RE: [IceHorses] The Distal Limb and Weights
Conclusions: The costs of swinging the limbs in the horse are considerable and the addition of weights to the distal limb can have a profound effect on not only the energetics of locomotion, but also the kinematics-at least in the hind limb. Potential Relevance: The use of weighted shoes, intended to increase the animation of the gait, will increase the metabolic effort of performance horses a disproportionate amount. The additional mass also increases the joint range of motion and potentially increases the likelihood of injury. That's pretty clear, isn't it? It certainly is the same conclusions that local vets and farriers in this area seem to have reached here where gaited horses have always been common. As I've said before, this was the prevailing wisdom I heard from reputable vets and farriers almost 20 years ago when we first got Mac and our other horses. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
[IceHorses] Stephanie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stephanie Caldwell!!! -- Virginia Tupper NB, Canada
Re: [IceHorses] OT Fun - I'm a Great Dane
On 11/30/07 10:26 PM, Anna Hopkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I did it yesterday and got great dane. I wasn't so sure it was a good one to get, but now I see I am in good company:) Me too and I never even have met a Great Dane and thus don't know what they are like. So can anyone say what Great Danes are like? -- Anneliese
RE: [IceHorses] OT Fun - I'm a Great Dane
Me too and I never even have met a Great Dane and thus don't know what they are like. So can anyone say what Great Danes are like? -- Anneliese I think we're ok being Great Danes! My mom's friend raised Great Danes and I really liked them. They were big, gentle and protective. I wanted one, but my hubby didn't because they don't live very long. The breed standard says, The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive Intelligence, loyalty and dependability are true breed characteristics. Cherie
RE: [IceHorses] OT Fun - I'm a Great Dane
Me too and I never even have met a Great Dane and thus don't know what they are like. So can anyone say what Great Danes are like? I don't know many Great Danes so I won't answer, but I took the test 3 times - they do vary the questions a little bit it seems. Twice I was a Golden, and once a Great Dane. Has anyone on the list gotten anything else? Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM IceHorses Community for Photos and Videos: http://kickapps.com/icehorses The greatest enemy of the truth very often is not the lie- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident. ~ Arthur Schopenhauer [] Lee Ziegler http://leeziegler.com [] Liz Graves http://lizgraves.com [] Lee's Book Easy Gaited Horses http://tinyurl.com/7vyjo [] IceHorses Map http://www.frappr.com/IceHorses Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[IceHorses] Yahoo is down
I just heard that yahoo is down today, but I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if this will go through, but I'm trying! Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
On Dec 1, 2007 3:20 PM, Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This time, it's not the cat who's curious. CUTE! She looks hesitant, then the last photo she looks like 'see how brave I am?!'. V
Re: [IceHorses] Gracie and Skjoni
On Dec 1, 2007 3:58 PM, Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nap time. A V
Re: [IceHorses] Hugs
On Dec 1, 2007 4:24 PM, Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My new girl seems to enjoy hugs. Awww, again--you're sending all 'aww' photos today! V
RE: [IceHorses] Hugs
Awww, again--you're sending all 'aww' photos today! V It's been an aww day here. Angie (a.k.a. Tivette) is settling in nicely, I think. I'm pleased with how much she's relaxing and how quickly. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Icelandic horses do not go fishing on their own accord!
what choices !? Hayroll´s and pasture grass this weekend I am going to lay an anchovie out in the sun til it dries and then get a video of me offering nasi and tivar a choice between a handful of hay or a dried anchovie. Then I will offer some grass or an anchovie and then a nicker maker treat or an anchovie. we will get to the bottom of this and settle it once and for all. Janice-- yipie tie yie yo yes you get a bottom of what your horses do,but my horses did eat the salted herring and so did my sheep´s to for 8 years ago, after that the price went up so it´s to expensive and also it do smell a lot!! I personally do hate fish smell. The herring is not given instead of hay it´s given with hay or pasture grass. Regards Malin in Iceland
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Barefoot? Shoes? / Distal Limb
I was looking for a photo that depicted the tendons in the lower limb and was shocked at the makeup of the lower leg. There isn't much there EXCEPT for tendons. It's an interesting 'google' if you look for 'horse lower limb.' I tried it, and found this: Wilson explains that there are three springy tendons in the lower half of the horse's limb. But only one of the tendons has enough associated muscle to possibly adjust the tendon's stiffness, the deep digital flexor, which stretches down the back of the leg. McGuigan and Wilson wanted to know if the small muscle was powerful enough to change the leg's stiffness as the horse gears up from a walk to a gallop. First they monitored the animals' leg movements as they walked, trotted and cantered on a treadmill, measuring how the lower leg's length varied during a stride. Amazingly, when the horse galloped, it compressed the leg by 12 cm, tensioning the legs' tendons just like a pogo stick's springs. McGuigan then videoed horses as they walked, trotted and cantered across a force plate, recording the compression in the leg and correlating it with the force on the limb. If horses could adjust the stiffness of the deep digital flexor, then the relationship would vary as the animal changed gait. But no matter what speed the horse hit the force plate, the leg's springiness remained unchanged; the horse couldn't alter the deep digital flexor's stiffness. Which doesn't bode well for horses trotting on the 21st Century's hard road surfaces. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] OT Fun - I'm a Great Dane
I knew a woman who did tharapy with one, he was a wonderful dog, gentle and sweet. i wish i had the space for one-that or an irish wolfhound *sigh* love bid dogs... a dog big enough to pet while on Solie :) Maggie
[IceHorses] Champagne Horse?
