Hiccups in young horses
This message is from: Dianne White I'm putting this out there hoping to find out if anyone has ever had any experience with this before. I have a 7 month old Friesian/Paint cross colt who has had hiccups periodically since he was 3 days old. He may be having them more regularly as I can't be with him 24/7. This last round was Saturday and I witnessed it for 1 1/2 hrs before finally turning him out to pasture. My vet had told me to call him when this happens, as he only lives a mile away, and he would come out to check him. Well of course that's not going to happen because it is so unpredictable. I did call and he was out of town. I talked to a vet at Colorado State University by phone a few hours ago and he pointed me in the right direction for tests to help determine a diagnosis. We know that we are looking for irregular heartbeat, calcium imbalance or possibly a phrenic nerve irritation. He is a large colt, already 13.2 hands and 557 lbs. He is very active and loves, loves, loves to run like the wind. He is alert and very willing to please and just likes to be around people. Just wondering if anyone out there has ever seen anything like this. I have had horses all my life and I have never seen it before. Would love to know what the outcome was if anyone did go through this. To make this Fjord related; I put my 16 yr old Fjord gelding with the babies to help teach them so manners. He is a little antisocial so when they get too rambunctious he lets them know that it's time to give him space. Thanks, Dianne, Remiel (the foal) and Draako ( the leave me alone Fjord) 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: young horses
This message is from: Heather Baskey Ditto ditto ditto. I just lost my beloved Fjord to EPM. I listened to all those around me that it wasn't unusual for a trip here/there from a young horse and/or his feet were improperly trimmed, and/or he was going through a growth spurt, etc.etc. I did end up calling the vet (as the last 2 weeks, the uncoordination was quite evident) and Henry had a full neurological exam. He did test positive for EPM, but the Vet College (University of Guelph) were going on about Wobbler's (suspicious radiograph of cervical C-7). I still do not have the full post-mortem report, so right now - still left wondering what caused the lesions along his CNS. Anyhow - if you find this unusual behaviour for your horse, I would definitely call the vet. Better safe than sorry and if it is nothing, all you are out is a call fee - but you would have peace of mind. Heather --- On Sun, 8/1/10, Lori Albrough wrote: If she was my horse I would have her thoroughly checked out by an equine veterinarian without delay. Take care, Lori Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: young horses
This message is from: Robin Churchill I have had several young horses and none of them tripped. I agree with Lori, get the horse checked out and if the vet says there is nothing physically wrong with her then you can try to figure out other reasons for the tripping. Cheers, Robin in Florida Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: young horses
This message is from: "Cherie Mascis" Young horses that have just been started and aren't used to carrying a rider, can be a little klutzy. New shoes in front will change the weight and breakover. She'd probably be extra careful in the really steep areas, but might not notice an easier change of terrain, it's harder to feel your feet in shoes. Let her get used to the shoes on flat terrain, or go barefoot ;) I really like Renegades or gloves. Even with boots, I'd still get a couple of easy rides in before tackling harder terrain. 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: young horses
This message is from: Lori Albrough Rose or Murph wrote: I have been told that tripping is common with young horses? Hi Rosemary, I don't believe tripping is common with young horses. Especially not tripping and falling down. Horses hate to fall down and will generally do everything they can to not do so. What happened with your horse could be a sign of a neurological problem, or something like a saddle issue. If she was my horse I would have her thoroughly checked out by an equine veterinarian without delay. Take care, Lori -- Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords R.R.#3 Moorefield Ont Canada N0G 2K0 phone: 519-638-5598 email: l...@bluebirdlane.com http://www.bluebirdlane.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
young horses
This message is from: "Rose or Murph" Hello everyone, I wanted to ask a question as I have heard people talk about this before. I have a wonderful 5 year old mare. We did our first official trail ride out at my friend's place that consists of hilly terrain, meadows, mixed with some woods. My mare was very good, performed well with a solid head, EXCEPT, on my very last spin around this little meadow. We had just walked down a tiny hill when at the bottom she did a big trip. All of a sudden all I could see was about 2 inches of her mowhawk right up by the saddle. Her head and neck almost disappeared as she went down to catch her balance. Well, I did not catch my balance and pitched off to the side of her shoulder. I have been told that tripping is common with young horses? She has been tripping on and off even on flat terrain. Her feet are done, toes are not long, ect. Should I just chalk this up to a young horse, or should I be concerned? I had just finished a very steep hill up, and down with no tripping issues. This is her first set of shoes on her front feet. Rosemary in Roy, WA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Young Horses need new homes
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Theresa, I found a couple of pictures of the weanlings. Top one is Dun Lookin' Viggo ( Paradise's Emily x Blaamann) and bottom is Dun lookin' Veldig (Paradise's Taffeta x Blaamann). These photos are about a month or so old - taken around early-mid August. View full size View full size Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Young Horses need new homes
This message is from: Theresa Christiansen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Can you tell me a bit more about them. How much they've been handled, etc. Are photos available? Thanks! Theresa Christiansen Duvall, WA On Sep 22, 2008, at 7:50 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am having a dificult time in my liferight now and really need to find new homes for three young Fjords. I have two weanling colts and a very nice two year old that I need to sell very soon. I cannot afford to give them away, but I will consider any reasonable offers on them. I currently have them advertised at $2500 for the weanlings and $3500 for the 2 yr old, but I am currently very motivated to sell. Contact me and we'll talk. Thanks, Amy Evers Western Oregon 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
Young Horses need new homes
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am having a dificult time in my liferight now and really need to find new homes for three young Fjords. I have two weanling colts and a very nice two year old that I need to sell very soon. I cannot afford to give them away, but I will consider any reasonable offers on them. I currently have them advertised at $2500 for the weanlings and $3500 for the 2 yr old, but I am currently very motivated to sell. Contact me and we'll talk. Thanks, Amy Evers Western Oregon Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Young Horses for Sale
This message is from: "dfle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Have some nice young fjords for sale. A two-year old filly -- ready to train next year. Very nice head, well halter trained and loads in a trailer. Nice disposition. A yearling filly -- a real show stopper with a personality that never stops. Very, very gentle, loves lots of attention. Nice yearling colt (could be gelding and will be if no interest). Also very gentle, handled daily, really nice disposition. Good prices on all horses. I would like to have all horses at my farm this winter so I am trying to sell some that will need to be housed on another farm. Photos and pedigress available upon request. I am located in Mid-Missouri between St. Louis and Kansas City. Rosemary Fleharty, Shome Fjords, Prairie Home, MO 660-841-9502 e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent via the WebMail system at cmnt1.c-magic.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: trimming feet on young horses
