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

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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.

[Calpernia]

I just changed my ink cartridges in my printer last night. Money down, by the time this thread is over and my daughter is done printing....I will need new ones!

Full of Grace is beautiful!

[Calpernia]

Post some pics of your horse. I enjoy seeing them.

[AnAmericanMother]

Word to the wise!

When you decide to go for a riding vacation, plan to embark on a conditioning program 2-3 months or more before you head out. Find a good stable with an instructor who caters to adult learners, and ride at least once a week.

You will enjoy your riding holiday so much more! It can make the difference between being happy and relaxed on top of a happy mount as you admire the scenery and wildlife, and being hunched up in agony on an irritated horse, trying to keep the tender bits out of contact with the saddle and praying for the ride to end! Not to mention being unable to walk the next day . . .

When I don't ride for a week or so, I pay too . . . :-p

[Billie]

Thanks, najida, for coming, and for enjoying a love of horses with us. :)

[dansangel]

Great advice! As my hubby's tagline states (. 45MAN further up in the thread) if your advice is not followed, a barrel might be your best bet to sit on afterwards - LOL!

[Billie]

I am impressed, and also thank you for the information that they are small in stature. See, I never would have guessed that they were a 'tiny' breed. I can see if you're used to the tall, long-legged Thoroughbreds, it would be quite a change for you. :)

[Billie]

I believe you *will* keep that promise! And I'm so glad that we're getting more photos from others. It was tough knowing when to stop collecting them just for the original post!

[Billie]

Oh, what a sweet 'post' from weinie. :)

[MeekOneGOP]

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

LOL !! Watch it ! Or I'll post my fat teddy pic ! LOL !!

[Billie]

'Morning, Aeronaut! Hope it's a beautiful day for you!

[Aquamarine]

Horses are beautiful animals but I've had some out of control wild rides in my time and tend to stay off of them now. lol

Like you, I'd like to have few around just to look at if they weren't so expensive to keep up.

Have some things to take care of today. Hope everyone has a lovely day! :)

[lonestar]

I don't advise chasing squirrels on horseback!

LOL!

When my friend went to a farm (real farm, NOT puppy farm) to get her 6-week old little dachsie, the parents and litter were in the pasture chasing a bull.

She said, "That bull is going to step on them!"

Farmer said, "Hasn't yet."

[Billie]

It's great to see and read about your Gracie - she looks wonderful at 18! I'd just like to go feed her a carrot and scratch her ears or something!

[sweetliberty]

You just had to hit on a topic I can't resist. The little girl at the beginning, that was ME! I used to even make stalls in the garage for my stick horses and my first girl scout badge was in horsemanship. This is Aspen, the only horse I've had that I have a picture of online, I think.

.

[The Mayor]

I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen. -Romans 9:3

Those who love Christ have a heart for the lost.

[Billie]

Hi, Aqua - maybe you'd like to tell us more about those out of control wild rides! LOL

[AnAmericanMother]

In this pic you can see how small many Lipizzaners are.

(that's from a master class taught by the great dressage rider v. Neindorff)

That's the traditional size that you'll still see in the Spanische Hofreitschule in Vienna, but I've noticed in this country bigger and bigger "Lipizzaners", probably the result of outcrosses to warmbloods. Since international dressage judges prefer the large warmblood type with the long stride to the little muscular traditional type, probably Vienna is the only place you're going to see the old type in another 20 years.

[HairOfTheDog]

Post some pics of your horse. I enjoy seeing them.

Always willing to do that!

I will post some of the funny out-takes that maybe you haven't seen before.

I love this one.... All muscles putting on the brakes.... balking at that little jump on the lunge... He always balks the first time round, to see if I will make him do it.

I laugh and send him round again.... second time, he does it. At 22, I don't punish him for trying to make his work as easy as possible.

And this is another lunging shot, where you have to imagine not what is here, but the wreck that happened 2 seconds later when the pony entering stage right clotheslined herself on the lunge line! No animals were harmed....

They adore each other, my two.

[AnAmericanMother]

Is Aspen a Paint?

(Back in the 70s I used to have some pants like that too! :-o )

[sweetliberty]

You have never ridden a horse? I have heard of such people. LOL! I cannot even imagine life without ever having ridden! It bothers me terribly now that I can't ride....I don't have a horse and nowhere to go to ride. I think about it a lot and I miss it terribly. I used to go frequently even when I no longer had horses when I still lived in Colorado. I had friends with horses and they were more than happy to have someone to keep them worked out.

When I was a kid, I'd spend my allownace on horse magazines and cut the pictures out. I had quite a collection. I expect, like so many other things, one day when I wasn't looking Mama probably tossed them out. She had a bad habit of doing that. But now I've started a new one....on the computer. I don't have nearly as many, but I can be a lot more selective.

.