Northern Horse Blog
Welcome to the Northern Horse Blog
After a fair amount of deliberation, I’ve decided that the totem for this blog should be the Norwegian Fjord horse. To me this breed, more than any other symbolizes the northern horse.
The Fjord is one of the oldest pure breeds in existence, having remained pure and uncrossed for 3000 years. Excavations of viking sites have shown that this horse has been domesticated for more than two millenia.
In size Fjords are part-way between ponies and full-sized horses, but they are very strong, agile and trainable and they are always called horses. They are equally suited for driving and riding. For these reasons they are very popular throughout northern Europe, although they are fairly rare in North America where we seem to favor the larger breeds.
What is this blog going to focus on? Almost anything to do with enjoying and partnering with the northern horse. To begin with, the focus will mainly be on activities and facilities in what we call the Lower Mainland, since I live in Maple Ridge, the horse capitol of British Columbia. The north in the blog title Northern Horse Blog is relative I guess. We are south of Alaska and the Yukon, but north of the US. Eventually, I would like to expand this blog all the way up to Dawson Creek, then it will really be a Northern Horse Blog.
So, I hope you come back to see how this blog is developing. There will be some dynamite content here soon to amuse and edify you. There is a link at the bottom of each post labelled ‘Sphere related content’. Clicking the small blue symbol will bring up content from other blogs that relate to the topic of the post you are reading.
See you soon.
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Tags: British Columbia, Dawson Creek British Columbia, Equestrian, horse, Lower Mainland, North America, northern horse, Sports, United States
September 2nd, 2008
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Things To Search For In A Dog Insurance Plan
pPet insurance has become an integral component of a pet lovers world.nbsp; This really is because puppy insurance coverage takes care from the healthcare and regimen expenditures like checkups and vaccinations depending for the plan you could have chosen. Though just a few decades old within the United States,nbsp;a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/reviews-and-comparisons/pet-insurance-reviews.phppet insurance reviews/a is fast gaining significance due to the higher cost of living as well as the rising cost of healthcare bills. You will find plenty of puppy insurance policy firms who present coverage in your pets for different healthcare emergencies. Like a puppy owner it is crucial which you pick the appropriate insurance plan policy to make one of the most of it. The top 10 points you ought to be seeking at before purchasing dog insurance policy are:/p
pSome corporations provide for accident plans, other for sickness and higher end coverage for surgeries. The premiums vary for all. So choose one or even a combination which covers the nature of the dog the closest. You need to possess a premium figure in thoughts which you are able to pay with the insurance policy plan. There are lots of plans from the market to suit all spending budget kinds. You is not going to only have to know the monthly amount you can set aside for the dog but additionally the lengthy term consequences of such investments. Paying low a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-cover.phppet insurance cover/anbsp;premiums may at times leave you out of cover for a big quantity of incidents and make your approach redundant. Very carefully research the marketplace for the finest dog insurance plan deal to your puppy. Look at all of the procedures which are on offer you and decide on the one particular which is most suited for your puppy. You know the peculiarities of the puppy, so you should be the a single to decide which insurer is best. Dont get carried away by sales talk./p
pSome puppy insurance policies corporations treat an sickness in the year and then classify the same as pre existing when the coverage comes up for renewal. This means that pre existing conditions wont be covered as component of claims and you also will not be obtaining any insurance gain on it the time your dog contacts that sickness again. So beware. Select an insurer with a verified monitor record of insuring pets. Verify for any buyer testimonials ndash; good and bad to decide. Understand up about thenbsp;a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/medical-insurance/veterinary-pet-insurance.phpcare pets animal hospital/a providers certifications and credentials before you commit to any dog plan for the valuable dog. Some dog insurers want you to visit the vet who is in their network. This may perhaps not be feasible to suit your needs for numerous reasons. So examine if your pet insurance policy prepare is good enough to utilize at the vet you choose to take your puppy to. Some insurance coverage organizations charge quite higher premiums for older pets and also do not include quite a few from the illnesses that youre pet may have at that age. So it is going to be wise to check up on the pet insurance policies plan if you have an older puppy./p
August 14th, 2010
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Dress Your Horse Out in Great Horse Wear for a Great Horse
pHorse wear designed with your horse in mind is a mandatory part of any show. Though you may not believe it, you can find horse wear that can make a stable horse look like a pro. Dress your horse for the blue! You have many types and styles of horse wear on the market to choose from-blankets, hoods and slickers are only the beginning! Look just like everyone else or custom order a blanket for a personalized look! Custom and unique horse blankets are worn under the saddle and are guaranteed to draw people to your horse. /p
pTo find out everything you may need to understand if selecting horse clothing visit a title=horse wear href=http://www.equestriansuppliesshop.co.uk target=_blankhorse wear/a./p
pWhen people react in awe to his beauty and style your horse will gain an instant confidence boost thatrsquo;s guaranteed to do great things for his performance. Your horse understands more than you think. When everyonersquo;s staring, your horse instinctively performs!Basic psychology dictates how your horse wear will motivate your horse. You must create an atmosphere of purely positive energy that exudes from the horse himself. Choose your colors to blend with the natural colors of your horse. Keep in mind that the appearance is more impressive when horse and rider work together!/p
pYour horse feels best when hersquo;s stepping out in his finest horse wear. Be aware of theimpression that is constantly expressed around your horse. Dress your horse for success, keep a good attitude and success canrsquo;t help but come knocking. When yoursquo;re choosing your horse wear, donrsquo;t forget your unique personality. The right horse wear will make your horse look like a champ. Your horsersquo;s performance is strongly impacted when he steps in the ring looking like a winner. When choosing horse wear for a show, be sure you look the part. Only select an outfit that is easy to move in and that does not itch or pinch. How well you are able to perform is just as important as how you look. Professional horse wear manufacturers make their goods with comfort and style in mind. Be sure to be aware of this when selecting horse wear for a horse show. /p
pIf you would like to undesrtand more details on horse wear go to a title=Horse Wear href=http://www.equestriansuppliesshop.co.uk/ target=_blankhorse wear/a./p
pHorse wear is an extra bonus for every horsersquo;s showmanship. Dress your horse for success throughout the entire show, and keep him polished during your breaks. nbsp; Donrsquo;t let a break in the action encourage you and your horse to look like slobs; keep your horse looking great from the start of the show to the very last ribbon. Stirring up positive ommunication around your horse with great show horse wear will pave the way to a great show and incredible memories for both of you. /p
August 13th, 2010
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What are the Benefits of Using Interlocking Rubber Mats?
