Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "J&H Carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I was happy to see you "followed your nose" and had Oz shod. Had the same kind of problem with my old fellow Thor. He went wild at a night parade, another time tore heavy gates off the hinges and threatened to demolish the barn. It took a couple of exams, but he was found to have gluacoma, very painful eye pressure. Now he's back to his usual self, a grump, but my grump with a terrific work ethic. Hope N IL The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Lois I quite agree with you that enjoying a horse is however a person wants it. As for getting the leg over, those tendons and muscles need stretching. A few days of exercise and you can do it. I also enjoy just being around my two, grooming and now an occasional ride, as of this weekend. Jean G Author "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 46-49 Send $20 to: PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
Re: Re Laurie and Oz
This message is from: Tamara Rousso <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Tuesday, February 1, 2005, at 08:43 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To me horses are wonderful animals and they have been abused by many, so just giving them a wonderful home with loving care is enough if that is what you like. I so agree with that, Onna. I just love my two horses so much and see them as large pets. Although my 12 year old daughter does ride, and I will take some lessons some day, but even if it ends up no one is riding them I will keep them. I always find it jarring when someone suggests to me that my PMU mare must be broke to ride for her to have worth. I suppose that it is true should something happen to me and she would need to go to a new home, but for my purposes just grooming her and doing ground work with her makes me a happy camper. Tamara Rousso Fallbrook CA www.algedifarm.com
Re Laurie and Oz
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, I had horses for 6 or 7 years and never rode because I didn't know how and was afraid. I always felt people were pressuring me to ride. But I read an article by either John Lyons or Pat Parelli and they said people have horses for different reasons, some like to ride, some drive, some breed and raise them, some like to show, and some just like kitchen window horses. From then on I never felt obligated to ride. I just loved taking care of them. So if that is what you like to do, then just do that. And if you have ever seen Pat Parelli's video on the 7 games, that is also fun to teach your horses and you never have to get on them. But, a couple of years ago I found an instructor close to me and I am now riding and do enjoy it. But if I didn't want too, I wouldn't. To me horses are wonderful animals and they have been abused by many, so just giving them a wonderful home with loving care is enough if that is what you like. Just my 2 cents worth. Onna
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: Crystal Garland <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My grandparents ride my Fjords and tey' 58 and 65~~~ My great aunt, or how ever she is related.. but still loved his hittin 80 soon and loves to ride, even with her reast cancer...! Just had to add my note! Warren Stockwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get back on Fjord Gunnar. Hey Guys, I got my sisters one starting 60 and the other mid 50 with Parkinson's and they both ride yes their are a few adjustments and I go and work out the spring spunkies ( not much these are grand horses and very intuitive ). They go all the time I can't keep up with them. Every time I call to see if they want to go ride their already gone no bother calling me : )) I gotta check out with my husband and kids so off they go. They mount off the trailer, or a block and when my sister with Parkinson's starts with tremors she just switches hands the horse doesn't care he knows it his job to take care of her and he does a great job!! Tex is a ranch bred and trained QH and very in tune with his rider. I took lessons at a saddlebred ranch and their was a 95 year old lady just starting lessons, seemed she never had time earlier. I imagine they needed a hoist to get her up there : )) So ladies and Gents their is always hope if you are determined! you give up it's your own fault. 43 and know my limitations and push the boundaries, Roberta - Original Message - From: "jgayle" To: Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:36 PM Subject: Re: Laurie and Oz > This message is from: "jgayle" > > I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your > riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get > back on Fjord Gunnar. Of course I ride in my arena and he is a grumpy boy > but very reliable under saddle. I am overweight, but use a mounting block. > One of the reasons I am getting back on is for the exercise and my weight. > I gave up daily riding about four years ago. I have never been the slender, > athletic type either. So no more of this "my riding days are coming to an > end" until at least 75!!! Jean Gayle > > > > > Author > "The Colonel's Daughter" > Occupied Germany 46-49 > Send $20 to: > PO Box 104 > Montesano, WA 98563
