Re: [IceHorses] Roka turns two
Oh Cherie . . . You sure do live in a beautiful area. Sigh. And little Roka is getting to be a grown up girl! I remember her foal pics! -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Liz Graves Clinic
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I have a chance to get to the Liz Graves clinic being held here in > > Saskatchewan on Aug 2 and 3. Woo hoo Wanda! You'll have a blast and your brain will hurt from all the information presented. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Nosebands
Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > How does one train a horse to keep its mouth shut without a noseband? > V Horses don't normally run around with their mouths gaping open. So, it's not so much training them not to do it, it's simply not getting them started. It's the un-ending tension on the reins that makes this habit appear because the horse is trying to find release from the pressure and has no where else to go. I think after so long -- especially when the horse is STARTED under saddle with that kind of strong-arm riding -- the gaping of the mouth becomes almost ingrained or a default behavior even when a softer, better rider enters their life and gives them slack. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Alex riding Orri
Virginia, I see lovely days ahead of mother / daughter rides. : )What a lovely little rider Alex has grown to be.Those lessons paid off, didn't they? I've often wondered if I shouldn't get lessons for Laina rather than try to teach her myself. Every "horsey mom" that I know has gotten their kid lessons rather than teach themselves.But I'm so practical (read cheap -- ha ha) that I would hate to pay to have Laina ride someone else's ponies! -- Renee M. up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] mineral levels
Barbara Sollner-Webb <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > dear friends, > i thought you might enjoy looking at this valuable link . . . that shows > the level of different minerals in your area. Thanks Barbara -- that's an awesome resource to have bookmarked! -- Renee M. up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Bit Sizer/Bit shopping
Judi Qualls <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Hi, > > I am really sorry. Okay, do-overs. : ) Let's just start over. I just don't want anyone to be afraid to ask questions and I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from posting with my answers.I try to be so careful with my words because, as Nancy said, it's the darned internet where things can come across wrong so easily. And when people ask questions it's probably something someone else wonders too, or is interested in.We all learn something new, even when "old" topics re-surface. > It is really no problem for me just to read here. I learn lots of good > things here< No, join in! P.S. As the daughter of a WWII vet and a Christian, love your signature line. -- Renee M. up in Michigan > "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and > the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom."<
Re: [IceHorses] What Gait / Gaited Mule
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://gaited-horse.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-gait-gaited-mule.html > > Is she doing a stepping pace Judy?I think she's grand, no matter what gait. A mule like her is on my bucket list too. I will not live long enough I think . . . : ) -- Renee M. up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Four Gaited and Five Gaited
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >. . .The breed will eventually split into two types: show type and non-show >type and there isn't much we can do about it.< I think so too Susan.I equate it with the big lick horse people and the flat shod horse people within the TWH breed.I can't say I feel the separation is a bad thing. I feel being separate is better than constant squabbling over issues that neither side will ever see eye to eye on. -- Renee M. up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] O/T Husbands
> This is what I found when I got up... > > Wanda Look at that! Sophie found an intruder in the house while you slept and completely subdued him on the sofa until help arrived. Amazing! ; ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Icelandic Horse Escaping from Paddock
> . . . That's why the so-called Paddock Paradise Track System fad confuses > me - how on earth can one safely house more than one or two horses in a > 15-foot wide track of fencing that can easily and quickly be moved...?< I'm not so sure it's a fad -- it's just something new. Perhaps it will catch on and be popular, perhaps not. But the folks who have started using it (for a few years now in some cases I'm aware of) don't seem to have any intention of going back to the square paddock / pasture regime and are having good results both in improved hoof quality and /or weight management, and even feel their horses are "happier" in this set-up. Just for the record, I don't intend to make my inside track fencing temporary or easily moved. It will be permanent fencing and the whole track will not be 15' wide consistantly, but will have varying sections of width, some that wide, other sections much wider, with corners very wide and sweeping. The narrower portions of the track are to create a psychological "squeeze" to keep the horses moving -- which is the main focus of having the track -- to create nearly constant movement as horses in the wild do. The philosophy behind the track system is that moving all day long is how the horse's digestion and actually, entire body systems evolved.To me, it's a very interesting observation and makes sense. But, that's me, not anyone else of course. > . . . just scares the heebie-jeebies out of me... < I can loan the book to you Karen, if you'd like to investigate this concept further. It might make more sense to you than a few posts (mine included) on the internet have. Reading the book might put your mind at ease. > > There has to be better ways to watch the weight of our horses. Perhaps, depending on the horse and the situation. I think there are certainly more than one way to manage a horse's waistline to the benefit of both horse and owner. I've tried the diet pen / dry lot, grazing muzzles, and so forth. I've had some success with those things.But, I'm open to finding something that might be better than those options in my own situation with the horses (and their conditions) that I have. I've done my research and I am willing to try this method with an open mind. That's all I can do. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] O/T Husbands
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Yup, my Bruce has always done the grocery shopping and the cooking and the > bill paying. I can be off all day, he will be at work and come home and I'll > ask "what's for dinner?". > You're all kept women -- the lot of ya! : ) -- Renee M. up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] OT- way OT - wedding
Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This is not what my grandma looked like. That's not what my MOM looked like. . . . I bet when that little guy calls her "Gramma", heads turn and jaws drop. -- Renee M up in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Treeless/mounting from the ground
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > I figure it I can drop another 10 or 15 lbs I may demo another Sensation. > > > > Nancy > > > > i have ridden in about every treeless brand there is and they will all > slip. Not necessary. I weigh over 160 lbs. and the Sensation does not slip when I mount from the ground -- AND I've been known to ride with a relatively loose girth. Also, I have another treeless that also doesn't slip. But, I think I have about 5.5" of height on you Janice, so I think how tall a person is a factor too in the slippage equation. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: interesting device
Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > . . . in my memory the ability to sit the trot came with training of the > horse > as much of training of the rider. As the horse increases in athleticism > and balance, his trot improves. I remember when I first started riding Eitill in the trot -- oh man, I about got launched on every stride. I thought "How am I EVER going to stay on this horse at the trot?!?" And then, as time went on, it got easier. I was never quite sure who got better. Maybe we both did. : ) -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Our pasture, new barn, and the girls
"Debbie K." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > You may want to look at putting in a track system with the two > pastures in the middle, it sure has changed the attitude of my horses, > they are so happy and content.. Jamie Jackson wrote a book about it, > Pasture Paradise.. Actually, it's Paddock Paradise if anyone tries to google it. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Our pasture, new barn, and the girls
Jacki, That barn is awesome! I am trying to imagine glancing out the window, and saying, "Oh look honey, here comes the barn ." : )What color will you paint it -- or will you let it weather naturally? Looks like you have a lovely place to set up horse keeping. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] chewing thing
Lynn Kinsky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >. An uncut mule is much > more dangerous than a horse colt simply because of the greater strength > of a mule. Even without the testosterone . . . Interesting. . . The longer I live, the more I am coming to the conclusion anything born with testosterone producing organs suffers from a birth defect. . . . -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] chewing thing
> she's already carrying an aluminum baseball bat into the paddock with her. > and using it. Janice, This is the friend that has a very small area for her horses, right? Could this youngster just have a lot of pent-up energy and no place to expend it as well as no one to play with? Mystic is 4/5 now and she spends just as much time running around the pasture and getting Rocky or Eitill to run with her as she does grazing during turn-out time.She has so much energy and playfulness -- and she's a filly and older. This little guy needs to have room to move and someone to play with.I bet that would help his inappropriate behavior(s) immensely. When he is ready to be weaned, could you bring him to your place to play with Nasi and the "boys" for awhile or something? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Young horse training basics - trail
Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: . . . I really think they do better if they go out alone early and often. < I think you are on to something there Nancy.That was one big mistake I made when starting Soley -- I took her out on the trail almost exclusively with a "buddy horse". Even though she led the way and was actually braver than the buddy horse we most often rode with, it still created a problem later on when I tried taking her out alone.She STILL (at 19) does not like to go riding alone.I can ride her around the property out of sight of the other horses, but I can tell she is thinking about where they are. And when I would trailer her out alone to ride, (before kids) it took almost a whole summer before she would stop calling out and listening for another horse. I am hoping to start trailering to our local riding park again this summer later on, and I'm betting Soley will have regressed again to calling out for another horse. Meanwhile, Eitill went out on the trail alone right from the git-go in his training. A friend / horse trainer put his first 8 weeks under saddle on him for me (She weighed all of 100 lbs. at the time and I thought that would be a nice introduction to carrying a rider rather than ME!) He remains my best horse to take out alone and / or with strange horses as he doesn't pay a lick of attention to them. So Nancy, based on my own sampling of two , I think you are right. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Micro-Managing the Horse
Okay, from reading the replies thus far to this question, I *think* I have a feel of what you mean by micro-manage in this instance (I think). I would say a person might (would? should?) micro-manage a horse when first teaching something new, as in breaking things down into many, little, baby steps. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Micro-Managing the Horse
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> > I think there are times when a horse needs to be micro-managed, but not > always, and maybe not for the most part. At what times might a horse need > to be micro-managed? Define "micro-managed" please.: ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] OT - My husband
Kristen, As others have expressed, this was such a shock to read -- I can't even begin to imagine living it. . . I don't have words. It's like a book suddenly slamming shut when someone so young dies. There was so much more to be written. I wish you strength and comfort in the days to come. -- Renee M. also in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Statement by Diddi
stroppelj <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > do you compare apples with pears?? . . . To > have a real comparison, you also have to compare 1:1 riding for the > same purpose. Hi Jasmin, No, not really. I can say I prefer loose rein riding allowing the horse to find his own balance / frame versus tight rein riding holding the horse's head up no matter what the discipline, be it gathering sheep or competition or something in between. : ) It makes no difference to me. -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] OT Reiki for Christians
Nancy, (and anyone else) I found this website for us: http://www.christianreiki.org/ I'm intrigued by this practice. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Derby
> I can so relate to this. Everyone at work asked me if I was watching > the Derby, Preakness, etc. etc.When I said, "No, I love horses too > much to watch that kind of abuse" Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I think this is how some of us feel about the Icelandic Horse show / > evaluation / competition scene; and why some of us are trying to help to > change things through education. Good segue back to Icelandics Judy! Absolutely. I think that's why many won't attend an evaluations, even as a spectator.I think people are opting not to subject themselves to that whole scene of poor riding and ill-fitting or improperly-used tack.It would be hard to watch for many of us, especially when the horse(s) subjected to this would be so graciously trying to cooperate DESPITE what their rider was doing. I've thought about attending an evaluations as a spectator . I still might. . .so that I can form my own opinions firsthand, and report on what I saw and experienced. But I have a lot of reservations and I'd probably have to wire my jaws shut beforehand. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Gaiting In Hand
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > A young Morgan filly, naturally gaited, gaiting in hand: > > http://gaited-horse.blogspot.com/2008/06/gaiting-in-hand.html > Oh she's a dumpling! What a lot of natural talent. Do you know Judy -- does she trot in the field as well? -- Renee M. in soggy Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Derby
pippa258 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Me too! I remember once watching a documentary on hippos, thinking, > well, they're vegetarians, should be okay. . . It just did me in...can't > watch > Animal Planet or Nature shows anymore. It is self preservation as I > think about it for weeks, months afterwards. Hi Trish, You are a kindred spirit.I understand completely. : )And it bites because I love shows about nature. I grew up watching Wild Kingdom, but it seems back then, the nature shows were a lot more censored and less graphic. -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Derby
Hi Anna, Anna Hopkins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The UPS guy knows that I have horses and left me a button with UPS and a > picture of Big Brown. Even though I like Big Brown, I told the girls at the > desk > that I didn't want it and shame on UPS for supporting horse racing.< I can so relate to this. Everyone at work asked me if I was watching the Derby, Preakness, etc. etc.When I said, "No, I love horses too much to watch that kind of abuse" they all look at me with this "Say what???" look. Then I tell them how immature the bodies of the horses that are raced are and explain what a throwaway, inhumane industry it is -- like Pitbull fighting or greyhound racing (since most people will relate to dogs more than horses). Most people are shocked and had / have absolutely no idea.They just see a bunch of sleek, apparently "pampered" horses and think it's a great thing for the horses. -- Renee M.
[IceHorses] Debbie - thanks for the reply about the track system!
Hi Debbie, Thanks for the reply -- I'm catching up on some older e-mails. : ) > > No, I think you will be fine, you may want to have some narrow areas, > > like waves along the way just remember to alwsys have the corners > > wider< Good point. I have 4 horses, however, my land is smaller, the area that you > > have seen with the track on it is about 2.5 acres and is subdivided > > into separate tracks... Oh my gosh -- it looks soo much bigger!You are really utilizing your space well and to the fullest advantage I think. >the smallest area, the north track is only 75 feet x 110,< Wow. . . that's smaller than my present dry lot (80' x 250'). Once the track is in place, I'm going to shrink the dry lot or paddock up by the barn, putting my round pen up in part of it and making a small "play" arena in half of it. >I keep the grass growing on my tracks, it helps keep the horses moving, however, I don't have an IR horse currently, I have one who has not been tested, he is my, could be IR horse,< I am hoping that eventually, I will be able to take muzzles off with this system -- at least part of the time. Did you read about the case study in the Paddock Paradise book of the endurance horse that foundered? But after his owner implemented a track system, he's been sound for two years (I think it was). That's encouraging to me. a MFT, I keep him on Mag Ox, Equiessence (spelling) is the magnesium product I've tried. I need to feed it again I think. It certainly can't hurt. > . . . when will your dry season come?< Every year is different! We're on sandy, well-drained soil however, so if we do get a dry spell, my pasture DOES go dormant. > > > > I guess it depends on if you are using the track as a food source as > > we are, That's my plan. Two of mine don't have any metabolic concerns to worry about. > > the other thing you could do, is start with a smaller track, maybe 1/3 > > of the area you will end up with, and then extend it as they eat/wear > > the grass down The fence we will be putting up is going to be permanent. And the shape of our lot (low and rather narrow), plus the way we have things configured won't make putting a lot of tracks in very practical. . . . I wish we would have known about this system way back when we were putting up fencing and building our barns. > Your comment about the cow, is interesting, maybe you could borrow a > couple cows to eat down the track Actually, I am seriously considering getting a family milk cow. . . Have to do some more thinking on that. . . or go lay down until the feeling passes. : ) > > > > I have said a lot, but I don't think I told you what to do, so I don't > > know if I was much help.. Yes you are/were! This kind of "brainstorming" is good to hear. I'll keep you posted as our track progresses.I am hoping we can work on it this week -- if the darned rain ever stops here. . . My pasture is a jungle. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] was show trauma now breed. evaluations-long
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > what are wet tendons. its scarey that no one knows the official > answer to this simple question > janice > Janice, Are you looking for a lay-person's explanation / understanding of the term, or something more schlolarly? I've always thought of "wet tendons" as tendons that don't feel firm and tight -- but feel more like they have some fluid around them. -- Renee M. in Michigan P.S. I thought your daughter was gorgeous! And you're right, she gets away with that haircut very well!
