Re: teaching an older horse to drive
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Mary Thurman I have NO idea why she is this way - and it doesn't matter what you use(even your hand), she absolutely will NOT be struck! On the other hand, her acceptance of voice commands is very handy, allowing Mary, I've had (and still have) Curly horses like that, plus a couple of dogs. I chalk it up to their superior intelligence. They don't need to be physically coerced into anything,... just simply explain it to them. Grant you, one does need to put a tad more emphasis on verbal directions every now and again, but not always. I've also found that a verbal reprimand should be appropriate,... not just a display of ones's temper on an off day. Judy
Re: Light Bulb Question
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] That was really cute, Steve. I think you left no toe uncrushed. :-) Judy This message is from: Steve McIlree Question: How many Email List Subscribers does it take to change a light bulb? * Answer: 1,001
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2002 #22
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Nothing to be sorry about, Mike. Glad to see that you (or your machine) are human. We all got a Herald, and that's all that counts. I really don't care whose name was on it. You do a great job, and we're all proud to have you as our Registrar. Judy Sorry about all of this. Just one of those things though. Mike === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Executive Director Registrar Voice 585-872-4114 FAX 585-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Indiscriminate breeding
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] LOLOL Judy ! You could have sent those thoughts to me privately girl * I didn't want to offend you TOO much!! Just three little words. I'll send them now that I know you have a sense of humor, but know that NOW I'm only sending them in fun. She has alot of qualitys, and without expounding on her good bloodlines ect. All horses have at least some good qualities, and I knew she had a good blood line. Should I not breed Linnea ( another Blue Ribbon evaluated mare ) because her disposition is very laid back, and I am trying to breed for forward driving horses for me to compete with ? Or maybe laid back is more of a good traite you would like to see, other than one whos energy is high ? *** This is DEFINITELY the mare I would recommend breeding!! LOL. (Perhaps now you understand why I was so concerned about the other mare.) Yes, I've owned a couple of stallions, (non-Fjords), who had wonderful, placid dispositions. Everything we've ever owned were either well-behaved or they were history. Guess I don't have enough cowboy in me. . It would be a shame, as she is a very correct, winning mare that has babies out doing dressage ect. for their owners, and has produced an outstanding colt for us. *** From what you've written, you really do keep breeding down to a science, which I feel is very commendable. One should always be striving for the best, and it certainly appears that you are. And apparently successfully, given what your foals are accomplishing. (But I still want to know about the dispositions of that mare's grandkids.) All good breeding is evidenced by the 2nd, 3rd, and following generations, *** Exactly. That's why I want to know about her foal's foals. This is why I bought a bred mare ( Samstein ) and Im sending 2 of my own mares out this summer for outside breedings, and with 2 wonderful Stallions here, and am expecting a ( Hostar) foal this early summer. Lisa Pedersen * Cedar City, UT. * sunny, cool with a storm brewing up North. * Obviously you're a very serious breeder, and it appears you've done all of your homework. Also appears that you're doing a great job. But please DO keep Nels and Linnea in the breeding line. :-) Judy, in cloudy, rainy, (some of it freezing), AR.
Re: Icelandics and multi-colors.
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Chincateague (sp) pony also comes in all colors; although I do believe they have there roots in the Shetland pony? It's my understanding that the above ponies, (I can't spell it either), are not ponies at all, but are horses who have lost their horse size due to the poor pasture (marsh grass), and brakish (salty) water. Anybody else? Judy
Re: PMU Fjord Crosses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've been following some of the conversations regarding the PMU Crosses, and how easy it is to pass off a part-Fjord for a purebred. Is there a way to prevent these horses from being registered, or do these folks of ill repute have ways of forging the papers on through? Judy This message is from: Mary Thurman [EMAIL PROTECTED] We won't get into the subject of Fjord cross horses - but they ARE out there. There is very little we can do about them, as there will always be horse owners who do not care whether their horses are registered or not and owners who don't know any better(ie. are not familiar enough with the Fjord breed to KNOW there is a rule against crossing them) or who do it anyway for any number of reasons.
Re: hauling horses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] to Judy, sorry, I do not haul horses for others :-( Janet = If you're ever looking for an extra job, perhaps you should!! BTW, the T/B mare is doing much better, (at least from what she was after the incident), although to her owner who knew her when, she's got a long way to go. This mare is the daughter of Rose Argent, (hope that's right), whom I understand was pretty famous. Of course, the only two T/B's I was aware of were Secretariat and Man O War. Thanks to all who showed concern. Judy
Re: Hauling
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes. Juniper would agree with you. I bought the horse and she was a wonderful loader. Pamela ==The mare who had the trailer incident will easily load into anything. She's been an extremely easy horse to work with ever since my friend got her, and I can see how great she is just by the little time I've dealt with her here. I guess all that is just one more reason I question the whole situation. Judy
Re: Hauling
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] how were the horses standing in the trailer? Slant load? Straight load? Stock trailer? Slant load, except for mare and foal who had the end of the trailer as a box. She unloaded just fine and was 100% after she got to roll. =To the best of my knowledge, this old mare has been on her feet ever since the incident. Think about the last time you took a Greyhound Bus anywhere. ===Been there, done that, and hope to never do it again!! ===I wish all of you a belated wish for Christmas blessings and a wonderful New Year. Judy Peaceful Holidays to All. Pamela Garofalo
Re: trailering horses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I trailered a young Arab from Oregon to CA...about nine hours total. I am not quite sure what happened to him, but he certainly looked like he might eventually go down in the trailer. He was sweated up and the muscles on top of his butt were quivering, as though they were severely fatigued. The road was straight and the trailer had a cushy ride. I think he was just tensing up all the time and wearing himself out. He seemed fine as soon as we let him out. Maybe something similar happened to the mare. =This is a possibility. Much longer ride for the very old mare. Judy Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: trailering horses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===Oops. Hit a wrong button,... will try again. This message is from: Janet McNally [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have hauled our horses on trips that required 20+ hours of driving. It is my preference to unload and rest the horses just before entering the mountains, as the constant up/down and turning requires a lot of muscle in any horse and has to be tiring. I am not possitive, but I think there are also laws about how long any animal can be held in a trailer without unloading for rest. I believe the law may require unloading after every 24 hours of travel. =I may have over-reacted to the whole scenerio. Accidents will happen. However, I just have very bad vibes regarding the incident. Supposedly these people unload the horses and walk them every 5 hours. I don't see how that was possible, given the fact that one guy was apparently a driver, period. Unless they had just picked them up, there was a mare and foul that had to be taken out before they could get to the other horses. We have found out that many rodeo grounds and fair grounds as well as state/national forest areas will allow you to unload and camp for the night if the grounds are not in use at that time. ==They say they take them out and walk them, even at a rest area. I really question that, too. IMHO, it doesn't sound safe, either. We always call ahead for permission (use the chamber of commerce for the town you will be near), and pay some 'rent' to the club, even if none is asked for, and of course, clean up. It is really a good thing for the horses to let them get out and stretch, roll, and lie down if they wish. The rest also assures that -we- do a better job driving in the mountains. ===Well, Janet, it certainly sounds like you folks have all the angles very well covered. Can I recommend you to my friend should she want to move her horse again? :-) Seriously, that sounds great. Judy
Re: trailering horses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm very sorry to hear about your horrible experience. We have hauled our horses on trips that required 20+ hours of driving. It is my preference to unload and rest the horses just before entering the mountains, as the constant up/down and turning requires a lot of muscle in any horse and has to be tiring. I am not possitive, but I think there are also laws about how long any animal can be held in a trailer without unloading for rest. I believe the law may require unloading after every 24 hours of travel. We have found out that many rodeo grounds and fair grounds as well as state/national forest areas will allow you to unload and camp for the night if the grounds are not in use at that time. We always call ahead for permission (use the chamber of commerce for the town you will be near), and pay some 'rent' to the club, even if none is asked for, and of course, clean up. It is really a good thing for the horses to let them get out and stretch, roll, and lie down if they wish. The rest also assures that -we- do a better job driving in the mountains. Janet
Re: Horse haulers
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Lynda, I've dealt with a couple of very reputable haulers, both of whom I would recommend. But this last one, (which we had nothing to do with other than receive the horse), I'm not too sure of. I had forgotten to mention that when they got the old mare off of the panel, they had to roll (?) her out of the trailer. She came to us with her entire coat ruffled, matted and stiff from what was apparently copious amounts of urine. The two good haulers I mentioned had VERY clean trailers. Judy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2001 12:13 AM Subject: Re: Horse haulers This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Judy, Due to our experiences with professional transporters, we will NEVER use them or recommend them to anyone. Hence, the main reason we offer to deliver our horses ourselves. Lynda Lynda and Daniel Bailey's Norwegian Fjord Horse Farm White Cloud, MI 231-689-9902 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hometown.aol.com/baileysfjords/
Re: Fjord milk!
