Who has horses?

[BreanneRN]

Wow that's really interesting. Why do they stop posting?

And have you ever heard of an Irish Sporthorse? I think that's what it's called.

You just have to understand dressage, where your riding skills and your advanced relationship with the horse allow you to be "one with the horse" to the point that your communication cues with the animal are virtually indiscernible to anyone watching, even professional judges, the horse is in complete compliance with these subtle cues, will perform a huge variety of complicated steps, sidepasses, and other complicated maneuvers and the horse and rider will literally appear to be merged and in such unison that it is as though they have become one being rather than horse and rider. Obviously, posting would be counter to this appearance and as the rider advances, it is eliminated. I believe an Irish Sporthorse is the Irish version of a warmblood.

 

[BreanneRN]

Yeah, my daughter's goldfish came from the feeder tank, too. We had that fish for 5 or 6 years while she went to college because that was the only allowed pet in the dorm. Better to have forked over a little extra for a koi fish, those butterfly koi get big too, and will go for $100 or more when they do... I would find someone with a pond that wants them and either sell them or discretely dump them in.... But I realize you are attached... But how many fish tanks will you have to buy in the next 6 years to keep them? They are terribly dirty fish, eat like pigs, and produce a ton of waste which is where the nitrates come from, and resultant algae bloom....

 

[ShrekDawg]

You just have to understand dressage, where your riding skills and your advanced relationship with the horse allow you to be "one with the horse" to the point that your communication cues with the animal are virtually indiscernible to anyone watching, even professional judges, the horse is in complete compliance with these subtle cues, will perform a huge variety of complicated steps, sidepasses, and other complicated maneuvers and the horse and rider will literally appear to be merged and in such unison that it is as though they have become one being rather than horse and rider. Obviously, posting would be counter to this appearance and as the rider advances, it is eliminated. I believe an Irish Sporthorse is the Irish version of a warmblood.

Thanks, that makes sense and it sounds beautiful and impressive. And thanks, that sounds right. Wonder if they're a good breed

Yeah, my daughter's goldfish came from the feeder tank, too. We had that fish for 5 or 6 years while she went to college because that was the only allowed pet in the dorm. Better to have forked over a little extra for a koi fish, those butterfly koi get big too, and will go for $100 or more when they do... I would find someone with a pond that wants them and either sell them or discretely dump them in.... But I realize you are attached... But how many fish tanks will you have to buy in the next 6 years to keep them? They are terribly dirty fish, eat like pigs, and produce a ton of waste which is where the nitrates come from, and resultant algae bloom....

That's very true that they're definitely not worth as much as koi and harder to sell probably because there are so many but I don't think I'd have room for koi because they get to like 2 or 3 feet as opposed to just 1 foot.

I'm planning on just buying a bigger tank or pond so I don't have to keep upgrading. Either a 40 or 55 gallon or I might go up to like a 75 or 100+ but those start getting expensive so if I did that I might just get a 300 gallon stock tank instead of a big tank or pond. But I might still make a pond. But that way I don't have to constantly upgrade and spend lots of money over the years or waste it or whatever. I can just spend it once on a big enough tank. They do have individual personalities so I've become attached lol

They do produce a lot of waste though but I don't mind, just means I need to change the filter more often or add two

 

[BreanneRN]

The closer you get fish into a natural environment, the better they will do. Ideally, you create a stream situation where water is constantly flowing in and flowing out... A well and a windmill or solar pump would be ideal for the fish, but with chlorinated city water, a little harder, but doable if you have 2nd holding tank to naturally evaporate the chlorine out or treat it(but if your city is using Chloramine, a more stable chlorine/ammonia compound, even that won't work). As to Koi, after they get to 1 ft, you sell them for $100.00 apiece and go get some more at Petsmart (yeah, I know, you are attached, my daughter was too). My grandfather had a 6 foot stock tank with a windmill and overflow pipe on it, he had a couple bass in there, that lived happily. There are also things they call algae scrubbers, basically a container that you allow algae to grow in and create favorable conditions for the plant and run the water through them to clean the nitrates out. Goldfish are tough, I'll give them that... But if you aren't testing your water and you notice fin rot, it's because your nitrates are out of range.