Re: [IceHorses] My Spiritual Journey with Horses
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> > Now you can dismiss me as a flake! > Oh Susan -- you're not a flake -- you're my new hero!!! : ) It takes guts to step out of the box and then talk about it. I don't quite get "Reiki" and how it works or what it's about exactly, but if it works for you, you go girl! -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Back from the trail
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> In my experience, it doesn't matter how long they have > been "home" whether 2 weeks or 10 years! Hi Susan and Virginia. I think Susan may be right. . . It's very common in two horse "herds" for them to become extremely bound to one another and difficult to split apart. The obvious solution, of course, is to get one or two more horses to babysit each other when one or two is taken out. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Derby
> --- Renee Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >I was surprised to see you gals taking the > > chance of witnessing (or > > hearing) of another tragedy. susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Well, I fully expected history to be made and a new > triple crown winner. . . . He wasn't the > same horse as 3 weeks ago. So, I guess I'm only > human. Oh, and I love hockey fights too ;-) Snort! You are so bad. : ) (Don't forget the Nascar fans hoping for a good crash too! ha ha.) You know, I never have had any problem watching grown humans fight with each other (boxing), but I can't handle when animals are treated like objects for the amusement and money making of the humans. I just try to avoid seeing something that will upset me for weeks afterwards.I had to quit watching Animal Cops and most of the programs on Animal Planet for the same reason.I'm sure some will see that as cowardly, but it's really just self-preservation. I've been this way my whole life and as I get older, it seems I get worse. I remember seeing an after school special on the extinction of the Eskimo Curlew when I was 11. It really affected me and it was an animated special! -- but factual.I became rather obsessed with how over-populated the world is and the damage humans have done to it from that point on. I kinda wish I was different in that regard, but . . . Oh well, I am what I am as Popeye says. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Starting Bitless and Bareback
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Here's my friend Heidi's pony being started bitless and bareback > (check out the last "ho-hum" photo :-)): > > http://horse84124.yuku.com/topic/10139 > > Judy THose are excellent pictures Judy of how a first mounting should be. : ) But where are the tears of joy?The first time I sat on Soley, I was dabbing at my eyes like a newly crowned Miss America. . . Snort! -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] Hey Debbie -- track system question (was New pen added to shelter)
We hope to get our track system in place this month. However, I am in a dilemma as to what to do about the grass that will be in the "aisles" of it. Like you, we plan on it being 15' to 20' wide with one loafing area in the shade being a bit wider/larger. We'd had one of the best growing grass Springs I can remember -- cooler temps in the high 60's and low 70's, sunny days, and just the right amount of rain.The grass in my pasture is thigh high, has seed heads already, and is just gorgeous. . . Wish I had beef cows or sheep! ha ha I've started the pony kids out on it and they're up to an hour and a half a day now -- Rocky, my Cushings/IR horse in his grazing muzzle, Soley my IR horse in hers with the rubber part removed, and Eitill and Mystic the pony (who could use some weight -- she plays constantly!) just eating normally. My dilemma is -- to mow the track or not, at least initially. If I mow, that will mean new growth, equalling higher carbs in the grass. If I don't, there's a HECK of a lot of grass out there to be eaten, as the goal is to leave the horses on the track all day eventually.What do you think I should do? The area I am going to be putting the track around is approx. 6-7 acres in size. Are your tracks about this size, or smaller? (I've been to your site lots of times, but I can't determine how big the fields your tracks encircle are.) I have the Paddock Paradise books and it seems the tracks they show are smaller in size (like encircling 2 acres). Am I trying to make a track around too big of an area for the number of horses (4) I have do you think? Thanks, Renee M. in Michigan
RE: [IceHorses] Re: OT Vegetable Gardens (was Riding /people encounters)
> > OK, I read the article but do you START by just putting the newspaer down on > flat, un-tilled earth and then pile up all the "stuff" or do you have to > till down a few inches first and just never have to do that again in the > future? Hi Bia, >From what I've researched, initially, you kill the sod and weeds with the >newspaper or cardboard as a first layer, then add the layers ideally reaching >10"-12". Let it sit for a year to break down into rich humus as your starter >bed. Then plant your garden the following Spring. (Some folks DO use the >beds immediately though, adding a layer of topsoil on top before planting.) Then, in the Fall, you put your garden to bed by doing the layering all over again, letting it break down over the winter.We plan on encircling the beds in the fall with 2' fencing so as to contain the layers better.We have two beds, 4' wide by 32' long.I'll let you know how the soil is next Spring. : ) Incidentally, we're using cardboard instead of newspapers because I really don't like the idea of newsprint ink leeching into the soil.Isn't that supposed to be toxic? I was so surprised to see newspapers advocated in this very organic method. Oh well. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] OT-my diet
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > my daughter, and all my pets and horses, is completely hilarious and > undisciplined. > Janice-- Now gee, where could she get THAT from . . . . ? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Cookie Doing Therapy Horse Work
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2008/05/cookie-goes-into-therapy-horse-mode.html That Cookie. . . She's a keeper and one in a million. She came out of the womb an old, worldly calm, cool, and collected soul, didn't she Judy? I have long coveted the Cookie as well as Wanda's Gusti. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Icelandic Horses Tolting Thru Fire
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://icehorses.blogspot.com/2008/05/icelandic-horses-tolting-thru-fire.html > Gee, first sparklers on their feet, now running along a corridor of fire. . . What's next? Setting the horse's manes and tails on fire?Oooh, wouldn't *THAT* be impressive if they would tolt through that eh?!? I'm sorry. This is one of the most DISRESPECTFUL things I've seen done with the horses. They are taking full advantage of their good natures and it's explotive to say the least. No horse, Icelandic or otherwise should be made to run next to fire unless the frickin barn is on fire. But I guess if the training and horsemanship is lacking, you go for the gimmicks when doing demos and expositions hoping no one will notice, hence the dimmed arena and the distraction of the fire. Grrr -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] gas prices - was Drought Affecting Horse Industry - my rant
Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > All I know is...I sure plan my trips now. I'm going to meet a friend > for lunch tomorrow and I'm making sure I do other errands while I'm in > town. > Hi Wanda, Isn't that the truth! Now I "plot my course" before leaving the house. Yesterday, I had a paper with seven stops mapped out. It makes me feel so wasteful that I didn't always do this. . . I should have.Maybe we all should have. -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Drought Affecting Horse Industry - my rant