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 10:43 am Subject: Re: trimming feet on young horses To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com I have a farrier who believes in training young, so any foal on the place when he comes is trimmed, even if it is just a light rasping or even just holding still for a good evaluation of his feet. > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > I have had foals feet trimmed younger than 6 months not very > often though. > I do it if I notice any deviation in the angles of the > limbs . It is easy > to correct things at a young age by making sure they have > the correct angles > on their feet. An example would be if I have a > babie that is toeing out > more than I like it can very easy be trained to grow > straight. If wait till > they are to old it does not change as easy. > > Bonnie > > Very sunny warm and beautiful still weighting on my pregnant > mama (hand and > foot) > > > > ** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > 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: trimming feet on young horses
This message is from: "Lola Lahr" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Kimberly! Don't feel bad! I think it's great idea for your youngster to meet the farrier. Sounds like your little guy did a great job! I went to a Pete Ramey clinic a couple of weeks ago, and he highly recommends NOT waiting until a foal is 6 months to a year old before getting his/her feet trimmed. It all depends on how the hooves are growing, and keeping an eye on them early on is a good idea. ( I only do barefoot, so I don't automatically equate seeing the farrier or getting feet trimmed with shoeing. ) I also love the idea that Jamie's foals get to romp out on natural terrain! Rocks and hills etc. How great is that for these little guys and gals - wow! The foals who stand in stalls with limited turnout are the ones whose feet and legs especially need attention as early as possible. Just my 2 cents worth! Lola- also in sunny Oregon and loving the warm weather On 5/8/07, Kimberly Kinney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > This message is from: Kimberly Kinney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Good morning List! > I mentioned in a post that my foal was meeting the farrier for the first > time this last weekend. I'm sorry for any confusion or concern. > > "The farrier is coming today and she'll get her first "trim". I'm betting > that'll be exciting!" > > The baby had just been to our equine vet Friday, and he told me it would > be a great experience for her to meet my farrier as he was coming to do the > adult horses. He said it wouldn't hurt to touch them with the file. That's > why the word trim was in quotes. I didn't want people to think she was > really going to get a full up adult trim. At two weeks old, she in no way > needed a trim of any sort. I have become familiar with what the feet should > look like and schedule my farrier accordingly. > > This is an orphan foal so will not grow up watching mamma get her feet > done. I'll do lots of things to imitate mommy, but not that!! (VERY big > grin!!!) I'm trying to simulate her being on natural pasture, I exercise > her several times a day over different surface types: grass, soft dirt, > packed dirt, lightly rocked over packed dirt, mud (it is Oregon > springtime)... > > And actually, she just stood there like a pro. Seems it wasn't any > different to her than the handling we'd been doing daily since birth. The > fact that it was a stranger, or a man, meant nothing to her. > > Back to Lurkdom for me... > > Hope your weather is as perfect for you as ours is today!!! > Kimberly (in FINALLY sunny and drying out Oregon) > > > > > > Finding fabulous fares is fun. > Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and > hotel bargains. > http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 > > 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: trimming feet on young horses
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have had foals feet trimmed younger than 6 months not very often though. I do it if I notice any deviation in the angles of the limbs . It is easy to correct things at a young age by making sure they have the correct angles on their feet. An example would be if I have a babie that is toeing out more than I like it can very easy be trained to grow straight. If wait till they are to old it does not change as easy. Bonnie Very sunny warm and beautiful still weighting on my pregnant mama (hand and foot) ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: trimming feet on young horses
This message is from: Kimberly Kinney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Good morning List! I mentioned in a post that my foal was meeting the farrier for the first time this last weekend. I'm sorry for any confusion or concern. "The farrier is coming today and she'll get her first "trim". I'm betting that'll be exciting!" The baby had just been to our equine vet Friday, and he told me it would be a great experience for her to meet my farrier as he was coming to do the adult horses. He said it wouldn't hurt to touch them with the file. That's why the word trim was in quotes. I didn't want people to think she was really going to get a full up adult trim. At two weeks old, she in no way needed a trim of any sort. I have become familiar with what the feet should look like and schedule my farrier accordingly. This is an orphan foal so will not grow up watching mamma get her feet done. I'll do lots of things to imitate mommy, but not that!! (VERY big grin!!!) I'm trying to simulate her being on natural pasture, I exercise her several times a day over different surface types: grass, soft dirt, packed dirt, lightly rocked over packed dirt, mud (it is Oregon springtime)... And actually, she just stood there like a pro. Seems it wasn't any different to her than the handling we'd been doing daily since birth. The fact that it was a stranger, or a man, meant nothing to her. Back to Lurkdom for me... Hope your weather is as perfect for you as ours is today!!! Kimberly (in FINALLY sunny and drying out Oregon) Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
trimming feet on young horses
This message is from: "jaimie benoit" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello everyone, I think that I may have misunderstood a post to the digest yesterday regarding having a young foals feet trimmed. In my experience I've never had to have a foals feet trimmed at an age younger than let's say 6 months. Our foals grow up on natural terrain, big hills and wide open spaces which I believe is beneficial to the growth on the foot. The terrain they run and play on keeps their feet nice and strong. Has anyone had to have their foals feet trimmed at an age younger than 6 months? If so, for what reasons? I would suggest that horse owners become familiar with what a foot looks like that is in need of a trim. Once you know what you are looking for you will be able to judge when your horse is due for one just by checking his feet on a regular basis. I'd also like to add that there is nothing wrong with picking up your foals feet at a young age. Actually, the younger the better. By the time your weanling is due for a trim it should be no problem at all. Kind regards, Jaimie Benoit- BDF Manager and Trainer The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Young horses
This message is from: "MARK DANIELSON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> When my vet did the pre-purchase exam for my 3 year old mare, she finished up with - "I want to check her temperature; I've never seen a three year old behave like this." The fjord temperament is golden. Patti
Dr. Deb Bennett on starting young horses
