Still shedding?
This message is from: Barbara middleagespr...@rconnects.com Just read about this collection program thought I would pass it along. My two are done shedding for this year but perhaps some of you in cooler spots are still getting bags full of hair. check out http://www.matteroftrust.org/ Barb Middleage Spread Eagle Creek, OR. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Fjords shedding
This message is from: Gayle Ware fofdfjo...@clearwire.net Hi, I have been so busy this summer that I have not posted much, but had to chuckle about Fjords shedding and wanted to jot a few lines about that. I have observed through the many years that I have had Fjords, that they are very sensitive to the solstices. If you pay close attention, they will start sloughing long winter hairs by around Christmas time (winter solstice is I think Dec. 21). It can be colder than heck they are getting ready for summer! Gives me a glimmer of hope when in the throws of WINTER! Summer solstice is June 21 - yup, those darned Fjords start shedding and getting ready for winter - GRRR!!! It can be 105 in the shade and they are starting the process to put on fluff. Has anyone else noticed this about their Fjords? We are preparing for the Evaluation and show in Moses Lake the end of this month. I hope it isn't TOO summer there. It can be very hot nasty there in August. Kind of hard to make then perk up and look like they are having fun when I just feel like a puddle of melted butter! Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR www.fjordhorse.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
to Gayle....shedding
This message is from: Linda Lottie horselo...@hotmail.com I recognize all you say about the shedders. Same here!! Good luck at the evaluation. It's hot and buggy at the farm in WI. I sprayed my mare with the cold hose on her udder and she asked me to do it all afternoon - haha..she loved it. Linda in WI Owner of three fabulous fjords www.heartsandhoovesforever.blogspot.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Fjords shedding
This message is from: spiek...@isu.edu - Original Message - From: Gayle Ware fofdfjo...@clearwire.net Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:10 am Subject: Fjords shedding To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Re sensitive to solstices: The solar start of fall (equal distance between the solstice and the equinox.) was the first week of august. Plants and animals really are all pretty sensitive to daylength ( or night length) regardless of temperature. Even the quality of the light, particularly noticeable in the early morning and at dusk is different. Mine were right on schedule. I noticed a few days ago that their coats, while still smooth, looked different in the light than they had just two weeks ago. It seems I just got rid of the last of the spring shed on one of mine about three weeks ago. The mule is also following this schedule but the throroughbred and her daughter are not, ( they shed out earlier in the spring too). Evolution in a warmer environment? Kathy in SE Idaho - Nights are getting colder-upper 30s and 40s at 5,000 ft elevation. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Fjords shedding
This message is from: Amy Evers fjord...@aol.com Has anyone else noticed this about their Fjords?? Yes Gayle I have noticed this too. Always thought it was funny when people would?comment on?my horses shedding (quite a lot) in early January in Central OR. Frozed dirt glommed with blond horse hair in eary January gets noticed! Amy (yep, the horses are now dumping short summer hair by the handsfull!) ?Amy Evers Dun Lookin' Fjords Cottage Grove OR 97424 Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Fjords shedding...who knew!?
This message is from: jadeb...@aol.com The soltices, you say? Well, I'll be switched! I always assumed that both Braveheart and Bogie were Lutherans and now it turns out that they're actually Druids! Live and learn. Kay Van Natta and the Boys (who can't believe I've never noticed the stone circle they put up at the bottom of the field). Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
RE: Fjords shedding
This message is from: Jeanine Rachau jean...@bluemountainfarm.net Hi Gayle, Yep, I've noticed that they are very attuned to the solstices as day length shedders, getting ready for summer mid-winter and now getting ready for winter mid-summer! At least in the latitudes I live in - near the 45th parallel. One of the funniest sights was going for a drive during this time a few years back in a light drizzle. When I got home the front of my black carriage was almost WHITE with little blonde hairs, as they flew off and stuck to the carriage. It was a bizarre sight. Jeanine -- Blue Mountain Farm http://BlueMountainFarm.net jean...@bluemountainfarm.net -Original Message- From: owner-fjordho...@angus.mystery.com [mailto:owner-fjordho...@angus.mystery.com] On Behalf Of Gayle Ware Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:18 AM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Fjords shedding This message is from: Gayle Ware fofdfjo...@clearwire.net Hi, I have been so busy this summer that I have not posted much, but had to chuckle about Fjords shedding and wanted to jot a few lines about that. I have observed through the many years that I have had Fjords, that they are very sensitive to the solstices. If you pay close attention, they will start sloughing long winter hairs by around Christmas time (winter solstice is I think Dec. 21). It can be colder than heck they are getting ready for summer! Gives me a glimmer of hope when in the throws of WINTER! Summer solstice is June 21 - yup, those darned Fjords start shedding and getting ready for winter - GRRR!!! It can be 105 in the shade and they are starting the process to put on fluff. Has anyone else noticed this about their Fjords? We are preparing for the Evaluation and show in Moses Lake the end of this month. I hope it isn't TOO summer there. It can be very hot nasty there in August. Kind of hard to make then perk up and look like they are having fun when I just feel like a puddle of melted butter! Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR www.fjordhorse.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Summer Shedding
