RE: Training Fjords-------Pros and Cons--------
This message is from: Cynthia Madden [EMAIL PROTECTED] As usual, Brian, well said! -- Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM personal: [EMAIL PROTECTED] NFHR: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.geocities.com/cmadden88011 Dogs (and horses, cm) are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras Sarchasm (n) The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Training Fjords-------Pros and Cons--------
This message is from: Ursula Brian Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings List from Brian Jensen; I totally agree with Carol about the differences and diversity in the Fjords we own and handle. It would be an awful boring world if all the Fjords were exactly the same. Recent discussions on the list have talked about famous trainers, past and present, their philosophies and successes or failures. How do we as Fjord owners and trainers apply this knowledge and experience? I ask you to look at all this information from a different prospective. It is very natural to talk about training methods, biting, and the correct type of tack for a Fjord Horse. There are many who proclaim--Natural Horsemanship--- as the correct system for training. Let us look at that phrase from a different prospective for a moment. One of the variables not discussed much on the list is the human ingredient of training. Carol states very well that all Fjords are different, requiring different forms of management. For every Fjord in North America there is a human being at the other end of the rope or line who is within themselves unique, special, and different. Now, we have two variables instead of just one; the Fjord Horse. If that human being with their attributes adopts a methodology from some famous trainer, we now have three variables. I think the Fjord Horse has done very well considering some human trainers at the other end of the rope. That is what makes this breed so special-Tractability. May I use the qualities of respected handlers and trainers I know quite well to explain this premise. If I look and watch these well-qualified trainers and handlers instead of the Fjord, I see the following common attributes. This is their Natural Horsemanship!! Maya Angelou stateseach and every one of us is inherently a teacher. It is our responsibility in life to learn, grow, teach, and mentor others who are on the same journey. That is the gift of life. Attributes 1-Overall safety for the Fjord and the handler 2-Respect for ones abilities and the Fjords potential 3-WHO IS THE BOSS?by Wayne Hipsley 4-Proper adequate equipment, vehicles, and tack. 5-Patience and Time---Allowing the Fjord to think through, what you ask for. 6-Common Sense and good intuition. 7-A sense of humility, and willingness to help teach others. 8-A sense of humor and fun involved in the training and teaching. 9-Step by step progression and praise for accomplishments. All fjords need to know and understand that there is a word for praise and accomplishment. I have been training Fjords in Driving and Draft for some 20 years now. In my experience with training there are no shortcuts to real success in training. I do not use special bits or special philosophies to accomplish my goals of training. I use the above standards and just do the work required to produce a happy tractable working fjord. By doing the real work of training; time and time again, I have been rewarded with a wonderful connection with a very unique horse, the Norwegian Fjord. By the way, their eyes will always say thank you when you do your job right!!! I have always kept it simple and accomplishable for the Fjord and myself. The training becomes automatic as your relationship with the Fjord grows. Natural Horsemanship is about how the handler handles themselves honestly and naturally with this wonderful animal we have been given. If you are honest, the Fjord will be honest as well. Like humans, the fjord likes to have a job. Give them a job to do and the time and patience to teach them, you will have a friend for life!! As we know in life, there are talkers, and there are doers. I measure a person on what they do, not on what they say. Brian Jensen 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
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Tamara Rousso [EMAIL PROTECTED] To tell you the truth Fjords speak to my soul. I don't know what it is about them, but I love LOOKING at them. I told my friend that if I got one and it didn't turn out to be everything everyone says and it was just a lawn ornament I'd still be happy because I just LOVE to look at them. BUT then my pragmatic side says I should listen to my friend who wants to save less desirable horses and perhaps save some money too. I'm thinking I'm going to have me a Fjord someday ;o) . Tamara --- ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] What is the best breed of draft horse/pony? Our standard answer goes something like.. Which breed, when you look at it, makes your heart beat faster? Amy Funny thing is Amy we started out with those which made our heart beat faster... beautiful flashy Arabs which caught our eye, but as it turned out, their hearts beat faster than ours (hee hee hee) and their beauty was hide deep. When Gene first mentioned Fjords as a possible better alternative I thought he was losing it ! As I recall, I had to look at them for a while before they cast their spell upon me. Now there is no other breed of horse for us! Fjords are uniquely special because of their sweet spirits and I perceive them to be the most beautiful breed of horse on earth. Maybe the solution for the friend who has reservations is to allow her to try before she buys just a bit of exposure would make her a believer! Fjords get right up in your face with their friendliness, love me! they say. Then you begin to sense their underlying serenity and ageless wisdom and you're hooked!=))) Ruthie, nw mt = ***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^*** If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. Rene Descart
