This message is from: Emily Wigley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I'm so glad Erin spoke up in defense of good farriers! My farrier is excellent, and I know I am really fortunate to have him on my "team!" He trims those that don't need shoes, and shoes those that need them. Each hoof is dealt with individually, with the four adding up to assist the horse's movement, growth,use, and comfort (not in that order). My fjord does wear shoes, although she has excellent feet. She works hard, and in our wet pacific northwest climate, she lives on crushed rock footing in her paddock (for drainage and no mud) and goes out to graze for a few hours a day. The crushed rock is hard on even the best feet, and tends to scoop them out with a sanding kind of effect, even though the rock is packed. I have a few who need shoes and a few who don't, and two who just need fronts (no huge jumping or upper level dressage for their balance to be challenged with half shoes). A good trimming job is as special as a good shoeing job, and is well worth the fee that a good farrier should charge.
As for the horse that fell asleep and tipped over, it may or may not be HYPP, and if it's a hanoverian (as I think it was?), it probably isn't HYPP. Some horses' knee locking mechanism is not as active/ automatic as others. My hanoverian x tb mare does the same thing, rarely goes down but does a creepy "woops!" when napping and catches herself before she goes down. AND, she stays asleep. It's weird, and amazing, and there is nothing wrong with her (except her lazy knees!). I think I should sell tickets!
Thanks to those who have contacted me about Fjords for sale, as I look for a well trained, experienced gelding for a student. A couple of youngsters have been presented to me, which is probably perfectly appropriate considering the amazing temperament of Fjords, but I am serious about looking at nothing younger than 9. Ok, maybe 7 or 8 if it has had an active, well educated life! The student I seek the horse for is very new to horses, and I want him to be "well cared for" by his future Fjord, thus I am looking for a non-baby. :-) Thank you, thank you for the nice suggestions! Keep 'em coming!
Best, Emily Emily Wigley Fish Bowl Farm Vashon Island, Washington http://www.fishbowlfarm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 206-463-5473 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
