Re: the best Fjord mare ever
This message is from: Kathleen Prince This truly breaks my heart for you. I can see the love. I pray you find the perfect solution. -- Kathleen Prince kathl...@pookiebros.com Pookie Bros. Pet Sitting Professional Pet Care In Your Home! http://www.pookiebros.com On Jul 22, 2012, at 6:51 PM, Lisa wrote: > This message is from: Lisa > > > This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. My Fjord mare > Fiona is > being regretfully offered for sale, but only to an approved home. > She is > the love of my life, but unfortunately a lifestyle change has > forced me to > be into a position where I can no longer keep her. I have had her > staying > with a good friend of mine the past two years, however this friend > is now > undergoing her own changes and is not able to keep her any longer. > Where I > live, boarding options are few and far between, and it would break > my heart > to have to keep Fiona in less than ideal conditions. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Another note...too true - Fjordies are the best!
This message is from: S K I couldn't agree with you more! I purchased my first Fjord from Mandala Farm in Gouldsboro, Maine...last summer...I had no idea these horses even existed until I went to see a couple who belonged to clients of my vet...It was love at first site! I had to have my older Arabian mare euthanized three weeks ago and low and behold I called Sara up at Mandala Farm and I couldn't believe they had a 3 yr. old gelding for sale! Sara and her husband even trailered him all the way down to Dayton, Maine for me...Now I have my 9yr. old Andrew John and my new Joseph James! These are truly my dream babies...it took me a long time to get to where I am but feel so very blessed with what I consider the finest horses God put on this earth! Susan Kallio Andrew John Joseph James From: "jadeb...@aol.com" To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 8:49 AM Subject: Re: Another note...too true - Fjordies are the best! This message is from: jadeb...@aol.com The only thing I regret about my time as a Fjordhorse owner is that it didn't start soon enough. And it would have too except that I didn't know they could be had in North America until about 14 years ago when Jon and Nancy Roemer brought Moenar to the Metamora show where my friend spotted them. I'd seen a pair of Fjords in Germany about 40 years earlier and had been talking about them off and on for about that long so Rena ran down and got their address. I drove to Dover OH with a trailer behind me...I just KNEW the pony of my dreams would be there. And there he was...a yearling Braveheart! I have never looked back nor gazed with envy at another breed since. He (and later Bogie) have been perfect for me. I'm about a C/C- rider and an old lady to boot and both of them take wonderful care of me. Even BH who, among Fjordhorses would be considered a forward and busy pony, looks out for me, compensates for my shortcomings and still manages to look pretty good both in competition and strolling around the neighborhood at home. I'm having a great time and so will you! As has already been said...happy pony shopping! Kay Van Natta and Braveheart, the Wonder Pony and Bogie, the Love Pony and one who truly appreciates a fine carrot Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Another note...too true - Fjordies are the best!
This message is from: jadeb...@aol.com The only thing I regret about my time as a Fjordhorse owner is that it didn't start soon enough. And it would have too except that I didn't know they could be had in North America until about 14 years ago when Jon and Nancy Roemer brought Moenar to the Metamora show where my friend spotted them. I'd seen a pair of Fjords in Germany about 40 years earlier and had been talking about them off and on for about that long so Rena ran down and got their address. I drove to Dover OH with a trailer behind me...I just KNEW the pony of my dreams would be there. And there he was...a yearling Braveheart! I have never looked back nor gazed with envy at another breed since. He (and later Bogie) have been perfect for me. I'm about a C/C- rider and an old lady to boot and both of them take wonderful care of me. Even BH who, among Fjordhorses would be considered a forward and busy pony, looks out for me, compensates for my shortcomings and still manages to look pretty good both in competition and strolling around the neighborhood at home. I'm having a great time and so will you! As has already been said...happy pony shopping! Kay Van Natta and Braveheart, the Wonder Pony and Bogie, the Love Pony and one who truly appreciates a fine carrot Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
The best offer...
This message is from: Dave McWethy <4nh...@gmail.com> It has been small hardship that my horses didn't sell in the spring. We have done things this summer that I wouldn't have missed, as I have followed the promptings of Cinderella Coach Company. Last venture was to an Alzheimer Unit which houses the former owner of the farm where my horses live. He may have forgotten the recent past, but he well remembers his father's horses growing up, and his own driving pairs. He still has a Mischka Driving Calendar in his room. I won't go into all the details, but can tell you the man had a genuine glow about him to be in the presence of driving horses. At the point in his diminished life, seeing horses lit up his eyes, and he came alive. His was a contagious glow! But I still need to sell the horses, as I have other plans pending. This is the offer. The boys (registered white Fjord geldings, 15 and 17) must go together, and to a qualified owner where they will get good care. I had priced them in the spring at $4500 each, which normally would be a low price for well trained and very experienced Fjords. I realize it is Fall, now by a couple of days. I will now sell them for $1000 each, which is basically a giveaway. And, recognizing it is hay-feeding season, a buyer can have as much FREE hay as can be loaded on the truck and trailer that picks them up. In the spring the price will be back to whatever the market is. These horses have been a pleasure and inspiration to me. I've had them since they were in diapers. One we bred and the other bought as a one year old. I have done CDE competition, and long distance trail driving, as well as Cinderella CC roles. I'll attempt to add a few newer pictures on www.daveontrail.blogspot.com Dave 360-385-0803 Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