This message is from: Heather Baskey cavy_l...@yahoo.com I am so glad you brought this up - as I thought I was losing my mind! YES - fur is flying EVERYwhere. Heather Playing Naturally with Henry http://digilass.wordpress.com From: katesei...@aol.com katesei...@aol.com Subject: Summer Shedding __ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Summer Shedding
This message is from: jadeb...@aol.com My boys take turns shedding. Bogie is shedding the short summer stuff now (he may know something)but Braveheart isn't. Bogie gets amazingly hairy for the winter (think of the world's biggest Tribble) but starts blowing the winter coat in mid-February...which, in MI, is NOT spring by any stretch of the imagination. But, as my hair-covered farrier said last Feb, C'mon, Kay! Look at this horse. If he wants to be shed out by summer, he should've started in January. BH is more traditional. He likes to put a tidy 6 months between coat changes. Depending upon what kind of show it is and where it's held, the early CDEs and the late Evaluations may require body clipping...a long and boring process for both of us. Since we're not doing either of those things this year, my industrial strength clippers are resting quietly in their box. In other words, I have absolutely no idea what the shedding rules are. Kay and Braveheart, who says, Ride me! You won't get zillions of hairs all over your behind! and Bogie, who says, Good point. Ride him. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
shedding
This message is from: Linda Lottie horselo...@hotmail.com Not only are my three fjords shedding the little summer hairs but the dogs and kitties are shedding as well. I chuckle at the fjords when I see ONE long winter hair sprouting... Linda in WIwarmer humid weather has finally arrived www.heartsandhoovesforever.blogspot.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Summer Shedding
This message is from: Melinda Schumacher melinda.schumac...@gmail.com Funny thing about riding shedding horsesI took a short bareback spin around the arena on Mirakel once, then stopped at a store for a few items on the way home. Before shopping, I stopped in the ladies' room, and got the strangest stare from a woman in there. I smiled, she did not. On my way out I glanced in the full length mirror and discovered she had been staring at my bikini-shaped (and situated) fur transfer of tan hairs on black pants. :-/ Melinda in Pittsburgh On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 8:42 AM, jadeb...@aol.com wrote: This message is from: jadeb...@aol.com My boys take turns shedding. Bogie is shedding the short summer stuff now (he may know something)but Braveheart isn't. Bogie gets amazingly hairy for the winter (think of the world's biggest Tribble) but starts blowing the Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Summer Shedding
This message is from: katesei...@aol.com Maybe I just forget every year, but I don't remember my horses shedding this much of their summer coats this soon. Are your Fjords shedding summer hair already? Kate with Joe and Hanna and Della (upping the grooming ante again) **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072hmpgID=115bcd =JulystepsfooterNO115) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Summer Shedding
This message is from: jern...@mosquitonet.com oh yes, Mine are shedding their summer ccot. Old Bjarne started sjhortly after Solsticce! But he is always early. It is supposed to be the shrotening of the daylight hours, but how can they detect a couple minutes? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where, as expected , the rains started with the Fair, cooling down the weather and dampening the fires. NO Smoke! Maybe I just forget every year, but I don't remember my horses shedding this much of their summer coats this soon. Are your Fjords shedding summer hair already? Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
RE: Summer Shedding
This message is from: Karen McCarthy weeg...@hotmail.com um, I like what you said Jean about shedding minutes after the solstice!... it's true here. I have one mare I plan to show at Moses Lake at the end of the month and I am seriously considering body clipping her NOW so she'll look normal by showtime. The other mare I am bringing is just as slick as can be, go figure. I can always detect the horses that shed/hair up early. Their coat looks thicker and coarser like each hair is larger in diameter and they stand out. Karen in Oregon Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fur
This message is from: katesei...@aol.com These are our cookie cutter fjords!! _http://www.fjordfest.org/files/NeedleFelting.pdf_ (http://www.fjordfest.org/files/NeedleFelting.pdf) **Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood0001) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fjords
This message is from: Emily Wigley ewig...@mindspring.com These are our cookie cutter fjords!! _http://www.fjordfest.org/files/NeedleFelting.pdf_ These are wonderful! May have to make a few of these at summer horse day camp this year! Do you mind? I would also be happy to purchase materials from you if you have wool. Thank you for your creative idea and great explanation! I've been wanting to try needle felting! Emily Emily Wigley Fish Bowl Farm Vashon Island, Washington (206) 463-5473 http://www.fishbowlfarm.com http://biscuitsfarmblog.blogspot.com/ ewig...@mindspring.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fur
This message is from: Cherie Mascis vikinghorseri...@bellsouth.net Kate, Each one of your felt Fjords have such individual personalities! Here is one of our Zedonk and a Fjord. I also made one of my black Icelandic but it doesn't photograph well! http://picasaweb.google.com/SeahorseCherie/FeltedEquines?authkey=Gv1sRgCNbjrtCx1ODffwfeat=directlink Cherie Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fur
This message is from: Melinda Schumacher melinda.schumac...@gmail.com Cherie and Kate: Adorable! Thanks for sharing. Melinda On Wed, Apr 1, 2009 at 6:48 PM, Cherie Mascis vikinghorseri...@bellsouth.net wrote: This message is from: Cherie Mascis vikinghorseri...@bellsouth.net Kate, Each one of your felt Fjords have such individual personalities! Here is one of our Zedonk and a Fjord. I also made one of my black Icelandic but it doesn't photograph well! http://picasaweb.google.com/SeahorseCherie/FeltedEquines?authkey=Gv1sRgCNbjrtCx1ODffwfeat=directlink Cherie Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fur
