This message is from: Linda Lottie User <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am asked, often, if the fjord is as gentle as they seem, as I wander around the MN Horse Expo.
I ask the person if they have horse experience. I ask if the horse is for a child. I ask what they are going to use said fjord for. With that information, I usually tell someone a fjord is like any other horse.....that the horses seen at the expo are well trained. The mare I bring to the expo, I share, is not for a child or an adult with no horse experience. She is a wonderful mare....also, very well started initially by Patti Walter.....and, she is alpha mare and has "opinions" that occasionally have to be readjusted, which she "adjusts", without issues.. Had she been my very first horse.....she might not be the favorite she is today in my herd. With her strong mindedness and strength, along with her knowledge of how big her head really is :) ..... A novice or child could get into trouble. With all that said.....anyone who is buying a first horse, IMO, would be wise to work with a trainer and have mentors with horse experience who can help if needed. To do otherwise is, IMO, foolish. Anyone who sells a horse to a beginner with no horse experience, has, IMO, an obligation to the horse and new owner to be honest and forthright about the need for mentorship and working with a trainer. Even, dear Sven, Mr. Steady Eddy, is very strong and dives for the nearest blade of grass if allowed. Any little kid would not stand a chance against Sven going after a nibble :)......nor would, a timid, wishy-washy adult. But then, when I think about it....the little "mini" in my herd finds strength that surprises me, .....and, oh yes, the appy.....she can fuss and stew about stuff. The only one who is light as a feather and watches my space all the time is my QH.....and he was trained for QH breed shows, stops on a dime, and, was the standard as I learned about "ground manners"......so, I expect all the rest to do the same. It ain't been easy - hahaha!! Just thoughts tonight......LJBL in WI On 5/9/07 5:44 PM, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> More specifically, do you think that Fjords (as a breed, not specific >> horses) ARE or ARE NOT suitable for children, novice horse people, as >> family >> companions, and for therapeutic riding programs? > I am in no way an expert, as I only own one fjord and she is my first horse. > BUT I am definitely a novice rider and can speak about my experiences. My > Fjord, Britta, has been as absolute dream as a first horse. She has taught > both me and a friend of mine who is also taking lessons on her a tremendous > amount. My trainer, who has experience with many breeds, but never a fjord > before, assures me that I managed to buy the perfect horse. I think it is > partly because she is a fjord, partly because Patti Jo Walter did a FANTASTIC > job training her, and partly because I have lots of training experience with > dogs, and do not accept being "walked on" by ANY animal I own. I can see how > with a really wimpy owner, who spoils their fjord and does not set limits, > that a fjourd could use their strength and willpower to be the "boss". But if > you are fearful, and inclined to spoil your pets, you really should NOT own an > animal that weighs 1000# anyway!!! And you probably should not own most do! > gs either, for that matter. > Julie Snape > Madison, WI > > The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: > http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
