This message is from: Vicki & Tony Johnston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I've followed the discussion on advertising with much interest. I've
recently become a Fjord owner after searching for the perfect, versatile
horse for 2-3 years. I've been involved with horses through my
husband's family for twenty years. I've gone to horse shows with
friends, and endurance rides with family for years. I have read Western
Horseman, Equus, Horse & Rider, Perfect Horse and Horse Journal for many
years. My radar did not find the Fjord until relatively recently.
About 1-2 years ago, I asked my vet to examine an Appendix Quarter Horse
that had a wonderful disposition. I was worried about his feet, and my
vet determined that his feet did, in fact, make this lovely horse
unsuitable for my needs. My vet suggested that I should be considering
a draft horse since I wanted a horse with a calm and steady temperament
that could physically handle rugged terrain in the event that we are
able to return to Montana where we lived for 5 years.
I'll admit that I was unsure of his advice, since I am intimidated by
very large horses. But, I surfed the draft and driving horse web sites
and that is where I first noticed the Norwegian Fjord. A short horse
that is sturdy enough for me!! Then, I began checking out every Fjord
site I could find. I had trouble finding an older Fjord close to home
that was for sale. I was also weary from many long drives over the past
many months to check out horses of other breeds that were never quite
what I was expecting to find. Then, on a trip to Montana last year, I
noticed a pasture full of Fjords that hadn't been there on my previous
visit. After knocking on a few doors and wandering around, I located
the owner and asked permission to go into the pasture to see his
horses. He cheerfully agreed after warning me that I would be
surrounded by some very big dogs all wanting to be petted. He was
right. What a treat!!! They all ran up and stopped together right in
front of me and looked at me expectantly as if to say "Well??? You're
here --- now what???". I enjoyed petting everybody and they all would
have stood there all day to be petted I think.
They were BIG, and I was worried about the size. But, they were draft
types, and I hadn't yet seen a sporthorse type. I could go on and on
(sorry!), but I found my handsome, quiet, level-headed guy. He's 14 hh
and is quite sporty! Yet way more sturdy than my husband's Arab who
used to be the shortest horse on our place! And the best and biggest
feet of anybody here! And when Arabs and my Bashkir Curly get nervous,
he just looks at them and says "You're not seriously worried about that
for real are you??!!" And when he does get startled, it's relatively
brief, and he shakes it off easily. The rest of this crew just can't
let things go. They worry. So, needless to say, I'm very pleased.
And, I do think that more advertising would bring these wonderful Fjords
to the attention of more buyers looking for horses with their special
and unique qualities.
Vicki Johnston
Mims, Florida