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] You wouldn't believe it but I just had a big glass of fjord milk! Tasted quite nice, almost like skimmed milk but sweeter. Dagrun from freezing Norway *** From what I've read, the Russians use the milk from the Curly horses, use their curly hair to make sweaters, blankets, etc., eat the meat, (uh-oh), and of course, use them for work. The milk is supposed to be plentiful, and one of the uses of it is to make some sort of an alcholic drink. Judy
Re: the cost of Fjords
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] TRAINING is a major factor in the price too Judy, Hi Ruthie, Good to hear from you. Yes, I agree COMPLETELY about the training. That's what really takes the price up, and rightfully so. Thought I had mentioned that in my post. but I maintain that even an untrained Fjord is worth far more than a comparable non-Fjord, Different breeds do bring different prices, even when all things considered they may be of comparable value. Supply and demand, I guess. Plus their sweet nature, of course. :-) simply because they are uniquely sweet-natured. We've had several other different breeds in our lifetime, but they couldn't hold a candle to a Fjord.. they're worth every penny. Maybe Santa will bring you one? * I wish!!! My Santa's first name is Scrooge, I think. Judy
Re: the cost of Fjords
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: D T Vivian I will give you my thoughts on the cost of Fjords. Please no one stone me :-) ** I think the price one is willing to pay for a horse is very much related to one's geographical location and their intended use of the horse. Locally here in AR I could buy a riding horse for $500 to $1,000. My daughter traded a dirt bike for a well broke gelding, then rode him bareback the 16 miles to our place, where she got her saddle and rode him back to her home (another 16 miles) after dark. BTW, the dirt bike had been trashed in an accident. Twice. If I wanted a WELL trained animal with which to compete, that's a different story. The sky's the limit. I would expect to pay a lot more for the time invested in training. Bottom line,... seller, get what you can. Buyer, pay what seems appropriate to you. And good luck. Judy
Re: Release for SELLERS OF HORSES
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Roybn, We checked into this when we were breeding and selling horses back East. We were told that even with a signed release, it wouldn't hold up in court. All the victim has to do is state that as a novice to the horse world he didn't understand what he was signing, (and anybody who falls off a perfectly good horse could probably pull that one off with no problem). As we all know, cases get won in court that should have never even gotten to court. The release can't hurt, but it may also not help, either. Judy This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just a cautionary note to everyone with horses for sale. Make sure you have any interested buyers sign a release form in case of any accidents while with your horse. I have just been made aware of a very competent seller who is being sued because a potential buyer fell off the horse. Not thrown off, fell off -- real nice horse. Just for your protection I think it would be wise to have a release signed even if they won't be riding but will be handling ex. foals/yearlings whatever. It's a shame in today's society we need to do this but better covered than sued. Robyn in very warm MD.
Re: Bad news Good news
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] This last *irus didn't work as an attachment regularly does, it was just kind of a tag game that grabbed addresses that you had previously written to. (even if there are no addresses in your address book) w32 Badtrans B appeared swiftly and spread very rapidly. My understanding of it is that if it is left in your modem and you continue to boot up, it will evolve into something far worse-- Trojan? or something like that. So, best advice is to have it extracted by a tech. My Norton anti-virus is set up now to check every e-mail letter as it arrives. Good Luck to all! Ruthie ** Hi Ruthie, It's my understanding from what I'm seeing on TV regarding this *irus, that it's about the worse one yet, infecting about 10,000 computers in an incredibly short period of time, my own being one of them. Apparently, other than having an anti-*irus program, there is nothing one could have done to prevent it, and I sure hope I didn't infect anybody the two days this was going on. I NOW have Norton installed, hopefully properly, as neither hubby or myself know much about computers. But according to Norton, my system is clean and not only checks incoming mail, but also the outgoing mail to protect y'all. So everything takes longer now, but if it works, it will be WELL worth it. Judy
Re: Free Anti \/irus Software
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike, can this system be run con-comittantly with another system, (like Norton, for instance), and would there be any point in doing that? Judy Since so many of you have been infected with the latest \/irus I thought maybe some of you would be interested in a free program that can be downloaded to scan all of your email for infected files. It also does an automatic update daily - a really nice feature. Here is the link to download it for free: http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=6615 0b=adesk Mike
Re: hard water *irus alert
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks, Mike. Judy You need up to date Anti *Virus software. Norton is about the best in my opinion. After you get it (if you don't already have it) you need to get the most recent update for it. You need the update that was released on 11/24/01 as that is the date this one was discovered. The web site for Symantic (Norton) has the info on how to remove it. Here is a link to it: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: hard water *irus alert
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ruthie, (or anyone), I'm computer illiterate and CAN'T GET RID OF THE DARNED THING. When it's on the machine, the little gray boxes immediately come up preventing the delete process. Any suggestions? Judy This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes Jean, it was the W32.Badtrans *irus!! sure hope it didn't catch anyone-- I had McAffey and thought I was safe, plus I never open attachments from anyone-- but you can catch the darn things off of websites now I guess. Anyhow.. just got back from the computer whiz and had it all taken out and Norton up-to-date now. My apologies to all who received mail from me. It not only uses address book but anyone you have ever written to can receive one. This is a new one out 11/24/01-- so be careful friends!! Ruthie, nw mt This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ruth a message titled hard water came thru from you requiring saving to disc otherwise no message. Any idea what this is?Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 PO Box 104 Montesano, Wa 98563
Re: hard water
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ruth a message titled hard water came thru from you requiring saving to disc otherwise no message. Any idea what this is?Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] Same thing on my machine, Ruthie. Tried twice, but no change. Judy
Re: lazy?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Judy, just back from a play La Lapin Agile by Steve Martin. Very interesting. 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. *** That appears to answer the question, providing that all breeds respond similarly. Was wondering because when a donkey gets a fallen crest, it stays fallen no matter what. Thanks for the info. Judy
Re: lazy?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] No problems with the crest falling over, and if there were, I personally would think the horse maybe needs to lose the stored fat deposits in the crest, rather than having mane cut, but that is just my amatuer opinion. Mary McCready *** Does the crest recover with weight loss once it has fallen? On donkeys, it does not. Are Fjords the only horses that get heavy enough for that to be a problem? Judy
Re: pedigrees
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] That was probably the same with the two registries we were members of, also, (Arabian Registry and American Bashkir Curly Registry). It's been a long time, and for the most part we owned the stallions as well as the mares, so did it all. Thanks on behalf of all who may have misunderstood, for clarifying the issue. And you never cease to amaze me at keeping on top of things on this list. You do a SUPER great job. Judy Not quite all true here Judy. It is true that the mare owner at the time of service is called the breeder but it is the stallion owner that is responsible for filling out the stallion breeding report issuing a Certificate of Service form to the mare owner. It is the mare owners responsibility to fill out the Registration Application send it in. Mike === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Fjord Wall Calender Source?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is the link to the German pages - they often offer a wall calender: http://home.t-online.de/home/fjordpferde/igf.htm Good luck Hi Anke, It might improve our good luck if we knew the German word for Calandar. :-) (In other words, I was batting zero on the German pages.) Thanks. Judy (Embedded truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED]@angus.mystery.com image moved 16.11.2001 05:32 to file: pic30109.pcx) Please respond to fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com cc: Subject: Re: Fjord Wall Calender Source? Security Level:? Internal This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Does anywhere know if there is a fjord wall calender out there? *** That would be a good thing for some of you Fjord owners to get together and make up, using REAL pictures, not sketches. There could be a nice market for same. (Wonder if it would be cost affective.) Judy [demime 0.98e removed an attachment of type application/octet-stream which had a name of pic30109.pcx]
Re: Fjord Wall Calender Source?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Does anywhere know if there is a fjord wall calender out there? *** That would be a good thing for some of you Fjord owners to get together and make up, using REAL pictures, not sketches. There could be a nice market for same. (Wonder if it would be cost affective.) Judy
Re: pedigrees
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] The person who owned the mare at the time of breeding is the breeder, and that is the person responsible for filling out all of the breeding forms for registry. At least it was that way in the two registries to which I had belonged. Judy -Original Message- From: John Eunice Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjord fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Thursday, November 15, 2001 11:14 AM Subject: pedigrees This message is from: John Eunice Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] On the nfhr website or more specifically Online Pedigree Look up when one searches a particular fjord horse ... who is the BREEDER? The person who owns the mare when she is bred, or the owner of the mare when she has a foal, or the owner of the stallion?? Fjordally yours, Eunice[EMAIL PROTECTED] Deere Country Fjords Ayton, Ontario, CANADA `
Re: North American Horse Spectacular
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fjordally yours, Eunice (Judy -- please note: no snow in southern Ont. ... yet) *** I'm not only impressed, but absolutely amazed. Really. Judy
Re: fjordhorse-digest V2001 #296
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Michigan with its snow, rain, mud, cold, damp winters sounds better and better all the time! Nancy ** Definitely NOT. Judy
Re: tail grooming
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] One learns the areas they like to reside, and then avoids those areas or go prepared. Also, we do certain things in the late fall/winter season, after the snakes have gone into hybernation. For the most part, they're shy, and unlike the stories I've read about them, the copperheads do try to avoid us. Also, the guineas ban together and attack things like snakes and coyotes, so are very helpful in that regard also. Guess you really wouldn't want to hear about the night that my husband came home from church and found a copperhead draped through the handle of the screen door, or the time I went out the screendoor, clunking a copperhead in the head with the door. True stories,... and within a few weeks of each other. Someone had bull-dozed a large piece of property near us, leaving a bunch of copperheads with no homes. We killed six that season. Was getting downright common. Judy Might not be a problem for you Judy but a real big deal from my perspective !!! My goodness, you Ozark gals are tough! Oh, those little things, they're nothing. SSSsscream ! is my reaction. Ruthie, nw mt, who will not trade places!!