As to the Irish Sporthorse, I bet it is a beautiful animal. My Irish grandmother would tell me stories of the horses in Ireland and how beautiful they are (think she may have started my horse thing). Those stories were before I was school age. She left Ireland at the age of 12.

 

[ShrekDawg]

The closer you get fish into a natural environment, the better they will do. Ideally, you create a stream situation where water is constantly flowing in and flowing out... A well and a windmill or solar pump would be ideal for the fish, but with chlorinated city water, a little harder, but doable if you have 2nd holding tank to naturally evaporate the chlorine out or treat it(but if your city is using Chloramine, a more stable chlorine/ammonia compound, even that won't work). As to Koi, after they get to 1 ft, you sell them for $100.00 apiece and go get some more at Petsmart (yeah, I know, you are attached, my daughter was too). My grandfather had a 6 foot stock tank with a windmill and overflow pipe on it, he had a couple bass in there, that lived happily. There are also things they call algae scrubbers, basically a container that you allow algae to grow in and create favorable conditions for the plant and run the water through them to clean the nitrates out. Goldfish are tough, I'll give them that... But if you aren't testing your water and you notice fin rot, it's because your nitrates are out of range.

As to the Irish Sporthorse, I bet it is a beautiful animal. My Irish grandmother would tell me stories of the horses in Ireland and how beautiful they are (think she may have started my horse thing). Those stories were before I was school age. She left Ireland at the age of 12.

Thanks for all the info, never heard pf flowing the water or an algae scrubber. I don't think I'll sell them though but I might eventually if/when I get sick of them haha

And yeah, they look beautiful from what I Googled.

And found this ad which is why I was asking

https://nh.craigslist.org/grd/d/2018-irish-sport-horse/6608099686.html

 

[BreanneRN]

Yes, that is a beautiful mare, and in great condition, and her foal at $4500.00 might be a great deal (though since it is an outcross to an Arab stud, the foal quality might be somewhat less predictable than if she was bred to another Sporthorse/warmblood. This foal might be the kind you would like to have if you do eventing, jumping, or dressage... If I were in that market I would check it out... The mare is really gorgeous, would have to go over there to check and see how she is coming and going, temperament etc. And they should have posted pics of the sire, which they didn't, just the explanation "from popular bloodlines" which might translate to "I got a free breeding from someone wanting to promote their Arab stud horse"...

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, that is a beautiful mare, and in great condition, and her foal at $4500.00 might be a great deal (though since it is an outcross to an Arab stud, the foal quality might be somewhat less predictable than if she was bred to another Sporthorse/warmblood. This foal might be the kind you would like to have if you do eventing, jumping, or dressage... If I were in that market I would check it out... The mare is really gorgeous, would have to go over there to check and see how she is coming and going, temperament etc. And they should have posted pics of the sire, which they didn't, just the explanation "from popular bloodlines" which might translate to "I got a free breeding from someone wanting to promote their Arab stud horse"...

Yeah, I think she is definitely gorgeous and hopefully has gorgeous movement to match because if so, I am sure it would be a great horse for show. But yeah, I thought it was odd that they didn't post pics of the stud or at least pics of or a link to the pedigree or mention of some names in it, or something at least, so people can see exactly what "popular lines" he comes from.

I think it says the price includes registration and gelding if it's a colt too which I thought was neat. Idk how much gelding is but that seems to make the price more reasonable.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Wow that's really interesting. Why do they stop posting?

And have you ever heard of an Irish Sporthorse? I think that's what it's called.

Well, the upper level movements require balance and collection, so the rider posting would throw everything off. And, like Breanne said, dressage is about symmetry, beauty and harmony. The horse should be obedient and the riding look effortless. And also, the higher up you go in dressage, you're not just dealing with a simple trot anymore. There's passage and piaffe and extended trot. There's also a medium trot but I can't remember what level test that's introduced...