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "Lisa Wiley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Genie, I always use the mounting block. I ride a fifteen hand Morgan that is gaited. I am really hoping Fjiona can be trained to ride. She is right around 14 hands. Has a smooth gate and is nice and wide. I do want to say anyone who just wants a horse to love on should get a mini. They are the best. The work is so much less. I have five right now. Three are trained to drive. But mostly I pet them and watch them play out my window. Lisa Wiley Turnabout Portuguese Water Dogs Connecticut State Director Ponies With Purpose http://www.angelfire.com/ar3/ponieswithpurposeinc/ http://www.geocities.com/summerct/horses.html http://www.geocities.com/summerct/Turnabout.html
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Lois Berenyi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Of all my fears related to returning to riding this was one I had not considered. Apparently between age 50 and 62 my lower back and hip joints had seized up. Now my fear is that I will not be able to get off (of my own choice) if I had to. If anyone knows of exercises specifically to help this inflexibility I'd like to know of them. I have not encountered this "disability" in any other activity of normal life. My defense against all the people who want me to risk life and limb.and put my extra 50# on a mare who can't talk and give me her opinion...is that I love the horses, always have, the same as my dogs. Half of the horses at the barn where I board are not ridden. I respect most the people who don't ride, but still come out and give their horses attention. Several are older retired horses. One horse can't be ridden due to any injury and his owner comes out every week and does clicker training with him - they both have lots of fun and the horse still thinks he has a job. I don't think I'd be very interested in riding if the horse care and ground training were not part of it as like you I love just interacting. Stay solid in your conviction that you are the best one to judge how you should interact with your horses - enjoy them anyway you can. When I went back to riding four years ago after six years off for a surgery and recovery, etc. I had an embarassing start. For my first lesson, they had a 16 hand thoroughbred all tacked up and ready to go and a little flimsy 2 step stepstool for me to get on. I couldn't begin to get on her! Luckily they brought out a 14'3 or 15' quarter horse and I somehow was able to pull myself on her. I couldn't ride in a dressage saddle because I didn't have enough hip and lower back flexibility. What helped the most to loosen up my hips and back was riding- I bought my owner solid three step mounting block and with time I was able to mount and dismount comfortably-without having to lie down on her back to swing my leg over. I still use a large three step mounting block with my Fjord because it is better for my knees and his back. Good luck -- Genie Dethloff and Finne Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: Lois Berenyi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Well I'm 65 and haven't ridden in years but have greatly enjoyed my horses all that time. I did get on my Fjord mare at age 62 and was shocked to find that I had an incredibly hard time getting my leg over the cantle of the dressage saddle. I was o.k. while walking and trotting but when it came time to get off needed help from my husband in getting my leg back over the saddle. Of all my fears related to returning to riding this was one I had not considered. Apparently between age 50 and 62 my lower back and hip joints had seized up. Now my fear is that I will not be able to get off (of my own choice) if I had to. If anyone knows of exercises specifically to help this inflexibility I'd like to know of them. I have not encountered this "disability" in any other activity of normal life. Meanwhile I'm considering, again, getting out of horses. I have no idea why it is important to so many people that I actually ride my horse. The people at the boarding stable ask "when are you going to ride?" My husband asks the same question. The truth is that I have never particularly enjoyed riding even when I took it up at age 29 because I was dotty about horses since a kid. I realized that the perspective of looking at a horse through its ears was not as pleasurable from an aesthetic point of view as that of watching it on the ground. I did some driving but found the view of the rear end even less enchanting than the ears. My defense against all the people who want me to risk life and limb.and put my extra 50# on a mare who can't talk and give me her opinion...is that I love the horses, always have, the same as my dogs. I don't ride the dogs and no one expects me to. On a cost basis our 140 lb. Shepherd and 25 lb. beagle cost more to feed than the Fjord but no one ever mentions getting their money's worth of out their dogs. My pleasure really comes from giving an animal a good life with all the interaction to create friendly, sane animals with good personalities who respond to me as their boss but also as their protector and so far I have that relationship with all three critters. Maybe I'll get on again just to give it one last shot or maybe we will just keep playing at our ground work. I did have some riders exercising the mare to keep her fit but could not stand the spur-spade bit philosophy they had about riding so have discontinued that regime. I have finally, I think, figured out the Fjord mystique, but was having trouble explaining it to the QH people. To get along with a Fjord you have to think like one and act like one which is basically being as passively stubborn about requests as they are about ignoring them. But that's what's fun about horses. They are all