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Here is another excerpt from DR. Deb: "When I say "start" a horse I do not equate that with riding him. To start a young horse well is one of the finest tests (and proofs) of superior horsemanship. Anyone who does not know how to start a horse cannot know how to finish one. You, the owner, therefore have the following as a minimum list of enjoyable "things to accomplish" together with your young horse before he's four years old, when you do start him under saddle: * 1. Comfortable being touched all over. Comfortable: not put-upon nor merely tolerating, but really looking forward to it. * 2. This includes interior of mouth, muzzle, jowls, ears, sheath/udder, tail, front and hind feet. Pick 'em up and they should be floppy. * 3. Knows how to lead up. No fear; no attempt to flee; no drag in the feet; knows that it's his job to keep slack in the line all the time. * 4. Manners enough to lead at your shoulder, stop or go when he sees your body get ready to stop or go; if he spooks, does not jump toward or onto you, will not enter your space unless he's specifically invited to do so. * 5. Leads through gate or into stall without charging. * 6. Knows how to tie, may move to the side when spooked but keeps slack in the line all the time. * 7. Knows how to be ponied. * 8. Carries smooth nonleverage bit in mouth. Lowers head and opens mouth when asked to take the bit; when unbridled, lowers head and spits the bit out himself. * 9. Will work with a drag (tarp, sack half filled with sand, light tire, or sledge and harness). * 10. Mounts drum or sturdy stand with front feet. * 11. Free longes - comes when called and responds calmly to being driven forward; relaxed and eager. * 12. When driven, leaves without any sign of fleeing; when stopped, plants hind feet and coils loins; does not depend on back-drag from your hand to stop him. * 13. Familiar with saddle, saddle blanket, and being girthed and accepts it quietly. * 14. Backs easily, quietly and straight in hand, "one step at a time". * 15. Loads quietly in horse trailer, unloads by stepping backwards from inside horse trailer without rearing or rushing. Various people might like to add to this list. Please feel free, just so long as what you're asking your young horse isn't more than he can physically do. Getting the horse "100% OK" mentally and emotionally - those are the big areas in successful early training; most of the physical and athletic skills can come later, when it is fitting. I've had people act, when I gave them the above facts and advice about starting youngstock, like waiting four years was just more than they could possibly stand. I think they feel this way because the list of things which they would like to include as necessary before attempting to ride is very short. Their whole focus is on riding as why they bought the animal, and they think they have a right to this. Well, the horse - good friend to mankind that he is - will soon show them what he thinks they have a right to. " This was also from the previously mentioned article. Jean in rainy Fairbanks, Alaska
RE: lunging young horses AND hay
This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Fjords are slow maturers, I would not recommend lunging them at this time or for another year or even two. You might try longlining them or doing some type of TTeam or Parelli, etc. type ground work with them if you want to get them doing something. If you do decide to lunge them, only do it for very short periods of time - 5 or 10 mintues max. Round pens are no larger usually than a lunge line so you are not really doing anything better by using one. It is the smaller circles that cause the stress on their legs. Regarding Hay - I just help unload 200 bales of bermuda hay on a 103 degree day! With delivery, I ended up paying $6.48 a bale. It is beautiful stuff compared to what I got last year and the horses eat every piece up. Hay is only going to get more expensive here in New Mexico where we are probably entering a long term drought period. = Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: lunging young horses
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sharon I have heard some horror tales about lunging young horses before they have their bone growth. I wonder though if short sessions on a long line, no tight circles, could hurt. But beware of boring them as it is not an exciting thing for young minds. Or older people's minds for that matter. Jean 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: lunging young horses
This message is from: "Jim and Tamara Hooper" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> A great solution to lunging young horses is the round pen. My husband built me a round pen with about a 48' diameter and my two Fjords responded very quickly and were soon ridden. The round pen is a good way to lunge since it keeps the horses moving in a circular motion under easy control. The round pen is also a good way to work on finer collected horse movement points. Tammy Hooper Naples, ID
lunging young horses
This message is from: sharon knipe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We have recently acquired 2 - 11 month old fillies and we are wondering when we could start lunging them. They seem very interested in the work we are doing with the 2 year old and would like to start the young ones as soon as it is wise to do so. Any help anyone could give me would be much appreciated. thanks Sharon Knipe
Re: Young horses
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Karen: how old was your mare when you first rode her? I am green >with envy...I have nothing to ride till Storm is older. He is just 14 >months old yet...and was wondering if he can be broken to ride at >2? ( hopefully) Sue, drooling in N. B. Hi Sue: In answer to your question about starting to ride a 2 year old, know that my answer will be thae same as that of a majority on this list, No. There is just too much growing going on, and besides most young horses are not emotionally ready yet for any kind of intensive training. I think too much too soon actually retards them. But...there is s much you can be doing with him now. Lots of groundwork games, ground driving everywhere,packing them w/ a mock load & ponying him out off of another horse, etc. I think there have ben alot of references on this List to the Linda Tellington-Jones TTouch (and similar) style, of groundwork training. I really think this helps "train" a horse more so than actually swinging up in the saddle and "getting the saddle pad wet." It teaches them to be respectful, light (for fjords a BIG BONUS!) and willing. Really imperitive though, is that whatever approach you take with your youngster, be consistant and fair w/ discipline. If they are crawling all over you now for attention, and you think its cute, and then the next day they nip you, and you freak out, just remember that you had previously endorsed this behavior, and you will create one confused and bratty horse in the end if you let it persist. Create boundaries and stick to them - eliminate the grey areas. The filly I described in the email I started riding early this June. She was 3 years and one month. I wasn't so much watching the calendar, as waiting to see if she was ready, physiclly and mentally. I have started horses a little earlier, in the fall of their 2nd year, more so because they were big (i.e. warmbloods) and I wanted to establish in them that riding was no big deal while they were still generally a little underdeveloped and not so strong. ( I only walk/trot, and work session under saddle is in the 20 minute catagory). Then they go back out to pasture w/ the herd and get to be horses. When it comes time to get them going later on, it's no big deal. Lillie, (Sven x Jorunn) is just so fun to ride, she is so happy and eager, and seems more so than some youngsters I have started. My ex student Lindsay, who is 12 and a good Pony Clubber is now coming over twice a week to ride w/ me. She rides Lillie, and loves her. First time we bridled her w/ a snaffle,(all her previous work, 6 rides, were in a bosal) we couldn't believe it when she dropped her head all on her own and literally picked the bit up in her mouth. We thought it was a fluke, but she does it everytime now! Another thing that blew Lindsay away was when she asked Lillie to back from the saddle. I told her how I asked for a back, and Lillie responded by lightly backing 3-4 steps. A little voice command and old groundwork come in handy down the road! As a yearling , she won the leadline trail hands down at Turlock - with a complete stranger leading her, in a very strange dark indoor arena. I was so wiped out showing 3 differnt horses that day, I was grateful when a young apprentice to Anton Vorhoeve from Salt Spring Island, BC, offered to take her in the class for me. I'll stop my bragging and get on with my day. ...(But, I will add before I go that Lillie is for sale, and she is a looker. Won her halter class as well that year.) Good luck with your fellow Sue! Karen in Carson City Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