This message is from: Heather Baskey cavy_l...@yahoo.com VERY creative!!! adorable!!! Heather :-) --- On Wed, 4/1/09, katesei...@aol.com katesei...@aol.com wrote: From: katesei...@aol.com katesei...@aol.com Subject: Re: New use for shedding fur To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Received: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 4:58 PM This message is from: katesei...@aol.com These are our cookie cutter fjords!! _http://www.fjordfest.org/files/NeedleFelting.pdf_ (http://www.fjordfest.org/files/NeedleFelting.pdf) **Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood0001) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
New use for shedding fur
This message is from: Emily Wigley ewig...@mindspring.com Horse hair doesn't felt because it does not shrink. I think it doesn't shrink because it has no crimp in the hair shaft? As far as I know, only hair that has a crimp in it can felt. Horse coat hair is actually fur - it grows in to a certain length, then sheds seasonally. Hair continues to grow (human hair, mane and tail hair, poodle hair, etc.). Of course sheep's wool isn't the same as hair, but it does keep growing, and its crimp is what allows it to shrink and thus to be felted. My poodle's hair would felt if I wanted to felt it (it dreds beautifully if I let it get long and don't brush it), but I had a German shepherd whose shedded coat would not felt. Emily Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: New use for shedding fur
This message is from: Martie Bolinski boli...@dol.net I mix about 10-20% long staple wool with my Fjordy fur to help it felt. It works pretty good. I made 'cookie-cutter' Fjords for Christmas a couple years back. Had to paint on the stripes. I have the same problem with the Lhassa fur not wanting for felt (except on the dog if I con't keep her combed). Martie in MD - where there is LOTS of Fjordy fur laying around for the taking. Emily Wigley wrote: This message is from: Emily Wigley ewig...@mindspring.com Horse hair doesn't felt because it does not shrink. I think it doesn't shrink because it has no crimp in the hair shaft? As far as I know, only hair that has a crimp in it can felt. Horse coat hair is actually fur - it grows in to a certain length, then sheds seasonally. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Shedding!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Braveheart isn't through with his winter coat yet but, in Bogie's opinion, it's time to line his entire world with Bogie-hair. To look at his stall in the morning and my clothes just about any time, you'd think he'd actually exploded. I'm practicing bareback riding on him these days (probably a sign of entrance into my second childhood) and when I scramble off, my posterior is coated in blond hair...an area of my body, by the way, that does NOT need to be highlighted. I've told him that February in MI probably isn't the best time to fling your winter clothes to the winds but he seems unmoved by my arguments. Kay and Braveheart who has chosen to go with the angora look a bit longer and Bogie who cares nothing for any of our wardrobe suggestions **Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Linda Lottie User [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes, spring can be a ways away. It takes months for me to get all three fjords shed out. One has to be really shed out by mid Aprilhe is going to the MN Horse Expo :) LJBL in WI On 2/4/08 6:37 PM, Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Feb 4, 2008, at 11:19 AM, fjordhorse-digest wrote: Ivan has started to shed, can Spring be far behind? Bernadine Karns Nottawa Crossing Fjords Biscuit is shedding as well! So much that she rubbed on a no-climb mesh fence overnight and there was a lot of hair there to greet me this morning! I can see where she sleeps overnight too, by the hair on the ground. The days are so much longer! Emily The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Emily Wigley [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Feb 4, 2008, at 11:19 AM, fjordhorse-digest wrote: Ivan has started to shed, can Spring be far behind? Bernadine Karns Nottawa Crossing Fjords Biscuit is shedding as well! So much that she rubbed on a no-climb mesh fence overnight and there was a lot of hair there to greet me this morning! I can see where she sleeps overnight too, by the hair on the ground. The days are so much longer! Emily The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
shedding fjords and what to wear
This message is from: Ursula Brian Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've been out brushing and shedding the fjords for the past few weeks and realized that my favorite shirt to wear is the PNFPG Anniversary v-neck pullover shirt which has a nice warm flannel lining and an outside shell that not a hair will stick to. It is also wind proof which makes it ideal at this time of year. We have had some glorious sunny days that make one want to be outside but the cold wind is sometimes a deterrent. When I first bought this shirt at the Libby show last year I found that I was not wearing it much at all. It seemed too warm at that time of year. But it sure has been on my back this spring. It has a nice small logo on it and comes in bright colors just in time for spring. Any of you who are looking for a fjord item to wear on the trail or around the farm I highly recommend it. I'm not sure if there are many available as Betsy only had a limited amount made for the anniversary but go to www.cudaapparel.com And check them out or link from www.pnfpg.org Ursula and Brian Jensen Box 1032 Lumby, B.C. Canada V0E 2G0 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.trinityfjords.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
got shedding?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] last wednesday evening after i rode, my instructor's daughter (age 10) and i each took a brush to a side of oz.20 minutes later there was enough fur on the floor to construct a small poodle. forget brushing it up, i had to scoop it up with my hands to get it in the trash. he seems quite pleased with himself, and of course, enjoys all the attention laurie, who lately has many hair coats..pants...breeches...hats..gloves ** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: got shedding?