The best Christmas ever!!!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] It all started with the arrival of the cutest little white fur ball (Ironwood Lordalen) . He just finished his weeks long journey from Virginia. All of the young students at my barn have decided to make it a holiday!!! He already has his own title Lord of The Fjords, so now all the kids think that they should have the day off of school:0) He settled in so fast, that you would have thought he owned the place. He bucks and plays with the other babies and of course has to help clean up all the hay. We decided to see what he would look like under the Christmas tree, well it was not the greatest idea since he decided to run off with itHe let go only after it came apart. He definitely is a playful one.He has show interest in the 55 gallon plastic barrels and the cones and balls. I have the feeling that he is just going to be into everything! He had about a billion pictures taken by everyone except me. When I came out with my camera he was no longer white, but coated from head to toe in pure mud puddle! Bonnie **See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) Spam detection software, running on the system "angus.mystery.com", has identified this incoming email as possible spam. The original message has been attached to this so you can view it (if it isn't spam) or block similar future email. If you have any questions, see [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details. Content preview: --part1_cc1.24b2e6d4.3499707c_rel_boundary --cc1.24b2e6d4_alt_bound It all started with the arrival of the cutest little white fur ball (Ironwood Lordalen) . He just finished his weeks long journey from Virginia. All of the young students at my barn have decided to make it a holiday!!! He already has his own title Lord of The Fjords, so now all the kids think that they should have the day off of school:0) He settled in so fast, that you would have thought he owned the place. He bucks and plays with the other babies would look like under the Christmas tree, well it was not the greatest idea since he decided to run off with it He let go only after it came apart. plastic barrels and the cones and balls. I have the feeling that he is just going to be into everything! He had about a billion pictures taken by everyone except me. When I came out with my camera he was no longer white, but coated from head to toe in pure mud puddle! See AOL's top rated recipes Ûiÿ÷è¡Ö¨Ê&þÚ)«^v·¬4"--cc1.24b2e6d4_alt_bound [...] Content analysis details: (5.0 points, 5.0 required) pts rule name description -- -- 0.3 NO_REAL_NAME From: does not include a real name 1.4 WEIRD_QUOTING BODY: Weird repeated double-quotation marks 0.7 HTML_20_30 BODY: Message is 20% to 30% HTML 0.1 HTML_COMMENT_8BITS BODY: HTML comment has 3 consecutive 8-bit chars 0.2 HTML_MESSAGE BODY: HTML included in message 0.4 HTML_TAG_BALANCE_BODY BODY: HTML has unbalanced "body" tags 0.2 MIME_QP_LONG_LINE RAW: Quoted-printable line longer than 76 chars 1.0 PLING_PLINGSubject has lots of exclamation marks 0.7 UPPERCASE_25_50message body is 25-50% uppercase The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
tummy troubles, farriers & the Best Western in Moses Lake...
This message is from: Scott and Corinne Logan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> WOW - I hadn't read my messages in a few days and was suprised to hear from so many about tummy issues with Fjords. I, well Svenna, our little 3 month old filly just got over something the vet termed as ... colic. She did have some tummy sounds, but was up and down a lot, so we lubed her up and within a couple hours she was back to her sweet little self again. Is it maybe the time of year? I'm wondering if, as the weather changes so quickly sometimes from day to day, that it affects them even more than us. So even though she was back up dancing again (she does a little crow-hop in place--we call it dancing), she's been under a careful watch just to make sure. Farriers. In my prior horse experience, before my leave of absence from the horse world, I never had a problem and the horror stories seemed to be fewer and farther between than now. Since having come back into horses this last year, it was a struggle just to get someone to call me back. When I did, I certainly wasn't happy with the results. Neither was my trainer, Mel Thomas, who gave me her farriers number and although he was tough to get ahold of, he did come though and is making great strides "repairing". I was also fortunate enough to get a couple referrals from China & Donna at the Moses Lake show since they used to live where we are now. I truly believe, even more now, that referrals are a great way to do business. That said, some of you read about my issues with the Moses Lake Best Western and how they would not honor the $80 group rate reservation I made for the show and ended up charging us $129 per night. I filed a complaint with the BBB, and I wanted to post their response for all to see. Being a smaller community than ANY other horse group I've seen, with the exception of maybe a 4-H group, I'm asking that any and all who feel compelled with make a simple phone call or email to tell them this in not right. I'll add their contact info below after their response... "This guest made her reservation on 07-31-07 and was not able to make it with the group block due to all the rooms had already been fullfilled by the group. The group release date was 30 days prior to arrival which would have been 07-21-07 any additional rooms not booked by the guests would be released to be booked at full rate. The group had only set four rooms aside for the dates of 08-21-07 departing 08-25-07. This guest made her reservation on 07-31-07 and was not able to make it with the group block due to all the rooms had already been fullfilled by the group. The group release date was 30 days prior to arrival which would have been 07-21-07 any additional rooms not booked by the guests would be released to be booked at full rate. The group had only set four rooms aside for the dates of 08-21-07 departing 08-25-07." There were at least a few who made reservations after this date and did get the $80 per night rate. The contact info is: 509-765-9211, [EMAIL PROTECTED] You don't need to be in our area to call, any Norwegian Fjord horse owner is encouraged to call or write. >From the new kid on the block, Corinne Logan in dreary, cool Bothell, WA - Ole is missing the sun of the midwest!Willows Edge Farm Bothell, WA www.willowsedgefarm.com _ Boo! Scare away worms, viruses and so much more! Try Windows Live OneCare! http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/purchase/trial.aspx?s_cid=wl_hotmailne ws The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: VIdeo: the best horse in Europe
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I went to the site media.putfile.com then went to the category nature-animals and went to tribute to horses, I really enjoyed this video. Someone took some time and effort to make this particular video, kudos to them. Jo Wilgus Gavilan Hills/Perris, CA Home of : Duffers, Regn, Topper (QH)
Re: VIdeo: the best horse in Europe
This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Good one! Cherie
VIdeo: the best horse in Europe