Just sharing this request. do any of you have any champagne horses? no they do not need to be gaited !! I need 100 samples for DNA testing within the next 2 weeks, the sooner the better! I DO NOT WANT ANY MONEY, JUST THE MANE OR TAIL HAIRS! JUST PUT THE HAIRS IN A BAGGIE OR PLAIN ENVELOPE ADD THE HORSES NAME OR NICKNAME (IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTING) A PICTURE IF YOU HAVE ONE BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY. Do you think that yours may be homozygous, add that to the horses name and mail to Valerie Kleinhietz 5881 Russell Cave Lexington, KY 40511 call if you have any questions or email me direct at [EMAIL PROTECTED] 859-299-1449 859-621-9740 jnkspots.com if you want to check me out
Re: [IceHorses] OT good lord
rescue orgs are great because they hook up people who understand a breed with dogs needing homes. I got this dog for a coworker (stupidly, wont do that again!) who wanted a scottie more than anything she said, i saw an akc registered scottie needing a home on the vet bulletin board and raced right over and got him. the owner was going blind and moving into a nursing home and the dog wasnt allowed. with tears in his eyes the man asked me to promise i would find him a good home and not take him to the pound. he said he was housebroken and had no skin or health problems. My coworker took him for one day and said i would have to take him back, he peed all over her house she said. I took him back and started looking for a home. during that time i realized he wasnt housebroken at all, had terrible skin problems, and hated children. He also bit me so bad i have some minor nerve damage but i really think that was cause i got in the way in a scuffle between him and the other dogs. but thru the scottie rescue i found him a home where the people understand all his problems and have experience dealing with it. they were first gonna fly him to ohio for rehabbing in a foster home to housetrain him, get his skin stable etc but they found an already approved forever home close to me who said they already had their other two scotties on the right food for skin probs and they are retired and have time to stay at home and look after his needs. I am so relieved. I could not have another dog in my small house and I have so much time and expense with horses i just couldnt take on another time consuming, expensive to maintain animal... i feel sad he is gone, but know he is in a better place. I am so grateful for these rescue orgs. apparently you have to be careful tho and make sure it is an org affiliated with the SPCA etc cause they said puppy mill people pose as adopters if the animal is not neutered. janice yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
i love those photos. ;]
Re: [IceHorses] Hay there!