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: last wednesday evening after i rode, my instructor's daughter (age 10) and i each took a brush to a side of oz.20 minutes later there was enough fur on the floor to construct a small poodle. forget brushing it up, i had to scoop it up with my hands to get it in the trash. laurie LOL! My old mare, Nansy, was a champion shedder. My husband and I would put her in the barn aisle (concrete, so easily swept up), and each start on one side of her, with different tools (shedding blade or wire dog-slicker brush). When we had each finished our side, we would swap sides---and our different tools/techniques would get more hair out of the already done side! When we finished, there was so much hair on the floor that I had to make several gathers---far more than I could transport to the trash barrel with only two hands! A couple of days later, we would do it all over again There were weeks when I would accuse her of growing it faster than we could brush it out. ;-) Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Shedding
This message is from: Reena Giola [EMAIL PROTECTED] Shedding here like crazy in Arizona...but Gus got almost a full body clip..as temps decided to soar up into the 80's and he is sporting a trace clipso most of that came off..I hated to take it ALL off, as I can't be out there to blanket or anything just in case the temps droppedwhich would be MY luck, that would happen. But he seems content enough... I always leave that long belly hair on even when I clip...as he is soo sensitive to the flies, I figure that gives him a bit of extra protection till it all comes off. Reena who has gone and bought her big bottle of fly spray (already) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well, I am here in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we are having the Endless Winter With Temperatures the last three weeks reaching an all time record cold spell since records were started in 1904. So much for that nice warm January we had, which really spoiled me. Temps should be about +26 for a high, -6 for a low, but have been consistently 0 to -5 for a high and -30 for a low! and we are about 3 FT. short on snow. What a weird winter! Old Bjarne, 32, is shedding however, I get coated in long guard hairs when he brushes against me entering his stall in the morning to eat his senior feed. the others have loose hair on their backs. They are outside all the time, ands the sun has been warm every day. :They have so much fur that the hair they are shedding now doesn't make any difference in their insulation. Still too cold to get out there and trim manes which are out of control! They have never been this long in all the years I have had Fjords! Hey, we went on daylight savings time, But where is spring? But we still have the World Ice carving championships, all the Carvings are finished now, check them out at http://www.icealaska.com Jean in cold and clear Fairbanks, Alaska -10F Shedding here like crazy in Arizona...but Gus got almost a full body clip..as temps decided to soar up into the 80's and he is sporting a trace clipso most of that came off..I hated to take it ALL off, as I can't be out there to blanket or anything just in case the temps droppedwhich would be MY luck, that would happen. But he seems content enough... The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: shedding out with baby oil?
This message is from: Gail Russell [EMAIL PROTECTED] OK, remember the procedure for defeathering a goose? Dip them in melted wax, or hot water with melted wax floating on top..then let the wax harden..then peel off the feathers. Maybe I could do something like that, slather with warm wax, let them cool off in the snow then peel the hardened wax..or maybe simply In another context, this would be called a bikini waxsomething I've not partaken of, as yet, and hope to avoid forever. :) Gail
Re: shedding out with baby oil?
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lois Berenyi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In one of the latest horse magazines, Equus I think, there was a hint about hastening the shedding out process. It was EQUUS, March 2005, p.28 The hint was to slather the horse with baby oil the day before and then the next day give a bath and all the old hair would just slip off leaving a slick-coated horse. I have visions of doing this to a Fjord. At what stage of shedding does one attempt this? Note that the article also says that horses do not shed all over, all at once. And, that if one applies the oil before the summer coat has fully emerged from the skin, one will have a naked horse! The summer coat starts growing in mid-January, but takes two to three months for the new hairs to reach the ends of the follicles and push the old hairs out. I take that to mean that, if the old hair hasn't fallen out on its own yet, the new hair isn't long enough to provide the horse with any protection. Every spring on various donkey lists, newbies panic because their recently-acquired donkeys suddenly have developed large bald patches. We've taken to calling it the Donkey Depilatory Disorder---it seems that stress, or maybe excess rolling (which donkeys do to claim new territory) will remove the old hair before the new has fully come in. It usually takes 2 or 3 weeks for the condition to resolve itself, as the summer hair finally emerges from the skin. How do I hide her for the 24 hours she is so slathered? It's probably more relevant to think about how you hide her for the 2 or 3 weeks until she stops looking naked! Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
Re: shedding out with baby oil?