Web page, young horses
This message is from: misha nogha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Catherine I got to your first page okay, but when I tried to get to your other pages, it shut my whole computer out to the C prompt. Admittedly I only have a 486 with an upgrade, but it is something to keep in mind. (Yeah I know, any one have a used pentium they are dumping). My husband makes web pages and he tries to keep them attractive but simple enough so even that basic computers can run them. All this talk about new web pages, I told my husband, heee, make me one too. I designed the last one kinda and I think it needs a little pizazz! I did make a Fjord animated gif on my links page, that was fun and extremely tediuos! So I am thinking... The young horse green rider discussion is great. I am willing to sell in a circumstance like that IF the owner agrees to do something like what Gayle mentioned--have help every step of the way. In fact, I always recommend Gayle to my customers! If you have help and are comitted it does work out. It is kinda funny because these imprinted foals can be so mellow and trusting. Lots of times when buyers come over the babies are napping. They lift their heads but don't get up. If the buyer scratches their bellies, they roll over like dogs--ha. You can pick up their legs and just wiggle em or play with them. When they do get up they are sweet and nice. BUT! I always warn people. Don't kid yourself! They may look dog tame and are respectful now, but they will test the heck out of you when you get them home. If you are not savvy, you are going to get bamboozled right away and be sorry you bought a foal! Respect does not transfer well--you have to earn it. That is why Carol says such things, well be careful with the greenest rider and your best horse. They still need help learning. You can have a super horse and in the hands of a novice it can be a real pill! On the other hand, if you have a green horse and green handler, they are committed and get help and all, I have seen some amazing partnerships develop! You know, we can give our best advice, but you can't control people's lives. If they want to try something, they should. I mean, otherwise life is too dull. We had snow again last night. I am real sick of the lingering winter. I want to get playing with the horses and the snow with warm up during the day and snow again at night makes for a huge mud pit! It's quite annoying. I want the real MCCoy! IE warmer, drier, sunshine-kind of a baby huh? Misha Shota Fjords http://www.eoni.com/~mishamez
Re: Selling young horses to inexperienced people
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Arthur Rivoire) Hello Everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - > >This message is from: Nancy Hotovy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Carole - > >I really agree with your post on the older horses. Steady, well trained >Fjords are definitely in high demand but I never, never, never recommend >someone buy a young, untrained colt unless they have had previous horse >experience. Hi Nancy, I guess we agree with each other, which is nice. When I recommend that a buyer might do better with a youngster (weanling/yearling) than an older horse, I'm not talking about someone who is totally inexperienced with horses. That kind of person won't do well with any horse no matter how well trained and old the horse is. -- That is, she won't do well UNLESS she boards the horse at a good stable, and is under supervision while she learns about horses, and how to ride and/or drive. IMPORTANT POINT! --- I wouldn't sell our quietest, best trained horse to a totally inexperienced home, not for fear that the buyer might get in trouble (which she well might), but more out of concern for our horse. There are too many things that can go wrong with horses, and totally inexperienced people can't read the signs. A person like that needs to board at a good stable. What I'm talking about are the many experienced horse people who think they can't bring on a youngster because they've never dont it before. I get calls from people who've owned horses for years, and ridden for years, who are shocked at the idea they might train a youngster. They say, "But, I've never done that before!" Perhaps true for other breeds. I can't speak to that, but I am sure that a person who knows horses, and can care for them, can start with a weanling Fjord and bring him on to be a very pleasant, useful horse. This kind of person can be successful even if they've never done it before, and even if they can't ride or drive.-- At the very least, this owner can do all the preliminary work leading up to saddle and harness work, at which point, they "may" choose to have a professional start the horse. And, if they do this work concientiously, they and the professional trainer will be amazed how wonderfully that young horse will train. Over the years, I've found that everything to do with horses requires a VALUE JUDGEMENT. Should the horses stay out tonight? Will it just snow, or will it be freezing rain?--- The horse is scheduled for a trim, but does he need it? Could this horse use a little oil in his feed? Should this horse have the richer hay, or the other kind? Is this horse too thin, too fat, or just right? Is the horse being willful, or didn't he understand? Etc., etc., etc. And the same is true when a breeder/seller advises a customer. The seller must put some thought into the individual situation. Ask questions about the buyer's experience. Where will he keep the horse? What kind of fencing does he have? Does he enjoy working with animals, or does he just want to ride and drive? And remember, I qualified my advice by saying that the young horse had to have BRAVERY & WILLINGNESS. These two character traits are essential to the project. The opposite to these good characterisitcs are TIMID & WILLFUL. If the youngster is timid and willful, rather than brave and willing, the training will take much more time and much more patience, and could require a professional. Not only that, those characteristics will be with the horse his whole life, NO MATTER WHO TRAINS HIM. --- That's been our experience, anyway. A few years ago, we discovered that the time period between weaning the foal and his first birthday is a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINING not to be wasted. The more you can handle your colt during this period. The more you can teach him, the bigger headstart you'll have when "real" training" begins in the Spring. By "real", I mean grounddriving in harness. If, during your Golden Opportunity, you've taught the youngster obedience and submission, everything else goes smoothly, and almost anybody will be able to handle that yearling. On the other hand, if you've let him run wild during this very formative period, you'll have a 700 lb monster to deal with in the Spring. The first step in ending up with a nice horse is training him young. And, if you've done it yourself, then you know it's been done. So, I stand by my advice. A person with a certain amount of horse experience can be succesful starting with a Fjord weanling. Their successes and results will prove very satisfying, and in the end, I believe they'll end up with a much better horse than buying a horse with an unknown history. Best Regards, Carol Rivoire Carol and Arthur Rivoire Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II R.R. 7 Pomquet Antigonish County Nova Scotia B2G 2L4 902 386 2304 http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/beaverdf
Re: Selling young horses...