Glad you got some beautiful hay! Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Yahoo is down
I just heard that yahoo is down today, but I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if this will go through, but I'm trying! I got it. Lorraine Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
Re: [IceHorses] Two-headed horse
No PhotoShop involved, and no, I didn't scan this picture from the National Enquirer. That is a cool illusion. Like those cards you can buy. Are those your horses? Lorraine Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
This time, it's not the cat who's curious. How cute. Is that your new horse? Lorraine Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
RE: [IceHorses] Two-headed horse
Are those your horses? Yes, the rear head belongs to Gracie, my Mustang x QH, and that's my husband's beloved Skjoni in front. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
RE: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
How cute. Is that your new horse? Yes, that's Angie. She went on a couple of walks today, and is very curious about her new world. I led her up to the platform (actually a tree stump of an old 4-foot diameter oak tree) and she stepped right up and walked over it. She's a sweetheart. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Marilyn
What a pretty cat! Is she a barn cat or house? My old barn cat just moved into my house...she makes me sneeze. I have an appt with my allergy doctor at the end of the month,hopefully he will have something to help me. Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Hugs
My new girl seems to enjoy hugs. Where did you get your new girl? She is so cute. I love that Teev color. Lorraine Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Horse Fighting
I will never understand how some humans take pleasure from animal's pain. http://tinyurl.com/ywzmue I don't understand why things like this get posted. I won't look. Just my oppion. Lorraine Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
RE: [IceHorses] Hugs
Where did you get your new girl? She is so cute. I love that Teev color. Thanks - we're really getting attached quickly. I got her as a project horse. She's had some problems in the past being nervous in certain situations. She's never been saddle-trained. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
RE: [IceHorses] Marilyn
What a pretty cat! Is she a barn cat or house? She's a barn cat. She's 11 and we got her and her littermate, Carmen (the pacey gray/white tabby) when they were little kittens. The humane society wouldn't approve us for adoption because they were to live outside, but my vet found them for me. (He KNEW we take care of our animals.) I've had outside cats live to be as old as 18. Right now, Hannibal is my oldest cat - he's 14. My old barn cat just moved into my house...she makes me sneeze. I have an appt with my allergy doctor at the end of the month, hopefully he will have something to help me. I finally made my house cats move outside because of my allergies. I worried about the two handicapped cats (Ray Charles is blind, and Stumpy is...well, stumpy - he has three legs and a stump) but they are happy inside the fenced yard, living with the dogs. They moved outside maybe 5 years ago and they are thriving. We have eight cats - four in the backyard and four barn/outside. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
Re: [IceHorses] OT good lord
My coworker took him for one day and said i would have to take him back, he peed all over her house she said. she did not give him enough time to settle into a new home. i am sure this little dog was grieving over the loss of his owner. not all dogs are perfect...but with time, patience and love, they learn. also bit me so bad i have some minor nerve damage oh no. they found an already approved forever home close to me who said they already had their other two scotties on the right food for skin probs and they are retired and have time to stay at home and look after his needs. that is good news! you have to be careful tho and make sure it is an org affiliated with the SPCA etc cause they said puppy mill people pose as adopters if the animal is not neutered. yes..you do have to be careful, cuz many times dog fighting owners are looking for bait dogs. ;[ Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
RE: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
How old is Angie? She's 11. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
[IceHorses] Weighted Shoes for People
Interestly enough, info on adding weights to people's legs: Before You Buy Walking Weights From Wendy Bumgardner About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board I am often asked about wearing weights to increase your walking workout, burn more calories walking, or to tone the upper body while walking. However, I have never found a walking expert or coach who said this was a good idea. All agree that adding weights at the ankle, wrist or foot may increase the risk of strain and injury. None of them recommend heavy weighted shoes. There are better ways to tone your body and to burn more calories through walking. Burning More Calories Walking Adding weight will allow you to burn more calories per mile, but only about 5-8 calories more per mile for every 10 pounds added. Compare that to walking a quarter of a mile - a 100 pound person burns 15 calories in a quarter mile at an easy pace, while a 200 pound person burns 30 calories. That takes only 5 more minutes and you aren't increasing your risk of injury. Some products are marketed to walkers but I cannot recommend them, for one of two reasons. First, the product may make claims that have not been supported by properly designed studies. Second, they may be products that increase the risk of injury or strain if used by fitness walkers to walk for 30 minutes or more. Weighted Shoes Several companies have come out with weighted shoes with the benefit being that you burn more calories per mile walking in very heavy shoes. I have consulted with several physical therapists and walking coaches and all say the same thing - that such shoes when used for fitness walking would likely increase the risk of muscle strain and injury. It is not natural to have very heavy feet. Wearing them around the house or office might increase your calories burned. However, I find that wearing heavy shoes makes me want to take fewer steps and to not walk as much. Rather than wearing heavy shoes, just walk a couple minutes longer to get the same calorie burn with less risk, or use fitness walking poles to burn more calories in the same time. Why I Don't Recommend Weighted Shoes: http://walking.about.com/od/prshoe/a/weightedshoes.htm Ankle Weights The same caution applies to ankle weights as to heavy shoes. It is not a natural place to add weight to your body, so you increase the risk of strain to your hips, knees, and leg muscles. Leave them at home and just walk a couple of extra minutes to burn those calories, or use fitness walking poles.
