A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-21-03....My Kingdom for a Horse

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~

I've loved horses since I was a little girl but never had one until I was married. The beautiful sorrel above is "Little John", a Registered Quarter Horse - little only because, at just under 15 hands, he was 'slightly' smaller in stature than the others we've had. Most of the horses we've owned have been Quarter Horses - they seem to be the horse of choice here. Let me first say that I'm not a great rider (that's Mr. B's forte - he grew up with them - his dad probably put him in the saddle before he could walk!) As for me, mostly I just like to look at them. :) I am in awe of these gorgeous animals!

The horses pictured below are only a few of the well-known breeds, and you can find additional information on some of the more distinctive gaited breeds, as well as the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, in the links that follow their photos a little further down.

The Quarter Horse breed, stockier than a Thoroughbred, is a great all-around pleasure and working horse - a good "cowboy" or "cowgirl" horse, he is both strong and quick! The Thoroughbred, with his tall, lean body, is built for speed and racing. However, in my opinion, Arabians are the most beautiful and graceful of all - they are known for their high, arched necks, a dish nose and long, flowing manes. The Peruvian Paso horse has a very distinct gait, and is said to be one of the smoothest horses to ride. An Appaloosa, like a Dalmation, cannot hide his spots! They are very colorful and, if our Western movies are to be believed, must have been a favorite of the American Indian. :)

Before there were "Planes, Trains and Automobiles", there was the horse. Dog may be Man's Best Friend, but before there was other transportation, a horse was as essential to man as life; and if one were caught stealing another's horse, he would be shot, or hanged. Steal his wife and you may survive, but steal his horse and death was certain - and it was justified.

One of the most amazing things about a horse is that those four legs look so fragile when compared to the rest of their bodies, not to mention the additional weight of a saddle and rider, which they carry so effortlessly!

Amazingly fast, incredibly strong, tirelessly proud, fantastically gentle, he is a huge dark beast that touches the hearts of all who meet him.

He has known joy and violence. Felt the warmth of children and the cruelty of abuse. He has nearly died saving lives and nearly been killed by a drunken act. He has known the finery of grand estates and the filth of stinking slums. He has survived fire and flood, starvation and torment.

And nothing could break his spirit - or his great love. This is his life. He is called the horse. ~ Anna Sewell ~

Clydesdales

The Clydesdale is a good, active mover. Cow hocks, a characteristic of this breed, contribute to the strong power the Clydesdale produces. The withers are often higher than the croup to promote better traction. The lower legs are characterized with heavy, silky feathers. They are usually 16.2 hands high to 17.2 hands, and weigh a ton or more. Clydesdales are generally bay, brown, or black. White is very predominant on the face and legs, and may run up on to the body. Perhaps the most famous of all Clydesdales are the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Today, the Clydesdales are a living symbol of Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewer in the world. Impressive in size and remarkable in precision, their thrilling performances are enjoyed throughout the U.S.

The Budweiser horses are raised in two locations - Menifee, California and St. Louis, Missouri. They own between 225 and 250 horses, which is the "largest herd in the world." However, very few of these horses are used for appearances because they must have a specific color and markings.

The Dancing White Stallions
The Lipizzaner Stallions Home Page

The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed; its history and culture is known worldwide. The Walt Disney movie "The Miracle of the White Stallions", depicting General George S. Patton saving them at the end of World War II from certain extinction, created an even greater worldwide interest in the Lipizzaner breed. Had it not been for Patton, there would be no Lipizzans today.

The Lipizzaner Stallions are on their 33rd Anniversary Tour in 2003. When you see the Lipizzans perform, it is like stepping back four hundred years and viewing one of the greatest equine ballets in history.

Tennessee Walking Horses

The Tennessee Walking Horse breed evolved from the Narragansett Pacer, Canadian, Morgan, Standardbred, Thoroughbred and American Saddlebred. These bloods were bred into one animal in the Tennessee bluegrass region. By doing this it resulted in one of the best show and trail riding horses. Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association has nearly 300,000 registered horses in the United states today.

The Tennessee Walker has a long sloping shoulder, a long sloping hip. The colors of the Walking Horse can vary; any color is acceptable. The Tennessee Walking Horse also performs three very distinct gaits: the flat foot walk, running walk and canter. These gaits are what make the Tennessee Walking Horse so famous. The term ‘big lick’ is used to describe an exaggeration of these gaits, in which the horse has a big reach in front and substantial overstride behind. The flat foot walk can reach speeds of 4 to 8 miles an hour. With the running walk they can reach speeds of 10 to 20 miles an hour. The canter is the smoothest of all of the gaits, with a swift and gentle ride.

A pen & ink sketch I did for the program of a
Charity Horse Show in Dallas a few years ago.

One of our most beloved heros made many Western movies before becoming the Governor of California and later the President of the United States. The sketch below shows that the good guys not only wear white hats - they ride white horses, as well. :)

Hope you've enjoyed these little vignettes of a few of God's Finest creatures. Here's a final photo and a touching prayer I found; the author is unknown.