different and they all, at times, make a person think about new approaches to common equine problems. I still think the Fjord is the perfect horse for the mature adult. I think we need the wisdom of our years to understand them and in so doing, appreciate them for the unique creatures they are. Lois Berenyi in Shallotte, North Carolina, temps near 50, sunny, great day for riding should someone be so inclined. - Original Message - From: "Carol J Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 3:37 AM Subject: Re: Laurie and Oz This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey! I got my first horse , Fjord of course, at age 49..17 years later I am still riding! Granted I haven't ridden since October...too cold, I think I WAS a lot braver or maybe DUMBER when I first got my fjords.. Meanwhile I am whiling away the cold winter days waiting for the temps to get at least +10F it has been a cold January, with more below zero temps predicted this week, maybe as low as -30F. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska I am 51 and in someways feel like my riding time may be running out, yet I feel if I am careful and take it slowly, I will still get to ride when I am much older. Finne is only 6 and a half so he may be my last horse and I want to do it right with him, no matter how long it takes. I want to go to Blue Earth and show this Hi, And I thought I was one of the few to start back riding when so old. I was 55. And Jean. I am happy it is cold by you cause we are somewhat warm now. So you keep the cold, but we could use some of that snow. Have a good week and I will see you at BE in July Laurie. Jean can send down some cold for us then. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get back on Fjord Gunnar. Hey Guys, I got my sisters one starting 60 and the other mid 50 with Parkinson's and they both ride yes their are a few adjustments and I go and work out the spring spunkies ( not much these are grand horses and very intuitive ). They go all the time I can't keep up with them. Every time I call to see if they want to go ride their already gone no bother calling me : )) I gotta check out with my husband and kids so off they go. They mount off the trailer, or a block and when my sister with Parkinson's starts with tremors she just switches hands the horse doesn't care he knows it his job to take care of her and he does a great job!! Tex is a ranch bred and trained QH and very in tune with his rider. I took lessons at a saddlebred ranch and their was a 95 year old lady just starting lessons, seemed she never had time earlier. I imagine they needed a hoist to get her up there : )) So ladies and Gents their is always hope if you are determined! you give up it's your own fault. 43 and know my limitations and push the boundaries, Roberta - Original Message - From: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:36 PM Subject: Re: Laurie and Oz > This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your > riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get > back on Fjord Gunnar. Of course I ride in my arena and he is a grumpy boy > but very reliable under saddle. I am overweight, but use a mounting block. > One of the reasons I am getting back on is for the exercise and my weight. > I gave up daily riding about four years ago. I have never been the slender, > athletic type either. So no more of this "my riding days are coming to an > end" until at least 75!!! Jean Gayle > > > > > Author > "The Colonel's Daughter" > Occupied Germany 46-49 > Send $20 to: > PO Box 104 > Montesano, WA 98563
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey! I got my first horse , Fjord of course, at age 49..17 years later I am still riding! Granted I haven't ridden since October...too cold, but hope to start again this next month...after I clear the arena of snow and snow blow some trails in the field. 3 ft of snow on the ground. I think I WAS a lot braver or maybe DUMBER when I first got my fjords.. Now I don't do a lot of the things I did then, because I know a lot more and am a better rider also, I don't want to get hurt, either. I am a little more cautious going out on the neighborhood trails by myself. I took lessons, attended clinics, etc. and still do. Meanwhile I am whiling away the cold winter days waiting for the temps to get at least +10F it has been a cold January, with more below zero temps predicted this week, maybe as low as -30F. It IS beautiful and clear with nice sunsets tho! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska I am 51 and in someways feel like my riding time may be running out, yet I feel if I am careful and take it slowly, I will still get to ride when I am much older. Finne is only 6 and a half so he may be my last horse and I want to do it right with him, no matter how long it takes. I want to go to Blue Earth and show this year; I'm finally beginning to realize we might make it! -- Genie Dethloff and Finne Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey! I got my first horse , Fjord of course, at age 49..17 years later I am still riding! Granted I haven't ridden since October...too cold, I think I WAS a lot braver or maybe DUMBER when I first got my fjords.. Meanwhile I am whiling away the cold winter days waiting for the temps to get at least +10F it has been a cold January, with more below zero temps predicted this week, maybe as low as -30F. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska I am 51 and in someways feel like my riding time may be running out, yet I feel if I am careful and take it slowly, I will still get to ride when I am much older. Finne is only 6 and a half so he may be my last horse and I want to do it right with him, no matter how long it takes. I want to go to Blue Earth and show this Hi, And I thought I was one of the few to start back riding when so old. I was 55. And Jean. I am happy it is cold by you cause we are somewhat warm now. So you keep the cold, but we could use some of that snow. Have a good week and I will see you at BE in July Laurie. Jean can send down some cold for us then. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> jgayle wrote: This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get back on Fjord Gunnar. Of course I ride in my arena and he is a grumpy boy but very reliable under saddle. I am overweight, but use a mounting block. One of the reasons I am getting back on is for the exercise and my weight. I gave up daily riding about four years ago. I have never been the slender, athletic type either. So no more of this "my riding days are coming to an end" until at least 75!!! Jean Gayle Author "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 46-49 Send $20 to: PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563 OK It is suppose to be above freezing tomorrow and I just may get on for a ride in the snowy woods, but will stay away from the snowmobiles so Heidi does not dance with me in the middle of the highway out front again. All of my body is up for riding except the knees and they do protest to being on a horse for too long. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I can't resist you fifty year olds talking about being at the end of your riding days. Shame. I am eighty now and cleaning up the old saddle to get back on Fjord Gunnar. Of course I ride in my arena and he is a grumpy boy but very reliable under saddle. I am overweight, but use a mounting block. One of the reasons I am getting back on is for the exercise and my weight. I gave up daily riding about four years ago. I have never been the slender, athletic type either. So no more of this "my riding days are coming to an end" until at least 75!!! Jean Gayle Author "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 46-49 Send $20 to: PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey! I got my first horse , Fjord of course, at age 49..17 years later I am still riding! Granted I haven't ridden since October...too cold, but hope to start again this next month...after I clear the arena of snow and snow blow some trails in the field. 3 ft of snow on the ground. I think I WAS a lot braver or maybe DUMBER when I first got my fjords.. Now I don't do a lot of the things I did then, because I know a lot more and am a better rider also, I don't want to get hurt, either. I am a little more cautious going out on the neighborhood trails by myself. I took lessons, attended clinics, etc. and still do. Meanwhile I am whiling away the cold winter days waiting for the temps to get at least +10F it has been a cold January, with more below zero temps predicted this week, maybe as low as -30F. It IS beautiful and clear with nice sunsets tho! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska I am 51 and in someways feel like my riding time may be running out, yet I feel if I am careful and take it slowly, I will still get to ride when I am much older. Finne is only 6 and a half so he may be my last horse and I want to do it right with him, no matter how long it takes. I want to go to Blue Earth and show this year; I'm finally beginning to realize we might make it! -- Genie Dethloff and Finne Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: Laurie and Oz
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The best advice I can give is Take Your Time! Don't feel badly and don't rush. Taking lessons is a good thing and if your instructor sees good things in you...super! I can recommend the book "Overcoming the Fear of Riding" by Theresa Jordan Ph.D. & Peter DeMichele M.Ed. and also "Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian" by Mary Midkiff. Both are good reads. I also have read "Overcoming the Fear of Riding". It was given to me by the women who sold Finne to me. She had to overcome a bad injury to ride again. If you read it, don't be put off by the beginning where all these big time professional riders are talking about overcoming their fear. At first I thought, "right! if I was willing to attempt a tenth of what they did I'd be brave." But as the book goes on he talks about everyday riders and gives some very useful techniques about honestly assessing your abilities, the risk you would need to take to do what you want to do, and then deciding if the risk is acceptable to you. I also am taking it very slowly and allowing my body to be fit and ready to progress. I'm a little envious sometimes when I see others cantering around the arena and I know we are a long way from that. But after 8 months of lots of walking and well contolled trotting, I'm so much more confident. Of course Finne needs to learn to canter under saddle and I won't try it with him until the trainer has him confirmed. I am 51 and in someways feel like my riding time may be running out, yet I feel if I am careful and take it slowly, I will still get to ride when I am much older. Finne is only 6 and a half so he may be my last horse and I want to do it right with him, no matter how long it takes. I want to go to Blue Earth and show this year; I'm finally beginning to realize we might make it! -- Genie Dethloff and Finne Ann Arbor, Michigan