Re: weather
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Eunice writes: Maybe deep down inside Judy is really envious of your weather Not a chance! In southern Ontario it has been very wet.We too should cut the grass again. * Can't imagine it NOT being under about a foot of snow by now, Eunice. Today it is cloudy and cool.. had a few light flurries last night. Judy, do you not get tired of the same old weather day after day? ** Not a bit But we do have rainy days interspersed, so it's not really the same. It reminds me of something I saw on the net once,... All weather is good, just some days are different. Or something like that. Well, here in AR, it's all been VERY good. :-) Just think of all the fun you are missing when you can't go for a sleigh ride in the winter through the deep snow with bells ringing! *** Have to admit that that DOES sound nice. But I'll make that sacrifice to avoid months and months of nothing but white, blinding, and very COLD snow. Here we can understand why our fjords put on those wooly coats. ** And the Curly horses dress up in their very best curls. John had a cap given to him with the following on the front of it. Pictures of a Canadian flag and an igloo,and printed words: Eh!and ONLY IN CANADA. That pretty well describes us in the north. Eh! What ya think? ** Eh,... personally, I think I'll stick to the Southwest. Judy in 70 degree with sun AR, after a nice rain last night.
Re: tail grooming
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] == All Right Judy! That's uncalled for! I never took you for such a meanie! = You must have something down there that's unlovely, what is it? Snakes? bugs? (it would make Jean and I feel better to know this). The intense cold here keeps a lot of critters at bay well, Jean does have all of her resident Moose up there. =) Ruthie, nw mt = Hi Ruthie, The only thing we have that's unlovely are what the locals call seed ticks, (called deer ticks in other parts of the country). They are ferocious and PLENTIFUL. We have chickens and guineas run loose in the yard for the sole purpose of keeping that population down. Works good, but don't go in the woods!!! We do have copperheads and cottonmouths around here, and rattlesnakes fairly local, but not in our area. Neither really being a problem,... just goes with the territory. We do frequently have summer droughts, but this year has been PERFECT. So sorry, girls, really can't find anything major to complain about regarding this location. :-) Judy
Re: tail grooming
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well, Ruthie and Jean, I don't know how either one of you stand those horrible loong winters and temperatures. We're still running around in shirt sleeves during the day, and may use just a touch of heat in the morning. Pastures are still green, and could even have to mow the lawn one more time before winter. Judy, in sunny, balmy Arkansas. This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gee, Ruthie, +35 sounds great! It is 0 degrees here this morning, warmer than the predicted -10, and it will get to +10 today hopefully...your Montana weather sounds great to me!
Re: horse personality types
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Amy, You're right about the mare always being the dominant one. Even in the wild herds, there is one mare who is herd boss and makes the decisions as to where to graze, etc. The stallion, who in the movies stands on a hill guarding the herd, is really only guarding his position as stud. He's also the biggest sissy in the group, so the first to run at the sign of trouble. More for his own protection than theirs. Or at least, so I've been told. Have enjoyed reading the posts regarding same. Judy ** 1. Except in one or two cases (like where there are only geldings present) I have always seen a mare take over the Alpha position. This Alpha mare seems in most cases to actually be a quite passive / non-combative individual. Maybe it's just that all the others recognize her as number one and respect her. Amy
Re: CA newsflash - How good are these Fjords, anyway?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Carol, While breeding Arabians I'd heard that IF you can go back 5 generations on dam and sire line, you're GUARANTEED a really great foal. That might be heard to do with Fjords in the U.S. And as to the wild flowers,... I pick them for bouquets all the time, and they're absolutely gorgeous. One can find all sorts of accent grasses, leaves, the wild imitation of baby's breath, etc., just for background. Then pick a few of the actual wild flowers, and bingo,... a sensational arrangement. BTW, congrats on BDF horses successes. Judy -Original Message- From: Arthur and Carol Rivoire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Sunday, October 07, 2001 2:39 PM Subject: Re: CA newsflash - How good are these Fjords, anyway? This message is from: Arthur and Carol Rivoire [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - We just had a call from Dave Schumacher in California, calling from the show grounds at the California Classic CDE. He called to tell me that young Alexander Gwartz from Orange County, CA had won Overall Dressage with a score of 41, beating Hardy Zanke and other drivers of that calibre. Alexander was driving KRISTA, the 11 yr. mare his father, Brian, purchased from Beaver Dam Farm in 1997. Krista (they call her Sunflower) was one of our consignment horses, and was originally purchased for the Gwartz's five-year-old daughter. I don't know if that child has extensively used Sunflower, but I do know that everyone else in the family has. Sunflower was Dr. Brian's driving horse for several years, and Mrs. Gwartz's dressage and eventing horse. Alexander also took dressage lessons on her, and maybe still does, but then he got bitten by CDE fever, and hasn't looked back since, and is becoming an excellent driver with the help of his Fjord mare. Dave Schumacher reminded me that his gelding, Zolvar, Brig also won Overall Dressage at the California Classic four years ago. Brig was one of our imports who was purchased by Pat and Dave Schmacher about five years ago. Brig is now 22 years old and still winning everything, including beating lots of West Coast Quarterhorses in western riding of various sorts. That makes us some proud to think that two of our Beaver Dam Farm Fjords have won Overall Dressage at such a prestigious show as the California Classic. Some of you may be interested to know that Brig, (real Dutch Studbook name ZOLVAR), was one of the Dutch Studbook Stallions, but was gelded because his offspring didn't match his quality. -- This is an interesting lesson!!! What it says is that it doesn't matter what kind of performance record a stallion has if he doesn't pass on those qualities AS WELL AS all the other qualities concientious breed organizations require. --- Something to keep in mind --- Mare owners should look at a lot more than just a stallion's performance record which may make him a good horse, but not necessarily a good breeding stallion. Mare owners should look at the stallion's offspring, or better still, look at the evaluation records of those offspring, thus becoming concientious and intelligent breeders. BACK TO ORIGINAL GIST OF THIS POSTING --- I've had occasion to talk to some Norwegians Fjord people lately, and I've gotten the definite impression that some of them do NOT value their Fjords as competitive athletes. I hear a fair amount of negativism regarding the breed's capabilities, and how competitive they can be amongst other breeds. Judging from these conversations, I would say that we in North America have a better handle on exactly what these horses are capable of than do some Europeans. As much as I admire the European Fjord Studbooks, I think they may be missing something if they do not think of Fjordhorses as competitive sporthorses. I don't mean that Fjords are going to compete in international 3-Day Events, but there's a lot of sport between that level and regional shows, and there are not many horsepeople who aspire to international level, no matter how keen they are. I'm always fascinated by mind sets, how people think in boxes, and that's what I see here. I've heard that in Norway the Fjord is considered the work pony for poorer farmers. I suppose it's hard to go from that sort of thinking to considering the Fjord a competitive horse. THINKING IN BOXES -For instance, the European kids we have at our farm pick me bouquets, and they put the darndest things into their bouquets, stuff I'd never dream of picking, and you know what? Their creations look absolutely smashing, and I say to myself, Now, why didn't I think to do that? There's one on the table right now that's wild asters, deadly nightshade, rose hips, and a couple of wild green apples on the branch. -- They pass by my lovely cultivated flowerbeds, and pick me weeds. They call them 'natural bouquets'. And you know what
Re: when to geld
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gail, When the owner of a marginal stallion is unwilling to throw away all that time invested in raising a testosterone loaded animal,... that's when it's up to the MARE OWNER to have done their homework, know what is good quality and what is not, and exercise the judgement to pay a little more to breed to the quality animal. That may be when the marginal studs meet the knife. But I agree with your last statement regarding the Norwegian system of gelding late and producing quality stallions. A country with so little space must have a reason for that. Judy It was interesting at Libby. The quality of the mares presented for evaluation was, overall, better than the stallions. I think this is a function of the fact that people who let a stallion grow up and mature before making the decision to geld are less likely to want to throw away all that time invested in raising a testostone loaded animal ...who then turns out to be a little marginal as a stallion. The Norwegian system of gelding late probably does act as a better system for producing quality stallions! Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Petco/t-shirts
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Karen, CNN just aired a wonderful presentation of what it is really like in Afghanistan. It was a visual story by an undercover reporter, and confirmed visually everything that was in Beth's post of last evening. It's quite clear that Taliban and Afghanistan are NOT synonomous. What the Taliban does to the Afghanistans in the name of religion is abhorrent. The US government is well aware of the true picture in Afghanistan, and wouldn't it be wonderful if they helped give the country back to their rightful owners. God bless America. Judy This message is from: Dudley and Karen Haines [EMAIL PROTECTED] And Beth, thank you for the Worth Reading letter. I forwarded it to several people. We can only hope and pray that level heads, understanding and patience will prevail with Americans, our leaders and in fact all people around the world.