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good Gawd! I can imagine what amount of oil it would take to do old Bjarne, at least, he is the hairiest, but the others aren't far behind! I already have a huge pile of hair raked off of them, pus a bag full of the cleaner stuff, hoping to find a spinner. I can't imagine even bathing these guy with all that hair, much less slathering them with enough oil to penetrate that fur! Maybe it would work on a sparse haired Arab, but on MY Fjords? OK, remember the procedure for defeathering a goose? Dip them in melted wax, or hot water with melted wax floating on top..then let the wax harden..then peel off the feathers. Maybe I could do something like that, slather with warm wax, let them cool off in the snow then peel the hardened wax..or maybe simply Mud?? in some cases would work? Or, with our rain/snow mix let them get coated with ice then peel? At any rate, I see where they have laid down, and left hair stuck in the mud/manure/ice. I think I'll just let it go naturally, and stay indoors playing on the computer At least till it stops snowing and warms up again! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, 20 degrees and light snowwaiting for spring! HAPPY EASTER!! The hint was to slather the horse with baby oil the day before and then the next day give a bath and all the old hair would just slip off leaving a slick-coated horse.
shedding out with baby oil?
This message is from: Lois Berenyi [EMAIL PROTECTED] In one of the latest horse magazines, Equus I think, there was a hint about hastening the shedding out process. First it mentioned that the summer coat starts coming in in January and eventually the new hair pushes out the old winter hair. The hint was to slather the horse with baby oil the day before and then the next day give a bath and all the old hair would just slip off leaving a slick-coated horse. I have visions of doing this to a Fjord. At what stage of shedding does one attempt this? How do I hide her for the 24 hours she is so slathered? Do I have to wash her outside so her hair doesn't clog up the drain? Will the oil come out with cold water? Questions, questions but the biggest one is this.has anyone on the list tried this and is willing to relate the result? It is a tempting thought to have it all done with at once. Lois in balmy NC
Re: shedding....
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All, Braveheart is definitely shedding...as he does around this time every year even though I've shown him the calendar and read him the weather reports. He just looks at me, snorts and 423 more hairs fall out. He, too, starts putting on winter coat in late August. We body-clipped him twice this last summer so cooling down after cross-country or just after a serious workout would go a little quicker. I've never body-clipped a horse before and I was worried that it might keep him from growing his winter coat in time or generally mess up his natural hair schedule in some way. It didn't. Maybe it's just another amazing Fjord thing, but he can go from sleek show horse to big yellow caterpillar practically overnight. Imagine how rich we could all be if there was a major market for Fjord hair! Kay Yellow Pony Farm SE MI
shedding
This message is from: Debby Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] My fjords are the only ones shedding, even the clipped one is. Got alot off of Amber yesterday. And she'd rolled and rubbed on the frozen sand and left a blanket of fjord hair. The small pony isn't shedding, and he's blanketed too. Does worry me some though as he does have some health issues and the vet had asked if he sheds out and what his coat is like. He's just 9yrs. old, a few little fat pockets, hes' on thyroid meds but all in all, he isn't fat. He'd mentioned insulin resistant or something like that?? His diet, per the vet, is good for this though, no grain, just a mineral pellet to add his thyroid med to, good grass hay, some alfalfa, and soaked beet pulp. The beet pulp has molasses in it but we soak it and then he gets his part drained. For the most part, this is what the fjords get, minus the thyroid med... I did take a look at the ponys coat today, really nice, shiny, slick for long hair. Debby
shedding....