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am responding to the topic of training young horses on your own, or for the first time, and I would like to add that there is a big difference between riding and training. Sometimes a good rider will attempt to train a horse and it can be a disaster because the methods of safe breaking is not something that everyone just knows. It also takes a higher degree of athleticism on the rider's part for the inevitable, bolting, bucking, shying etc.that kind of comes with the turf with youngsters as they get out in the world. If you want to try it on your own, I think it works best with professional supervision. It is rewarding to have a well trained horse with a "clean slate," and it can be worth the effort if you do it right.
Retraining Older Horses Re: Selling young horses...
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/10/00 7:52:07 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << It has been suggested to her that maybe she should send this horse to a good trainer to get him started on the right path. She doesn't want to do it. >> Oh geez, I hate to see when somebody's ego takes over around horses. It sounds like she's got the money to send the horse to a trainer. I've got a quarter horse mare in the same fix, but DON'T have a lot of extra cash to send her immediately to a trainer. I contemplated selling her, but she is such a joy, and has great gaits, and a wonderful attitude on the ground, that I think she deserves the opportunity to be properly and gently trained. I'll do a lot more groundwork with her through most of the summer, and then take her to a trainer to get her over her major riding hurdles. Sometimes, for the good of the horse, you just have to step back and assess where your strengths and weaknesses are. I know I can start a young horse out well, but correcting bad training is beyond me. She'll be going to Donna Longacres, who is a pretty good trainer (and my new riding instructor). She knows about the potential that fjords have, btw, as she has judged Anne Appleby! BTW Anne, your name came up when I mentioned that Juniper has a Misha baby. She had nothing but good things to say about you and your riding. How you are absolutely correct and your horses give 110%. Pamela
Re: Selling young horses...
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: Jon & Mary Ofjord <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I will encourage the woman who now owns him to seek professional>help, whether she listens or not is another issue. I wish you luck Mary. My "wish" for people who want to pursue this path of green horse/green rider, is that by the grace of god they have A) the mettle and lack of ego to acknowledge that they need the help, professional or otherwise, (hey, I have received some GREAT advice gratis from some really good horsepeople - you don't necessarily have to train for the big $$$ to have the knowledge,experience DOES count! -But you DO have to be willing to admit that you could use some assistance), and B) That they set aside the TIME/and or the $$$ to get things on the right track. No 30 day wonders accepted, thank you. If you are willing to "do what it takes" to get you and the horse "there", fantastic, but otherwise, I would bag the whole concept of a green rider/horse, as I have been witness to too many disastrous scenarios. Give me the quote badly bred, but broke ( 'American Foundation Stock' in many peoples minds...) over a trendy $$$'import' that is going nowhere...fast. JMO + 1 margarita, Karen in Carson City, -where the grass seems to be a little greener right now. Could it be - Spring??? __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Selling young horses...
This message is from: Jon & Mary Ofjord <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> While I agree it is great to get a young horse and train it yourself, but IF you don't know what you're doing you WILL ruin an otherwise well-bred animal. I happen to know of the horse Nancy Hotovy is talking about. This guy apparently has been left unsupervised and untrained for a quite awhile. People who had him before (I believe this will be his third owner and he is coming three)did not apply the proper training methods to this young horse. He has become pushy and sometimes dangerous to be around. I don't believe this horse is "bad", but just afraid and doesn't know what is expected of him. The lady who now owns him wants to train him herself, but I don't believe she has the knowledge to do so, even though she has been to many clinics and spent a couple thousand going to John Lyons training sessions. It has been suggested to her that maybe she should send this horse to a good trainer to get him started on the right path. She doesn't want to do it. I, like Nancy, hope this doesn't give the Fjords a bad name. This poor young horse is already coming with baggage, but as the woman who bought him said: "I got him at a real good price". I hope this young horse gets a chance in life and doesn't get passed from home to home. I will encourage the woman who now owns him to seek professional help, whether she listens or not is another issue. We always hear about all the "good" horses on this list, we tend to forget about the ones who need help. We don't want to talk about those. Whether we like it or not, they are out there. If I could buy this horse and help him, I would. Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords
Selling young horses to inexperienced people
This message is from: Nancy Hotovy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carole - I really agree with your post on the older horses. Steady, well trained Fjords are definitely in high demand but I never, never, never recommend someone buy a young, untrained colt unless they have had previous horse experience. I find it's definitely not fair to my colts. Ours are handled, vaccinated, wormed, feet trimmed, etc. starting at Day 1, however, no matter how good the intentions are, a buyer that has very limited horse experience will have a high chance of ruining the colt. These Fjords are very smart and inexperienced people will start out letting them have their way in little things and the little things grow into bigger things and pretty soon they will call and wonder what happened to their sweet little colt. Or, they sell him to another "green" person who only reinforces the bad habits and pretty soon you have a dangerous horse on your hands. Now these people do not ruin this colt intentionally. In fact, most have the best intentions in the world, but horses are not puppies and when they misbehave it can be very dangerous. Now, I have a colt out there carrying the name of my farm that is less than desirable. Very bad advertising! I don't believe the best bloodlines and temperament in the world will guarantee that inexperienced people can make it the dependable horse they desire. It takes much work and much knowledge, otherwise anyone could be a trainer. I know there are a lot of opinions out there and mine is just one of many but I feel it's my responsibility to make sure the foals we produce have their best chance at a good life and that means not putting a young horse with an inexperienced owner. To change the subject, Lynn Miller is one of my husband's heroes and when his publications "The Small Farmer's Journal" comes in the mail, I totally lose my husband until he has read it cover to cover. We have to save every one, so if anyone needs a place to stay when traveling through don't be surprised with what our spare bedroom's closet is full of!! I just heard that Lynn Miller put out a book of all kinds of plows and there are a few pictures of Rich and his Fjords plowing! I just ordered it for his birthday in a few weeks. Since he is a definite non computer person, I can say this on the list and not worry about ruining his surprise. A good day to all. Nancy The Upper Forty
Re: Snow and training young horses
This message is from: "PSB" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> SINI, THAT PICTURE WOULD MAKE AN AWESOME "WINTER" POSTCARD! PATTY
Re: Snow and training young horses
This message is from: Mike May <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 12:15 PM 2/4/00 +0300, you wrote: This message is from: sini seppala <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes, deep snow can slow young horses down notably: look at this picture at http://www.saunalahti.fi/~partoy/Juhola6.html Poor innocentTroia was running around in the forest with her little brother, and then she tripped. This is what that sudden stop looked like.;) Sini. What a cool picture Sini. That is really a great action shot! Mike
Snow and training young horses
This message is from: sini seppala <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes, deep snow can slow young horses down notably: look at this picture at http://www.saunalahti.fi/~partoy/Juhola6.html Poor innocentTroia was running around in the forest with her little brother, and then she tripped. This is what that sudden stop looked like.;) Sini.