This message is from: "Cynthia Madden" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://media.putfile.com/thebesthorseineurope/ This is a short video. May take a little while to download on slower systems. Very funny! -- Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM personal: [EMAIL PROTECTED] NFHR: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http:/www.geocities.com/cmadden88011 An unconscious people, an indoctrinated people, a people fed only on partisan information and opinion that confirm their own bias, a people made morbidly obese in mind and spirit by the junk food of propaganda, is less inclined to put up a fight, to ask questions and be skeptical. That kind of orthodoxy can kill a democracy or worse. - Bill Moyers, National Conference on Media Reform St. Louis, Missouri May 15, 2005
Re: Fair Acres Ole - THE BEST
This message is from: "Pat Holland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Patti Jo's stallion, Ole, is a particularly good example of a "older style" > stallion, that is of a draft style, that DID evaluate well, receiving a blue > ribbon. In fact, the evaluators (Karen Cabic and Wayne Hipsley) recognized > the value in his style including the fact that he had good fjord type, and > said publicly that "we need to recognize and preserve this type in our gene > pool." Thank you Beth for mentioning Ole and how he was presented at the 2003 evaluation. Wayne Hipsley brought him to our attention AGAIN this year. Apparently this particular horse has that kind of value to earn that recognition not only once - but twice. I just returned from the La Crosse evaluation making it the 6th one I participated in and Ole was the 15th horse I have presented. WITHOUT ANY DOUBT - he was the best I have EVER shown. He was absolutely the best behaved stallion I have ever been around, including all the QH's I've shown in the past. The disposition, the willingness to work, his ability to settle and listen and BEHAVE were absolutely the BEST. THE BEST. I introduced him to the arenas he was to work in and walked him around the grounds and he performed in my opinion perfectly. The first day it was hot and very humid, he broke a sweat, but never had to again while preparing for the tests. Under saddle and in harness he was total business. He knew what I wanted him to do and simply did it. I do not recall ANY horse, ANY time, ANY where - that I have handled - that has his personality, disposition and heart. THIS is what the Fjord is supose to be. Those of you whom own an Ole baby - are very lucky - they are very, VERY special. By the way, he did receive an 83 in the intro draft with scores of 9's & 8's. He received a 79 in the intro riding with 8's and 9's - 8.5's for trot and 8.5 for canter. He earned his Silver red Medallion of Quality. This horse is not only ALL the things Wayne said about him last year, he is MORE. Wayne recognized his worth from his conformation. But Wayne never sat on this horse, or drove him in draft, or prepared him for an event, traveled down the road or lived with him.I have - and its almost impossible to describe the feel one receives from him. I'm going to end this with a brief story only a handful of people know: Awhile back I got physically hurt a few too many times from riding untrusting horses. I lost all confidence on a horses back. It was a difficult time. A nine year old breeding stallion with a neck the size of Delaware and a Texas size heart - gave it back to me. Thank you Ole And thank you Patti Sincerely Pat Holland
Re: Fjord People are the Best
This message is from: "Sofia jagbrant" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Fjordpeople seem to be nice allover the world :-) Here in Sweden, are many other horsebreeders people envious on our good friendly feeling. Regards Sofia - Original Message - From: "Patti Jo & David Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "fjord horse" Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2003 5:50 AM Subject: Fjord People are the Best > This message is from: "Patti Jo & David Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I justed wanted to say I think Fjord Owners are the best people! I have met > the most wonderful people over the years and there is just something abouty > Fjord owners!! Just so nice and down to earth and friendly. So unlike > other horse breeds, sorry don't mean to put them down,it's just Fjord owners > are just different!! > > I just want to share what Leo McNally, Janet's husband did for me. I sent > them some pictures of my stallion Ole. Who by the way recieved a blue in > Conformation at the LaCrosse Evaluation. Still so proud! ;-) Anyways he > added a webpage to their website. That was sooo kind and sweet of him, and > I've never met him. I do know Janet but that was just so beyond what he had > to do. If you are interested in seeing Ole, you can click on > www.tamaracksheep.com/users/patti/ and see the big boy! There is just > something to seeing your horse on the internet. > > Patti Jo Walter > Francis Creek Fjords > Two Rivers WI-where it's starting to feel like WINTER BRR
Fjord People are the Best
This message is from: "Patti Jo & David Walter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I justed wanted to say I think Fjord Owners are the best people! I have met the most wonderful people over the years and there is just something abouty Fjord owners!! Just so nice and down to earth and friendly. So unlike other horse breeds, sorry don't mean to put them down,it's just Fjord owners are just different!! I just want to share what Leo McNally, Janet's husband did for me. I sent them some pictures of my stallion Ole. Who by the way recieved a blue in Conformation at the LaCrosse Evaluation. Still so proud! ;-) Anyways he added a webpage to their website. That was sooo kind and sweet of him, and I've never met him. I do know Janet but that was just so beyond what he had to do. If you are interested in seeing Ole, you can click on www.tamaracksheep.com/users/patti/ and see the big boy! There is just something to seeing your horse on the internet. Patti Jo Walter Francis Creek Fjords Two Rivers WI-where it's starting to feel like WINTER BRR
The Best Horses
This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carol wrote "- -- This is how to get good horses, folks. Raise them yourself, or buy weanlings and do the job right. I'm convinced of it. " I agree, that the horse that you raise yourself, you know 100% of the background and treatment. They are the BEST. We have kept many of our foals for that reason. The next best thing is to purchase from a breeder that raises the foal from birth and that has a training style that you agree with. Catherine Lassesen HESTEHAVEN - THE HORSE GARDEN
Re: the best
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Tillie, I missed the question you asked me in this message the first time around. You are welcome to use that however you like. Thanks for asking. Brian >This message is from: Evers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > WOW!! > THANK"S DOC, BRIAN > I have saved your article and I would like to use it to print up, >and >give to people with an interest in all Fjords. Truth in each sentence >from >alot of our experences over the years. May I use your contribution to >all >the people who stop in and want to learn about them. Tillie
Re: the best?