Re: attack
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks for the caring message, Eunice. Do you have any information on what is going on with the airplane passengers who were re-routed to Canada when they cancelled any landings in the US? This thing has affected so many lives. It just goes on and on. Thanks again, Judy (And how is Danica?) -Original Message- From: John Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjord fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 10:30 AM Subject: Re: attack This message is from: John Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] To all our American friends. Just letting you know we are thinking about you during this very sad, senseless horrifying attack. We are all affected by this, one way or another. Our hearts go out to listers who may have family or friends injured, missing or killed. May God be with you. Eunice, Ayton, Ontario.
Re: new Fjord owner
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Go, Jean, go! People are making sissies out of their horses, when nature can much better equip them to take care of themselves than we ever could. (Except for the exceptions you've already mentioned, of course.) One other exception might be someone who shows year-round or very early in the spring, and needs to keep a nice, slick coat on their horse. Even so, it still makes one wonder how the horse ever existed for hundreds or thousands of years without man and his blankets and barns. Judy * Jean writes: About blanketing...It just astounds me that folks in California, especially SOUTHERN California think of blanketing their horses! Here in Fairbanks, Alaska, I never blanket my Fjords even in the winter at -50, unless one is sick or injured. I have one stall in my little log barn, and a run-in shed attached to the barn. My four Fjords grow very thick coats that are much better inhsulation than any blanket. The only reason to blanket would be in a driving rain, with wind, OR if they are clipped and without their natural fur coat!
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] there's always the possibility of a domesticated Lynx or Bob Cat, while most people keep them confined there are always those who would release them. we know folks here who have both Lynx and Bob Cat as pets. ** Hi all, I just showed my husband pictures on the internet of both bobcats and lynx. He agrees with me that the larger of the two that we saw, had a sleek coat, not at all like what we see pictured. The coats in the pictures look like shaggy winter coats, although they are summer shots, as noted by green vegetation. He says that the size of the larger one was actually smaller than I recall. I question that, but maybe I was just awed by its presence. To my thinking, a 20 pound bobcat would be just about twice the size of my Siamese, when actually what I saw was at least four times the size of the Siamese. Hubby got a closer look at the one on the porch, which definitely had a bobbed tail, and black outline on ears. Neither of them had any body markings. He didn't see the belly, however. Despite the color, we'll still stick with the original diagnosis of bobcat. I'd like to thank everyone for all of the information shared regarding same. Judy
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] There is a great picture of a lynx at this site: http://www.r6.fws.gov/endspp/lynx/
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean writes: I doubt there would be any Lynx in Arkansas. More likely a Bobcator Cougar (mountain lion) ...did you notice the tail? * Yes, we live in AR, and no, I didn't notice the tail at all. The biggest one was somewhat the color of a deer, no stripes or spots, and very fuzzy ears. It was very well nourished, and looked easily as large as a German Shepherd. I can't imagine it weighing in at less than 50-60 pounds, which is by far over the limit for bobcats. On the other hand, I didn't go weigh it, s? color ranges from pale brown (palest in Southwest) to reddish brown, streaked with blackish and usually dark spots on whitish bellyh. *** I didn't notice the tail, but the color fits for our location. Didn't see the belly,... grass too deep where it was. The smaller one that my husband saw was more of a grayish color, he said. Kind of like the color on our Siamese cat.,... the cat's a seal-point, the most common, I believe. Anyway, thanks for the input. Local folks talk about bobcats in the area, but haven't heard them mention lynx. An occasional cougar, but pretty sure that's not what was seen here on either occasion. Judy
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks, Jean. If your descriptions hold true, what we saw were both lynx, not bobcats. Now, what can y'all tell me about a lynx? Does everything discussed about the botcats also pertain to the lynx? Judy, beginning to feel like Dumb and Dumber. LYNX: plain brownish-gray coat, longer ear tufts, shorter tail, longer legs. BOBCAT: black spotted brown coat, shorter ear tufts, longer tail, shorter legs
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi again, Ruthie, Could you give us a comparative description of the bobcat and lynx? I think most of us would appreciate it. Thanks. Judy -. Mary, There's a marked distinction between a Bob Cat and a Lynx, both in size and characteristics. You're describing a Lynx, not a Bob Cat. Ruthie, nw mt
Re: Bobcats: info please
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Listers, I'm in need of some information, especially from our listers living in the western states, regarding bobcats. After nearly seven years of living in our quiet valley, we spotted our first bobcat, big one, just outside our house. He was sauntering off with one of our chickens dangling from his jaw. That's OK, he has to eat, too. Then this morning, our (very upset) Siamese cat was announcing his desire to be let in, when my husband noticed a bobcat standing on the steps with his front feet on the porch!!! This one was smaller than the first, perhaps part of a family. Hubby thought he was cute, actually, but I'm wondering if the bobcats are any threat to our three horses. All full grown,... no foals. Would appreciate any input on this subject. And thanks. Judy
Fw: About HorseTV
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Listers, below is part of a message received from Sally Lasater about Horse TV. I thought some of you who are out there doing some great things with your Fjords might be interested in getting a video of it to Sally for airing on Horse TV. It would have great promotional potential for the breed. Reining, dressage, and driving,... you've got it all with your Fjords. The second paragraph has most of the info that I thought might interest you. I also left the email addresses, too. Good luck. Judy -Original Message- From: Sally L. Lasater [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: About HorseTV You can find the answers to some general questions on the www.horse-tv.com website. Just click on HorseTV Central, and then, the General Information and FAQ link in the menu bar. All programming suggestions are carefully read and categorized, and if you have taken the time to give us contact information, please know that we WILL follow up. If you've had trouble If you know of a breed organization that has a good video or film, we'd appreciate knowing that, too. We recognize that some of our initial programming has been dated, and we will be continuing to improve and expand our programming -- (as you undoubtedly have seen in the last weeks or so), -- but we do feel that some of these topics truly are timeless and bring entertainment and information to those who never had the opportunity to view some of these programs. As a general rule, only a small handful or so out of most of the so comments respond negatively about some of the older programming. At any rate, it WILL get better and more current -- promise! We will have a good balance of western and English programming, with a little bit of everything else thrown in too! We will begin production of our own original programming this Spring, and hope to be traveling the country visiting and covering some of the most interesting and exciting equestrian events -- from little local shows to the major breed championships. Specific event coverage is available for all organizations and groups, but there are out-of-pocket costs which need to covered -- either by the sponsors, or even the organization. We'd be happy to give you a general overview if you'd like to call. We'll keep in touch and hope you will too. Once again, thank you for your support and encouragement. Best regards, Sally Lasater The Tanbark Group, LLC Katy Freeway (I-10) Houston, TX 77007 713.868.1186 Fax: 713.868.9717 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.Horse-TV.com www.EquiVid.com www.MyHorseStable.com
Re: Sorger's disposition
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] I was so sorry to read that you have decided to sell because I noticed that it has only been 6 weeks since Katrina died and I believe that can't help but have affected this major decision. You have been so enthused in the past and now you state that you have lost all ambition to continue; which is a fair definition of how grief feels. I'm writing to say that this feeling is going to go away and maybe next spring you'll wish you had your Fjords back again.. and to urge you to not make this decision while you're still in a stage of grief. To Sue, So much has already been said regarding the loss of a beloved pet, that I don't know that there's much left to say other than many of us have been there and already gone through it. We can therefore truly say that we know how you feel. I feel that selling at this time is definitely not a good idea, although I can understand how difficult it must be to see other horses alive and well when your beloved Katrina has gone on ahead. I've been there and know that that feeling will pass in time. I've said I would never have another pet in order to avoid ever going through that pain again. But better to risk another heart break than to miss out on all the love and joy that goes with having that special pet. My only concern now is that when I, myself, take my turn to go home with the Lord, how do I provide for the well-being of the pets left behind. But, regardless, I shall have them till the day I die, and will shed many tears as they go on before me. I have the greatest empathy for you in your loss of Katrina. May God bless and help you through this very sad time. Judy
Re: garlic and vinegar
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.dropinbucket.com/cat4.htm#bb This website describes the benefits of garlic and cider vinegar as well as the benefits of using both together. Lots of other holistic info on it too. Thanks, Kate. Judy
Re: FLY * * * * --------flys
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have read several times about not using these two together, but I have CRS disease this week and for the life of me, wouldnt know why.does anyone else have info on this ? Lisa * whos still trying to get that homemade recipe for fly spray. * Lisa, I, too, have always thought that garlic and vinegar went well together, often with the addition of honey,... three natural and extremely beneficial supplements to your diet or used topically, in some cases. I'd sure be interested to have info regarding the topic of NOT using them together,... do you recall where that info came from? And, I give up,... what's CRS? Thanks, Judy
Re: FLASH We have a winner !!!!
