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

[FreeTheHostages]

[FreeTheHostages]

Oh thanks for rerunning this! I somehow missed completely the first time that *you* did that sketch of Ronald Reagan on a horse!! That's *wonderful*!!!

[Temple Owl]

What a great post! Thank you. I missed it the first time around. It's snowing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, but I don't think it will last. Have a very pleasant day.

[MeekOneGOP]

Good for you !

That is quite a story, thanks for sharing it. You were so much more considerate than I was.

For a long time before I quit, I had a few folks get in my face about my smoking and I grew tired of it, so I borrowed a phrase from somebody. It was my smart-alec comeback to folks nagging me to quit:

Hey, any coward can quit ! It takes a REAL man to face up to lung cancer !

Pretty awful, huh ? Well, I've tried to make up for it since by being a 'considerate' reformed smoker. The saying goes that we reformed smokers are 'the worst'. We tend to get up on our soap boxes more, and nag and harp more trying to get smokers to quit. I think I've done pretty good, but when someone else brings it up, I will put in my 2 cents worth.

When I quit, I did it cold turkey. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. A real test of the iron willpower. I could have bit nails in two. But I won't go into all the details. Just glad I did quit and made it through. I'll never fall back into that bad habit.

I'm glad you quit, too ! ;^)

[Billie]

Beautiful job Billie ! I wish I could hang out longer on monday, but I gotta work when I can..

Thanks, Rus. :) Hey, first things first! I'm happy to see you working, and hope an opportunity comes up for permanent, full-time work again.

[Billie]

Kinda hard to rope a wolf. : )

But not hard to *teach* one to rope! LOL.

[Billie]

Do you ever still *want* a smoke? Am so glad I never had the habit - have heard it's not easy to quit.

[Billie]

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

Morning, Texagirl! Thank you - I do like pink roses. :) Have yourself a great Tuesday, too!

[Billie]

"There's no place like home"

Absolutely not! No place, no where. :)

[Billie]

Oh thanks for rerunning this! I somehow missed completely the first time that *you* did that sketch of Ronald Reagan on a horse!! That's *wonderful*!!!

Well, thank you, Freezie - and you're welcome. :)

[dutchess]

Hi Billie....FINALLY getting here. You picked a beautiful one for a "rerun".

Yesterday it felt like springtime...today we're having a huge snowstorm...(but a pretty one). School was cancelled throughout the county. Lots of happy kids and teachers here :o) Anyway, glad your back. We missed your smiling face around here.

[Billie]

What a great post! Thank you. I missed it the first time around. It's snowing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, but I don't think it will last. Have a very pleasant day.

Hi, Temple - thank you - I'm so glad it was new to you and you enjoyed it.

Snowing there today? Bet you're ready for the sunshine and warm weather! :)

[dutchess]

I'm another recovering smoker....think it's been about 12 years too. Had tried many times before but when a coworker died very quickly from lung cancer decided this was it (plus it just got so uncomfortable to smoke). I too am not an in your face to other smokers. Can empathize with what they are going through. (and yes it was one of the hardest things I ever did too!)

[TexasCowboy]

Good morning to all from the great state of Texas!

[dixie sass]

I do so Pledge.

[MeekOneGOP]

Do you ever still *want* a smoke?

No. Unlike so many that kicked the habit, I NEVER want a cigarette. I rarely am around them, but when I am, it is just an irritation (eyes, nose) to me. I realized that I was different in that respect very soon after I quit when the secretary of the UTA Housing Director asked me if being around cigarettes 'bothered' me. (I worked for the Housing Office as Apt. manager, and that summer I worked full time IN the office as well). I told her that it was slightly irritating to my nose and eyes, but it wasn't too bad I told her. She meant 'bother' to mean, did it make me WANT a cigarette. My reply, in essence, was that it slightly bothered me - wanting to get AWAY from them.

I used to have a recurring dream after I quit. Each time, the dream was in a different setting, but had a common dilemma - it was that I picked up that 'first' cigarette again and broke the quitting. Each time I would have the dream, I would wake up and realize that it was ONLY a dream and was SOOOooo relieved to know I hadn't picked them up again. Right after I quit, I had the dream very often (up to 4-5-6 times a week). As time went by, it became less frequent (monthly, every few months, etc.) until I finally quit having the dream. It was probably a couple of years, maybe 3 before the dream 'went away' for good ...

Am so glad I never had the habit - have heard it's not easy to quit.

I heard that quitting smoking (nicotine addiction) is more difficult than kicking a heroin habit. They said that while the withdrawal symptoms from kicking heroin is more severe, the time of withdrawal is shorter. Nicotine withdrawal is dragged out a lot longer time. Since I quit cold turkey, it was pretty tough for me. The first five days were really killer days for me. Beyond the first five days or so, the physical symptoms were gone/got easier, but the psychological want for a cigarette was still there for quite a while.

Sorry for the long-winded post. Didn't mean to go on for so long there.

[dixie sass]

Hi Billie, since I love horses (though know very little about them)I enjoyed the thread. I took to riding like I did to swimming, naturally. I adore the grace of the horse as it leaps through the air or prances sideways or dances or just stands there. There is nothing so beautiful, 'cept maybe a cat...

[Texagirl4W]

Hi, TexasCowboy. Is that you riding herd?

[dixie sass]

WOW!!! Congrats - I quit for three weeks and have been back smoking for three weeks, sighhhhhhhh...

[Billie]

Thank you, Sistah. :) Had fun, though always glad to be back. I should tell you about the reception! It was the most beautiful and breathtaking decor I've ever seen. The ceiling was black and the florist used 4,000 YARDS of white organza and tiny lights to give it a draped tent effect with faux columns! Silver candelabras with giant floral arrangements on every table. (I think more than 50 tables - there were 400+ guests) Felt like I was on a cruise having dinner - the buffet was absolutely awesome!