Another Fjord horse Buying question
This message is from: "janet" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Someone asked what would be the 'job description' for a future Fjord owner. I previously had owned Tennessee Walkers for many years. There are two big differences that stood out, one was that I had to be more physical to preserve my personal space. I needed to sprout some sharp elbows and use them with athority. The walkers just naturally stayed out of my way... often out of reach. The other is I needed stronger facilities, as my Fjords happily push on anything to get one more blade of grass. The benefits are that I never have to go 'fetch' my horses. Instead they clamor for my attention at the gate because they all want to come along, and I can turn that willingness to push into work. Fjords do spook, but not as often, and its over as soon as it starts. Janet
Re: Another Fjord horse Buying question
This message is from: "Debi Williams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Sherry, Well seems you are describing a Fjord pretty well. yes calmer and braver...translation not prone to running away any farther than absolutely necessary, in reality a few feet and turn around and see if it was worth it!! First time I hooked my mare to something to pull she smiled and looked like she was saying "so why didn't we do this before???" They don't get born broke and seem to understand sooner than other breeds.They seem to think things over after you have shown them a new thing to do. But they do need to have everything presented calmly and in small steps. they do not like a lot thrown at them in quick succession. case in point I took my calm brave quiet 3 year old mare to a riding clinic( but actually it was only her 8th ride so not really broke just quiet enough to tolerate my attempts to teach her) She did well but after 5 hours started grinding her teeth and locking up her neck. She had had enough of do this and now do that clinic! The instructor said make her do it she's just being obstinate. she really just needed the time to think it all over and work it out in her mind. And frankly so did I!!!Looking back now I can see how much she really gave me that day!!! First trip away first time with other horses and there were 12!! It was crowded!! Asked to do things that I really didn't fully comprehend fully, if it's not clear to the trainer how can it get clear to the horse!! I was tired so why shouldn't she be!! on the second day, she did everything we practiced the day before like it had been done for years!! I left her rest when she seemed to want to just watch. did us both more good than pushing thru stuff I didn't understand. Best of luck, you sound perfect for a Fjord. Debi Williams Williams Hill Fjords
RE: Another Fjord horse Buying question
This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> You might first consider a comparison of the number of Fjords in the NW in comparison to QH's and Appys. They are much less in number throughout the country and so often more expensive. Expense being relative to the temperament, training, etc. of a horse. Plus they are worth every penny in temperament and pleasure to own (mostly). Another thing, is that you can never judge a breed rridden on a "dude" ride. Rent horses are almost always rotten. Wouldn't you be stubborn or mulish or perhaps, "self-protective" when ridden constantly by people who hurt your mouth, hurt your back and generally abuse you. Any horse will develop behavioral issues after this kind of treatment. Fjords are generally very smart and don't put up well with continued abuse. I would visit some of the excellent breeders in the NW and try some well trained Fjords out for size. I think you will be impressed and maybe reconsider the cost. If you continue on this list, you may hear about a horse that is looking for a good home, suits your needs and is within your budget. Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM [EMAIL PROTECTED] Personal Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/cmadden88011 Zia Carriage Driving Club: http://www.geocities.com/zcdc_nm
Re: Another Fjord horse Buying question
This message is from: Steve Sessoms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sheryl O <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >>>I had the chance to ride a Fjord on a "dude" trailride and really liked her, but I am curious what type of horsey owner is well matched to a Fjord versus other breeds What I mean is, what would be a good "job description" or attributes of a typical Fjord? I currently ride an Appy, very pretty, athletic and thoroughbred typey. I love her smooth gaits, beautiful way of moving, her energy and willingness, but I wish she wasn't quite so hot. I would also like shorter to make mounting easier on the trail. I have thought about the possibility of a little quieter horse for pleasure and trail riding. I have an secondary interest in driving, but couldn't ever imagine hooking my mare up to a cart! The one Fjord I rode was sturdy and calm, but seemed a little stubborn perhaps. I talked to the wranglers and they both preferred their quarter horses but did say that the Fjords were much calmer and easier to train - more people oriented as babies. Can't judge a breed by one horse ridden on a dude string though! thanks, Sheryl<<< I haven't known many Fjordies well, but my two mares are as different as night and day. The things they do have in common are their incredible cuteness and their absolute good naturedness. Aagot, from Grabb/Solar lines, is very low-key, steady and easy going. Shari, my horse trainer, calls her my pokey little pony! After two weeks with Aagot I could tell she was anxious to get back to her Arabians. However, when Aagot is on the trail, she kicks it up a gear because she can't wait to see what is around the bend. My Dorina on the other hand, is the one I kiddingly tell anyone who gets on her that she forgot to read the book about how Fjords should behave before she was born! She is Dutch bred, by Holunder. She is a couple notches hotter than Aagot, but nothing a good determined beginner can't handle most of the time. If she was younger I can just imagine her in the hands of someone like Vivian Creigh because she has a "big engine" and a special look and way of going. Shari really enjoys working with Dorina, she is more the type horse she likes. I enjoy riding both horses. So, I would say, there is enough variance in the breed to get what you prefer with a little study and shopping. Good luck finding a Fjordie to suit you because they are great little horses. Meredith Sessoms Moulton Alabama USA ~ Dorina, NFR Aagot and little Anjee ~
Another Fjord horse Buying question
This message is from: Sheryl O <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> How much should you expect to pay for a quiet, trained, 16 YO or younger riding Fjord? In the Pacific Northwest, prices seem very high compared to other breeds and I was wondering if that is a generally true situation. I had the chance to ride a Fjord on a "dude" trailride and really liked her, but I am curious what type of horsey owner is well matched to a Fjord versus other breeds What I mean is, what would be a good "job description" or attributes of a typical Fjord? I currently ride an Appy, very pretty, athletic and thoroughbred typey. I love her smooth gaits, beautiful way of moving, her energy and willingness, but I wish she wasn't quite so hot. I would also like shorter to make mounting easier on the trail. I have thought about the possibility of a little quieter horse for pleasure and trail riding. I have an secondary interest in driving, but couldn't ever imagine hooking my mare up to a cart! The one Fjord I rode was sturdy and calm, but seemed a little stubborn perhaps. I talked to the wranglers and they both preferred their quarter horses but did say that the Fjords were much calmer and easier to train - more people oriented as babies. Can't judge a breed by one horse ridden on a dude string though! thanks, Sheryl Meet the all-new My Yahoo! Try it today!