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] What is the best breed of draft horse/pony? Our standard answer goes something like.. Which breed, when you look at it, makes your heart beat faster? Amy Funny thing is Amy we started out with those which made our heart beat faster... beautiful flashy Arabs which caught our eye, but as it turned out, their hearts beat faster than ours (hee hee hee) and their beauty was hide deep. When Gene first mentioned Fjords as a possible better alternative I thought he was losing it ! As I recall, I had to look at them for a while before they cast their spell upon me. Now there is no other breed of horse for us! Fjords are uniquely special because of their sweet spirits and I perceive them to be the most beautiful breed of horse on earth. Maybe the solution for the friend who has reservations is to allow her to try before she buys just a bit of exposure would make her a believer! Fjords get right up in your face with their friendliness, love me! they say. Then you begin to sense their underlying serenity and ageless wisdom and you're hooked!=))) Ruthie, nw mt
Re: training fjords
This message is from: ARDETH OBENAUF [EMAIL PROTECTED] I take my fjord mare to a trainer that also helps me with hunter under saddle work with my quarter horse. Before this, we had been on her back a few times, but no actual training took place. The trainer rode her about ten times which was enough for her to learn about bending and leg yielding, trotting and picking up both her leads at the canter. She did this well enough to earn a blue ribbon at the Cincinnati evaluation in Intro English riding. After only ten rides with the trainer! After attending the evaluation we came home and the trainer started working on the skills needed for the advanced test next year. The second time she worked on side passing, Jayne side passed a pole without stopping from one end to another and the third time had mastered crossing her front and back feet in unison and keeping her shoulders even with her hips. She has also begun working on hip control and is jumping. My quarter horse is a willing worker and has put up with a lot from me, but it has taken her months to master these same moves. The trainer is continually amazed at how fast the fjord learns and how well she retains from one session to the next. It's like she's thinking aobut her last lesson at night in her stall. This is the first fjord anyone at the barn has worked with and everyone stops what they are doing to watch when Jayne is there for a lesson. It's always fun to take her and see how much everyone enjoys her. Ardeth Obenauf Shelbyville TN _ Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account is over limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 11/10/2003 5:00:01 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. * * * That's it in a nutshell Beth! I can't count the number of times I have been asked (in my job as one of the Small Farmer's Journal family) by people, What is the best breed of draft horse/pony? Our standard answer goes something like.. Which breed, when you look at it, makes your heart beat faster? Which is the first one you want to walk up to when you see all the breeds at a show of fair? THAT breed is the best breed. For YOU! And that right there is what makes that breed special. Everyone does indeed have different tastes, and that is precisely why there are so many breeds today. Ever heard the old saying; Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Amy Evers Dun Lookin' Fjords Redmond, OR Fjord [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Tamara Rousso [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks for your input Beth. You are right she is not really one for pure bred anything. She gets her dogs from the pound and her horses are grade. She feels sorry for the underdog so to speak and wants to give homes to those considered less desirable. I'm rescuing a PMU mare though so I'm thinking I've got a little bit of good karma going g. Maybe the next one can be a purebred. Tamara --- Starfirefarm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Starfirefarm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Tamara, I usually don't butt into conversations like this, but I had to on this one. By your friend saying that there is nothing special about fjords, she's saying there is nothing special about any breed of horse. Nothing special about quarter horses, nothing special about Fresians, nothing special about Connemaras, nothing special about Morgans, nothing special about Shires, or Appaloosas, or Tenessee Walkers, or all the varieties of Warmbloods, etc., etc.. If that is so, how come there are so many different types and breeds of horses as well as types within breeds (and dogs and cats, for that matter?) The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. There are good fjord horses out there at a variety of prices. Take your time! Spend some time with people who own and use their fjords in a variety of ways and you'll find the one that fits in that special place in your heart. Good luck. Beth -- Starfire Farm Beth Beymer and Sandy North http://www.starfirefarm.com = ***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^***^^*** If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. Rene Descart