Young horses
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi list Am behind in my Digests, but couldn't resist the topic. I got Caribo when he was an old man of 5. He had done a little packing, but not much else. I got him in Feb and we spent that year learning to get along, learning to be a riding horse (just the basics, I can do all of that) and enjoying. I sent him to a trainer the next winter for 30 days. He intensively got his butt worked and it was great. We showed all the next summer and had a great time, learning more each day. I always said to anyone - well you can take a Fjord at 5 and do all this, but not any other breed (my experience is Thorobreds, period). Caribo learned to drive that 2d spring too and has since learned to do Western, jump a small rail and will pair drive. This year (at 12) he is finally learning to longe right (I am no good with this) with my new trainer (he's doing super for him, old horse can learn new tricks). Now I have Tobyn (all of 11 months old). He gets handled everyday, we are well mannered in crossties, shoer, walking, and he will pony. I see the urge to do everything AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But the advice I've read here will really help, and my trainer says - he is too young for this, too young for that. I remember a "brother" of Caribo's that I looked at when I got him. The youngster was all of 3 years old and just "looked" too much of a baby. I couldn't imagine doing anything with him. Thanks list for all your Fjord help. I may be an old Fjord owner (they can do anything at any age) but now I am a new Fjord owner, too. Marsha
Re: starting young horses - age
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Juliane, Thanks for the useful comments on age and training. Everyone has had some good ideas for us to work on -- now if the weather would warm to about 50 or so to get my arenas unthawed. I shouldn't complain. We've had an unbelievably mild winter, just like last year. I could take this every year!! Susan in Minnesota
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Speaking of Fjords maturing more slowly than some other breeds, there was a pertinent post on the CD-L about Lippitt Morgans: " In my experience they are somewhat slower to mature, both physically and mentally, and require skillful training to avoid stubbornness and turning the horse off. The end result is a superior horse, but it takes a little longer to get there than with some other lines. Sometimes you just have to put training on hold until they are mature enough to work with. I believe they make up for this in longevity." Doesn't this sound like a Fjord? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, Gail. I'll try to recap how my gelding's training went. In the beginning I kept a diary of our lessons, but could not keep it up-just didn't have the time. Anyway, after the first lesson, my instructor decided ground work would be a good place to start with my then almost 4yr. old, so we began training him to lunge. He put up quite a fuss at first, but by the end of the 1/2 hr. lesson, he mellowed out. After Jock and I were pretty accomplished at lunging, I lunged him for the first half of the lesson and rode for the second half. At this point in his training, we worked on control, keeping him straight and driving him at a good steady pace. My instructor's favorite word was "DRIVEDRIVE...DRIVE! We did alot of trot-work for a long time, and even now when my horse seems to be "going his own way" or not paying attention, I go back to trot-work to get him focused. We didn't begin canter-work until Jock was 6yrs old. I cantered him outside and on trails, but not working in the indoor arena. When we did start on the canter, we again began with lunging. Even though Jock was doing great on the lunge line at the trot, he again rebelled when asked to canter. As I said before, I followed my teacher's advice and took my time, and now I can canter that horse on a lead rope with no problem! My instructor obviously has "tons" of patience and if anything I was the one who would want to try do things with my horse that he wasn't ready for, but I soon saw her wisdom. The other consideration is that I was never looking to compete and perhaps you are. Our training spanned a period of about four years by the time I would say Jock was accomplished in canter-work, though there's always room for improvement. The fact that I board my horse and am only able to ride usually twice a week also made for a longer training time. It's 28 degrees and there's 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground today in southeastern WI. The days are getting longer-more riding time! Sincerely, Joni & Jock
Re: starting young horses - age
This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Juliane Deubner wrote: > Lori, that's why I specifically talked about RIDING/DRIVING in my first > post. Training in general starts with any horse right from birth, I totally > agree with you on that. I guess the Subject "starting young horses" was what prompted the theme of my message, I was trying to say start training when they're born and keep going from there. But if the subject is actually when to introduce riding and driving, my approach is first let the horse be your guide, second like Julie said keep the lessons short and simple, and third as a rule of thumb I would start driving at age two, and riding at age three, but subject to the above two points. My belief is that it is easier and less stressful on unclosed knees etc for the horse to pull weight rather than carry it, but have no scientific proof of this (does anyone know?). Probably the most important point is to keep your lessons short and light. Lori
starting young horses - age
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Juliane Deubner) Hi everybody Lori, that's why I specifically talked about RIDING/DRIVING in my first post. Training in general starts with any horse right from birth, I totally agree with you on that. But I don't think anybody interested enough in horses to be in this forum would put their horses out into pasture and never teach them how to lead, pick up their feet, load etc. etc. until they are 3-4 years old. Personally though I would not get my 2-year old to drag stuff around, I would wait until they are 3, but taking them for walks is great. Also, Susan, I would not take a 3-year old on a 2 hour drive down the road, half an hour would be plenty in my books. With longer trail rides (more than 1 hour) I would wait until they are 4.5 to 5 years old, the same applies to arena work that involves tight turns and stops, anything that puts a lot of strain on joints and bones. Hi Mary, I totally agree with you - don't get influenced by a lot of those quarterhorse trainers. Julie, I think you are right, it just seems to be more 'acceptable' here in North America to start a horse at a very young age. But I don't think it's right. ALL horses are too young to be ridden at two. I think the reason for maturing late is the slower closure of the growth plates and the horses actually grow until they are 5 or so. Fjords also still look like 'babies' when they are 3, thoroughbreds and quarterhorses look often very mature and grown up when they are 3. Juliane
