This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello....I recently changed my email and received a new welcome letter from the digest with all the needed info in it. However when I try to use the link for the archives, I get an error page. This is the link I received. . http://www.escribe.com/pets/fjordhorse/ I tried leaving off the slash at the end and even tried putting .com in ...still no luck. Has the archive link changed or is it down for some reason? I wanted to look up info on fitting saddles and also I would like like to know how to use a western girth strap with two rollers in one end. (It is supposed to be much easier to tighten.) We are using it but have no idea if we are using it properly. It has one roller on the outside edge and one in the center of the girth that the tying strap goes into. Also while returning back from a ride the other day, I shoved or at least tried to shove my hand under the front of the saddle. The blasted saddle was sitting right down on Peppins body. Absolutely no clearance! I tried a thicker pad...same thing. Is this what everyone is talking about Fjords being hard to fit with a saddle? Luckily, I had another old saddle here with a higher tree.....now I have lots of clearance. Does a tight saddle like the former impede the way a horse moves? Peppin and Storm are both stumbling quite a bit when we are on their backs but do fine under harness. Neither pony has had all that much time under the saddle. Are they stumbling because they have to learn balance while carrying a rider?...or are they just gloming for leaves and not paying attention. Both Fjord Ponies are shod. One is a six year old and the other 4. Would ring work on a smooth terrain help these guys or should we practice them walking and then trotting over poles. The trail is very rough in places and even though we are just walking them, they stumble frequently. Otherwise we are having a great time riding, as both ponies are wonderful. Randy's "Storm" is much livelier but that suits him just fine. Peppin, from Deere Country Fjords (John and Eunice Bosomworth), is very quiet and loveable...much like going for a ride on an overgrown dog. I love him! Hope everyone is enjoying the fall season. I haven't had time to read much of the digests lately....so am attempting to catch up now. If anyone has any ideas for me re pony, girth and saddle, I would much appreciate them. Happy trails, Sue in N.B. (Storm and Peppin's mom)