This message is from: Gregor Fellers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 03:16 PM 01/11/2000 -0500, you wrote: > >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >The Fjord Horse of the Century is ... > >Brian Jacobsen > > Brian, what a lovely message, I think most people that own Fjords feel that way and want to share them. Carol Fellers
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Beautifully said Brian. Sue
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Never intended to make for hard feelings. Personally I was thinking along the >lines of Brian Jacobson's Grandfather, someone like that... Pat, I appreciate your thought that my grandfather was one of the most influential people in the Fjord breed in this country. I think he was too. : ) And I was not trying to make light of your suggestion that we discuss influential people and Fjords; I believe it's good for people new to Fjords to hear about the people and horses that had (have) major influences on the breed. Thanks, Brian
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Lori. Hahaha!!! Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Starfire Farm, LLC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Pat wrote: > This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I'm new to this and was wondering what stallion > made the most impact on the Fjord breed in the U.S. > GOOD GOLLY I thought it was a good question. I thought it was a great question. I was also thinking of Gene Bauer and Harold Jacobsen, as the most influential, since they imported so many horses so many years ago. Both also had the foresight to start breed associations. As far as horses are concerned, Grabb certainly was most influential in the U.S.! I'd hate to think that folks would be afraid of expressing their opinion because they were afraid of being "flamed." There are a number of wonderful folks out there who have been influential for one reason or another. The bottom line is, we all love such a wonderful breed, and it's a breed that tends to attract some wonderful, passionate, people. Keeps life interesting, doesn't it? Beth, (who was finally chased inside by horrendous Colorado winds.) -- Beth Beymer & Sandy North Starfire Farm, Berthoud CO www.starfirefarm.com
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brian, I give you a standing ovation for that one!! What an answer! Regards, Bernadine Karns Nottawa Crossing Fjords Marshall, MI
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brian - You said it perfectly. God Bless. Ann Sigford in northern Minnesota, where it's dang cold tonight!
Re: the best?
This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean Gayle wrote: > ...judge depth or height and same problem with the feed pan. Anyone else have > similar problems? Do not want these weegies to be perfect. Hmmm, no such problems here, ours must be perfect! :-) :-) Lori A. (sorry, couldn't resist)
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fantastic Brian That was the most eloquent post of the new millennium and it just might take another 1000 years before anyone can say it better. Thank you. Vivian Creigh
Re: the best?
This message is from: John and Martie Bolinski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> OK, I have not posted with my idea of the best Fjord because I am so new to Fjords that my opinion would count anyway. And I am always adding something silly to the list. S - the only Fjord I have know this century is mine. He is the best. Hands down. Martie LOL :)) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Wow, That was powerful Brian, and it couldn't have been said better. That > statement said it all!! > > Ive been lurking alot, due to moving into the house we just built. its kind > of funny, we bought this place, because the barn and corral was perfect. So > what if it only had a 1 bedroom cabin and their are 6 of us. the Fjords come > first!! But now we are finally in the house, and it feels SO good, > Feeling quite guilty though, because, I havent so much as kissed one of the > furry Fjords in about 4 days > > Michele Noonan > In SNOWY Stevensville, Montana
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wow, That was powerful Brian, and it couldn't have been said better. That statement said it all!! Ive been lurking alot, due to moving into the house we just built. its kind of funny, we bought this place, because the barn and corral was perfect. So what if it only had a 1 bedroom cabin and their are 6 of us. the Fjords come first!! But now we are finally in the house, and it feels SO good, Feeling quite guilty though, because, I havent so much as kissed one of the furry Fjords in about 4 days Michele Noonan In SNOWY Stevensville, Montana
Re: the best?
This message is from: Mark and Lisa McGinley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I was having a crappy day at work until I read Brians post. Thanks Brian, Mark @ Mariposa
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 03:16 PM 1/11/00 -0500, you wrote: Folks, ours are the horses and we are the people! Every day let your conduct and your care of your horses be governed by the realization that your horse is going to be the Fjord Horse of the Century to someone today, and you yourself are going to be the most influential person in the Fjord world to someone today. It may only be to the quiet little neighbor girl, but who can begin to know what she she might do with her life, and what your influence will have meant to her? Your contribution counts; Keep it up! Thank You Brian! So well said! Mike === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Here! Here!, Brian. I do not think all of that writing took more than a few minutes and just flowed out of your head. And you are right on the mark. Wish I were as eloquent. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Fjord Horse of the Century is the one that draws the shy child out of his shell; the one that nickers every time you come out the front door; the one that enjoys each member of the family riding him; the one that treats a handicapped rider as precious cargo; the one that keeps her head where horses of many other breeds would lose it; the one that doesn't mind you in the same stall with her foal; the one that is climbing the levels in Dressage training; the one that is so gentle it takes a moment for visitors to realize he is a stallion; the one who is winning in driving competitions, the one who hooks you for life and makes you a Fjord addict; the one who is better on a trail ride than anyone else's horse; and the one who never makes it out of the owners' pasture but means the world to them. The Most Influential Person in the Fjord World is the person who talks to everyone and anyone about her Fjords for as long as they'll listen because she just can't help it; the person who feeds his Fjords before he eats in the morning and evening; the person who gets their Fjords out in public and demonstrates how versatile and personable they are; the person who can't really take their Fjord anywhere but loves them just the same; the person who breeds with the idea of "Not what can these Fjords do for me, but what can I do for the Fjords?"; the person who hears someone put Fjords' abilities down and sets out to prove them wrong; the person who is a pioneer in a new area of Fjord use; the person who commits herself to lifelong learning about horses and their care and Fjords in particular; the person who is always there in the background, staying out of the limelight, but always helping with Fjord events; and most of all, the person whose every thought and action, in terms of the Fjords, is based on true love for them and a desire to do what's best for them! Folks, ours are the horses and we are the people! Every day let your conduct and your care of your horses be governed by the realization that your horse is going to be the Fjord Horse of the Century to someone today, and you yourself are going to be the most influential person in the Fjord world to someone today. It may only be to the quiet little neighbor girl, but who can begin to know what she she might do with her life, and what your influence will have meant to her? Your contribution counts; Keep it up! Brian Jacobsen
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Pat it might have been better to have requested best "dead" breeder and horse!! Keep your spirits up, some have not had their morning coffee yet. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I love this "who would you pick" because there is good humor in it and distinguished horse people are picking by how loving, intelligent and giving the get is or the breeders are such nice and intelligent people!!! What happened to conformation (aka confirmation) and way of going? We are having a good go at snow today. I have often thought that the fjord has a different eye than other breeds. When Gunnar comes into his unlit stall he has a terrible time finding the feed pan which I carry to him each day. Now with the bright snow outside even putting it under his nose did not work and he became quite agitated trying to find it. My previous fjord would have trouble getting on and off the trailer as though he could not judge depth or height and same problem with the feed pan. Anyone else have similar problems? Do not want these weegies to be perfect. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: the best?