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jack writes: In Pleasure Driving, Fjords Only she came in fifth. Walk Trot English Novice Rider fourth place. Walk Trot Western Green Horse fourth place. Pleasure Driving Novice Driver second place. And, are you ready for this one, Walk Trot Western Novice Rider FIRST PLACE. I believe congratulations are in order : ) I'm sure she will be embarrassed by my sharing these things, but, as I said, I learned something from all this. I have a lot more respect for those of you that have that special drive to prepare yourselves, your horses, and, equipment in order to bring out the best in you and your horse. I have learned that there are no losers in these shows, everyone is a winner just by showing up, and giving your best. My hat is off to all of you, and my heart goes out to you. God Bless, Your friend and barn manager, Jack. *** Thanks for sharing that great post, Jack, and I'd have to agree that under even the best of circumstances, there's always a great deal of sacrifice to get to a show. I'd also agree with you that just showing up, at the show makes everyone a winner. Congratulations on a job well done, Brigid, and I hope your grandmother is doing much better. Judy
Re: bug sprays and garlic
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Karen Haines wrote: however we too get mosquitos and biting flys.. I have been giving my horses garlic supplements... I start in the early spring a couple of months before bug season so it can build up in their system and continue through the summer... I told her about the garlic and she says everyone has started supplementing with garlic! It could be worth a try. * I've also heard that a lot of garlic is used at some racetracks. How much of it do you supplement with? Judy
Re: trail riding
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Bonnie Liermann [EMAIL PROTECTED] We walked into a swarm of mosquitoes. Really thick. The horse started shaking, biting, swishing, etc. I was covered and every exposed part of me was bit. My arms were covered and I could feel my ears being bit. I tried to go awhile but they didn't get better. We weren't even near the woods yet. I turned around to go home and the swarm followed me all the way home. They were so thick I was breathing some of them in! Yuk. I am itchy all over. THAT is what trail riding is like in Wi in the summer. Usually not that bad, but very buggy. I hate it. We had bug spray on too. Does anyone else have it like this? Is there anything that works? *** Have you ever tried Skin So Soft by Avon? Put about 1/4 Skin So Soft, (original fragrance), to about 3/4 water, shake well and spray your horse. It works as well or better than fly sprays ON SOME HORSES, and not at all on others. I was always glad it worked on ours. Smelled real good, too. Good luck. Judy
Re: Score sheets
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] No they are not posted on the web or any other place. I have the copies of them the owners are given the originals at the Evaluation. Mike *** Thanks for the info. Just one more question, Mike. If someone had a particular question about a particular horse, would you be allowed to share that information? (I don't at the moment,... just wondered.) Thanks again. Judy
Re: Score sheets
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Catherine Lassesen writes: Yes, there are numbers involved and rewards. But it is the comments on the score sheets that are important. I encourage everyone to go and have their stock evaluated. Educate yourself. I've really been enjoying studying the Record Book, but sometimes wonder, (with no ill intent here), how the judges came up with the scores. This is NOT a slam at the judges, whom I admire and respect for their wealth of knowledge, just an honest question in my attempt at education. (Remember that I'm just a wannabee Fjord owner and have never even seen one in the flesh, hence all of my education comes from pictures.) Now I also understand that equine photography is tricky, but some of the decisions really puzzle me. I said all that to ask this question,... is there anywhere on the web, (or anyplace), that one can view the score sheets on specific horses? I'm sure that the score sheet would answer any question as to specific scores on the various parts of the anatomy as shown in the Record Book. Thanks, Judy
Re: breeder incentive
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Green Valley Farm has offered this type of incentive already. Not only for geldings but mares as well. We will pay for the conformation evaluation of any horse bought from Green Valley or bred to one of our stallions. We advertised this in the Herald last year. Pat Holland Sounds like a VERY GOOD incentive to me. Way to go! Judy
Re: Evaluations Geldings! Important!!
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: SUSAN L GIARGIARI Education is what we are trying to get out to the membership, about the Evaluation System. It is VERY important to get geldings evaluated, just as important as the stallions and the mares. The geldings are half of what any mare or stallion produce. A countries breeding program is only as good as what it is producing! * Due to the fact that evaluations of geldings are basically to the benefit of the mare and stallion owner(s) of that gelding, to say nothing of the expense of the evaluations, it might behoove the breeders to offer incentives to the buyer of the gelding. Other breeds do that sort of thing, as it is beneficial to the breeder if he can advertise his stallion's get as blue ribbon winners, for instance. Just a thought. Judy
Re: Let them be horses, not stall zombies
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is it common for all breeds to be turned in with the mares and new foals? Jean Walters Gayle * I don't know about common, but I know several Curly breeders who do that. Without any problems, I might add. In fact, they're real proud of the relationship the foals have with the sire. Judy
Re: Record Book!!!
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Now I can't wait for future updates of which I hope to have a horse or two included in! Amy I didn't really have any idea what the record book was when I ordered it, but it had been highly recommended on the list, I think by Ursula, so I ordered one. And I am so glad I did. It's absolutely wonderful, and after going through it cover to cover to see what was there, I now go through it trying to judge the quality of each aspect of the horse. (Sometimes I do good, sometimes not so good!!) But it's fun and educational. Thanks again, ladies, for a job well done. Judy PS, How often will the updates come out?
Re: CHFA meeting
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi again, Joel. Just got back to finish the mail. I once knew a girl who took a good bite on her horse's ear when he tried to bite her, and yes, it worked, also. As for your trip to the pasture,... very quick thinking, and also very effective. Knew a trainer who used to throw a horse and sit on his head. By the time the horse got up, he had a whole new attitude. Kind of humble, like. Not that I would advocate that,... more gentle methods are nicer if you're training. If you're trying to survive, you do what you gotta do. I don't train dogs, but always have some. (So do some training, it would seem.) If my dog bit me, which is NOT very likely, I'd do what one should never do with a dog,... clobber him right in the chops! Actually, that would be an invitation for him to fight harder. I'd do it anyway,... but with a whole lot of voice instruction attached to it, also. Sounds like your colt is already coming along nicely. Congratulations again. Regards, Judy -Original Message- From: Joel Harman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Sunday, April 22, 2001 10:10 AM Subject: CHFA meeting This message is from: Joel Harman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anyone know how the auction that took place after the CHFA meeting in Estevan, Sask. went? No one asked me how I taught my stallion how to stop biting but I'll share it with you anyway. Never know, you might learn something. I had him picketed out was leading him back into the pasture by the picket rope on his front foot. This a 1 cotton rope so it has some stretch to it. He took a nip at me ran by. In doing so the rope tightened around a hind foot he threw himself. Taking advantage of this act of providence( anyone know her?) I was on top of him like stink on (well). Didn't let him up until I was ready to let him up. Changed boy. Oh, how cruel , you say. I didn't throw him. He threw himself. Obviously, this will not be the method of choice. Every case is different. So, dog trainers, what do you all do when one of your dogs bites you? The day old stud colt put his right rear foot in my hand this am when I asked him for it. Anyone know what earth is in Norwegian? Bye Joel Harman
Re: HCF Henry Sunday update
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] That's answered prayer. God is good. Judy I saw Henry this morning and he looked great. He is anemic from the blood loss but acted normal. He is a tough Erland kid. He was getting some bran mash today ,food is what he really thinks about now. Bill Kelley
Re: Record Book
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks, Mike. I'm sure some of our shy lurkers will appreciate this information, also. Judy But the fees for the tests are: Conformation - under 36 months old = $45 Conformation - over 36 months old = $60 Performance - Intro or Advanced = $55 per test NFHR Processing fee - $20 (1 fee per horse, includes the photo for the record book)
Re: Record Book
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Janne Myrdal A HUGE thank you to all those who worked hard to put this Record Book together. Received mine yesterday, and all done reading it this morning. Good educational tool for those of us that do not get to the shows or evaluations much. * I would like to echo the sentiments above and add what a fantastic advertising tool the Record Book will be for breeders, and what a wealth of knowledge it offers for novice buyers. I don't know what I was expecting, but I'm more than impressed. It's a great tool and all involved did a marvelous job. Thank you. I'd also like to inquire as to how much it costs to have a horse evaluated for both conformation and performance. Of course travel expenses would all be individual,... I just mean to actually particiapate in the above. Thanks, Judy
Re: Viking Magazine
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] What's a Bunard? Judy ... we posed (Ombudsmann and I) for 2 hours with my Bunard on... Catherine Lassesen
Re: Gentle Fjords Overhyped?