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I think it's the high price of EVERYTHING that's > making people give up their horses. My second job is > no longer for luxuries, it's for bills and fuel. < I think you are right Susan. It's not just gas and weather conditions that have people scrambling and selling their horses.I notice my grocery bills creeping up too, even though I ALWAYS shop the loss leaders and try to plan our meals so that I don't impulse buy.And fertilizer is doubled from last year as well according to my hay guy.It's everything:inflation, loss of wages or jobs, the rising cost of crude oil, etc. etc. Our state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and my husband was jobless for 6 months last year. He has two journeyman's cards with over 20 years of experience in his trade (tool and die and pattern making) and he now works (happily) at our local hardware store. The saving grace is his job is 5 miles from home, they schedule him around MY crazy schedule and he likes it. I can relate fully to what you are saying and I think it's very true. > Bruce and I are contemplating buying Scooters to go > back and forth to work. At $2500 apiece and 96mpg, I > think they will pay for themselves with in a year!< That's so funny -- I mentioned the SAME thing to Tim the other day, but we decided being in Michigan, they might be a *little* cold part of the year. : ) -- Renee M. > > Susan in NV > read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: > http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ > > > > > > > > > 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 > > >
Re: [IceHorses] Drought Affecting Horse Industry - my rant
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080513/lf_nm/usa_horses_dc
Re: [IceHorses] Liniment
Laree Shulman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >. . . a liniment rinse as a > preventative measure. . . . Whew, Doggie, if I thought she would > ever offer to do any of the stuff she did once she felt the tingle of > the liniment, I would never ride her again. It was quite a show. Hahahaha.When my friend and I took Eitill and Soley across the state, we used liniment on them every night, but we deluted it half and half with water. Before we left, though, my friend made sure I got the horses used to the smell (it was rather minty) and the sensation. I remember the first few times though -- both horses kind of did a dance.If you put it on full strength, oh man . . . I bet you DID have a show! -- Renee M. in Micihgan
Re: [IceHorses] Whisper This
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This is a different book by Smokie Brannaman; click onto the "search inside > this book" link to read a few pages: > > http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-This-your-horse-yourself/dp/0979144604 > Judy, Did you think you would like this book? I went to the Amazon site and poked around, reading the excerpts, etc. and frankly. . . . I was turned off. I found his writing style coarse and unappealing, and I'm not sure I agree with most of what he was saying in these few passages.At any rate, I don't think I'd buy this book. I'll be curious to read what everyone gets from it, or thinks. -- Renee M. in Michigan P.S. Is this guy any relation to Buck Brannaman?
Re: [IceHorses] another new foal
Mic Rushen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Sun, 4 May 2008 20:15:41 -0400, you wrote: > > > If you think about it, bay is a modifier of black which makes the body > more brown but leaves the points black. . . . See, that's just it -- I don't know all these ins and outs of equine color genetics. I just go by what see with my eyes. >Dun is modifier (of any colour) which lightens the body too - so on a bay dun, >you get a very light body and darker points. Okaaa. . . . .I think they'd both more correctly be called "taupe". : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Janice's Grandbaby!
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Janice's grandbaby pictured here: > > http://www.buzzincelebritygossip.co.uk/files/2008/05/baby-costumes_kf_lips.jpg > > Wanda put you up to that, didn't she Judy? : ) Wonder what Janice is going to dig up about California folks. . . You set yourself up for it now Judy! -- Renee M in anticpation!
Re: [IceHorses] car wash
Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Kevin, Brian and Dave put together a car wash today. > Wanda -- I love it!!! Now, that's using your noodle. . . . SNORT! ( bad pun alert) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Liablity... especially with children
Skye and Sally ~Fire Island <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Skye, OMG -- that is just unbelieveable. . . . I mean, I know it's true, but the audacity and well, STUPIDITY of that couple.After 6 years of ownership, that horse was THEIRS and it's actions completely removed from your responsibility and influence. Furthermore, there is no training a horse to be a dog or a four-wheeler. They will always be horses, complete with "horse moments" -- I don't care what breed, or training, or whatever. You were absolutely right: That family should only own a golf cart. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Look what I did find in the snow
Ingvar Ragnarsson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > This is my mare Pera turning 4 yo and her unexpected son! Malin -- that sure beats all the horsepoop I found in the snow all winter! : ) Now, what's the procedure in detecting who the daddy is? Will you have to bloodtype the foal or do DNA on it? Hey Malin, this reminds me of a question I've had:Since it's a given or obvious all foals born in Iceland are purebred, are all Icelandic foals registered generally? If not, is there any exclusions from showing / breeding of unregistered stock? Thanks, Renee M. in Michigan who is SOOO happy we are *I think* beyond the snow stage!
Re: [IceHorses] another new foal
Mic Rushen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Born this morning - a bay dun filly with a star. > > Mic A "bay dun"??? Really? I have always thought of bays as some sort of shade of darker brown with black points.Sure looks like she's going to be the color of her Momma. What's her Mother's color called? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Kolur and Brenna meet the new alpacas
Sue, Your horses had to be thinking: "Oh my Lord -- and we thought our clip jobs were bad! Those don't even look like horses anymore!" Seriously, I love the substance of your horses.They have that sturdiness that to me, exemplifies the breed. Ever notice how some Icelandics exclude "pony-ness" and some are very "horse like" ?I definitely think "small horses" when I look at Sue's two. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Filly euthanized at Kentucky Derby
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The filly crossed the finish line with 2 broken front > ankles, collapsed and was immedietly euthanized. > > Why I DETEST horse racing.I saw Ruffian go down, and that was it for me. Last year was Barbados. Now this filly. How many more horses have to die before people realize what they are watching is exploitation of VERY young, over-stressed horses!? GAWD. Someone at work invaribly will ask me every year if I'm going to watch "the Derby" because they know I have horses. I say, "No, I love horses too much to watch. It would be like a dog lover watching dog fighting." -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Trail Trials
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I think there are trail trial groups all over North America. In my neck of the woods, they're called "Judged Pleasure Rides", and often done as charity events with entrant's fees going towards some good cause. So, if you can't find any local group offering Trail Trials, look for Judged Pleasure Rides too or instead. I've done a couple and they are great fun. I am always amazed at the sponsors ingenuity in coming up with obstacles. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] IceTolt in Britain
Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Didn't he shoot his friend, and his friend apologized on TV for Dick > shooting him? Then there is the bumper sticker that circulated after this event. It said: "I'd rather go hunting with Dick Chaney than driving with Teddy Kennedy". . . -- Renee M. in Michigan (libertarian party)
Re: [IceHorses] What Gait / Old Picture
> Here's something to think about... what gait would this horse do naturally? > > I really have no idea. . . Maybe he could be worked over to a running walk if allowed his head (to be lower)?? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Charm, And the Noodle
> > Charm carried around a noodle on a breezy day: > > http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2008/04/charm-and-noodle.html Judy, I love your inventiveness!And that Charm -- she's been brought along so slowly and carefully -- with tons of life experiences under her belt already -- that I think you could put a Gorilla on her back hopping and hooting about at this point and she'd be yawning. Keep up the good work.: ) -- Renee M. in Michigan >
Re: [IceHorses] In the silly pasture...