Give me food and drink and care for me. And when the day's work is done, shelter me. Give me a clean bed and leave me not too small a place in the stable. Talk to me, for your voice often takes the place of reins; be good to me and I shall serve you more gladly and love you. Don't tear at the reins. Don't reach for your crop when we come to a hill. Don't beat me or hit me if I misunderstand. Don't think me disobedient if I fail your will; perhaps there is something wrong with my harness or my hooves. A bad tooth - you know how that hurts. Don't tether me too tight and don't crop my tail - it's my only weapon against mosquitoes and flies.

Let me ask this of you in the name of Him who was born in the stable. And when the time comes, Dear Master, when I am no longer of use to you, don't let me starve, or freeze, nor sell me. Don't give me to a stranger who works me slowly to death and feeds me not; but be kind and prepare me for a quick and merciful end. God will reward you for it, now, and through eternity. And I shall come to you, always...... running.

~ unknown ~

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-17-03 Military Monday 11-18-03 Chief Disruptor Chad Fairbanks 11-19-03 A Visit to Rainbow Bridge 11-20-03 John Huang Essay

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45MAN danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Billie]

[Billie]

Good Friday morning, Finest FReepers!
Cowboy boots and stetson are optional,
but.........."I love these animals!"

[HairOfTheDog]

NOW you're talkin!

My favorite view is over my horse's ears!

[Dubya]

Good one. Have a nice day Billie and everyone. I'm off to work.
DUB

[HairOfTheDog]

However, in my opinion, Arabians are the most beautiful and graceful of all - they are known for their high, arched necks, a dish nose and long, flowing manes.

The Arabian horse is great art, a fine porcelain thing.

[JohnHuang2]

((((((((((((((Billie!))))))))))))))))

[dansangel]

(((((((((Billie))))))))))))

What a fabulously *beautiful* tribute to an exquisite animal that I have admired from afar all of my life.

You are so fortunate to have a horse as part of your family, although I realize they are as much work as they are wonderful to have. But, somehow I know it is more than worth it.

As a young girl, I played "horses" at recess. My friends and I would pretend to be galloping horses out in the wild. I long to ride a horse one day and .45MAN has promised me we will do this. He was fortunate enough to have gone horseback riding in the wilderness of Alaska while stationed there many years ago. His eyes still get that "faraway look" to this day when he talks about it - LOL!

Thank you for this wonderful thread on a FRiday - have a great day!

[dutchess]

Billie. Absolutely beautiful...AND very informative. The background and illustrations are stunning...but we've come to expect that.

We stated a hipportherapy program a few years ago in our community...physical therapy with young children on horses. It's very volunteer intensive, most of these children are under 5, have several limitations such as cerbral palsy so in addition to the physical therapist you need someone to lead, someone behind and on the other side of the therapist. The kids respond so well and it is very rewarding. It's worked beautifully with autistic children also.

Recently we expanded and have been working once a week with young juvenile offenders on diversion. Most have very little in their lives..enter the program with a major chip on their shoulder ready to "bully" the horse. NOT! One of the worst now volunteers with the younger children. Horses are indeed wonderful creatures.

Back to work...will stop back later. Enjoy your day.

[MHGinTN]

Billie, is your quote taken from Monty Walsh?... Beautiful work, BTW, as always.

[Billie]

I love that picture, HOTD! I remember it when you were profiled here.

[Billie]

Thank you, Dubya. I'm glad you stopped in on your way to work.

[Billie]

What a hug! Great seeing you here at this time of day!

(((((((((((((((((((JH2))))))))))))))))))

[Billie]

Hi, Sistah! Thank you. I do love these animals. :)

[livius]

What a lovely way to start the day!

Well, actually, my day already started with a couple of hours spent soaking my horse's injured leg in warm water and Epsom salts, walking him, giving him his antibiotic injection, etc., as he tries to recover from an injury received on a trail ride over two months ago. But he is so trusting and brave that I just can't let him down; he relies on me to make him better. They are such great creatures.

Thanks for the great pictures. Ping to AmericanMother, another horse fancier.

[Billie]

Hey there! Two of my Sistahs one right after the other! I tried to get this up earlier this morning, but it just didn't work out. :)

The horses are such great therapy for children with CP. Their eyes just light up when they're sitting up there. :)

[Temple Owl]

Terrific Billie1 Another great and very readable post. Luv ya!

[Billie]

Thank you, MHGinTN. Were you talking about the 'prayer' or the one in the welcome graphic. I didn't find a name attributed to either of them. Wish I knew.

[.45MAN]

Billie this is wonderful thread.. I have always loved these animals and have been lucky enough to have spent some extended time with some of them in Alaska many many years ago.

I have been also lucky enough to see the Lipizzaner Stallions in Europe again many years ago.

Have visited the Budweiser Clydesdales many times in Merrimack NH I was living just down the road from them in Amherst NH.

[Billie]

Hi, livius. Thanks for coming today! I loved reading your post, and hope your horse' leg is all well soon.

[Billie]

Well, thank you so much! Hugs to my favorite owl!!!

((((((((((Temple Owl))))))))))))