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Julia Will <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This topic was discussed in depth awhile back, and from what I remember there were a lot of opinions about what age to start a young horse, but I think everyone agreed that it is best not to ask much from a young horse...short, simple lessons. We often give our yearlings a taste of ground driving in the fall of the 1st year, and pick up the driving training the following summer...short lessons, light cart or something to drag around. In the fall of the 2nd year, if the horse seems ready, we will put a small person on them, and do small amounts of walking and a bit of trotting, turning, stopping, etc., things they have been introduced to from the ground. Again, SHORT lessons, never asking much or letting the horse get upset. Further training is a gradual progression. The danger is always in expecting too much at too early an age, not too little, too late. If in doubt, WAIT! I think youngsters benefit from these minimal expectations, if done properly. It is often said that Fjords mature late. Will you vets out there comment on this? Do you see a difference in the maturity of a Fjord and say a Q horse at age 2 or 3? I am thinking that all horses mature later than we people realize, and that it is just more "acceptable" in some parts of the horse world to ask a lot of a youngster, such as the racing industry. (I'm not saying I think racing young horses is acceptable...but that a large industry apparently does!) Julie, on a cold NY night...but nothing like Alaska! : )
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I'm not totally disagreeing with what's already been said, but one thing worries me, with everyone saying they mature late, let them grow up, etc. is I wouldn't want my babies left totally alone, loafing in the paddock to be brought out at 4 as a great strong dunderhead, to begin it's education. I like that lifelong learning theme, and try to practice it with my horses too. I like to do something with each horse almost every day. To me there is a difference between WORKING and LEARNING. In the same way that we don't send our kindergartners off to do advanced algebra and calculus, we don't expect baby horses to do extensions, collections, small circles, or move in a frame. But that doesn't mean children should be kept at home until they're ten or twelve, and it doesn't mean a young horse shouldn't be "in training" and learning things appropriate to their age. For example, I take my young horses to get the mail. We have a half mile laneway and we walk out on a lead. The young horses job is to keep an equal distance between me and her. If I speed up, she speeds up, if I slow down, she slows down, if I move towards her she moves away, etc. They figure this job out quickly and its fun. My nine month weanling is the best leading horse I have (besides her Mom :-) because I've been doing this type of thing since she was wee. Two year olds learn to wear a harness, straps flapping on their sides, carry a bit, we line drive out to get the mail. The cows across the road moo at us, the neighbors wind mill clatters in the breeze, the odd car goes by, I accidentally drop a flyer and it flutters away, and we learn that these are all OK things. When it's time to get the mail, they line up: "take me, take me". They like to pull a tire around for twenty minutes, or a light cart in a big flat field, stuff like that. I don't think I'm doing them anything but good, and if someone said I was doing it for "economic gain" I'd have to disagree (it would certainly be "easier" to leave them in the paddock) -- I'm doing it for the horse, because I want her to learn and have fun, and because I want to have fun with my horses. If I sense she is not having fun with a task, I back off and go to something she knows and enjoys. I wouldn't back them or ask them to do anything remotely advanced until they're past three - but we have plenty to keep us busy until then. Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords Moorefield, Ontario, Canada
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---Lindsay&Jim Sweeney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > This message is from: Lindsay&Jim Sweeney > >How about your two cents worth?, there's mine! Ok, here's my 2 cents worth. Regarding Line, I hope the Dutch listing has her age right. On the Oldest Fjord listing in the site Roland Theil has up and going she is listed as being foaled in 1997-which is obviously incorrect. I contacted him several times to try to get it corrected - he emailed me over a year ago that it would be corrected, but it wasn't the last time I checked the site (in January). She was actually foaled in 1971, making her 29 years old sometime this spring. She is still healthy and full of pep, as much as an old broodmare ever is peppy. Her problem is that she has arthritis in her knees and hocks and becomes quite stiff with much use. She does enjoy a round or two in the roundpen with the grandkids now and then and has free run of the yard most of the year. Lindsay mentioned that imported Fjords especially like bread. I've never tried that, but I do know that the imports seem to like turnips. I have heard that they are fed shredded turnips in some areas of Norway in the winter. Whatever the reason, Line loves turnips - in any quantity. Her daughters and grand-babies seem to like them also. I have tried turnips with other Fjords we have acquired over the years from different areas of the US and Canada. None of them seem interested in turnips, prefering the everpresent carrot instead. Maybe it's the way they were raised. Ours get turnips at a young age - usually they steal a piece or two from Line while they are still sucklings. We now grow a turnip patch most years. Regarding starting young horses. It can be frustrating for a Fjord owner if the only advice he has available locally comes from trainers of Quarter Horses, etc., since they start their horses on their riding careers at two or three and expect "finished" horses by four, or five at the oldest. A Fjord is still a baby at two, can take some "learning" at three, a little more at four, and is just beginning to be a "grownup" at five years old - from what I am experiencing with our "boys". It is very tempting to push them too hard too young because they are very willing to please. But the consequences to this are not very exciting. Usually they become bored, then resentful of the routine. Most try to please, but are just too young to absorb all they are being asked to do. So they slip into bad habits, or try to avoid work all together. They need patience, which is very hard in this "I want it now" world. Instant gratification is not an option with Fjords, or with any young horse for that matter. If you want a "push button horse" you need an older, mature Fjord that's well trained - or an old broken in Quarter Horse that just doesn't care any more. You push his buttons, he responds - but he probably isn't enjoying it and doesn't have that "spark" anymore. Not what I want in my horse, thank you. We see lots of these coming from the sale yards around here. So that's my two cents worth - be patient and you'll be rewarded with a mature Fjord you can use for years to come. It's worth it. Mary == Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
starting young horses - age
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Juliane Deubner) Hi Anneli, Lindsay Thanks for your replies. I fully agree with what you are writing. I am actually surprised that I did not get more responses. Does that in fact mean that people here give their horses more time to actually grow up before they start to seriously work them? In Europe - I am from Germany originally - most people seem to be very aware that especially the old breeds like icelandics and fjords are 'late bloomers', and should be given more time to mature. But even other breeds are usually not started until they are at least 3 years old. When I first came to North America, I was really surprised to see horses advertised that, at 2.5 to 3 years of age, had already been extensively ridden - I would never buy them, because a lot of these horses are not sound anymore by the time they reach age 10. The german fjord horse association actually states on their web page under breed information that fjords mature late, but I could not find any such information on any of the american or canadian fjord web pages. To me this is a very important fact about the breed. Greetings Juliane