Kristen Mikula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >The rest of our > snow just melted this week and with a touch of rain on > Tuesday the grass is only hinting green. Kristen, We're down near Grand Rapids and my daffodils have been blooming for about a week now. It's green, green, green down here too!!My pasture looks like a colic just waiting to happen. -- Renee M. in W. lower Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Hired Help
> What beautiful children - I know I don't need to tell you to cherish > them - I love their smiles. > -- > Laree in NC > Thanks Laree. Charlotte is my "giggler". When I got Soley trotting with her, she was up there belly laughing and then told me, "Oh Momma, that was s fun!" She's a pink freak, so I think she'll be getting her own helmet this summer. I found a pink one on sale in the Dover catalog. -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Charlotte's first time on horseback
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > this is beautiful renee! what i would have given for a pony as a > child... Me too! I never got one -- and now look at me. . . .! > they are beautiful, all of them!< Thank you . . . I'm a late bloomer (46 this month -- UGH!), but I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this Momma business. It's great fun. (And thank you everyone for not making fun of the eventing vest on Charlotte for a very subdued pony ride. : ) > I dont think I have seen soley before!< Well, hopefully, I can get some new pictures this year and you'll be seeing a lot of she and Eitill and Rocky and Mystic too! (There -- 'yall been warned) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] OT(kind of): Saddle fit
JR <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have looked at treeless but am a > little worried. Wouldn't you just be "bouncing" on thier spine? Isn't > that why saddles have gullets? I can't find any treeless that do. Hi JR, There are some models that DO incorporate a gullet.I picked up one off Ebay recently that has this feature built in. I guess the ones this gal is going to be carrying have the panels stitched on, but I really wanted this proto-type one with the moveable, velcro on/off panels. I haven't been able to try it out yet though: http://tinyurl.com/5v825d I know I've seen a couple of other models that also have a gullet, although I can't remember the brands -- maybe someone can help there?(I have been rather disappointed that more treeless saddles do not build a gullet into their designs for some unknown reason.) However, you can also buy special pads with a spine channel to go under the treeless saddles that make up for this. Skito is one, and I like the Saddleright pads myself -- I use one under a plain bareback pad as well. The Sensation is a lovely, stable, treeless saddle but you will need to have a channel pad under it as it doesn't have a gullet built-in. > What is the difference between a bareback pad and a treeless? Depends on the models of each you are taking about. Some treeless are barely distinguishable from a regular saddle and have a lot of "substance" and structure to them. Others, are very much a glorified bareback pad. > I know if you ride bareback to much your horse will get a sore back. I don't know about that. IMHO, a balanced rider on a horse without a prominent spine (for example) would be alright I think. I think that's a horse/rider case by case "thing". > Anyone have a saddle with CAIR panils and gullet > change? How well does that work? I have a Wintec Wide with the three very wide gullet plates and the CAIR. It's a good saddle for the money, but I'm not sure it isn't too long for my very short-backed mare (I need the 18" seat).Changing the gullets isn't hard. As for the CAIR. . . I don't know. . . I think I prefer old fashioned wool. The CAIR panels just seem harder to me and not as willing to "mold" to the horse's back. > > I just figured Icelandics are very hard to fit horses and thought you > guys would have a lot of experience with saddle problems. Ha ha -- oh yes, that's definitely the truth for some of us. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Leslie Desmond Clinic Notes
Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > We've got to respect our horses enough to give them choicesif > not...we're no better than a dictator... There's another Wanda pearl.: ) I think it all comes down to attitude towards the horse. Do we think of the horse as a sentient, feeling, THINKING being we want to connect with on a level of mutual understanding and respect and devotion? Or, do we think of the horse as servant, working for room and board, made to do our bidding because we are, afterall, the *superior* being in the equation and we take care of them. Are we partners or employers to our horses? What would they say I wonder? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Leslie Desmond Clinic Notes
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >> "I want my horse to come with me, help me. I don't want to "do" things to my horse any more. I don't want to follow his head with my hand to touch him. When I reach out my hand to stroke my horse's head, I want him to reach out to be stroked."<<< > To me, this is a really deep subject. When your horse *wants* to be with you, > it's different than having a horse that is just doing a job.< This is going to sound odd, but one of the most precious moments for me with Eitill was the first time I came off of him.We were by ourselves at a local park doing a double loop. We'd just trotted past where the trailer was parked, when a woman out walking stepped out from behind a tree ahead on the trail. It was windy, the leaves weren't out on the trees yet, and she had on a brown coat with a long white scarf trailing out in the breeze. All of a sudden, she was just "there" and Eitill did an abrupt halt. Next thing I know, I'm sitting on the ground infront of him, with my legs across the trail. He is obviously scared -- blowing and puffing and staring bug-eyed at the THING that has just emerged from the woods in front of us. (The lady had clasped her hands to her mouth and was just standing there, apparently sure I was seriously hurt.) But Eitill didn't leave me. He knew exactly where the trailer was and was terrified, but he stayed right there. I got up and went to soothe Eitill, and then the woman started stammering "Are you alright?!? Are you alright!?!" As I rubbed his neck, and he heard the woman speak (O! It's a HUMAN!), he started chewing and visibly relaxed. I reassured the lady I was fine, got back on and away we went. And despite my bumps and bruises the next day, I felt sooo good about that experience because I felt like not only had Eitill passed a "test" of sorts, so had I with him. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Hired Help - OT now
Oh my gosh -- BEAUTIFUL! That's sooo neat about the bracelet -- what a wonderful gesture for a teenager coming into the family. Do you guys celebrate "Gotcha Days"? (Adoption days)?For us, they're kind of like birthdays. -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] Adopted kids -- OT
Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Our eighth child is blue-eyed blonde Stephanie and when she first arrived I >kept > wondering why they had sent us such a pale little girl.< Ha ha -- We live in an area of W. Michigan which an enormous Dutch heritage population (i.e. Holland Mi, Zeeland Mi, etc. etc.). Blonde, blue-eyed children are the norm, except for some reason, there's also seems to be a lot of people who have adopted Asian children. Every year, during "Tulip time", the front of the Holland Sentinal newspaper inevitably features children dressed in adorable Dutch costumes and wooden shoes.Nine times out of ten, the little face(s) are almond eyed and black-haired. I don't know if they purposely try to find an Asian child to photograph or what. My co-worker with (4) adopted Korean children has had every single one of them photographed in their Dutch Dance costumes in the newspaper during Tulip Time one year or another. Tim (my husband) and I are now rather biased and find the blue-eyed blondes cherubs rather, well, boring. -- Renee M. in sunny 60 degree Michigan!
