This message is from: Nancy Hotovy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carole -
I really agree with your post on the older horses. Steady, well trained Fjords are definitely in high demand but I never, never, never recommend someone buy a young, untrained colt unless they have had previous horse experience. I find it's definitely not fair to my colts. Ours are handled, vaccinated, wormed, feet trimmed, etc. starting at Day 1, however, no matter how good the intentions are, a buyer that has very limited horse experience will have a high chance of ruining the colt. These Fjords are very smart and inexperienced people will start out letting them have their way in little things and the little things grow into bigger things and pretty soon they will call and wonder what happened to their sweet little colt. Or, they sell him to another "green" person who only reinforces the bad habits and pretty soon you have a dangerous horse on your hands. Now these people do not ruin this colt intentionally. In fact, most have the best intentions in the world, but horses are not puppies and when they misbehave it can be very dangerous. Now, I have a colt out there carrying the name of my farm that is less than desirable. Very bad advertising! I don't believe the best bloodlines and temperament in the world will guarantee that inexperienced people can make it the dependable horse they desire. It takes much work and much knowledge, otherwise anyone could be a trainer. I know there are a lot of opinions out there and mine is just one of many but I feel it's my responsibility to make sure the foals we produce have their best chance at a good life and that means not putting a young horse with an inexperienced owner. To change the subject, Lynn Miller is one of my husband's heroes and when his publications "The Small Farmer's Journal" comes in the mail, I totally lose my husband until he has read it cover to cover. We have to save every one, so if anyone needs a place to stay when traveling through don't be surprised with what our spare bedroom's closet is full of!! I just heard that Lynn Miller put out a book of all kinds of plows and there are a few pictures of Rich and his Fjords plowing! I just ordered it for his birthday in a few weeks. Since he is a definite non computer person, I can say this on the list and not worry about ruining his surprise. A good day to all. Nancy The Upper Forty