This message is from: Jeanne Zuker [EMAIL PROTECTED] Not one hair!! Olaf has a really thick coat this year (of course I said that last year) long hair on his legs and he hasn't shed one hair. I have been brushing him and I have been looking to see if he starts shedding since this was asked. I live in the mid-Michigan area, he started putting on his winter coat last of Aug/early Sept. just like clockwork. Now I will be looking for when he starts shedding, I will make a note of it to see how he relates to other Fjords and look to see how it relates to the coming year. He of course enjoys the brushing and I enjoy the time we get together. Jeanne in MI
RE: Shedding Phenomena
This message is from: Linda Lottie [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ever since I have owned fjords.5 years or so..they begin to shed in early January and start growing their winter coats in Sept after shedding their summer coats in Aug.every year.related to hours of light in the day me thinks!!! Linda Baker Lottie...MN snowing lightly and balmy gt;From: quot;Karen McCarthyquot; lt;[EMAIL PROTECTED]gt; gt;Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com gt;To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com gt;Subject: Shedding Phenomena gt;Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 17:29:43 + gt; gt;This message is from: quot;Karen McCarthyquot; lt;[EMAIL PROTECTED]gt; gt; gt;Hi all, I haven't the time at the moment (and I really shouldn't be gt;reading or posting to the List now, as I am supposed to be at work!), but gt;if someone does have the time to research into the List archives to see gt;what the dates were every year that folks would start reporting the gt;shedding occurance, I think it would be kinda neat. Is there a pattern, gt;an average date? Then, if we got really elaborate, we could see how it gt;matched up to weather patterns and events...Gee, can you tell I would gt;rather be anywhere than work right now??!! Hey Jean E. or Marsha Jo, this gt;has your name's written all over it! gt; gt;Btw, my outdoor, non-stabled ponies are just starting the shedding thing. gt;We have had 8quot;-10quot; of snow on the ground for over 2.5 weeks now, and over gt;the past 8 days, nothing but freezing fog, which creates what the locals gt;refer to as poconip, where every physical thing that projects into the gt;fog, wire, hair, tree branches, is covered in a delicate covering of fine gt;ice. Very pretty when the sun rises up behind it, truly a rare event here gt;these days. Please send sun someone! gt; gt;Btw Ruthie, I am going to go back and read the article you posted re. gt;shrinking the gentic pool w/ over-intensive selective breeding. Looks gt;very interesting; I am really enjoying all of the posts concerning usage gt;of Eval. results, especially Phil's. gt; gt;Kmac _ On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement
Re: shedding, blankets and winter
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All, I've only got one Fjord and he's my first so I've made my winter decisions based mostly on reading and what I can only hope is good advice. Braveheart has inherited a very nice winter blanket from his AQHA predecessor but has never worn it. I have a small (3 box stalls-one tack room) insulated but unheated barn. The only time it warms up in the winter is when he's in it. During the day I open his stall door and the back door of the barn allowing him to come and go as he likes. At night I put him back in his stall and close both doors. This is mostly so I know where he is at night...not because I think he's too cold. Anyhow. so far - so good. I got him as a yearling, he's just about to turn 7 and he's never even sneezed. I leave him in during winter rains/freezing rain and during the odd blizzard and even then his complaints are loud and long (Let me OOOUUUTT!). He remains fat, furry and frolicsome. He loves the snow! There is a lot of running, kicking, bucking and rolling. I only wish I liked the winter weather that well! He's got a cooler to help him dry off after a workout and a cotton sheet that he wears to keep clean before a show (strictly summer-wear...when the frost appears on the pumpkin, we retire for the year). I guess naked pony pretty much embodies our dress code. So, for what it's worth, there's my 2 cents. Kay Van Natta Yellow Pony Farm SE Michigan
RE: Shedding
This message is from: Cynthia Madden [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tank starts getting his winter coat in August and starts his first shed in January - Omaha or Las Cruces. Daylight must have more to do with it than temperature. Teddy Nigel started shedding at the same time. 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: shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] You blanket at +20?!! WHY? Don't they get too hot? I never blanket my fjords, even at -50F. It would be counter productive. It would flatten their fluffy coats and REDUCE the insulation. Of course they are not clipped and have heavy coats, suitable for those temps. AND I don't stall them in a barn, either, they have a run-in and are free to come and go and run around and get exercise. My four are all together and do stand together when they are not moving around or playing. I blanket if it's below about 15° and it's not sunny. Because we don't often have those temps during the day, and it's almost always sunny, the blankets get used maybe 5-10 times each season. When it's below about 10° though, with any weather, the ponies are in the heated (to about 45°) barn, and are VERY happy about it. Jamie In the Mountains SW of Denver, CO
shedding and blanketing
This message is from: Debby Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] I know there are alot that don't blanket. I don't have a problem with that. I have always blanketed. Depends on the horse and the situation. When this mare shivers, its time for a blanket. I know some say a blanket flattens the hair and I do notice that. Wouldn't put a thin lightweight blanket on and expect that to keep her warm. Hers is waterproof and the weight is appropriate, I stick my arm under to feel and I'd crawl under there if I could, warm and toasty. I've done this for years and it works for me. Whatever rolls your boat or toots your horn. Debby
Re: shedding
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] You blanket at +20?!! WHY? Don't they get too hot? I never blanket my fjords, even at -50F. It would be counter productive. It would flatten their fluffy coats and REDUCE the insulation. Of course they are not clipped and have heavy coats, suitable for those temps. AND I don't stall them in a barn, either, they have a run-in and are free to come and go and run around and get exercise. My four are all together and do stand together when they are not moving around or playing. The only time I could see it might be necessary to blanket is when it is rainging a cold rain, then a rain sheet, maybe. My Fjords were happy dozing in the sun today..It warmed up to -10F! They tell us to plug in our cars when it gets down to +20 or below, though. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, clear sky and wonderful Auroras tonight! My fjord mare is shedding, started a few days ago, and I blanket her when its 20degrees and below, unless the wind is blowing and theres a wind chill. Any warmer than that and she starts rubbing, letting me know to get if off.