This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Never intended to make for hard feelings. Personally I was thinking along the lines of Brian Jacobson's Grandfather, someone like that or even whoever the fellow was who first brought the Fjords over for the Broadmore Hotel in Colorado. As far as horses, I don't know, I'm new to this and was wondering what stallion made the most impact on the Fjord breed in the U.S. GOOD GOLLY I thought it was a good question. The Chronicle Of The Horse just ran an entire issue on the 100 best horses, trainers and breeders in the past century...got the idea from them. I read the issue from cover to cover. Pat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Pat, > > I have my flame suit on and I am not voting! I think that is just asking for > a lot of hard feelings! > > Regards, > Bernadine Karns
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 09:37 PM 01/10/2000 EST, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Pat, > >I have my flame suit on and I am not voting! I think that is just asking for >a lot of hard feelings! > >Regards, >Bernadine Karns > ~ Bernadine, I think you're absolutely right! I wish I hadn't of been so quick to voice an opinion. Once I thought on the whole thing more I realized it could be a "sticky" one. That's what comes of winter boredom. It's especially trying for me this winter as I can't get out at all, caretaking my Mom. I'm hoping everyone will overlook my "itchy trigger fingers" on the keyboard Even picking on Rosendalsborken! What depths will I go to! =) Thinking on that one some more I thought of the illustration of perspective on a house. If you're looking at a house straight on from the right side you will not see the gable end on the left. I sincerely doubt that this particular pose could be recaptured with a camera using another Fjord. That was my point. I love to draw and spend a lot of time scrutinizing these kinds of things. (Fjords, not things). my best to all! Ruthie, NW MT
Re: the best?
This message is from: "saskia schoofs" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > If the NFHR were to award a horse of the century in the Fjord world, who > would you vote for? If it may be a European horse, I am terribly fond of Myrstein and his desecendants... but to elect a horse of the century, I think I know too little. > If they had an award for most outstanding breeder or influential person > in the Fjord world, who would you vote for? For Steve and Cynthia of course!!! And, secondly and personally, for the breeders of my Zeno. I'm sure their excellent care and love for him made him what he is now: sweet and gentle and easy to handle. happy Fjording! Saskia
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ruthie, Ha ha that husband of yours knows where his bread is buttered. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: the best?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat, I have my flame suit on and I am not voting! I think that is just asking for a lot of hard feelings! Regards, Bernadine Karns
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 02:54 PM 01/10/2000 -0700, you wrote: >This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >At 03:47 PM 01/10/2000 -0600, you wrote: >>This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >>I have something to throw out to all of you. With the end of the century >>and all that, how about: >>If the NFHR were to award a horse of the century in the Fjord world, who >>would you vote for? >>If they had an award for most outstanding breeder or influential person >>in the Fjord world, who would you vote for? > `` Gene just got home and read my letter and he didn't agree with my earlier choices! =( I asked him what his choices would have been and he said "Bushwhacker's Honi" (and "Bushwhacker's Dutchman," a close second) and his favorite Breeders are Bushwhacker's Fjords. H, somewhat immodest I'd say! =) Ruthie, NW MT
Re: the best?
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I might pick the Anita and Orville Unrau. Anvil's horses, either those they bred or imported are everywhere in the west and midwest - and they are some pretty nice horses. They too, chose athletic horses and are careful about temperament as well. If you watch the pedigrees of the horses on the list, you will see their horses over and over again. > >And of course I would have to say "outstanding breeder" is Carol and Arthur >Rivoire who are, clearly, pacesetters and achievers. Taking into >consideration also the contribution of Carol's book about Fjords; the only >book actually. Then again, locally, I would choose Chip Lamb of Quad-L's >Fjord Farm because of his great heart for the Fjords. > >I would love to hear what others say. > >Ruthie > > > Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Clicker List Web Site : http://clickryder.cjb.net
Re: the best?
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 03:47 PM 01/10/2000 -0600, you wrote: >This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >I have something to throw out to all of you. With the end of the century >and all that, how about: >If the NFHR were to award a horse of the century in the Fjord world, who >would you vote for? >If they had an award for most outstanding breeder or influential person >in the Fjord world, who would you vote for? `` Those are very interesting questions! Why did I immediately think of conformation... h?... Kanada King. (I do like the Kanada in front of King too) There's something about his conformation that is positively gripping. (I've never seen him in person but he has captured my eye). Of course I'm comparatively new to the Fjord world so couldn't make a knowledgeable choice and probably should base the choice on other factors as well. While my eye chooses him, my heart would pick Rusten, gosh, who can say! =)) And of course I would have to say "outstanding breeder" is Carol and Arthur Rivoire who are, clearly, pacesetters and achievers. Taking into consideration also the contribution of Carol's book about Fjords; the only book actually. Then again, locally, I would choose Chip Lamb of Quad-L's Fjord Farm because of his great heart for the Fjords. I would love to hear what others say. Ruthie
the best?
This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have something to throw out to all of you. With the end of the century and all that, how about: If the NFHR were to award a horse of the century in the Fjord world, who would you vote for? If they had an award for most outstanding breeder or influential person in the Fjord world, who would you vote for? Oh, and when everyone was talking about people going to high levels on Fjords, Anne in dressage, Vivian in combined trainingwhat about Gene Bauer and Sue Keating in pleasure driving, I think they won Walnut Hill many times over and thats a pretty high class show.