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Hay Shortage
Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I notice you listed most of > the folks who commented on this thread except for Laree and me, so I assume > this was directed at us.< Nope, not at all.I was just thanking folks who had remarked on what they do in their own less-than-ideal horse-keeping situations because of circumstances beyond their control. Like Wanda, I often find it very helpful to hear about what other people do, because there's usually a gem to be gleaned (or two) I can use myself. Susan's remark about not wanting people to admonish her for feeding alfalfa is actually what spawned my comment. It got me thinking / hoping people won't be hesitant to tell us about their own situations, even if not typical or what is usually done. Of course, it's good to be reminded to be cautious as well. Thankfully, we seem to have a lot of common sense on this board. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Hay Shortage
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3971406n?source=search_video > > Oh my gosh . . . Isn't that sad? You could just tell this woman's whole life was those horses. We didn't have a drought, but we had a dry spell last year that made hay prices higher and good hay harder to find. I've been noticing a lot of last year's hay that people might have been hoarding is now being offered for sale in our area, still at rather top prices though. I think everyone is opitimistic about what this year's growing season will bring, but still wants to get last year's prices for last year's hay incase not. I really envy the farms that can raise all their own hay. For our little 10 acres, it wouldn't justify buying the used hay equipment it would take to work it, but I have to admit, it has crossed my mind.My hay guy made noises last year about getting out of raising hay and I've been putting off calling him for fear of what he will say. . . I HATE the idea of trying to find someone else who does as good a job as he always did. But I will if I have to I guess. -- Renee M. in raining and WARMING Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Teevs embarrassment
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > . . . It must be her lack of foundation undergarments because i KNOW > there's nothin wrong with ME."< SNORT! Oh Janice. . . sometimes I think I need to let Jay Leno know about you. And as the owner of a "bouncefree" bra (that creates cleavage up to one's nose, but danged, nothing contained therein is going ANYWHERE no matter what the horse does), I can relate to the above totally. . . ! -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Mic / Riding Style
How about just "manipulated style"?? Remember, I'm a K.I.S.S. formula girl at heart. : ) I must confess, I tend to think of the riding, tack, etc. we see now in the Icelandic showring and elsewhere as German-influenced riding.I say this because the changes in desireable gait, lift, tack, etc. seemed to coincide with the horses being exported to Germany and becoming very popular there. Of course, I also think our own Southern Biglick barns played a role too in the current trends in Icelandic riding and training.I thought this when ankle rattlers appeared in the Astund catalog one year. (Are they still there?) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Collection in Tolt
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Collection is not present in the easy gaits. Collection has an upward > vector, and the easy gaits have an earth-bound vector... opposite, and > that's what makes them "easy" gaits :-). If we collect them, they'll be > trotting! Judy, do you mean ALL soft gaits, or just the racking family of gaits? Because I was under the impression the running walk could have the beginnings of collection, and the foxtrot could be collected to some degree. Is that incorrect? > > Here are some articles written about the use of the words collect and > collection in regard to gaited horses: I will have to check these out. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: treats
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- Susan Coombes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >> The one thing that has bothered me about the > clicker training is the focus on the food rather than > the game. << > > I keep carrot slivers in my fanny > pack so I have something to reward the "clickable" > moments. Me too -- I always rode with treats. You never know when a training opportunity will present itself. >. Then we do "touch the goblin". , Ha ha -- we call it "Check it out". I like your phrase much better though! > instead of being wary of strange things, she will eagerly offer > to go up to them. Yup. And, I always try to be EXTRA sure there really ISN'T a goblin in what I ask my horses to approach. : )I think it would be a major set-back in the trust realm if something unexpected happened -- at least for awhile.I always have that in the back of my mind when there's boogers to be vanquished on horseback. -- Renee M. in Michigan I think this means she IS focused > on the game, with the food as a reward. > > Susan in NV > http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ > Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness > Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ > > > > > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > > > > 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 > > >
Re: [IceHorses] Collection in Tolt
susan cooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > an icelandic speaker would call english "foxtrot", > > "tolt".<< > > I was once ignorant about gaits, too. But I learned. Susan, SNORT : ) !!! I do think we are kindred spirits. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Icelandic mare on Dreamhorse/Companion for Svort
Jacki Edens <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Maybe she could be my companion animal... Hi Jacki, Oh I am betting she could be more than just a companion animal. She is only five, so lots of time to finish her and / or maybe restart her.She just looks like a diamond in the rough to me and from the description. I think there's probably a lot of potential there to be developed.It would be nice if she could find her way into a horse-friendly, empathetic home that would let her move along slowly and thoughtfully in her training. > . . .now tell my husband. Oh Renee, you could be getting me in big trouble > here All in a days work, all in a day's work. ; ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] Another 1930's Icelandic postcard photo
Here's another one showing the horses bringing in hay from the fields along with some sheep: http://tinyurl.com/323hxm -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] Old 1930's Icelandic postcard photo
Look ma -- no dropped nosebands! http://tinyurl.com/yphdbc Love these old photos. . . . -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Stonewall weird what gait vid
His feet together seem like > it is almost a pure pace and at times my husband is banging in the > saddle, but compared to Jaspar's hard pace the percussion is very > light. Is it a very fast broken pace? The second url is the same > video in slow motion. What gait please? > Hi Janice, That slo-mo version was great! To my eyes, I think that's exactly what Walls is doing -- a broken, (but almost pure at times) pace. -- Renee M. in Michigan
RE: [IceHorses] Icelandic mare on Dreamhorse
Jeannette Hoenig <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > wasn't this some of Debbie Wards horses bloodlines? She has sold a lot of > horses over the net, my neighbor has one > > I have no idea. . . The horse's name (Vina Eir Fra Curtis) suggests she is from the Curtis ranch, whom I think was located in Idaho (or some place out west). Where is Debbie Ward located? -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Icelandic mare on Dreamhorse
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > http://tinyurl.com/2egoov >> a lot of people argue with me when i say the prices of icelandics are > going down and say you get what you pay for, but there are known > rehabs with terrible problems that could cripple and maim a rider for > sale out there for 5000-9000 bucks and then you see horses like this > one, for 2500, well bred, I was so surprised to see a registered mare offered at this amount. . . Often you see purebred horses for that amount that have registration issues. There's no mention of any problems, just that she's green.Now, her temperament number is given as "5" (with one being the most calm/laidback and 10 being the opposite), so perhaps that's a clue as to her low price??? Either the people think she's too calm, or perhaps too spirited I think, if someone were looking for a horse to finish, she might just be a great find. Her price just might be a reflection of the owner wanting to place her in a good home, hay shortage in the area, or the economy in general. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: How we handle pasture
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: All the rain and then now the sudden spring warmth, we > have unbelievable mosquitos. Janice, Farnum makes a spray called "Mosquito Halt". It works GREAT!So, get to your local TSC and get some! I usually have to spray the horses down most summer evenings at dusk if we've had any kind of rain. We have wetlands behind us and across the road, so plenty of mosquitos all summer usually. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: How we handle pasture
Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: All the rain and then now the sudden spring warmth, we > have unbelievable mosquitos. Janice, Farnum makes a spray called "Mosquito Halt". It works GREAT!So, get to your local TSC and get some! I usually have to spray the horses down most summer evenings at dusk if we've had any kind of rain. We have wetlands behind us and across the road, so plenty of mosquitos all summer usually. -- Renee M. in Michigan
[IceHorses] Interesting barefoot site
First of all, here's the disclaimer: I am not against shoes or shoeing horses if circumstances dictate. I post this site not as an admonishment to those who DO find shoes work for them, but more for the educational value of the pictures, which I found very interesting. I am fortunate to not have to shoe my horses.But, if I could ride more (which would be ANY riding at the moment!) or had different terrain, I may not be able to say that. Anyway, here's the site: http://www.right2remainshoeless.com/index.html
Re: [IceHorses] Surrender to the Saddle Tree
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> i am constantly amazed at the lack of discussion of bareback riding > here, given this as a sample fact. So start a thread on it. : )And actually, come to think of it, most of the pictures I've ever seen of list-owner Judy riding have been bareback. Maybe she's been trying to be subtle with us. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan.