I've never had any personal experience with an Irish Sporthorse or RID, but I've heard they are of tractable minds, strong legs and good, sound feet. I picture them as the ultimate foxhunting horse! But that's just me LOL!

 

[paintedChix]

I think I mixed up threads and replied to the other one with info for this one... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-do-i-need-to-feed-my-horse.1212463/page-5 - Post #46

You are all over the place when looking at horses. Good on one hand, you are learning about the different breeds. Bad on the other, as you aren't pointing in one direction. Good - go out now and try different disciplines and breeds. Bad - some of those disciplines take MANY years to learn and appreciate.

In your first list of horses - #1, 2 & # 4 are all NoNo's. They are young and right in the ads it states needs more experienced rider than you state you are.

The Pintaloosa gelding #3 has possibilities - then they kill it when they state he can't be ridden alone by a beginner rider. Wonder what he's like in a paddock or barn alone? Does he tear it up? When I watched the video, I was put off (I feel I'm an intermediate rider) by the way he was heads up and looking at EVERY THING at the beginning. I kept wondering when he was going to jump out from under his rider. But as I watched, maybe that is part of his attitude and personality. He moved nice enough for a grade gelding, looked pretty smooth - in fact smoother than I expected from his round build & longer legs.

I couldn't open the other two that you listed later on the same post. Said ad expired.

On the "Paint" I agree w/ the other person who replied with a great description of what they saw. I would add that her head actually looked much older than "12 yrs"... and papers, as I have learned the hard way with my involvement with Shetland ponies, can actually be switched around (tho much harder with paints and appaloosa's that have specific markings, not impossible).

Was surprised when you brought up the 2018 baby due in July... Then realized, again, that you are still learning breeds and looking around. That baby wouldn't be ridable for at least 3 yrs and has a lot of training in front of it. Probably not the type you are looking for either, from what you've described.

Currently we have a 21 acre "farmstead". We are learning about chickens and permaculture methods of farming and rabbits. No pesticides or herbicides. So far - most of my gardening attempts have died here in NC.

I've raised Shetland ponies since 1995 - our 3 daughters grew up riding and did fairly well. None of the 3 exhibited signs of wanting to learn the specifics of either their care or their training - instead just doing what I pointed out (or said "do it now"). They just like riding the ones that I picked out for them - some of which were actually "their" own mounts. I started out doing the basic training and of course, what they did helped. When they outgrew "listening to Mom" - who, of course, "knew nothing - she doesn't even ride..." - they went to outside instructors. They understand/know some training techniques, but ... it will be interesting if/when any of them really pick up riding again... All 3 expressed major surprise when they've seen me ride and gotten compliments.

Others who thought I didn't know how to ride were also VERY surprised...

Now, the youngest would like to ride/train horses again, but with her job hours, she doesn't have the time - especially since her boyfriend that she lives with part time is over an hour away from us drive time and making her almost 2 hours away from her job. Though she makes a larger amount of money than I ever did (or have) she is currently spending it on driving back & forth; partial rent at 2 homes; taking care of her cat (which lives with us). Currently taking another expensive correspondence college course (which she is paying for) which will (should?) gain her access to a GOOD pay raise. She worked for a company that was recently purchased by Dell, so now works for Dell.

All 3 of the girls have a basic foundation in western riding, huntseat riding and jumping. They may not know or understand a basic dressage pattern - but all the instructors they took lessons with worked from a base in dressage. All three have worked many long hours to develop their balance in the saddle. They can feed a horse if feed program is set up for them - they will flounder a bit when/if they get started on their own. Nothing wrong with that. Not sure any of the 3 realizes just what equipment costs or what I did to get it (I made/still make a lot of my own equipment) and riding stuff. Went to lots of consignment shops, bought used and maintained it. Helmets and boots alone are dear... Our first horse trailer was manufactured in 1969. I purchased it in 1997. I still have it - got a new floor & raised the height of the roof in 2001 - it gets regular maintenance - no longer has the canvas roof canopy. The girls pretty much stopped going with me to events in 2007, started downsizing the bigger horses then. Bought new Shetland ponies from bloodlines I liked - older broodmares. Took lessons in driving from a Draft Horse trainer from April 2010 thru November - using braided haystring harness I'd made. Trained the pair to work together, they worked on our small acreage at home. They pulled a draft horse drag together at their first event.