RE: [IceHorses] Curiosity and the cat
Yes, that's Angie. She went on a couple of walks today, and is very curious about her new world. How old is Angie? Lorraine Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
RE: [IceHorses] Two-headed horse
Yes, the rear head belongs to Gracie, my Mustang x QH, and that's my husband's beloved Skjoni in front. Someday I will have a paint or pinto. My poor babys are soaked. They need a bath. Lorraine Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
Re: [IceHorses] Two-headed horse
pretty horses.
RE: [IceHorses] Falki
When he chases the other two around, I am tempted to shoo him away, but am afraid I'll just make things worse. We've rarely interfered with herd dynamics, but one case does stand out in my mind. Thunder and Mac were best buddies when they were our only two horses, way back when. Then, we got Holly...who promptly went into heat the day we brought her home. Thunder instantly turned into a holy terror - he wouldn't let Holly out of his sight, and he wouldn't let Mac eat, totally terrorizing poor Mac. That's when we realized the truth: two horses are friends, but three horses make a herd. Mac was much bigger, but Thunder was bound and determined to be the boss, and in your word, not a very benevolent one. We decided we couldn't take it, so Cary went out at feeding time with a lunge whip, planting himself right beside Mac. He never really hit Thunder, but if Thunder lunged at Mac and tried to drive him from the food, Cary moved towards him and let him know in no uncertain terms that he HAD to let Mac eat. It only took a couple of days for Thunder to realize that Cary was serious, and that Mac WOULD be eating, thank you very much. Then Holly went out of heat, and they found their groove - surprisingly with Mac as the herd leader, a position he basically held until his death. (Ok, granted, I eventually separated the old horses from the young whippersnappers, but he remained herd leader among the old guys.) I'm sure if we were in that situation today, we'd have more savvy about herd dynamics, but honestly, looking back, I have to say that Cary did a fine job - being firm, but not mean. BTW, Thunder and Mac remained very best buddies until Mac died back in August. Thunder does ok without a best friend - he's in with Joe and Holly, but he still stays to himself a lot. He seems content enough, but it makes me sad to see him alone. I'm glad Mac went first, because Mac couldn't stand for his little buddy to leave his sight the last couple of years. Believe me, there was a time when I thought they were mortal enemies for life. I was wrong - very wrong. I know that Falki is a very sweet guy...but you never know how herd dynamics will play out when you rearrange the herds. When I first met Holly, she was a three-year-old in a herd of huge, older Saddlebred brood mares. She's only 14H, and they were all at least 16H. She had kick marks all over her. I felt so sorry for the poor little thing - then she moved here and promptly became the dominant mare, in charge of everyone. I can't remember the last time ANYONE felt sorry for Holly! Falki was fairly low on the pecking order here, so go figure. Maybe he's drunk with power to discover that, after all these years, he CAN be boss. I have a feeling that he'll always be a meek and mild guy at heart - so maybe he just needs a little reminder that, just because Buck, Melnir and Skjoni aren't around to boss him around, it doesn't mean he can get away with murder. Do you have a Parelli carrot stick, or similar? I'd practice just walking with it, and just casually swinging the string - not in a threatening way particularly, but JUST enough that they have to get out of your way when you walk through. This is a case where phases of pressure are important - I wouldn't use any more pressure than necessary, knowing Falki can be a little tenderhearted - or at least he could be before his self-promoted promotion to Big Fish in a Little Pond. I betcha it won't take much to call Falki's bluff, and make him be mannerly again. As far as being dominant though - well they are herd animals, and there is always a little bit of a power play going on in any herd. They probably will work it out on their own, but unless we just got unusually lucky with Mac and Thunder, I don't think it would hurt to try to encourage manners, at least at mealtime. Just stay safe. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Falki
great boredom buster. ;] Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
[IceHorses] A Weighty Subject
By Brenda Imus: Ive had some folks e-mail to tell me that theyve gone to a trainer or clinician who used light weights and other gait training devices to seemingly good effect. They became convinced that such artificial training aids are effective, and harmless. I beg to disagree. There's much to-do made about the fact that the devices used in these instances may be very light weight. What most people don't understand is that, unlike humans, horses have no muscle in their lower limbs to lift weight. This means that a horse uses a finely tuned leverage system based on soft tissue tendons and ligaments to lift its legs. Adding weight will therefore easily cause exaggerated motion in the leg, which quickly 'enhances' the gait. It also places incredible stress on those vulnerable soft tissue structures. Also, because there is no muscle in the lower leg, the strain on the knee and shoulder (or hock and stifle) is phenomenal. Only 