Re: Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi all, I apologise if my article came out twice. I still don't have this computer thing down altogether. I will write more about the stallion Misha at another time. Very interesting stories from so many people and yes I agree that stories about the mares would be important also. There was a fellow in Holland who was compiling a detailed history of the Dutch Warmblood blood lines and included all sorts of interesting details about many horses' particularities. This information is really important as certain blood lines pass certain things along. He carried much of the information in his head and was in the middle of putting it all down on paper when he unexpectedly passed away. As morbid as it is it is really great to get the stories out while we can. Anne
Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is some info. on the history of my cousins fjord breeding program at Entrance Ranch in Alberta , Canada. In 1965 Anne and her husband then, Rick Bronson, imported their first horses into Canada from Denmark. These included the Norwegian bred stallion, Stohlman and 4 Danish mares. They bred and trained these horses mostly for their own pleasure but sold some over the years. They were modest people and rarely advertized or tooted their own horn. Their reputation grew mostly through word of mouth and the horses they bred over the years were testament to the quality of their breeding program. Many prominant breeders in Canada and the US purchased their origional stock from Entrance Ranch.The ranch was located on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and my cousins spent many summers on pack trips in the mountains. The horse were perfectly suited for this. Stohlman colicked several years later and they replaced him with their home bred stallion, Per (by Stohlman out of Tosen). The next stallion they stood was Kinnickinnick who they acquired through a trade with another breeder in Saskatuan. KK, as he came to be known, was a very well put together stallion with stockier build and a beautiful head and wonderful disposition. His get can be found widely throughout Canada and the US and include the gelding Wez. As he aged he developed a stomach hernia and when it showed up on one of his offspring they decided to geld him. He lived on as a very able pack horse until 1998 when the effects of old age took their toll. While they still had Per, Anne and her first husband divorced and she later married a Norwegian man, Rocky Notnes. Together they continued the breeding business but on a more active level. They also started a commercial horse packing business using exclusively fjords. This was the first of such an outfit ever in this part of the country and most likely ever in the Northern Rockies. They catered mostly to artists, environmentalists and naturalists, often going for two or three weeks into the wilderness; sometimes more. . In time they restructured their trips to mostly carrying gear for hiking groups and cut down on their work load while still being able to go to the places they loved and be with the people they liked so much. In 1985 they invited me to go to Norway with them and to look for a new stallion for their breeding program. They were looking for good movement, conformation and temperament and respectable and unrelated bloodlines. It was then that they selected the stallion, Gromar. He placed third overall in quality for stallions that year. The judges placed him first by far for movement, legs and type but put him down for a slightly longer back. One other thing set him back in the testing. Three weeks prior he had gotten in with another stallion and had had one eye knocked out in the confrontation. As a result he was not fast in his trotting test. His bloodlines were respectable, including some famous Norwegian foundation stock (Torbjorn, Lidaren, Gramann, Jaerman, Goma and Valibu to name a few). Crossed with shorter coupled mares the long back would not (and was not) a problem. As for temperament he was a dear, gentle, good natured stallion to handle and at the same time a no nonsense herd boss. He ran with a herd or upwards of 20 mares on several hundred acres of ranch wilderness for 13 years. Not bad for a one eyed fellow. He sired upwards of 48 offspring while at the ranch. Many were destributed throughout Canada and the US. Some of his more well known git include Trinity Farms Sambar (Canada), Creekside Farm's Aura (US) and Creekside Farms Misha (US). Good movement, temperment and looks come through his offspring and the mares put a strong stamp on each cross as well. He stood at Entrance Ranch until the fall of 1997 at which point my cousins decided to quit the breeding business altogether. Being one of his most faithful fans I brought him to my farm in WA where he now lives a more pampered life at the ripe age of 18. When I went back to Norway in spring of 1999 I found that his previous owner and breeder was now one of the senior judges for fjords. When I introduced myself and told him about Gromar and showed him pictures he started to cry. What a testament. Anne Appleby
Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is some info. on the history of my cousins fjord breeding program at Entrance Ranch in Alberta , Canada. In 1965 Anne and her husband then, Rick Bronson, imported their first horses into Canada from Denmark. These included the Norwegian bred stallion, Stohlman and 4 Danish mares. They bred and trained these horses mostly for their own pleasure but sold some over the years. They were modest people and rarely advertized or tooted their own horn. Their reputation grew mostly through word of mouth and the horses they bred over the years were testament to the quality of their breeding program. Many prominant breeders in Canada and the US purchased their origional stock from Entrance Ranch.The ranch was located on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and my cousins spent many summers on pack trips in the mountains. The horse were perfectly suited for this. Stohlman colicked several years later and they replaced him with their home bred stallion, Per (by Stohlman out of Tosen). The next stallion they stood was Kinnickinnick who they acquired through a trade with another breeder in Saskatuan. KK,as he came to be known, was a very well put together stallion with stockier build and a beautiful head and wonderful disposition. His get can be found widely throughout Canada and the US and include the gelding Wez. As he aged he developed a stomach hernia and when it showed up on one of his offspring they decided to geld him. He lived on as a very able pack horse until 1998 when the effects of old age took their toll. While they still had Per, Anne and her first husband divorced and she later married a Norwegian man, Rocky Notnes. Together they continued the breeding business but on a more active level. They also started a commercial horse packing business using exclusively fjords. This was the first of such an outfit ever in this part of the country and most likely ever in the Northern Rockies. They catered mostly to artists, environmentalists and naturalists, often going for two or three weeks into the wilderness; sometimes more. . In time they restructured their trips to mostly carrying gear for hiking groups and cut down on their work load while still being able to go to the places they loved and be with the people they liked so much. In 1985 they invited me to go to Norway with them and to look for a new stallion for their breeding program. They were looking for good movement, conformation and temperament and respectable and unrelated bloodlines. It was then that they selected the stallion, Gromar. He placed third overall in quality for stallions that year. The judges placed him first by far for movement, legs and type but put him down for a slightly longer back. One other thing set him back in the testing. Three weeks prior he had gotten in with another stallion and had had one eye knocked out in the confrontation. As a result he was not fast in his trotting test. His bloodlines were respectable, including some famous Norwegian foundation stock (Torbjorn, Lidaren, Gramann, Jaerman, Goma and Valibu to name a few). Crossed with shorter coupled mares the long back would not (and was not) a problem. As for temperament he was a dear, gentle, good natured stallion to handle and at the same time a no nonsense herd boss. He ran with a herd or upwards of 20 mares on several hundred acres of ranch wilderness for 13 years. Not bad for a one eyed fellow. He sired upwards of 48 offspring while at the ranch. Many were destributed throughout Canada and the US. Some of his more well known git include Trinity Farms Sambar (Canada), Creekside Farm's Aura (US) and Creekside Farms Misha (US). Good movement, temperment and looks come through his offspring and the mares put a strong stamp on each cross as well. He stood at Entrance Ranch until the fall of 1997 at which point my cousins decided to quit the breeding business altogether. Being one of his most faithful fans I brought him to my farm in WA where he now lives a more pampered life at the ripe age of 18. When I went back to Norway in spring of 1999 I found that his previous owner and breeder was now one of the senior judges for fjords. When I introduced myself and told him about Gromar and showed him pictures he started to cry. What a testament. Anne Appleby
Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: Pat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Brian, Your response about the breeding stallions was perfect. Thank you. Pat Holland & (Howard & Sophie Fiedler of Green Valley Farm)
Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Sun, 31 Oct 1999 09:40:53 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Hello Brian! >Welcome back, I hope all went well with your parents. Yes thank you; Mom and dad are doing well. Dad's five bypass surgery went much better this time than the first time 18 years ago. >I agree with you 100% about the evals. BUT, there is one slight concernhow objective >can evaluators be when looking at both sport and draft type? I know everyone will say >type is type, but is it possible the evaluator will subconsciously chose which one he/she >thinks is prettiest? I would hate to see us "breed out" the draft trait. I echo your sentiments Lynda. While I consider myself a champion for the importance of Evaluations, I am not so naive to think there will be no problems. When you hear comments to the effect of 'Due to this horse's body style, you will have to take him/her to an Evaluation in such-and-such part of the country to do well ', and, 'This horse should evaluate well because he/she is what everybody wants right now ", it sure makes you wonder. What happened to The Standard is the Standard is the Standard. ?? >Oh yes, and Brian, Mary the Shire is doing wonderfully well!. I remember from our telephone conversation that you rescued this sweet giant of a horse from a slaughterhouse death when it turns out there really was not much wrong with her (although it was reported she had numerous problems at the time). Thank you so much for being willing to give of your time and resources to help horses whose trust in their owners, the people they depended on to take care of them, has been betrayed. The Lord says He cares about the tiny little sparrow; You know He cares about Mary the Shire and the others. You have found a neat way to give back something to horses who give us so much. Thanks! Brian Jacobsen, DVM Norwegian Fjordhest Ranch Salisbury, North Carolina
Re: best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Brian! Welcome back, I hope all went well with your parents. I agree with you 100% about the evals. BUT, there is one slight concernhow objective can evaluators be when looking at both sport and draft type? I know everyone will say type is type, but is it possible the evaluator will subconsciously chose which one he/she thinks is prettiest? I would hate to see us "breed out" the draft trait. As for my comments on natural selection, I am just a little shocked at how easily people can discuss the slaughter of animals. There must be a better alternative. Oh yes, and Brian, Mary the Shire is doing wonderfully well! She is gaining weight, the farrier has actually found her good part of her hooves, and we have recently observed her galloping and cantering. She also absolutely adores the Fjords, and is making an awesome aunt. The vet is very excited about her comebackhe still says spring she will be 100% sound. Lynda Bailey's Norwegian Fjord Horse Farm White Cloud, MI
best of the best of stallions
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lynda, Your best of the best was an interesting thought. You wrote: >I believe someone brought up on the list the old Norse practice of stallion >fighting, else I read it through my studies, or possibly both are true. >Anyway, I would suppose, if we really wished to see the best of the best of >stallions, we would put them all together in a natural herd environment. I >have the feeling we would all be utterly amazed at the outcome. I have also wondered what the result would be of an "experiment" like this would be. I suspect, though, that our notion that "the best stallion would win" is highly romanticized and not very accurate. I have unfortunately seen several stallion fights (accidental get-togethers) and can say that age and experience at fighting or play-fighting (like young horses do) have as much or more to do with the way the fight goes than does natural ability and intelligence. And even in cases where natural ability alone wins out, would we want a Mike Tyson Fjord Stallion? To be the "ruling" stallion in a wild herd situation would mean that the concept of submitting would not be in that horse's vocabulary. To submit in those circumstances means defeat and most likely death. Don't I remember reading that when cowboys used to try to roundup bands of wild horses, they often had to shoot the herd stallions because they kept trying to attack the coyboys and their horses? If these stallions had been so exceptional when they were tamed, then they would have been the prize catch of the whole band. Since this was not often done, this tells me they probably were not able to be tamed and so the cowboys just did not want to mess with them. Though this would be some kind of tough animal, it would be nothing like the Fjords we love who are so loving and so willing to submit to our leadership. The reason I mention all this is to reemphasize the importance of --- Evaluations---. (Lynda, I know you are for evaluations, so this is not necessarily directed at you.) Please remember this: Natural selection results in tough and smart and often physically impressive, but not often willing to submit. Selection by necessity (i.e. cowboy needs a good horse, Arabian knight needs a mount that can survive the desert and travel long distances, Norwegian people needed a horse first to fight with (Vikings) and then to farm with) results in tough, smart, physically impressive, AND willing to submit. Selection by an evaluation process KEEPS the horses tough, smart, physically impressive, and willing to submit WHEN THE NECESSITY IS GONE. There are very few cowboys or Arabian knights that ride horses anymore, and the few Norwegian people that still farm mostly use tractors. No one really needs horses in the way they used to be needed. That means that with few or no exceptions, we own them as a matter of human fancy, just because we want to. Human fancy largely results in selection for physical impressiveness with very little thought for tough, smart, or willing to submit. The Quarter Horse stallion named "Impressive" is a perfect example of this; His offspring have a reputation for being hard to handle, they are not known as a group to be good at any of the "traditional" Quarter Horse uses (cutting cows, roping, racing), and they have a probability of having a serious genetic defect. So what good are they? They look darn good in the show ring. Hello!! Am I missing something here?! They take a good horse, and make it a good-for-nothing-horse. That makes sense right? In today's environment of breeding for profit and with only sporadic selection for use, the ONLY way we can keep Fjords tough AND smart AND physically impressive AND willing to submit is through Evaluations. When you see the first Fjord "Impressive", it is all downhill from there. Brian Jacobsen, DVM Norwegian Fjordhest Ranch Salisbury, North Carolina
Re: Choosing the best stallion
This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> OK, but a higher stud fee does not always equate to a higher intrinsic value. Proof of intrinsic value comes from positive evaluations, success in performance events, and evaluation of the offspring, not what the stud fee is set at. There are stallions of undisputably high credentials standing for less money. The lower stud fee does not mean they are lesser horses, or that mare owners who send their mares to that stallion are cutting corners or something. Rather the stallion owner is doing the breed a service by keeping costs reasonable, IMHO. Lori > Hi! from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - > > Re: Mike Cook's comments about choosing a stallion for your mare based on > quality rather than the stud fee. He's absolutely right, of course. It's > always been amazing to me that people would actually consider a few hundred > dollars, more or less, in their deliberations. What an example of > shortsightedness! And yet, I guess mare owners do consider the difference > between a $750 stallion, and a $1,000 stallion,or at least stallion owners > think they do. I've been consulted several times by stallion owners > deliberating whether to charge $800 or $950 or $1000. I don't get it.