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] VERY prejudiced, Ruthie!! But you're supposed to be,... you're a mommy. All that hype may be true, but it SHOULD, (and I'd rather put MUST) include the rest of the story. Such as, special feeding needs, special fencing, special trainers, etc. If not, you'll have very unhappy, dissatisfied Fjord owners, who go out and give the breed a bad rap. Fortunately, most of the breeders I've talked to educate potential buyers. But if a buyer bought just from the hype they read,... uff-da! Even a verteran horse owner wouldn't know how to deal with a Fjord without education. Once educated, then if the Fjord falls into one's realm of expectations, I believe that they would have a happy relationship until death do us part. Have a great day, mommy. Judy -Original Message- From: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 9:40 AM Subject: Re: Gentle Fjords Overhyped? This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] The disposition of a Fjord is its finest trait. The breed is marked by a gentleness of temperament and a willingness to work found in no other breed and truly provides us with 'the horse for the whole family', a quality that makes it an excellent horse for the beginner. Experienced horse trainers have often remarked upon the ease of training a Fjord. What do you think, is this article presenting the breed honestly or is it setting expectations too high? *** STEVE, we would feel comfortable making this claim as it stands above, but of course there are always qualifying guidelines; the status of the beginner for example, but even a total novice has an advantage with the choice of a Fjord over other horses. =))) (slightly prejudiced) Ruthie, nw mt Bushwhacker Fjords
Re: height
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jane in Maine writes, I don't think alot of the horse world measure very well. We went to see a 13.2 pony the other day. My Fjord mare measures 13.2 on her tippy toes and she was easily a hand taller than that pony. When I describe the Fjords to people they picture a small pony and when they meet them they always say but they're BIG, they're horses.. First, a lot of folks don't measure well, but just as many or more folks add 2 to 4 inches to the sale advertisements because the public wants taller horses. Please explain how two animals with the same measurements can be a hand different in height, is it because of the Fjords wither? Thanks, Judy
Re: New foal
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: John Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sunday morning Deere Country Bess presented us with her first foal. Deere Country Peppin showed up in spite of the fact that on Saturday night John said She definitely won't be doing anything tonight. Congratulations on your little Deere! Judy
Re:Fjord virus
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] But, if I had to choose a horse to clone and fill my barn with, this would be the one. She patiently taught me to ride, and she managed to infect my non-horsey husband with the Fjord virus. Now, THAT is an important survival trait! ;-) Bravo the old mare! A horse that can infect a non-horsey husband with the Fjord virus is one that needs to have her bloodline perpetuated! What are these lines? Judy
Re: Feet
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pam, I think you are right about genetics playing a part in the quality of feet: I looked up your fjords on the CFHA pedigree links and see thay have the same bloodline as mine, Rudaren, Leidjo and back to Ola Gik through Modellen and Line. It would be interesting to do a survey of hoof quality and compare it to bloodlines! Come-on! Let's do the hoof survey! ** Excellent idea!!! Teeth and testicles are majorly important, especially if you have a horse that is eating or breeding. :-)However, without the feet, the teeth and testicles seem to lose a bit of the importance. Why is there not at least as much emphasis placed on feet,... literally the foundation of the horse, as there is on teeth and testicles? And how about including that majorly important data in the next Record Book? I can grind up my horses food if his teeth go bad, but I sure don't know much about hoof prosthesis. Judy
Re: Foaling
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] My mare is 10 days past her due date. How long is too long?..I am worried. Thanks, Andrea *** What is the normal gestation period for Fjords? Our Arabs were pretty steady at 11 months and 4 days. The Curlies are anywhere from that up to a full 12 months. How about the Fjords? Judy
Re: introducing ourselves
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Mary, Enjoyed your post, and nice hearing that you're on the list. I didn't realize that you weren't when I had posted you regarding your Bosomworth colt. Which of your youngsters are on the drafty side, and do you see any difference at all in attitudes between the drafty type vs. the lighter type? That's just a little tid-bit I check out when I can. Except for the gnats, it sounds beautiful where you are. We used to have friends who lived in Front Royal, at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. That was also beautiful. Good luck with your Fjords, and keep us posted as to how they progress. Judy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 11:42 AM Subject: introducing ourselves This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] hi all jane sawyer told us about the digest last fall, but i haven't been able to get on till now - i have been signed on two days now and i have read many delightful commentarys on fjords - i have thoroughly enjoyed listening-in our names are jim and mary harvey - we are located in app the geographical center of virginia - we live in a valley called goose creek valley and the blue ridge parkway can be seen on the mountain tops most of the way around the valley - it is a beautiful place - the only pests in summer are knats that could carry you away - winters are ususally pretty mild, but occasionally we get a big snow or a bad ice storm we have raised our family and are now giving our full attention to our farm - my husband is in the process of retiring, so hopefully we can accomplish more when he is here full time - we have a 25 head beef cow herd and an assorted menagerie at our barnyard ( chickens, ducks, geese, pidgeons, cats and dogs) we have a large garden each summer and i preserve as much of our winter food supply as possible and time permits - we have been fjord owners just about a year and 1/2 now and truly enjoy the breed - i wanted a team of large draft horses, but a friend who was more knowledgeable of draft animals talked me into the fjords - i had seen pictures (black and white) in small farmers journal and had not been too impressed, but when i saw my first fjord in the flesh, i knew they were what i wanted - we acquired our first two fjords (6 mo old fillies) about a year and 1/2 ago from brian jacabson - we bought a weanling colt this last fall from jane sawyer and just recently acquired a yearling colt from eunice bosomworth from canada - needless to say they are keeping us busy - so many youngsters needing brushing, feet trimed, fed, disciplined and loved - they are all delightful - two are quite drafty and two are more refined - no, we didn't plan it that way - our intention was to get a team of mares, drafty, to use here on the farm, pull the buggy and ride grandchildren when they visit - subsequently breed them, for we truly enjoy teaching youngsters, but somehow that has expanded recently we printed the fjord evaluation handbook and now truly hope we can get all of our fjords successfully through this evaluation process in all areas - that should keep us busy for several years would love hearing from anyone jim and mary harvey montvale, virginia
Re: equine dentist
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] My big boy keeps extending his neck, twisting it and mouthing. I know this can also be a sore throat and he has been through two bouts of coughing with cold symptoms. But he also slobbers out his senior horse, smacking and gumming in a not boy is this stuff good manner. His teeth were floated in October and I do trust my Vet. Jean *** I hope this has nothing to do with any of your horses, but I had an old Arab mare, almost 24, when she started not completely chewing her hay, spitting some out half chewed, etc. So we figured this grand old lady needed her teeth floated, or something dental. Turned out to be in-operable cancer. Judy Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes Noble Book Stores
Re: Equine dentist
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Three friends, with radically different equine backgrounds, all recommended the same guy---a Canadian, with about 20 years experience, who runs a lay dental school, and also travels the world, doing clinics at which he (and his network of local vets) fixes major dental problems and continues training his local apprentices. I got the mare into one of his clinics; he found a loose and painful tooth (worn to nothing, with rotting hay packed around the root!), which he pulled, and he reshaped overly long teeth that were poking her in opposing gums. Turns out, he sees a fair number of Fjords in his Canadian practice, and his comment was that you have to watch these Fjordies. They're so stoic that, by the time they're showing their problems (by flinching due to pain, or by losing weight), their mouths can REALLY be a mess! Thanks for the very informative post, Marsha. But it brings up another question, that possibly you would have some knowledge regarding. This dentist mentioned you have to watch these Fjordies. Are they pre-disposed to bad teeth, is it they way they are fed, or what? Is there anything an owner can do to help prevent the problem in the first place? Colgate and very large toothbrush, maybe? Thanks, Judy
Re: Equine dentist
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Marsha writes, Um, it would appear that someone has been speed-reading my postings Oops! It would appear that that speed reader was me. However, you did clear up a lot of things for me, so I guess I took longer reading this post. I did have some misperceptions, in that I believed that an equine dentist was a specialist in the field of equine dentistry. Where I used to live, it was very prestigious to have the equine dentist out to your farm to work on your horses teeth, rather than the vet. (We used the vet,... equine dentist's fees were astronomical!) But if I understand your post, the equine dentist works under the vet's license. Yes? Thanks. Judy
Re: Equine dentist
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 12:51 PM Subject: Re: Equine dentist This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am replying to comments re. original post about Equine dentistry: I cannot see a correlation between the two - did I miss something, or?? ** Probably not, Karen. More likely I did. The point, however unfounded it may have been, was that if an equine dentist can examine a horses mouth and miss all the stuff that the one Marsha spoke of did, it would be (I think) just as easy, if not more so, for a vet to miss the genetic predisposition to a maloccluded mouth. Yes, that should be obvious and be easily seen, perhaps. But so should the bad teeth in Marsha's horse that the equine dentist totally missed. Just MHO, and probably not worth too much. Judy
Re: Equine dentist