Re: training Fjords vs other breeds...response to Carol's emails
This message is from: Starfirefarm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Tamara, I usually don't butt into conversations like this, but I had to on this one. By your friend saying that there is nothing special about fjords, she's saying there is nothing special about any breed of horse. Nothing special about quarter horses, nothing special about Fresians, nothing special about Connemaras, nothing special about Morgans, nothing special about Shires, or Appaloosas, or Tenessee Walkers, or all the varieties of Warmbloods, etc., etc.. If that is so, how come there are so many different types and breeds of horses as well as types within breeds (and dogs and cats, for that matter?) The bottom line is, listen to what is in your heart. There are good fjord horses out there at a variety of prices. Take your time! Spend some time with people who own and use their fjords in a variety of ways and you'll find the one that fits in that special place in your heart. Good luck. Beth -- Starfire Farm Beth Beymer and Sandy North http://www.starfirefarm.com
Re: Training Fjords
This message is from: Karen Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've got two Fjords now. The first one I bought and assumed I'd break to drive. Doesn't look like it's going to happen. He's a lovely riding horse, great temperament, but just freaks out about rattling stuff behind him. He's a rising 5 yr old. The second Fjord I bought had been broken to harness only a couple of months, but her attitude is completely different. She doesn't worry about things, and when something does upset her, it only lasts a moment and she calms easily with a word and steadying hand. She's a 6 yr old. That's just my experience. I really, really would like to drive my gelding because he's the better of the two in type and movement, but it may never happen, and it won't happen without professional intervention. If I had it to do all over again, I'd buy one that was already driving, if driving was high on the priority list. JMO Karen ...to look for the perfect Fjord, and I have come across one that I really like. The only downside to him is that he is not broke to drive. I would really like to have a driving horse. _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Training Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am an amateur horse trainer and have worked with only my family's Fjords but in my experiences they are all very willing horses. The only difficulty I have had with training then is that they are VERY smart. I have to think faster than them. My Fjords do not like repetition if I want then to by very good at an exercise I have to do a little of that exercise then a little of a new more challening exercise or they get bored and goof off. I have not worked with enough Fjords to really have a good idea of the Fjord as a whole this is just my experience. Erica
Re: Training Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] My Fjord, Rollo, was trained to drive when he was 8 years old and he is now a wonderful driving horse. He was broke to ride at 3 and was ridden very lightly the first year. He had no exposure to any kind of driving training until age 8. The woman training him did about 3 months of ground training before she hitched him to a training cart. His riding training helped the driving training a great deal. He knew how to go on the bit and use his hind quarters from the riding. I have never had any stubborn moments with any of my Fjords. I think the important thing is correct training. If someone tries to hitch your horse after a week of training, beware!
Training Fjords
This message is from: Sally Maitland [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello everyone, I have one quick question to ask...I having been taking lots of time to look for the perfect Fjord, and I have come across one that I really like. The only downside to him is that he is not broke to drive. I would really like to have a driving horse. He is 6 years old, and he was not started (riding) until he was 4 and a half, so he had lots of time to develope. Are Fjords hard to break? I have heard lots of stories about how stuborn they can be, and I was wondering if I should just look for a different one that is already broke to drive. This Fjord is a great guy, but the lady had him sent away for training, and isn't really horsey and didn't know how he was to break. If anyone has had experience with breaking fjords to drive, please let me know!Thanks - Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: Click Here
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: Training fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/13/01 8:30:30 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: All equines are fight or flight animals. Ever wonder why your horse sometimes poops when you go up to them in the pasture? Maybe the predator( that would be you) will stop smell the pile while the horse g My fjords never do this. Either they are not interested in me at all (cause they want more pasture time) or they happily come to greet me. 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. We treat ours like horses. NICE horses, but horses nonetheless. They behave wonderfully when I take them to clinics or lessons. We still get the cute comments. Probably because they ARE cute! I don't see that comment ever stopping. In the horse world, fjords have a lot of charisma, beauty, and thankfully, good horsesense. Pamela
Training fjords