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 07:38 PM 2/23/99 EST, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Anneli: I agree with your advice to take your time when training a young >Fjord to ride. I bought my 8yr. old gelding when he was just 3.5 yrs. old and >had about 30 days training, more or less. During our first lesson with my >dressage instructor she informed me that he didn't know much at all and we >would take it very slowly to get a good and lasting result. "Jock" is the >first horse I have owned, so I didn't know anything about training either. I >am so thankful for my instructor and her wisdom. There were times when I >would get anxious to move on in our training, but I waited for my instructor's >"go ahead", and I am glad I did. Hi Joni - and all. Can you elaborate on just how slow you went. I am considering keeping my coming 4 year old Fjord away from my dressage instructor until *after* she is 5 years old as my dressage instructor is not quite so patient. And I am not even sure 5 years is enough. Tell us (me) more about your program. ;) Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Lindsay&Jim Sweeney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 09:49 AM 2/23/99 -0600, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Juliane Deubner) > >Hi, I am new to this interesting forum. I own 3 fjord mares, 9, 5 and 3 >years old. >I would like to hear your opinions on when (at what age) you start your >young horses to ride and/or drive. Fjords mature late - so I start mine >later at 3.5-4 years of age, but don't really ask a lot of them until they >are 5-6 years old. >But recently I read about a fjord, that was ridden at age 2... >Looking forward to hearing from you >Juliane > > >Hello Juliane, Now this is a topic that needs addressing for sure. I am of a like mind with you and Anneli. I figure any horse that has this much bone and muscle mass must take longer to mature than say a TB or QH that is considered ready to show or race by age two. Of course, in that industry the horses are pretty well spent by the age that our Fjords are even considered full grown, 5-6 years. Most other Sport Horse types or warmblood breeds do not even start training under saddle until the growth plates in the kness have solidified like around 7 years old for some Trakehners I know! Most upper level dressage horses are at their peak performance only when they are in their late teens, it takes that long to train them to that level and when they can't get started until the horse matures enough physically and mentally. It must be worth the wait! Maybe people here do it to make a little extra sale and an unknowing buyer might think this is a benefit but I think we've seen it happen more often than not that these youngsters can't handle the job at such a young age and who gets blamed? Why the poor innocent baby Fjord Horse of course and sometimes the whole breed!! Also, if Fjords live so long, what is the hurry? Only in America would breeders and trainers consider it a plus to be ridden at age two for this type of horse. Has anyone dicovered the site of the Dutch registry that has an ongoing list of the oldest living Fjords (I saw Line's name on there, you go Girl!) the oldest mares listed there are foaled in 1963!! That makes then 35 years old!!! Talk about getting your money's worth, many Fjords in this country will out live their owners then won't people be surprised. I know of people who have retired their Fjords in their late teens, Yikes! those owners will be looking at some very bored Fjords for a whole lot of years, maybe they can reconsider!?! There are so very many fun and stress free things that you can do to make your Fjord youngsters a dream to handle, like going for a walk on the lead with the family and dogs in the woods, maybe even on a picnic, (Fjords love bread, has anyone else discovered this, especially the European imports? I was told that these horses are fed bread on their flight over!) If we could all just take a deep breath and slow this freight train down there's no question in my mind that the beneficiaries would be the Fjord Horses themselves! What are other breeders and trainers thinking on this topic, it's something to think about for sure. Fjords are patient, and considerate and we should be too! Just because this breed is so tractable and rugged does not give us the right to exploit them just for financial gain. Consider yourself and your Fjord lucky, Juliane. > How about your two cents worth?, there's mine! -Lindsay Sweeney
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anneli: I agree with your advice to take your time when training a young Fjord to ride. I bought my 8yr. old gelding when he was just 3.5 yrs. old and had about 30 days training, more or less. During our first lesson with my dressage instructor she informed me that he didn't know much at all and we would take it very slowly to get a good and lasting result. "Jock" is the first horse I have owned, so I didn't know anything about training either. I am so thankful for my instructor and her wisdom. There were times when I would get anxious to move on in our training, but I waited for my instructor's "go ahead", and I am glad I did. "Jock" is a wonderful, trustworthy horse, who is a joy to take anywhere. My teacher recently told me of another of her students who owns a Fjord and was dissatisfied because the horse wasn't learning advanced movements quick enough for her. My teacher told her about how well Jock and I work together since this girl thought the problem had something to do with the breed. Jock and I are continuing to "expand our horizons" and one way I'm doing this is by teaching him to jump. Would you tell me how you started this type of training with your Fjord? Did you start with ground pole training, or cavalettis? If you would like, you could e-mail the response to me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Going on a "hunt" sounds exciting! I'd like to hear more about that too. Sincerely, Joni & Jock
Re: starting young horses - age?
This message is from: Anneli Sundkvist <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Juliane and welcome to our group! I'm Anneli from Sweden, owner of 2 fjords, mare 14 (now leased out) and gelding 6. Just like you, I started my gelding pretty late (he's not broken to drive). I think he was under saddle for the first when he was 3,5. At this point we did nothing but let him get used to the idea of carrying somebody on his back and respond to basic leg aids and stop and turn. This was done in an arena. Then he rested over the winter and I started to ride him the following spring. Now, I rode out on short trails (I only rode 10-15 minutes the first weeks and then walked home with him) with other horses. When he had gotten more used to being ridden, I gradually made longer trips and he was taught to trot and canter. Now he's 6 (or will be in june) and we've started to train dressage on a regular basis and also to jump once a week. I'm hoping to be able to start him in an easy dressage classes in may and hunt him in november. That's the plan this year. Again: Welcome! Anneli
starting young horses - age?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Juliane Deubner) Hi, I am new to this interesting forum. I own 3 fjord mares, 9, 5 and 3 years old. I would like to hear your opinions on when (at what age) you start your young horses to ride and/or drive. Fjords mature late - so I start mine later at 3.5-4 years of age, but don't really ask a lot of them until they are 5-6 years old. But recently I read about a fjord, that was ridden at age 2... Looking forward to hearing from you Juliane