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] BTW, I eventually fixed the bridling problem, by having a really good equine dentist work on Rom. With his wolf teeth pulled and two disintegrating canines removed, Rom gradually became a lot less worried about taking the bit! Yes, he'd had regular dental exams by an equine vet; no, the vet didn't get it. Trainers aren't the only ones who can be breed blind Marsha Jo Hannah You no doubt had a licensed equine dentist miss major problems in your horses mouth, yet some would like to see an ordinary vet check the teeth as part of the pre-requisite to be a breeding stallion. Now, please, don't take this wrong. I STRONGLY believe that every equine breeder should be breeding to produce the best foals possible. It doesn't cost any more to raise good stock than it does poor, so go for the best when breeding. But all the rules in the world aren't going to eliminate the human error of a careless or uneducated vet or equine dentist. You breeders need to put your heads together and come up with a factor that will encourage only breeding of the best. Like the marketing of the foals. If people can't sell them, one would think they'd quit breeding the poor quality stock. You reputable breeders really need to promote your stock, and also promote just what makes them stock to be desired. (As I understand it, the Record Book should help in that area.) That was just one for instance,... I'm sure y'all can come up with a lot more. The Fjordhorse is a wonderful and beautiful animal. No reputable person would want to see it any less than that. Judy
Re: re question
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: M.Bijster [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjorden mailinglist fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 2:56 AM Subject: re question This message is from: M.Bijster [EMAIL PROTECTED] In Norway or Holland are all colts gelded that do not get a certain rating? in Holland, yes greetings, Marion * What do they do to control the quality of the breeding mares? It seems to me that at least 50%, (or more), of the genetics that make up a foal come from the mare. Yet I never hear anything about quality control of mares from any of the countries. Only the stallions. (Yes, I realize the stallion can be responsible for many foals in one season, whereas the mare only one in a season. But that one should be the very best it can be.) Judy
Re: Training fjords
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Joel writes, Another problem finding a trainer could start on your own place . Those cute, cuddly foals grow up to be 100# animals capable of killing a human. Not to say they will but treat them like what they are - an equine. Kind of like the perception some of us have towards vets, or farriers. They generally treat equines like equines, not pets. Unfortunately some may use more force than we, as owners, are comfortable with. We can help by teaching our cute, fuzzy foals manners. I know this is a repeat of many other posts of mine. Treat them like equines maybe the Oh! Isn't he a cute little thing! comments will stop. Your entire post oozes with a wealth of common sense, Joel. And your advice is usually given at a level where a novice can understand and make sense out of it. Thanks. Judy
Re: Training fjords
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another problem finding a trainer could start on your own place . Those cute, cuddly foals grow up to be 100# animals capable of killing a human. Not to say they will but treat them like what they are - an equine. Kind of like the perception some of us have towards vets, or farriers. They generally treat equines like equines, not pets. Unfortunately some may use more force than we, as owners, are comfortable with. We can help by teaching our cute, fuzzy foals manners. I know this is a repeat of many other posts of mine. Treat them like equines maybe the Oh! Isn't he a cute little thing! comments will stop.
Re: Introduction:Deere Country Fjords
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Welcome to the list. It's very informative, and the people are great. And so are your horses. Judy This message is from: John Bosomworth [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Fjord lovers! I have been lurking for a long time so thought it was time to introduce myself.
Re:Non allergenic horses
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I had horses for quite a few years before I bought our crazy Arab with no alergy problems. I am evidently allergic to Arabs only. My arab, the neighbors Arabs, friends part Arabs. But not to Fjords, QH, TB, WB, Shetland or Walker. Only Arabs. Martie in md G * Well, that almost puts in another good word for the non-allergenic Fjord,... along with the QH, TB, WB, Shetland and Walker. :-) That's interesting about the Arabs. Very unusual, I think. Judy
Re: Teresa's Rivoire post/Montana breeders
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't say that I recall where they said the horse was from, but I do well recall that the name of the seller wasn't any Montana Fjord breeder that I have ever heard of and I thought at the time it was simply an unknown individual person of parts unknown. I just want to speak up on behalf of all Montana Fjord Breeders who are the best in the west; proclaim our innocence and defend our integrity! Ruthie, nw mt Ruthie, I'm sure that anyone whom has ever spoken with you, seen your farm or seen your stock, would know good and well that the unscrupulous person who sold that sickly horse was definitely not you or any other reputable Montana breeder. It makes you feel bad when something like that happens at all, and even a little worse, I guess, when it's your home state. Such a shame. Judy
Re: legs
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Friday, March 09, 2001 1:56 PM Subject: Re: legs This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat, Green Valley Farm wrote: ...I should have been more definitive - Tico has an 8 1/2 cannon . Tico's legs appear like they are stout enough. I think fine used as a description of Fjord legs has a tendency to throw one into a conformation tizzy. It did me! Sorry!! Karen Pat Karen, I've been reading your posts as you two banter back and forth. I think what I'm seeing here is not two ladies having a disagreement, but two very smart ladies using the legs issue as a means of promoting and advertising their horses.:-)A very ingenious, innovative idea. Good work. Judy
Re: Hello
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Now as to Fjords being non'allergenic - I'd have to differ with than one. Horses, including fjords, and their environments - hay, dust, molds, etc. cause me a major problem. Now, it may be that I'm just more sensitive than others on the list but I wouldn't want someone adding to their advertising that Fjords were non'allergenic. Just my opinion. Susan Cargill, Longtheway Farm, Birchwood, WI ** Hi Susan, Enjoyed your post. Especially the sleigh ride to the hospital with your mom. I also enjoyed the joke, (wonder if the horse did!). As to the non-allergenic Fjord, maybe not something to advertise, but it could be added that we all know someone (here on the list) who IS allergic to regular horses, but not to Fjords. Unfortunately, anyone can be allergic to something, whether it be a food product, animals, metals, or whatever. (I'm allergic to the non-allergenic posts on earrings!) But at least for one person, Fjords are non-allergenic. Perhaps that really is NOT enough to use for advertising. But could be worth honorable mention? Judy
Re: Teeth Testicles - NFHR Response
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] The reason to do it at all is because a stallion with improper teeth and/or testicles WILL PASS THIS ON. Genetic defects proliferated in North American Fjords. Let's remember that ALL defects the animal is born with will more than likely be passed on,... not only TT, but also problems with legs feet, eweneck, cow-hocks, etc. You said the magic words with NO breeder with any integrity or knowledge would breed a stallion with these defects. That says it all. Now just figure out how to educate the buyer, and that will eliminate any purpose in breeding defective stock. You also mentioned that the genetic defects proliferated in North American Fjords,... where did these defects come from? The NFHR is saying they can't trust a licensed veterinarian to make this judgement. Come on now! *** Whether it's a vet, an MD, or any other licensed whatever, there's always the good ones and the bad ones,... the ones who care and those who don't, those with integrity and those without. Sad but true. The NFHR letter also said - It is the opinion of the Board that improved quality is better attained through education and by continuing to improve and promote the NFHR Evaluation process. ** I'd have to agree with that. I'm not sure, but I think that Mike had mentioned trying to get the evaluations more accessible to everyone. The letter goes on - It is the goal of the Board and the Evaluation team to focus on the whole horse rather than on designated areas. *** That sounds real good to me. I'm looking to buy, but I want more than teeth and testicles. And I would hope that when a horse is being evaluated, he/she would be knocked down for the other major faults, as well as TT. To me, it's a simple, easily implemented, inexpensive way of allowing all stallions to be at least partially evaluated, What's easy and inexpensive for one, may not be easy and inexpensive for another. Vet bills can be astronomical in some parts of the country. But then, I can't imagine why the U.S. doesn't have gun control either. There's obviously a need as we're reminded periodically. * We don't need more gun control. We DO need better criminal control. If the existing laws were used properly, we'd have a lot less problems. It's not a problem of guns,... it's a problem of people. And it's my constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Within the guidelines of the law, of course. GROUP USA - * Doesn't have even minimal stallion inspection (except for those evaluated) - And this means that any stallion of any quality with any number of severe faults, not to mention deformities, can be registered and breed, and those foals are admitted to the registry. They are pure-bred, registered Fjords, even though they carry the genes of severe faults. This also means that the buyer should do a little homework. Look at the stallion and mare. Look at siblings of the potential purchase animal. Look at other horses produced by the stallion and mare. Read the breed standard. Check the evaluations. GROUP EUROPEAN - * Most horses are evaluated and graded as to quality, ie, A, B, C The grading is very convenient, but would be a much more valuable tool if ALL horses were evaluated, not just the stud. The mare puts in her genes, too. * The stallions are scrutinized for quality and the possibility of inheritable defects. And then if he's bred to a mare with a defect in her genes, it can show up anytime. Some foals may be perfect, and others may have problems. Yes, I know that all of the rules and regulations of the European Fjord Studbooks are not possible in America. ** I believe that may be the bottom line. Carol, it's certainly good to have someone as dedicated as you watching out for the Fjords. And, yes, I really do believe that TT are important, but no more important than the rest of the anatomy. (And in MHO, not as important as some other parts, but we'll not go there now.) But definitely important, none the less. Our registry is doing a terrific job. There's just always a lot of pros and cons to different aspects of things. There's always a way around rules and regulations. A lot of bugs have yet to be ironed out. It will come. In the meantime, breeders need to breed the best animals they can, and they need to promote their animals, and they need to educate the public
Re: Re:Rivoire post
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kathy, That was a very informative post. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Judy *** In the hyperbole of the argument a statement was made that there was not a chance in a million of a stud who had been evaluated to pass on a genetic defect. Here, as a pathologist teaching molecular genetics and diseases at a University I will have to respectfully disagree with the author. kathy in Southern Idaho where for the first time in three months it is beautiful.
