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.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

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.

[sweetliberty]

The Budweiser Clydesdales are quite impressive as well. I saw them (or one team of them) at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, back in the late 70's. I'm sure they have more than one team.

[The Thin Man]

Maybe we should check yesterday's link to the album - I copied and pasted the bottom part from there! LOL

I knew it...I knew it....I knew it....

Aqua, didn't I tell you that the other hostesses were going to turn on you for that Neanderthal graphic?

It's starting!

:-)

[dansangel]

You have never ridden a horse? I have heard of such people.

ROFL!

My older sister had a friend who owned a horse and *she* was allowed to go riding all the time. When I asked if I could go, too, the answer (from my folks) was always a resounding, "NO!"

Looking back on it, I think their reasoning took into consideration that I was *so* hyperactive and a risk-taker who had previously broken my collar-bone, they preferred that I not break anything else.

Your picture is lovely - I'll bet your collection is outstanding. Thank you for sharing!

((((((((sweetliberty))))))))

[sweetliberty]

Mornin' Cal. Hadn't you heard....we're all Neanderthals. Oh well, we're in some real good company.

.

[lonestar]

Yep! Same puppy. It pierced both my ears, too. It's the cutest little thing--black with brown feet. It spends a lot of time in "time out."

I talked to them this morning and the daughter answered the phone and said she was bleeding. Schotze now weighs about 6 lbs. and is about 12 inches long.

[sweetliberty]

Wow! That is really something to brag about! Yes, their strength is more than a little impressive. I understand that they're not the most comfortable of horses to ride though, in terms of smoothness of gait, presumably because of their breeeding for dressage.

[Billie]

That picture! Okay, I have to say I love a beautiful, long, flowing mane on a horse - but that one looks like a bad hair day! (Actually, ever seen Steven Cojocaru on any of the morning shows about 'fashion and/or makeovers'? This is HIM!)

[sweetliberty]

"I don't advise chasing squirrels on horseback!"

I don't advise startling a skunk on horseback either.

[Billie]

LOL the bottom one -Big snort! Bet you had to wash the camera lens after that one!

[sweetliberty]

"I never would have guessed that they were a 'tiny' breed."

They really aren't tiny. They are just not as massive as their bigger than life image would convey. Their mass is more in muscle density than in height and length.

[Billie]

Oh, No! Not the "S" word! :)

It's getting that time of the year for it, though.

[GailA]

Gail ran out the door before the thread got posted. Had to go put hubby's pay check in the bank, get the 04 tag for his car, and stop and get a ham Kroger's has on sale.

I think horses are one of GOD's most beautiful creatures. I collected bone china ones when I was a teen before they got expensive. I've several Bryer horses in my display hutch.

[HairOfTheDog]

LOL the bottom one -Big snort! Bet you had to wash the camera lens after that one!

Speaking of needing to clean camera lenses...

[sweetliberty]

The long, thick mane and tail is the hallmark of the Andalusian. I think it's gorgeous. Maintaining it now, that would take quite the effort and very regular grooming.

[HairOfTheDog]

When I was posting that pic of Bay's big ole snout, ecurbh had a flashback to this day. Nobody soon forgets having elk in their lap.

[sweetliberty]

Nice shots on the lunge line!

[Billie]

There were so many breeds I wanted to feature - the Andalusian was one of them, but since they were mentioned (and pictured) in the Lipizzan link, I decided against a separate vignette for them.

"Although the Lipizzans star in this presentation, the ancestral forefather of the Lipizzan, the Spanish Andalusian, is featured in a high school presentation with special wardrobe themed to traditional Spanish music."

" Not only is the Andalusian shown in saddle, but also in a unique presentation where the rider performs all the maneuvers of the Grand Prix Olympic level dressage on the longline, while walking behind the horse and guiding him through his paces."

"The current tour features 12 to 14 stallions performing selected maneuvers as described above in an exciting presentation." (from the Lipizzan Link)

[Billie]

LOL! Leave it to T Man!

[Billie]

Afternoon, Gail - good to see another horse lover here. :)

I'll be back - going to have some lunch with Mr. B.

[sweetliberty]

I have a picture somewhere of their star Andalusian that travels with the Lipizzaners that I took the last itme I saw them. It was outdoors after the show. Incredibly beautiful animal. I thought I had it online. Seems I posted ir once before for something, but I can't find it now. I guess I'll have to scan it in again.