Purchased a new bumper pull stock type trailer in 2012 to haul ponies and the wagon they pull. I can get the wagon in the back, the harness purchased between 2011 & 2014 hangs on the trailer walls, the collars go in bed of the wagon. Can haul up to 6 shetlands in the front (gets "whiffy" - prefer to haul no more than 4)... Grooming supplies, covered buckets of water, extra hay goes in bed of truck, full haybags either in trailer w/ ponies or hanging on outside of trailer for them when we arrive, coolers for human drinks and food. We've hauled these shetlands to rated Shetland/Mini horse shows in TX, OK, OH, IL & IA - though mostly the ponies that were shown were kept with trainers that trained, conditioned & hauled them to the shows. I have hauled the driving ponies around NC & SC (haven't been to any events in VA), OH & TX. I used to go out with a friend, but since her dad has had lots of health issues we last hauled together in October 2013 & I had started going to some places events by myself... That's a lot of work when you haul 4-6 Shetlands yourself. But I love driving pairs (in work harness).

There is a lot to learn in the horse world.... If you are ever down in NC, give me a holler. I can show you some driving ponies and do some logging. OR if you come down during major 3 day event driving in Southern Pines, you'd have something else to watch, too. I still wish I could ride again, I've missed it. But the ponies are easier for me to care for, groom up and haul by myself w/o anyone else involved...

I think our granddaughters are going to outgrow the Shetlands before they ever get real interested in learning to ride. They are only 4 miles away from us - and they are here several days a week - but they'd rather play with electronics or swim in the pool then "work" with ponies...

 

[BreanneRN]

Yeah, I think she is definitely gorgeous and hopefully has gorgeous movement to match because if so, I am sure it would be a great horse for show. But yeah, I thought it was odd that they didn't post pics of the stud or at least pics of or a link to the pedigree or mention of some names in it, or something at least, so people can see exactly what "popular lines" he comes from.

I think it says the price includes registration and gelding if it's a colt too which I thought was neat. Idk how much gelding is but that seems to make the price more reasonable.

Well, it is an interesting case, it isn't the most common thing for someone to put a foal up for sale before birth... Although maybe it is more common back east. Perhaps their confidence levels in that foal are not what they should be and they want him/her out of there by 6 months weaning time. Or could be they know they can't keep him/her longer than that because they don't have sufficient land or zoning... Hard to tell. As to the free gelding, I might actually be inclined to refuse that, it should be the owner's prerogative when to geld and I would have it done when the horse developed to a point I liked, if a colt. Especially when breeding to an Arab, you can expect to lose some of that warmblood muscle and keeping them intact for awhile can sometimes put it back. Usually, if someone includes gelding, it's because they don't want that horse leaving the property able to breed. Or perhaps they just have no facilities to separate the mother and colt, so must geld to prevent an unwanted accidental breeding... You could check all that out, ask a few questions if you went to see the mare. I'm not in the market though and the horse is far away. Probably a good thing. And the last thing any amateur horse person should be buying is an unborn foal. You would be responsible for all the training that needs to happen before that horse is ready to go under saddle and after too. Training is extremely expensive and since you don't know how you would have to pay for it. A lot has to happen after birth of a horse to bring out the best in them and easy for an amateur to ruin one, because they don't know horses and don't know what to do, and don't see the subtle signs of disrespect. A horse will test you, it is their nature to want their leader to be strong and they won't follow or obey someone that isn't. With horses, you have to speak their language, understand their nature, and always realize they are horses 1st and did not read Black Beauty or see National Velvet, or watch Fury on Saturday morning and don't know that they are supposed to be the equine version of Lassie.