shedding
This message is from: Debby Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] My fjord mare is shedding, started a few days ago, and I blanket her when its 20degrees and below, unless the wind is blowing and theres a wind chill. Any warmer than that and she starts rubbing, letting me know to get if off. The gelding is clipped as he's ridden, and he'd gotten a coat long before he needed it. I suspect its because he spent last winter further north and assumed he needed a heavier coat. His was SO thick. I do think its the days getting longer. Noticed yesterday it was light until 5:30pm, a month ago I'm sure it was dark by 5pm. And its light earlier in the morning too. Very exciting!! Debby
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Lisa Wiley [EMAIL PROTECTED] I will second that it is freezing in CT. I forgot how cold it can get. My PMU Fjord mare is on her way right now from Alberta I think she will feel right at home with this weather. 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
Shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Patrick and I would like to weigh in on the shedding subject. Patrick is shedding like crazy in spite of the fact that we are having the coldest weather we have had so far. I left the barn today covered with hair in spite of the fact that Patrick is the only horse in the barn without a blanket! Carol 'n Patrick in freezing CT
Re: shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:45 am Subject: shedding This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Heidi is starting to lose her longer hair and I can't seem to convince her she still needs all she has. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin My pregnant mare is shedding but the other two fjords are not. She has been for about two weeks now. The thoroughbred and mule both have shorter than usual winter coats this year. They are all outside with a run-in stall. Kathy in Southeastern Idaho
Re: shedding
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tamara Rousso [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm not sure an answer from Southern California really counts, but Harrison Fjord is shedding out in great clumps. My daughter took the shedding blade to him yesterday and I'm sure made many birds very happy. When we lived in California (near San Francisco), my old Fjord mare, Nansy, would start to shed on December 21. The 2 geldings usually waited a couple more weeks, before starting to turn loose of some of their woolies. Here in SW Oregon, the boys started shedding out somewhat later, although Nansy still started losing hair in December. I just came back from the barn, where I gave the boys the yank test (grab some fur and tug, to see what comes loose)---nothing, yet. It's a little cooler here than where we were in California, but not greatly so (winter daytime highs in the 40's vs 50's). However, the mid-winter days are noticably shorter. My guess is that they wait until the day length is right for Norway's spring, then shed. ;-) Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
RE: shedding
This message is from: Laura Kranzusch [EMAIL PROTECTED] No, in fact mine just started getting his thick winter coat about a month ago. He was in a stall for 2 months (November and part of December). Now that he is outside his full winter coat has finally come in. -Laura From: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: shedding Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 11:45:33 -0600 This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Heidi is starting to lose her longer hair and I can't seem to convince her she still needs all she has. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Re: shedding
This message is from: Jon A. Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] you wrote: This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin Funny you should say that, as just yesterday (with the temps down to -28 Sunday morning) I noticed my Fjord mare, Vedas was REALLY starting to shed her coat. I brushed her a bit with a metal type curry and after just a few minutes, I was covered with hair! I also noticed that her hairs were standing straight up. She was standing in the lean-to with the afternoon sun shining on her and she was toasty warm. I believe those hairs were standing upright to catch the sun's warmth and rays and to shine them down on her black skin. I also noticed this fall that the horses seemed to have grown an extra hairy coat this winter. Now, I can see they needed it as I don't think it's been above zero since last Tuesday some time. Do they know when the winter is going to be especially tough? Also, I wonder if the horses in the northern tier of states have longer winter coats than the horses down south? Since I have not much else to do but freeze, I'm going out to measure the length of their coats. Wow, how exciting!! Mary Ofjord, who along with Philis Anderson, is waiting for spring.with snow now piled up to our eyeballs. Jon Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords Grand Marais, MN 55604 www.northcoastfjords.com
Re: shedding
This message is from: Tamara Rousso [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Monday, January 17, 2005, at 09:45 AM, Carol J. Makosky wrote: This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Heidi is starting to lose her longer hair and I can't seem to convince her she still needs all she has. \ I'm not sure an answer from Southern California really counts, but Harrison Fjord is shedding out in great clumps. My daughter took the shedding blade to him yesterday and I'm sure made many birds very happy. Tamara in sunny Fallbrook CA where the temps are in the 70's and I'm not ready for summer.
