules (two of his own) he went on to > train them beautifully for Western riding. They neck rein, move off > the leg, do rollbacks, etc. The key is they are willing if you cue > them confidently, but will 'freeze up' if confused or pushed too hard. > They are only three, so we keep 'learning sessions' short (20 > minuntes, max) and then go on to 'fun stuff' like trail riding or > going down the road. > > Some trainers really are smart, and it isn't always the high priced > ones either. I know that from sad personal experience. So much for > "horse whisperers". > > Mary > > > > > == > Mary Thurman > Raintree Farms > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > _ > DO YOU YAHOO!? > Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com > > -- > > Date: Thu, 23 Jul 98 12:39:14 PDT > From: "Betsy Bauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Regarding the Hives > > This message is from: "Betsy Bauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hi Group, >I wanted to let all of you know, so if you see these hives on your > Fjords that my vet said it was Bug related. I guess Hakar is use to Chicago > bugs and these California Bugs are a pain so he got a shot to reduce > the bother and she said to keep the skin soft with Skin So Soft by Avon >I also asked about the larger clumps on his fore-legs where he has lost > hair and hide and she said it was from getting up from the hard ground... > FYI for you all. I trimed all the rasberries and branches that may had > poked him on the legs and she said it was the ground. next year we will > disk right before summer... >Well, we are off the Equestrian Camp for my daughter's first sleep away > experience... cross your fingers '-) > > Enjoy Blue Earth Everyone! Wish I could join you., > >Also, for those interested in visiting, I have moved my site to > www.fjordpony.com are there any carriage makers who would like to market > their carriages with me? Thanks, Dave McW for your harness info. I am > working on what you sent me. stay tuned. > > Happy Ridin' >Betsy Bauer >http://www.fjordpony.com > > -