Re: Choosing the best stallion
This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 08:51 AM 3/15/99 -0400, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Arthur Rivoire) > > > >Hi! from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - > >In relation to this subject, I'd like to strongly urge the Registry to >publish this talked about Stud Book. Mike, if you're reading this - >What's the status of the Studbook? I really wonder if it's actually in the >works because I've never been contacted for photos of Gjest, or any >information about what he's done. Has anybody else been contacted by the >Registry regarding their stallions? No one has been contacted as yet for pictures of their stallions. The studbook is in the works so to speak. I am still fixing conversion problems from the old software to the new software we use to register the horses. Some of the data did not convert correctly. I do not want to publish a book with incorrect data. I am planning on a "Stallion Page" on the web site though also. So if any of you stallion owners out there would like to have your stallion's picture on the site send me a good photo of him. I will scan it in and put it on the web site as soon as I have enough picture to make a good page. >A Studbook is necessary to the breed. Mare owners looking for stallions >need this tool. I think we'd all appreciate hearing what the Registry is >doing about it. I couldn't agree more Carol. But we do want accuracy too. By the way there is another project in the works right now for a book. Stay tuned for more information on it. I will let the people that have the facts post about it. Mike === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Choosing the best stallion
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Arthur Rivoire) Hi! from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - Re: Mike Cook's comments about choosing a stallion for your mare based on quality rather than the stud fee. He's absolutely right, of course. It's always been amazing to me that people would actually consider a few hundred dollars, more or less, in their deliberations. What an example of shortsightedness! And yet, I guess mare owners do consider the difference between a $750 stallion, and a $1,000 stallion,or at least stallion owners think they do. I've been consulted several times by stallion owners deliberating whether to charge $800 or $950 or $1000. I don't get it. To me, things have an intrinsic value. Unimproved land, for instance. If it's capable of growing good things without chemicals and irrigation, its intrinsic value is high, even though it needs to be improved by clearing and cultivation. I feel the same way about the foals we produce at Beaver Dam Farm. When we get a really good foal, I feel that foal has a certain intrinsic value, despite the fact that it's only a month old. So, I put a price on that foal commensurate with its intrinsic value, because, afterall, that foal is very soon going to grow into a mature horse, and wouldn't I be foolish to have sold a magnificent Fjordhorse for $3500 just because it was a 6 month old weanling. One of the many good foals we've produced over the years was BDF LILLEHAMMER, now owned by Sue Banks in VA. It was obvious to anybody with an eye for horses that Lilly was special. You could see that on the day of her birth . . . and I did, and I priced her accordingly. I didn't expect any Fjord people, at that time, to pay such a price, and I was right . . . they didn't. However, Sue came along when Lilly was a two-year-old, and had the experience and judgement to see what a special horse she was. The same thing holds true for choosing a stallion, only much more so. Choosing a stallion is a long-term decision that's going to impact on your life in several areas - Your pleasure, satisfaction, pride. --- Your safety. -- Your finances. This impact will continue on your life, your family's, and the lives of however many people eventually own this horse or deal with her for the next thirty years. Can you imagine the insignificance of saving a couple of hundred dollars. To me, a stallion is worthy of breeding, or he's not, and yes, I know that sometimes it's not an easy decision. I once saw a famous Morgan stallion that I never would have considered "good enough for breeding." He was small and stunted looking, and in fact, that's exactly what he was --- Stunted! He'd been neglected and abused as a youngster, and never allowed to reach his potential. But, a wise breeder knew his bloodlines, and gave him a chance, and the stallion rewarded him by producing big, robust Morgan horses. I saw this stallion at a Morgan show, and talked to the owner. He showed me something phenomenal. He took me into the trailer that held the stallion, and we peered over the partition at this little horse. I was totally amazed to see the breadth of the stallion's back. He was a big horse in a little, stunted body, but he passed on his bigness. --- A great example of INTRINSIC VALUE. My Canadaian Dictionary of the English Language defines INTRINSIC as - 1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent. 2. Situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts. The essential,inherent nature of the thing as it pertains to breeding horses goes back to the pedigree. That's where the 'inherent' comes in. You have to look at it because it tells everything. I would much rather breed to an unprepossing looking stallion with a solid pedigree, than to a flashy horse with a largely unknown pedigree. It's more a question of knowing what you won't get with the former. You may not get an exquisite, "AA" rated individual, but you're likely to get a good solid, well-made, useful horse. With the later breeding, you may get an unwelcome surprise. There've been a few critical comments by List members regarding the emphasis on European Stallions, and questioning why we dont' talk more about stallions with North American bloodlines. The reason, as I see it, is the INTRINSIC VALUE represented in the approved and proven European stallions. You know what you're getting with these stallions because each and every one of them has been produced by a former Approved Stallion from Norway, Holland, or wherever. There are no surprises getting foals from these stalliions, . . . or least much less chance of surprises. In relation to this subject, I'd like to strongly urge the Registry to publish this talked about Stud Book. Mike, if you're reading this - What's the status of the Studbook? I really wonder if it's actually in the works because I've never been contacted for photos of Gjest, or any informa