Re: Scent of a fjord
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fjords DO smell different than other horses! Much more pleasant and less earthy somehow. I can unscientifically prove this with my allergies. Regular horses plug me up and fjords don't. Not sure what the difference is but my nose knows the difference. Teresa Sanders I rest my case,... Fjords are non-allergenic (for most people) just like the Curlies. Another good selling point for the Fjords. (Just don't tell people they stink!) Judy
Re: sweetest dogs :)
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Gayle writes, Can it be that as Fjords smell different than other horse breeds, are so willing to be our friends, eat anything, come when called, own us, *** I found that comment so interesting, as it's just one more trait that's similar to the American Bashkir Curly breed. This is the first that I had heard that the Fjords also smelled different than other breeds. Their temperments are also very similar, as are training methods. The Fjords also grow a tremendous amount of hair in the winter, and the Curlies grow the thick curls, which they lose all or part of in the summer. The Curlies are purported to be the non-allergenic horse, in that those allergic to normal horses, are not necessarily allergic to Curlies. Has anyone ever checked this out with the Fjords? Wonder if these two breeds come from the same or similar origins. Hm. Judy
Re: Dished faces....
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Maybe the Arabs originally got their dished faces
from Fjord blood! Think about it!! (actually - the most probable answer is
that they both got the dished face from a common early ancestor.)
Amy
*
Actually, according to some exerpts taken from Dr. Bennett's book
CONQUERORS, Equus caballus caballus ... frequently had arched nasal bones
producing an undulating facial profile, insuring that incoming air would be
warmed before reaching the lungs. {that's where the dished face of the
Fjords came from} Dr. Bennett's website is:
http://www.equinestudies.org/
Her publication in Equus magazine addresses the origin of horse breeds, at:
http://www.equinestudies.org/Publications.htm
Enjoy. Judy
Re: centered riding
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] You need an experienced centered riding instructor to place your building blocks (head, shoulders, hips, heels) and show you how you, as an individual, need to let go to stay there. Sally Swift's books on it are excellent, she also has several videos. Kate in CT *** Thanks, Kate. At least everyone is pretty consistent on the source! Judy
Re: Re:centered riding
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Read Centered Riding by Sally Swift. It's a marvelous book. And, of course, Mary Wanless is supposed to be super but I haven't got to those yet. Gail Dorine ** Thanks Gail. They must be good books, as two other folks have already recommended them. Guess you're all using the same library! Judy
Re: The Truth in 13 words
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] THE TRUTH IN 13 WORDS... Inside every older person is a younger person - wondering what the hell happened. Jean Ernest Jean, I'm reading this after I've just read all of the earthquake stories, (with tears in my eyes for fear of the folks and their Fjords, all of which seem to be doing well. Thank God!) Your Truth in 13 Words couldn't have come at a better time. It is one of the few things that can be SO true, and still be hilarious. Talk about LOL. And all of you in Washington, my sincerest wishes that all goes well with you and your equines. Judy
Re: parade in tucson
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another thing. When we lived in southern WI, we became friends with a farm family and they had a dairy herd at the time. I always remember them saying that their herd was much healthier when kept outside. I don't know if they ever tried keeping them in. Carol M. We live in a very small community that isn't even on the map. When we moved in 6 years ago, there were four dairy farmers right in this community, (we bought our property from one of them). Now there is only one left,... it got where it was costing them money to keep the cows,... expenses were more than income. So two sold their entire herds. And due to terminal cancer, another farmer lost his herd, (repossessed). Still a fifth dairy farm had been out of business before we ever moved here. That widowed lady went out of business when her husband died. Leaving just one operative farm in the community. Lots more in surrounding area, however. And, Carol, I doubt your friends ever tried keeping them in. They're definitely healthier outside. Cleaner, too. Seems like every cow that gets milked has diarrhea. After milking, they even have to hose down the walls! Yuk!! Judy PS, Pigs may corner the market on foul smelling, but cows sure come in second!
Re: Training the horse for the farrier .....
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Joel writes, This weight formula thing for riding appears to be getting out of hand. A 100# rider can be harder on a horse than a 250# rider. It's all in working with the horse instead of being baggage. Good rule of thumb is 25% of the horse's weight. Better to concentrate on learning to stay centered instead of crunching numbers. Mornin' Joel, Enjoyed your post about handling the feet of the youngsters. It was very well stated, and it does work. Now, as to the riding,... for this dummy who would most probably fit into the baggage classification, could you explain (teach) just what it means to stay centered, and how to do it? Thanks. Judy
Re: parade in tucson
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] The most weird thing I've seen out there is a dairy farm. There wasn't a regular barn but just a bunch of pens with cows in and shelters from the sun with fans. I guess they did have a milking parlor though. I felt sorry for the cows. Carol M. ** Here in Arkansas they have hay barns and the milking parlor. There is no cow barn. Also no shelters with fans. Maybe a tree here and there. Our lights blink all the time from the cows rubbing on the electric poles. Apparently they make good scratching posts when there is nothing else. Judy
Re: Arabs, Prezwelski Horse, Ewoks Norse Horse
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] I don't think you can assume that the dished face of the Fjord is a result of Arabian blood. . The cave horses are the Ewoks Horse, aren't they? Meredith Sessoms *** I'd have to agree. Someone else had done an excellent post explaining a lot of this, but it seems like the dished face has something to do with the nostrils, which has to do with their function. All the technicalities, of course, which I forget. Bottom line, the dished face of the Fjord could have a lot to do with just plain old anatomy, or possibly some Arabian influence, or even both. As for the Ewoks Horse, I really don't know. I was hoping someone could give a definite explanation of which horse the Fjord originated,... Ewoks Norse Horse, or Preswelski. If you find out, let the rest of us know. Judy
Re: Cookies/carrots
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] However, I do know someone who buys the large bags of Mother's brand oatmeal cookies. He gives them as rewards while working, and also as a vehicle to administer Bach Flower Remedies. Karen McCarthy ** To Karen and all the other cookie ladies: First, what is Bach Flower Remedies, and second, wouldn't carrots serve the same purpose as cookies while eliminating the hastle and the sugar? We've got one mare that thinks they're the best thing that ever happened! Judy
Re: Foot and mouth disease
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] But what if they had told you all your Fjords had to be killed because they might have a virus ON their feet or body (not IN it)? I do NOT know if any horses were actually killed in Merek That's a toughy. First, I'd want to know beyond any doubt whatsoever that they could be some kind of a threat to other animals or humans. If that was a definite yes, I don't know what I would do. If I knew for certain that there was NO danger to other animals or humans, I still don't know what I would do,... but could guess it wouldn't be very nice, or lady-like, or even Christian. I don't take kindly to anyone messing with my family! Judy
Re: Foot and mouth disease
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] When I lived in Illinois there was a dairy farm that came down with Brucellosis. All the animals on the farm had to be killed INCLUDING THE FAMILY PET DOG! Steve Steve, From your professional viewpoint, what were the chances of the family dog having been a danger to any other animal/human? I'm sure my pet dog would have disappeared before being put down, unless there was a mighty VALID reason! That would be like putting down one of your kids because he/she might spread something. Judy
Re: Foot and mouth disease
This message is from: truman matz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Foot and mouth disease I could see a major uprising if a stable owner was told his whole herd was to be killed over a disease they can't even get. Comments? Merek *** Merek, This may be totally off the subject, as it regards pigs not horses. But when we lived in NJ and had two sows with babies, we had the powers to be come on our farm to test them for something that was going around at the time. Mandatory testing. And the whole bunch would have been put down had they had it, but we would have been financially reimbursed for the pigs. Fortunately, our group of 23 pigs were fine. All of which doesn't answer your question,... just a point of interest. Judy
