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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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.

[AnAmericanMother]

I just adore that shot of your two nuzzling each other in the pasture.

I hadn't seen the jumping shots before. Superb muscular development on that horse! (my horse also does the "balk at the little cavaletti" trick - once. How do you hold the longe line, longe whip AND a camera all together?)

[sweetliberty]

No, Aspen was double registered Appaloosa/Arab. I knew somebody would make a remark about the pants. Dead giveaway to the time frame. That was taken in about 1979 I think.

[Billie]

Hi, sweet - knew we'd 'get' to some of you with the horse angle! :) What an pretty and unusual coloring on Aspen! Pretty face, too, but it sure looks cold there - you're not the only one with the winter coat on!

[HairOfTheDog]

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

Ohhh..... we are posting horse pics with bad pants!

Here's me and my Mustang.... I am about 14 here.

[Billie]

Here's our coffee! (Are you 'back' from your interview?)

[The Thin Man]

Billie, you had me really scared for a moment. I was in the process of writing my most complimentary post ever for this presentation, but then I found something.......

To my great joy chagrin, you used the outdated link for The Freeper Foto Album!

What a shame! Now, how could I possibly praise you after such an awful mistake?

Well maybe next time......but I doubt it.

:-)

[sweetliberty]

Actually, I have seen, and used, that quote, only it was in reference to a pig and is attributed to Winston Churchhill.

"A dog looks up to you, a cat looks down on you, a pig sees you as an equal.."

As the one time owner housemate of a pig, I can attest to the accuracy of that statement.

[Billie]

Oh, they ARE small! Still, gosh, they're gorgeous. Thank you - I'm enjoying your posts and your pictures.

[Billie]

BEAUTIFUL!

[HairOfTheDog]

How do you hold the longe line, longe whip AND a camera all together?)

22 year old horses that have been around have some bad memories. Bay has always (since I got him back) been a little too nuts if I have a lunge whip so I never use it. That frees my other hand! Part of why he gets away with balking when I have the camera is that I am so focused on the jump in the view finder that he gets away with an unenthusiastic approach.

And thanks as always for complimenting my boy....

[Billie]

Darn! I tried sooooooooooo hard, too, to make you admit this was nothing but perfection! LOL! You just don't know how many typos and misspelled words I corrected in those paragraphs I copied from those three links (Clydesdales, Lipizzaners, Tennessee Walking Horses)

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

[Calpernia]

What is the white ribbon?

[Calpernia]

>>>When my friend went to a farm (real farm, NOT puppy farm) to get her 6-week old little dachsie

Is that the puppy you went to see that used your arm as a chew toy?

[sweetliberty]

Hey horsie, over here.

.

[Calpernia]

LOL! Be back. I have to pick up my son from preschool and stop by my new clients office.

See ya'll in a few.

[HairOfTheDog]

The with ribbon is actually a line I am controlling him with so he works in a circle around me.... called a lunge line.

[HairOfTheDog]

Couple more - clowning around...

[Aeronaut]

Hope it's a beautiful day for you!

It is for now. By monday we are supposed to get up to 10" of s... s... sn.... (You know, the "S" word)

[sweetliberty]

"I have been also lucky enough to see the Lipizzaner Stallions"

The Lipizzaners are awesome! I have been fortunate enough to see them perform several times over the years. And the Andalusians in their breeding are the most incredibly beautiful animals I've ever seen!

.

[HairOfTheDog]

Here is a pretty one to show your daughter Calpernia...

Here is the original shot, and I love the intensity of him, and the lighting...

And here it is after ecurbh photoshopped it for me! It is my favorite desktop shot!