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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and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Billie]

Thanks, Dan! Great post, great tag line! And I'm jealous you've actually SEEN the Lipizzans LIVE! (AND the Budweiser Clydesdales!)

[AnAmericanMother]

Thanks for the ping and the great pix!

Hope your baby is soon better, livius, we've all spent time with the bandages and the Epsom salts . . .

My girl and I rode in the fall Hunter Pace at Shakerag last month - it was such a howling success (our team won our division) that we're going out with the Shamrock in December. This will be the first time in 25 years that I have "followed the fox" -- but with my girl doing the heavy lifting I am supremely confident. My trainer put every jump in the ring up six inches "for practice" and she flew everything like a bird, jumps everything out of her stride, paces herself, just a sweetheart.

In the life's embarassing moments department, I dug out my old hunting stock and discovered that when I had put it away back in 1973 or thereabouts, I had disassembled it to wash and iron. It was a pre-tied stock and I couldn't figure out how to put it back together! So I went out to the local horse store and found a "real" stock, washed, starched and ironed it and it is easier to tie than the supposedly "convenient" one. So at least this trip we'll be authentic!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Horsey Friday !

Have a cup while you Freep !

[Billie]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dansangel; Dutchess; Aquamarine and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Pippin....niece,nephew,loved one Doug from Upland......son-in-law weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon..son-in-law,grandson BeforeISleep...................son The Mayor........................niece LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew StarCMC......................brother kimmie7.....................brother ValerieUSA..................2 sons TexKat................son, step-son Spruce.....................daughter Explorer89................brother Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................active duty LongCut..................active duty Trish.......................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty

Maigrey................cousin ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear.........2 nephews gator girl............husband severa................husband MozartLover......son, nephew LBGA........................son SpookBrat...........nephew Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Tiffee4Bob.......boyfriend Diver Dave................niece deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews Armymarinemom.....3 sons Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law Darheel..................niece dixie sass.............nephew BeAllYouCanBe.........son AgThorn...............2 sons homeschoolmama.......nephew kneezles.................son Atomic Conspiracy..half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...nephew Atomic Conspiracy...niece visualops..............cousin

[Billie]

Would love to see a picture of your girl! Enjoyed your post - thanks for sharing with us. :)

[Billie]

Morning, Meekie! :)

[Calpernia]

Oh Billie! I can't wait to pick Amanda up! She is going to LOVE this thread.

[Calpernia]

Good morning to the Finest!

[Billie]

Hi, Cal! Great! Was such fun writing about these beautiful things!

[MEG33]

Wonderful,beautiful subject Billie.I have not been on a horse since I was a youngster,nagged,begged,pleaded to have a horse of my own to no avail!I loved the information on all these beautiful creatures.Thank you!

[Billie]

What a sweet animation!

[najida]

Thank you for the pictures everyone!

I want to have a horse....
One day (when everything is more stable...excuse the pun)

[Billie]

Thank YOU, Meg. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[Calpernia]

Hey, where are Gail and Rus with my coffee? I'm stuck being served from a Neanderthal!

[AnAmericanMother]

OK, I'm gonna brag here, I apologize in advance . . .

but I've actually been lucky enough to RIDE an honest to goodness Lipizzaner - pedigree, brands, and all.

There is a couple from Austria here in Atlanta that used to run a riding stable over on the east side of town. They brought some Lipizzaners with them from Austria. When I was going to school in Decatur I rode at their barn, I had just come back from 4 years at college in the northeast, and it was quite a change from riding the big leggy hunters in the hunter-jumper shows for my college equestrian team.

For one thing, the Lipizzaners are SMALL. Tiny. Almost pony sized. I usually rode this beautiful neat mare, and I could climb on her from the ground - that means she was small, folks, because I'm always looking for a bucket or car bumper or fence rail to climb on with. It's their extreme musculature and tremendous presence that gives the impression of size. And they are STRONG. This little mare was like a big Dodge truck - you had to hold her with all your might and push her forward into the bit to get her into frame - after riding her for an hour I was absolutely worn out!

[Calpernia]

One day, my daughter will have a horse. I intend to keep that promise.

[lonestar]

I love horses, too. Now.

I have lots of horses. I ride them everyday.

Roy came for Trigger long before I got here.

Weinie

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[Calpernia]

I don't advise chasing squirrels on horseback!

[AnAmericanMother]

Here is my darling girl - "Full of Grace" is her name, but everybody calls her "Gracie".

We were looking at her teeth Wednesday night, and we figure she's about 18 years old (hence the dip in her back). She's a registered Thoroughbred, IIRC Bold Ruler and War Admiral breeding - but she was sold as a yearling because even then it was apparent that she could NOT catch cold. Speed is not her thing - but she has lovely conformation, beautiful gaits, and was born to jump. My trainer is big into combined training, but until I went with this trainer about 9-10 years ago all I did was hunter-jumper. So every now and then I braid up Gracie's mane and take her to the local hunter shows, where she cleans up. The last show I took her to (it was a small local and unrated show) she won EVERY class she entered.

My trainer bought her at age 13, unbroken, she had been a broodmare making beautiful Appendix babies with a Quarter Horse stallion (one of her colts was National Halter Champion). We literally threw a saddle on her back and got on, she never objected, her attitude was, "Well, if the humans want me to do it I guess it must be O.K."

I need to get some good action shots of her. I have some old ones but I'm ashamed to look at them, let alone post them. Now that I've lost almost 20 pounds I don't look like such a lump on top of a horse . . . but I need to lose another 15 as I am still not a credit to my mount . . . :-(