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!

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and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Billie]

Enjoying all your pics! Sweet, I think the mane is awesome on your last pic of the Andalusian. (still think it's way too unruly on the first one) :)

[sweetliberty]

Unlike the Lipizzaners, Andalusians come in many colors (although the Lipizzans go through color gradations as they mature, starting out very dark, even black). I just love the coloring on these two, especially the flaxen mane and tail on the second one.

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[deadhead]

Wonderful thread, Billie. "Little John" is beautiful. Thanks for the information about horses and for sharing your love of horses with us, they are indeed beautiful. Been horseback riding a number of times. I have to admit, I am always a little scared, but I do it anyway. My sister, my 2 nieces and myself went riding in Montauk. Riding on the beach, always was a dream of mine. Well, we were riding for a while before getting to the beach. When we reached the beach, the leader stopped all of us and told us that horses sometimes drop and roll on the sand and to be ready to jump off. LOL Yikes!!! Thankfully, none of the horses dropped and rolled :-)

[FreeTheHostages]

[Billie]

Aren't they pretty!

[Billie]

Hi, Colleen - thank you so much. Have never ridden on the beach before - think that would make me a little nervous, too.

[Billie]

Afternoon, Freezie. Okay, I HAVE to ping LadyShallott, because this little cutie on the calendar page reminds me of HER little redhead, Hannah!

[sweetliberty]

They are magnificent. Got me searching the web for more pics for my collection. How's this for the classic fantasy Renaissance photo...(also an Andalusian):

[Billie]

That mane is unreal! Lady Godiva could have ridden this one and her 'own' long hair wouldn't even have been necessary! :)

[sweetliberty]

Isn't that beautiful?

[Billie]

Hey, Texas - any horselovers among ya'? :)

[Billie]

This cowboy wrote earlier this week that he was going to spend some time away from his pc again, and hope that next week will be much better. The pain, swelling, and stiffness is still bothering him quite a bit, so keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We all miss him.

[WVNan]

Ooooooh, my favorite animal! Thank you Billie. It's a beautiful thread. That little girl at the top is also me. I always loved horses and would draw and paint horses all the time. When I was nine years old I discovered Zane Grey books and decided that I wanted to be a cowboy (yes, a cowboy) when I grew up. I dreamed of going west and living on a ranch. When I finally had the opportunity to travel West, I was in heaven. Wyoming still tugs at my heart.

[dutchess]

Hi Billie and lovely sistahs....Heading out the door....Billie...again lovely thread today...

Sweet Liberty...thanks for posting all the beautiful pictures today....Absolutely stunning...

Nan...sorry I missed you the other day when you posted the lovely tribute to Codee..we know she is in a much better place...

Have a great weekend all...

[Billie]

You have a wonderful time, hear?!

[Billie]

Nan! Can't believe you're here at this time! And oh, my, those are two absolutely AWESOME specimens there! Arabians, surely!

[Billie]

I always loved horses and would draw and paint horses all the time. When I was nine years old I discovered Zane Grey books and decided that I wanted to be a cowboy (yes, a cowboy) when I grew up. I dreamed of going west and living on a ranch. When I finally had the opportunity to travel West, I was in heaven. Wyoming still tugs at my heart.

Did your mom save any of your drawings of the horses? I never could quite get the muscles and stuff right until Mr. B, who 'doesn't' draw or paint, stood behind me once when I was trying to work on a Western painting and told me 'he' (the horse) needed a muscle here, and a vein there and a dip here, etc. It worked. When 'we' finished, it looked pretty good. LOL

Have never been to Wyoming - think it would be a great place to visit!

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for the update on our favorite Wolfie Louie!

Sorry to hear that he is still in so much pain. Will continue to keep him in my thoughts & prayers!

[AnAmericanMother]

Andalusians are lovely horses, they are the last of the classic "High Horses" for royalty's processions (hence the expression, "ah, get off your high horse!")

The only gripe I have with them is they are naturally heavy as lead on the forehand. You feel like you're riding a wheelbarrow - downhill all the time. And jumping . . . forget it! They're not jumping horses.

They also are not very speedy. I went to see LOTR with a friend, and we noticed in the chase scene with Arwen and Frodo running from the Black Riders that the Andalusian was going full tilt, while the Black Riders (on their T'breds) were having to hold their horses back to avoid overtaking the Andalusian.

That said, I think the Andalusians have the most noble heads and necks of ANY breed on the planet.

[AnAmericanMother]

Best way to learn the ins and outs of drawing a horse is to volunteer to groom a dozen or so. That's how Mr. B knows! and that's why although I don't draw at all I can still sketch a recognizable horsie - after cleaning every inch of a long succession of muddy hairy equines for 40 plus years!

I don't think you need to go as far as Mr. Stubbs the English horse painter did and start visiting slaughterhouses to sketch the musculature . . . that's carrying devotion a bit far it seems to me.