6 oz.? Think about that being equivalent to 6 pounds by the time the torque reaches the shoulder (or hock). Then imagine that action being repeated 60 times every minute. The horse's leg has effectually lifted 360 lbs. during that one minute. Weights on two legs? 720 lbs. a minute. A fifteen minute workout is equivalent to a marathon! Sorrier still, a weighted shoe is a permanently installed device, so the horse has no opportunity to get relief from all that heavy lifting. It would be tantamount to our asking a person with an above-the-knee prosthetic to wear heavy shoes except, of course, human legs carry much less body weight than do horses. The next point generally made is that these devices help young horses learn to gait, and can be removed once 'muscle memory' has been established. This is also untrue. Muscle memory can and will be forgotten within a relatively short time after the action devices are removed. Have you ever been roller or ice skating for a couple of hours, and noticed upon taking off your skates that your muscle memory was dictating that you move as though you still wore skates? How long did this effect last? Since the training devices on gaited horses are left on for a lot longer than a few hours, the muscle memory will last longer than this but in the same way, the effect will eventually be lost. In addition to this, the young horse who hasn't yet developed muscle memory is the one whose finely balanced, vulnerable structures should especially not be subject to weights, chains, or badly conceived trimming angles. From a trainers point of view, these techniques work very well. The horse proves his or her ability to provide a dramatic improvement in gait. Then the horse (hopefully!) has the action/training devices removed. . .goes home. . .loses the gait. . .and comes back for retraining later in the year. The poor owners generally assume the problem is all their fault. After all, the trainer can get the horse to gait! About training chains. They chaffe, and the horse will quickly lift its leg to try to rid it of an irritant, thus changing the timing of the gait and giving more lift in front. It's an instinctual action brought on by the horse's sense that anything interfering with its lower legs puts it at risk, and should be shaken off. As usual, the horse is right in regard to understanding what constitutes a danger to itself. The horse will suffer physical strain if the amount of lift with each stride is greater than that for which it is conformed. Once again, the trainer is depending on an instinctual avoidance response, as opposed to gradually and logically bringing the horse to a place where reason and sound riding techniques prevail. Also again, any muscle memory developed in response to the artificial device is eventually forgotten once the device is removed. Folks: make sure your horse is comfortable, and then work the walk. It's easy, long lasting, great exercise for you and your horse, a good relationship builder - and guaranteed not to cause any of these all-too-common physical or mental problems on down the road.
Re: [IceHorses]Great Danes -What are they like?
The Great Dane that we have now is our 4th. Each and every one of them has been a joy to own. The last one we had knew our every move and what we were going to do almost before we did. In the evening when I would be about ready to start getting ready for bed, he would be sitting at the bedroom door waiting... and when I would start getting ready to go someplace, before I would pick up my purse and keys he would go into his kennel and wait. Unfortunately, yes, they are a dog with a very short lifespan. Our last one was 9 when we had to have him euthanized and THAT is very old for the breed. The one before that only made it to 7 years old. Despite this negative aspect we are absolutely wild about the breed. They are indeed loyal, loving and amazingly gentle dogs. The fact that they are intimidating to people that are not aware of their gentle nature is a plus since this aspect makes for great property security without the worry of agressive behavior. Was there anything specific that you were wondering about regarding them? I would be happy to answer any questions if I can... Pat G., in MN
[IceHorses] Was:Two-headed horse - now herd arrangements
Is Skjoni living in the front with the older horses now? Is the integrated herd working out okay? I still have the old horses in front for ease of feeding, but Gracie is young at 13. They are in the back herd that consists of the Icelandic geldings, and the non-pregnant-under-20-year-old mares. The integrated herd includes geldings: Loftur, Melnir, Skjoni and Buck, then mares: Gracie as the sole remaining non-Icelandic in that herd, Sina, Saga, Brunka, Ima, Svertla, and Bjola. They are doing great - Melnir is boss but not a very aggressive one. Buck, always the thinking guy, knows he's too small to be boss, but in his usual style, sucked up to Melnir to become his first deputy! Eitill, another mild-mannered-Clark-Kent kind of gelding, surprisingly rose low man to challenge Trausti for a couple of mares, so before I introduced Melnir to the herd, I decided to put Eitill, Trausti and the two colts together, so I wouldn't have to deal with it all, especially knowing that Eitill was going back to Michigan - no point in him having to work through herd politics when he was a short-timer here. Knowing that Angie was coming, I haven't gotten around to putting Trausti and the colts into that herd, but once she's past her little semi-quarantine, I'll address that. Runa is with Angie - I suppose I should have her totally isolated from all the horses, but I worry about the mental stress of total isolation of a new horse. Angie came from a closed herd, so there should be little risk. I originally had pregnant Flekka and Maja alone together, isolated in their no-fescue-hay herd. But, once I realized that we have coyotes in the area, I decided I'd feel better if there were more than just two in that herd. So, Tifa and Kola are in with them - they will get a lesson about birthin' babies in April. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