RE: shedding
This message is from: Jeanine Rachau [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes, Elska is starting to shed and it's freezing and below here - but day length is getting longer! Jeanine BLUE MOUNTAIN FARM La Grande, Oregon, USA http://www.OregonVOS.net/~jrachau/index.htm http://www.OregonVOS.net/~jrachau/fjord.htm E-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Carol J. Makosky Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 9:46 AM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: shedding This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Heidi is starting to lose her longer hair and I can't seem to convince her she still needs all she has. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
shedding
This message is from: Carol J. Makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is anyone's Fjord shedding yet? Heidi is starting to lose her longer hair and I can't seem to convince her she still needs all she has. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Shedding hair
This message is from: Grant Proudlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] Howdy all I discovered a new way, well new to me, to get rid of the winter coat quicker than with a curry comb. A friend of mine and fellow Fjord lover showed me, he uses an old hand saw to brush his horses. He bends the saw with one hand at each end to make a bow then he scrapes it over the horse the hair comes off in bigger slices than with a smaller brush and does a real nice job. The horses seem to enjoy the extra width too. Thought it worked well and will try it once the cold weather leaves us for good. Grant Grant Proudlove Lake Of The Prairies Fjords PO Box 1177 Roblin, MB Canada R0L 1P0 204-937-8772 http://www.geocities.com/retyredman492000/index.html?1010353772410
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] My Gunnar has been shedding slightly, leaving fjord angels about the pasture tho. This morning when I went to feed he looks like if he gave a good shake there would be a hairy fjord statue for a moment before it collapsed into a pile. Need a good wind storm as it is a bit early for the birds to collect for bedding. Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 Three Horses Press PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
Re: shedding blade
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] And aren't the birds happy when you use your shedding blade and there's all that fine nesting material (vbg). Gail Dorine Las Cruces, NM
Re: lurkers and shedding beasties
This message is from: John and Martie Bolinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] Glad to see all the newcomers! I noticed that in spite of all the hair that looks like massive shedding, if I use the shedder blade, only a little pile comes off. The main coat is still thick and heavy. I don't think they will be done shedding for a long time. martie in MD - in the rain - but warm
Re: shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here in Scotland too, my fjord has started to shed her winter coat! Last year she was very hairy until May also. Seem to remember reading somewhere that shedding occurs when there are more hours of daylight as I think you can synthesise this in order for them to shed early. My mare is turned out so if this is right, Spring must be on the way!!! Linda Rike Scotland
shedding
This message is from: Ingrid Ivic [EMAIL PROTECTED] Now to get back on topic. Last year our horses got super hairy for winter and didn't shed out till late May! This year they didn't grow half the coat as last year, and already it's halfway shed out! Is this just my barn? How are the coats of the rest of the fjords in the U.S.? Pamela Hi Pamela...nope it's not just you. Seems ours are shedding out much earlier this year as well! Also...our chickens have started to lay eggs extra-early too! Could it be that we will have an early spring? HOPE so...tired of frozen stuff. Ingrid in Ohio (where it's much too early to shed winter coats...still in the teens at night)
Re: Shedding
This message is from: Mary Thurman [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, I also own a Yak. It was told to me long ago that the shedding of hair and the growing of new coats has to deal with the amount of daylight in the day, and has nothing to do with the temperature. Sue, Aha!! This explains the mystery of why old Line grows coat - yards of it! - until about Christmas time and then promptly begins to shed it all out!! In clouds! She sheds from Christmas until Memorial Day(end of May), takes a short rest, then begins to shed/grow again in midsummer. At least the 'summer shed' isn't as copious, but it IS a nuisance. Our more 'modern' Fjords don't really seem to grow as much coat, nor to shed quite as frequently. The coats on our two geldings seemed to grow and shed based more on the weather. Anyone else noticed that? BTW, Line is 29 years old and is one of the 'old style' Fjords bred in Norway in the early '70's. Mary = Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/
Shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, I also own a Yak. It was told to me long ago that the shedding of hair and the growing of new coats has to deal with the amount of daylight in the day, and has nothing to do with the temperature. The longest day in the year is June 21st. When the days start getting shorter it triggers the growth of the winter coat. That is why the horses shed out their summer coats in July and start to put on their winter coat. Also the shortest day of the year is December 21st and when the days start getting longer it triggers the coats to shed when they get to a certain daylight hours. Perhaps sunlamps in the barn would keep the Yaks away..:-) Sue
Pony Not Shedding Out
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lori- I don't have any clippers for sale, but just wanted to let you know I had a very old pony who never shed out. I used body clippers on him for several years. Then, I finally discovered he had cushings syndrome. Now, he is on medication 2x per day and looks great. Shed out beautifully this past Spring. FYI! :-) Take Care! Pat McCurdy Cato, N.Y.
Re: shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (jean gayle) Suzan my new boy, Fjord pony, came from northern Calif. and is hairier than any of mine. He doesnt have just thick mat he has long four inch outer hair and flags from his knees down. No sheding here and we are 48 deg today. He does sweat. Jean Gayle This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I thought I was seeing things when I noticed my horse shedding. I worried she was sick or something. It's good to hear Mary O's horses are too. We live down the highway from them about 150 miles (on the same big lake). It's true, we are having colder weather than Alaska. It's still below zero. We have light, though. It's still light when I get home from work at 5:00. I can go out to feed Petra without the Petzl head lamp on. Not so lucky in the morning though. It's still dark then. Suzan Jean Gayle --- A Subscriber at Techline
shedding
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I thought I was seeing things when I noticed my horse shedding. I worried she was sick or something. It's good to hear Mary O's horses are too. We live down the highway from them about 150 miles (on the same big lake). It's true, we are having colder weather than Alaska. It's still below zero. We have light, though. It's still light when I get home from work at 5:00. I can go out to feed Petra without the Petzl head lamp on. Not so lucky in the morning though. It's still dark then. Suzan