Re: [IceHorses] Surrender to the Saddle Tree
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> i am constantly amazed at the lack of discussion of bareback riding > here, given this as a sample fact. So start a thread on it. : )And actually, come to think of it, most of the pictures I've ever seen of list-owner Judy riding have been bareback. Maybe she's been trying to be subtle with us. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan.
[IceHorses] Icelandic mare on Dreamhorse
Don't know anything about this mare, just found her while looking for gaited horse ads with videos to watch on dreamhorse: http://tinyurl.com/2egoov It says she was started by "an experienced and renowned Icelandic trainer", but maybe she is still salvagable. She's very pretty.Anyone up for a project this summer? The price is sure right. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: What Gait / Netuno
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: . . . what I've seen in the US. The ones here have all been tall and thin (narrow), so I didn't especially like the breed.< Ha -- I should have kept reading. That's been my impression of them too. But these two don't appear that way. I wonder if it's a case of the early exports not being the best examples of the breed because the "motherland" wanted to keep the best at home? > > But these two videos have changed my mind. > Me too! > Did you notice that the first part of this video, the horse is being ridden > with only a neck rope: Yes! Definitely grabbed my attention. That horse carried himself in gait effortlessly. I don't care too much for the parlor tricks of sitting between the horses legs and crawling around, jumping on the rump, etc., but clearly a nice all-around horse. > > From the association: > > "The reason for so much preoccupation with the marcha, indicated by the name > of the breed is that this gait is unique in the world. > (Is the "this gait is unique in the world" a true statement?) SNORT! Geez, every gaited breed seems to think THEY hold exclusive rights to the rack, don't they? So funny. . . don't they ever look around at what all the OTHER gaited breeds do once in awhile?It's kind of a form of barn (breed?) blindness I think. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] What Gait / Netuno
> > I hated the way the guy kept making the horse turn so suddenly and > sharply -- seemed kinda extreme and rude to the horse. > > Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > That's sort of a stock horse "thing". This horse really does it pretty > nicely and the rider is tactful with his rein handling. Some horses learn > to do this with the very minimum of rein contact and act like they enjoy it. Hi Nancy, Okay. . . But given the amount of tail swishing and ear pinning this horse did, I don't think he enjoyed it, although you are right -- it didn't appear the rider had to exert much "force" or pressure to turn the horse in this manner. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: What Gait / Netuno
> > Another Mangalarga Marchador: > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on2e0QKe6a4 Susan Coombes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Beautiful horse. Lovely training. I don't thimk I want to ever plonk > down in the saddle like that. Stepping pace. > Sue UK I agree with Susan, except I think it's a saddle rack.But that horse can come up here and live at my barn anytime. Man, what a gorgeous, tractable, lovely animal. What is the genetic background / history of the Mangalargo Marchadors? Anyone know? Some of them seem quite "rangy" looking, while others almost have a Iberian look to them, especially in their neck attachment. -- Renee M. in snowy Michigan (again. . . sigh)
Re: [IceHorses] What Gait / Netuno
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD65pC8ZMEk > I think I see a saddle rack. I hated the way the guy kept making the horse turn so suddenly and sharply -- seemed kinda extreme and rude to the horse. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Track system
Found the book and just ordered it! (Happy birthday to me early!) It's by Jaime Jackson, Pasture Paradise $31.55 with shipping. Here's the link: http://www.jaimejackson.com/page18.html --Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Track system
Besides Debby's site, I found this site about the "pasture paradise" track system as well: http://thenaturalhoof.homestead.com/paddockparadise.html This person's website is almost in blog form and I'm really interested in reading it, as she says she has, previous to going to a track system, had her horses dry-lotted because she has an IR (Insulin Resistant) horse who had foundered. Right up my alley / situation. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Behind the Bit / Rollkur
Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/islandpferde/1206135297/in/set-72157601569036835/ > Isn't this the same lady (and horse) from the WC this past summer whose picture was crititiqued quite harshly by that Cavallo article? I think it is. She needs her reins and bit taken away.When she has respect for the horse's mouth (and the horse itself for that matter) maybe she could have them back eventually. What a beautiful animal and what a forgiving nature he must have.. . I find pictures like this just miserably sad. I SO wish the breed was beyond this crap, not embracing it. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle report from the AERC convention
Thanks John for the input. Can you elaborate as to what Dana had you do to avoid the skin problems? What was the culprit? Do you use your Dixie Midnight with the Sensation? (I use a Dixie Midnight, then a Saddleright pad, then the Sensation, and I have one of Dana's girths). I don't ride enough (especially in the last two years) to have any problems with my Sensation other than my own body position in it, but I'd like to know what your experience was in remedying what you had going on.(Did you have any trouble with the hard use stirrup configuration at all? Or do you use your saddle rigged like a regular saddle?) > Aside from my experience with the Sensation, I have also ridden thousands of > miles in both treed and flex panel saddles, all on Icelandics. Do you tend to switch saddles between rides, or stick to one saddle for the season per horse? Just curious. > I must not be as smart as everybody else on this list because I just can't make snap judgments from limited experience.< Yikes . . . Since you addressed this post to me, can I assume the above is directed at me as well? I don't think I'm making snap judgements -- I haven't ruled out buying another treeless for a second saddle -- just trying to glean from other's experience and investigation and learning what else is out there that may work as well. When you get more time, I hope you will expound on your post. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Wintec Extra wide
> This is a wintec endurance with the largest gullet plate inserted. > Elska has shoulders like a football player. > > Wanda Wanda, Would you like to try my Wintec Wide? It has the three gullet plates in it (Xwide, XXwide, and elephant). I can mail it up to ya.Elska reminds me A LOT of Soley in build (you have my sympathy). The narrowest of the three seems to be the best fit. Unfortunately, I think Soley's back dips too much for this saddle to work for her. . . I need to try it again this year I suppose. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses]Leveller Noseband
> > when i go to look at these Judy it asks for a password. > Janice > It didn't initially. Apparently, the site owner did it after Judy posted the links. Just bookmark it and in a few days or weeks, it will be accessible again. If there's nothing wrong with these pictures, why the need to hide them??? I mean, if they are good examples to be proud of, does it matter what anyone says? I mean, if the shoe DOESN'T fit, why run to make them unviewable??? But if the shoe does fit. . . The fact they are now password protected just makes them seem all the more incriminating IMO. . . If they were my pictures, and I felt they were good shots of the breed under saddle, I don't think I would have done that. I would have taken the stand that they speak for themselves. -- Renee M. in Michigan