This message is from: Joel Harman [EMAIL PROTECTED] All equines are fight or flight animals. Ever wonder why your horse sometimes poops when you go up to them in the pasture? Maybe the predator( that would be you) will stop smell the pile while the horse runs off. We discussed this issue last year. Alot. Most agreed that fjords are more like mules than horses. Those of you having problems finding a trainer should look for a trainer that does mules. Mules are smarter than horses. Ask any horseman, or horsewoman. 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: training Fjords
This message is from: Grace Deboodt [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mary, What a beautiful tribute to the Fjord horse and their training. We went through the same slow steps with our three year old filly last year. After six months of winter in the pasture, I climbed on her and rode one day, then presented her in a local horse expo the next day. It was her first time in front of a croud, inside a noisey indoor arena. She was fantastic! I am not an experienced horseman(it was my first time in front of a crowd, too!) This is a testimony to these horses! However, your words could be taken from this context and be put into the bigger picture..and that is the children we are raising today. I am a fourth grade teacher. The words you used to describe the fjords brought tears to my eyes because I wish the children of today could be seen and treated with the same loving, slow, understanding care that you speak of for our fjords. Thankyou for reminding me to stop and smell the roses and to count blessings! Grace Deboodt Deboodt Family Fjords [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: Mary Thurman [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 14, 1999 8:41 AM To: Fjord List Subject: training Fjords This message is from: Mary Thurman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello list, Just a note of encouragement to all of you out there who are in the at
training Fjords
This message is from: Mary Thurman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello list, Just a note of encouragement to all of you out there who are in the throes of trying to train your Fjords - with or without a trainer to help you. It CAN be done, it does work - these guys/gals ARE smart, and, yes, they CAN do anything those other horses can do! All it takes is someone - you or a trainer - to find the key to how they think and what works with them. Last spring we started two three-year-old geldings with the help of a friend who is a trainer. Mind you, this guy IS a local...but he IS good! What he can do with a quarter horse, paint, etc., is positively a revelation! When we started our Fjords last year he lost a lot of sleep trying to figure out how to get through to them. They were not reacting to his method the way regular horses do. He finally figured out how to read them and how we should communicate with them, we got their heads and ours together - and then the fun began. Fjords are not: stubborn, unable to canter, clumsy all the time, unable to turn around. Fjords are: younger mentally than a quarter horse (for example) of the same age, also younger physically, mentally willing, thinkers, very strong physically - you don't push them around. Once you get the bare basics down with a young Fjord he then needs time under saddle - don't push him, let him grow up, insist on correct attitude and manners, keep him light - LET HIM GROW! Next year is coming - when it finally gets here, you will be rewarded for your patience. We certainly were! We just began seriously working with our boys (now four) again last week. They have grown and filled out physically a great deal over the past year. And their MINDS have grown - their attitudes have matured - there is still an occasional exuberant buck when first started out in the roundpen after being in a stall all night, but that's to be expected when a horse feels good (especially a four-year-old). After just a couple of days they are light on the bit, light in the sides, in a word - responsive. And with none of the silliness and jumpiness of the other breeds. Now that they have grown up to their bones and framework they can do all kinds of manuevers with never a stumble, their canters have improved greatly. They are very definitely capable of planting a hind foot and turning around it. Now we must go slowly again - teach each maneuver thoroughly and slowly so as not to put too much strain on young tendons and joints - but it will be worth it. These two horses won't be worn out in less than ten years, so we can afford to take the time now. They will remain sound and able into their twenties - barring unforeseen accidents - so no need to hurry now. But it is s hard to be patient when you see what they are capable of! Take heart. Find a trainer who truly loves ALL horses, and who loves what he does. It also helps if the trainer is willing to keep on learning and to modify his approach to fit each horse. These Fjords do not need to be coddled or catered to, they just need to be understood - plus you must be firm with them. They CAN do anything - and they will - if you learn how to work with them. Their hearts and physical ability are great. Have patience with their apparent immaturity - they will grow up. Our challenge now is for us as riders to gain the skills we need to advance the horses to the next level. Now THAT takes work!! The older we humans get, the harder it is to learn new tricks - especially when the old ones need to be unlearned first! Happy training. Mary === Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Do You Yahoo!? Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com