RE: [IceHorses] OT Fun - I'm a Great Dane
I would think that being a great dane would also mean there were stomach issues...when I go to work early (we work inside an ER clinic that's open at night), there are probably 3/week that had volvulous, or bloat...and I can remember from my general practice days the same thing Do either of you have stomach issues? Cherie...do you know anything about opossums? I raised a male years ago and had non issues, but this young female is becoming aggressive and I am wondering if she might be reaching sexual maturity? Any thoughts? Mary, LVT
Re: [IceHorses] Falki
On Dec 1, 2007 7:20 PM, Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe he's drunk with power to discover that, after all these years, he CAN be boss. I have a feeling that he'll always be a meek and mild guy at heart - so maybe he just needs a little reminder that, just because Buck, Melnir and Skjoni aren't around to boss him around, it doesn't mean he can get away with murder. Do you have a Parelli carrot stick, or similar? I'd practice just walking with it, and just casually swinging the string - not in a threatening way particularly, but JUST enough that they have to get out of your way when you walk through. This is a case where phases of pressure are important - I wouldn't use any more pressure than necessary, knowing Falki can be a little tenderhearted - or at least he could be before his self-promoted promotion to Big Fish in a Little Pond. I betcha it won't take much to call Falki's bluff, and make him be mannerly again. Falki is very mannerly around me and never charges with me between him and the other horse. It's when I'm on the other side of the other horse that worries me. When the other horse moves off, I can wave my hand at Falki and he will move away. The Parelli carrot stick would be way more than is needed for Falki. When I wave him off -'chase' him so to speak, he seems to want to charge at the other horse even more. My meal routines work pretty well, and not much commotion since I have instilled a pretty good routine. This morning was a bit more chaotic as the hunters were pretty loud and some deer were running thru the woods and I was down there alone to boot, but still not too bad. When I came home from work, I wanted to clean up the paddock while therewas still dayllight and give them more hay. Even with 4 piles Falki wanted them all. Not a big deal, just annoying. I so want them to be happy and getting along. Probably, they're more stir crazy from the small area, then anything else. -- Anna Southern Ohio
Re: [IceHorses] reason for horse reactions
Beautiful! Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] My new mule
Whar a gorgeous mule. What was the breeding of her horse half? Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] My new mule
Bia...she's beautiful. Is she gaited? Love her ears! Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] My new mule
oh wow bia, what was the breed horse in her dna?? she is gorgeous! janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] My new mule
well she's here! Hazel, my big beautiful black molly mule. She kind of looks like a big moose! She is such a sweetie, I'm totally charged over her. She is beautiful. My best friend has a mule. He is wonderful. He will bring ya home alive. After the Grand Canyon I thought about getting one. Lorraine Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ
RE: [IceHorses] Falki
Falki is very mannerly around me and never charges with me between him and the other horse. It's when I'm on the other side of the other horse that worries me. Those sort of reactive scrambles worry me too, and that's another reason why I mentioned the stick - to improve your visibility, but still keeping pressure to a minimum. I would never suggest doing more than is absolutely necessary, for any horse, so if you don't need one, better still. I rarely carry a stick with me in our herd, but I will in a few cases...but if all goes well, the stick stays close to my body, or only comes out to scratch a friendly horse. When the other horse moves off, I can wave my hand at Falki and he will move away. The Parelli carrot stick would be way more than is needed for Falki. I thought probably so - I've seen some horses change pretty dramatically when they change herds, but I have trouble seeing Falki being very bad. I don't remember using a stick around him, even just to guide him - he was always gentle and very cooperative. :) I so want them to be happy and getting along. Probably, they're more stir crazy from the small area, then anything else. Could be. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
RE: [IceHorses] My new mule
well she's here! Gorgeous! Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.12/1162 - Release Date: 11/30/2007 9:26 PM