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle report, Boz, BMSS, FnE
> And that's what got me started thinking about > switching back and forth between treeless and treed. > I think is an excellent idea / solution Susan!In my saddle search for "Tank girl", (aka Soley), I found there was always a "honeymoon" period when we tried out a new saddle. I'd think, "Aha! This one is going to work! Finally!" And then, after a few months, her attitude would change, or I'd notice stumbling, or she'd get "cinchy" or not want to stand for mounting. . . Saddle fitting problems.The honeymoon was over. But, if a person was switching back and forth between two different saddles that fit reasonably well, or as good as you could find, I think you could keep problem areas from developing. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: HPA / Boots
Mic Rushen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > You have to remember that quite > often, the best competition horses do not have the best conformation > (ie not all of them have done well at breeding assessments). It seems, > with Icelandics, that form does not always follow function. You know, I've heard that last statement before about Icelandics and it always seems odd to me to have form be at odds with function.Why would Icelandics be any different from any other equine?Unless the "function" being graded has been helped along. . . Could it be because horses with less than stellar conformation are "fixed" up to gait via mechanical means and that manufactured, showy gait is then graded highly? In my mind, it seems this could be one possible reason horses who don't receive good conformation scores go on to get high marks under saddle. -- Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] Natural Class
Okay, so first a proposal is written up, then it is taken to the FEIF-member organization's "National Sport Leader" who is the one who would present it to FEIF I would think before the national sport leader could present it to FEIF, it would also have to be approved by the country's FEIF organization where the proposal originated. For example, if someone in the United States wrote up the proposal, I *think* the person they would submit it to would be Heidi Kline who is listed as the competition committee chair on the USIHC's website. (I didn't see where a National Sport Leader" was listed for the USIHC). I am thinking Heidi would then likely have to get the USIHC board's approval before submitting it to FEIF. Hmmm . . . . Is anyone good friends with Heidi? : )
Re: [IceHorses] Natural Class
Mic Rushen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> > You need to write up a proposed showing class for naturally-presented > horses. Or possibly two classes - I would suggest a Gait class (to > show gait ie foxtrot, rack/tolt, running walk etc etc) and a Natural > 4-Gait class (to show walk, trot, canter and gait as above). Eeek! I should have kept reading my e-mails. Okay, so Mic you don't think FEIF would balk at the idea of supporting classes where Icelandics could be shown performing other soft gaits besides tolt and this would be acceptable? Really? You think there's a snowball's chance you know where of this flying? Wow . . . Now you got ME excited. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Re: HPA
Guys, I've been trying to follow this discussion and I'm a bit confused at this point. Do I have this right: HPA's rules do not allow rubber or leather bell boots to be over 6 oz.(approx.) FEIF's rules allow rubber or leather bell boots to be up to 10 oz (approx.) Is that the gist of the discrepency between the two agencies' rules? Thanks, Renee M.
Re: [IceHorses] The groundwork has started
Susan Coombes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Work on new arena has started Hi Sue, Can't wait 'til you post pictures.You can tell it's Spring (at least somewhere in the world) when people start such projects! >I haven't even decided on the surface. I have packets of samples and non >woven membranes and tea strainers all over the kitchen.< You are a TRUE horseperson. I am getting a mental picture of your research. : ) > I was expecting trouble from Ofeig . . . . Was she > bothered? Not a bit. She found the only hill in Lincolnshire and wanted > to climb onto it. Then she wanted to say hello to the digger. She > didn't even bother to rush past. Good mind on that little one.Reminds me of when I had a dump truck drop off a load of sand in our little paddock up by the barn when Soley was only 2. My Arab mare and a little Arab-cross pony mare I was boarding took off for the back forty when the truck started backing up to the fence.Not Soley. .. She was sooo curious what this beeping, big thing was, she stood RIGHT there -- exactly in the way.I ended up having to lead her away and hold her so the poor driver could dump his load. -- Renee M. in MIchigan
Re: [IceHorses] Fighting the Bit Worldwide
Ashley Gallant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > There are people within the Icelandic breed (Icelanders even. . . ) who do > and would like to go this route, have the knowledge but prehaps not so much > support or a venue to show it. But they are doing it quietly and on their > own within their own barns. So, I guess I'm saying there might be more > people than you think that would be on board and have the knowledge base. > . . . Also, what about adding a new competition category such as a "natural > form" (least amount of headgear and no footware) or something like that to > bring FEIF/USIHC into support of these ideas. . .< Hi Ashley, (It was my post you quoted, not Karen's, incidently). First of all, it's not that I would be opposed to having Icelanders critiquing natural, unenhanced gait, simply because they are Icelanders. : ) However, I think it would be beneficial to have persons with a broader experience background for natural soft gait beyond tolt (rack) doing the critiquing of just what a horse has under the hood.I am not sure too many Icelanders, simply by virtue no other gaited breeds available to them to learn from, would have a good eye for, and appreciation of a naturally fox-trotting Icelandic, for example. Or an Icelandic with a phenomenal running walk or saddle rack naturally. But of course, this would be a moot concern if only tolt was to be considered in this new competition category. Which brings me to something I would like to ask at this point: If one could get FEIF on board with incorporating a new competition category (and I LOVE this idea Ashley), would soft gait beyond the tolt be acceptable and valued? Personally, I would hope so. However, I am not sure FEIF would get on board with the idea that an Icelandic doing any other soft gait besides the breed signature gait of tolt is something to be acknowledged, or viewed as anything beyond "faulty tolt", even though we KNOW many of them perform other soft gaits inherently and beautifully! I can hear the protest(s) already: "They want to change the breed!" (Even though the other soft gaits are present in abundance already!)"They are rewarding substandard gait!"And so on. I am not sure there is any room in FEIF's and the USIHC's view for an Icelandic who performs any other soft gait other than a tolt, no matter how correct and natural for that horse to do it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the idea of a more natural show venue. But I think if one wanted to work within FEIF to develop this new category, there would be the concession that (still) only tolt would be recognized as an acceptable soft gait for an Icelandic horse. But maybe that's a good start. -- Renee M. in Michigan
