A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....03-16-04....My Kingdom for a Horse (Rerun)

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 03-15-04 Military Monday

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

[Billie]

[Billie]

Good morning, Finest Family. Some of you have already seen today's post, but I didn't get anything new for today and this is one of my favorites, so guess you can skip it or suffer through it again! :)

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Billie.

[The Mayor]

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will . . . find the knowledge of God. —Proverbs 2:4-5

To find truth, look to Christ.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Tuesday !

AND ... it was 21 years ago today (at 7 p.m. CST) that I quit smoking !! YAY !!

;^)

[Billie]

Good morning back to you, Aeronaut. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day - hope it is 'up there'. :)

[ST.LOUIE1]

Some of you have already seen today's post, but I didn't get anything new for today and this is one of my favorites, so guess you can skip it or suffer through it again! :)

That's ok, doll..... I like leftovers. : )

Morning, beautiful! I'm happy you're home!

AhhhhhRooooo!!!

[Billie]

Hi, Rus - thanks again to you for taking care of our Military Mondays. We're always in good hands!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, Mayor!

No donuts??? Did Mama_Bear eat them all? : )

[Billie]

Morning, Meekie - good for you quitting smoking! Bad for you! :)

[Billie]

That's ok, doll..... I like leftovers. : )

LOL! You sound like good husband material! Why hasn't someone lasso'ed you yet?!

Morning, beautiful! I'm happy you're home!
AhhhhhRooooo!!!

Am always glad to get back home, no matter how much fun it is to get away! :) Love that howl. :)

[The Mayor]

Beautiful job Billie !

I wish I could hang out longer on monday, but I gotta work when I can..

[The Mayor]

DONUTS!!

[The Mayor]

March 16, 2004

Seek And You Will Find

Read: Proverbs 2:1-6

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will . . . find the knowledge of God. —Proverbs 2:4-5

Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

---

Justin Martyr was a second-century man who eagerly sought for truth. He read the Greek classical writers, examining and analyzing every philosophy from all sides. He sought insight, especially the answer to his longings for sexual purity. But every effort was in vain. He wrote, "All at last did faithless prove, and late or soon betrayed love."

One day, aimlessly wandering on the seashore, he met an elderly man who spoke to his heart as no one had ever spoken before. He pointed him to God through Jesus Christ, and in that simple witness Justin found the knowledge he had sought all his life—"the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:4-5).

Perhaps you, like Justin Martyr, are searching for insight, looking everywhere for the answer to your longing for truth. You've read widely and thought earnestly about life, but you can find no answers that satisfy the deep needs of your soul. If so, read the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament. As you read, cry out to God for understanding. He will hear you, and you too will find the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ (John 17:3).

God doesn't force truth on those who don't want it, but He hears the earnest cries of those who request it. As Jesus said, "Ask, and you will receive" (John 16:24). —David Roper

Look not to reason's arguments
If God you seek to find;
Look only to His holy Word,
For sin has made us blind. —D. De Haan

To find truth, look to Christ.

[ST.LOUIE1]

That's ok, doll..... I like leftovers. : )

LOL! You sound like good husband material! Why hasn't someone lasso'ed you yet?!

Kinda hard to rope a wolf. : )

Morning, beautiful! I'm happy you're home! AhhhhhRooooo!!!

Love that howl. :)

One more time....AhhhhhhhRooooooo!!!! : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

DONUTS!!

Thank yoooou!!!!

Guess I have to share with the *fuzzy* one, huh? : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

To find truth, look to Christ.

Amen.

I really enjoy your proverbs, Mayor.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you ! Thank you ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !

[Texagirl4W]

Good morning, Billie. Love your hat. Hope you all have a very good Tuesday.

[Texagirl4W]

Good for you Meek. I quit 12 years ago and am so proud of it. When my niece was expecting her first child she told someone she would never be able to take her child to my house because I smoked. When I heard that it took 1 day to get to the doctor for the patch -- and it worked. Now, her 12 year old son claims to have saved my life. I'll gladly let him make that claim for the remainder of his.