pThe use of rubber flooring for horse stables is becoming more and more popular nowadays. This kind of flooring is referred to as a href=http://www.stallmats.org/54/advantages-of-using-interlocking-rubber-mats-for-your-horse-stables/ target=_blankinterlocking rubber mats/a that means the pieces interlock together securely to be able to form the floor. A customized stable flooring option is made possible since you can cut the mats to fit to the place you want them on.br /br /Theres no doubt our planet is filled with trash slowly destroying it… fortunately most companies are recycling rubbers from tires to manufacture such rubber mats. So if you are worried about your environment, it is indeed a responsible choice to implement rubber flooring for your horse stables.br /br /Here are some of the reasons why you should use a href=http://ezinearticles.com/?Advantages-of-Using-Interlocking-Rubber-Mats-For-Your-Horse-Stablesamp;id=4752972 target=_blankinterlocking rubber mats/a:br /br /Interlocking rubber mats are so simple to install. All you must do is roll them out or interlock the mats and youre on your way. You wont need any kind of adhesive to install this. Most mats form a suction seal of its own to stick itself on the area it is covering.br /br /One more benefit of this rubber flooring is portability. If you need to move it from its place to another, just take it apart by unlocking the rubber mats.br /br /Now if youre wondering that comfort will be sacrificed, reconsider. Most interlocking rubber mats provide cushioning so they are fantastic for horses who suffer from joint inflammation.br /br /Though interlocking rubber mats are usually more expensive than regular rubber a href=http://www.stallmats.org/ target=_blankhorse stall mats/a, theyre lighter therefore much less difficult to wash.br /br /Interlocking rubber mats are durable, since it can withstand harsh climate conditions such as the constant rain and heat of the sun. They generally last about seven years before they begin to crack up at the ends.br /br /Whether its your first time to establish your horse stable or thinking about rebuilding it, making use of interlocking rubber mats is definitely the best choice you need to make since it is eco-friendly, durable, portable, and most of all offers comfort and safety for your horses./p
Sphere: Related ContentAugust 12th, 2010
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How Much Is Reasonably Priced Dog Insurance Going To Cost You?
pPet Insurance coverage is a plan that handles your household pets for example cats and dogs as long as theyre healthy. Whether your canine or cat is mixed breed or pedigree then most pet insurers will include the animal for that whole of its existence. Puppy insurance coverage typically covers a lot more than just vet bills, it usually handles emergency kennelling costs, theft and travel. Over 50% of visits to vets are unplanned as a result of accident or sickness to pets and 1 away from every single three pets need veterinary remedy every year using injury, sickness or accident. They are usually expensive charges whichnbsp;a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-companies.phpveterinarian pet insurance/a guidelines can insure you against. For example treating a cat having a broken leg, can cost more than $1,000, while some much more complex treatments, including hip displacia, can cost over $4000./p
pIf youve to spend additional than 96 hours in hospital, then some puppy insurance plan guidelines will assist include the kennel charges for ones puppy. Exactly where there can be a holiday cancellation mainly because your puppy wants emergency surgery, your dog insurance plan could aid reimburse your non-recoverable charges. Your pet insurance plan coverage could also include marketing and reward charges if your puppy is lost or stolen. Read and make sure you understand your pet insurance coverage scheme document. If you can findnbsp;a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/medical-insurance/pet-medical-insurance.php target=_blankpet health insurance/a terms you arent confident of then examine the explanations from the Insurance coverage Glossary. Youll find usually different levels of pet insurance plan include obtainable where distinct values or events are covered. Typically the increased the monthly payment, the better the value of include and quantity of factors covered. Make sure you shop close to and get at around three to four proposals to make certain that you are obtaining competitive quotes. But dont just appear at the price, examine what is included under the insurance policy coverage and verify the plan details when it comes to exclusions./p
pThe organization you decide on is undoubtedly a factor in the price of your premiums. As with almost everything else, whether it is a hamburger or an airline ticket, the corporation you opt for will be a identifying aspect around the price of a href=http://cheappetinsurancecomparison.com/reviews-and-comparisons/banfield-pet-insurance.phpbanfield pet insurance/anbsp;premiums. Cats are typically cheaper to insure as a result of several reasons. Cats are typically kept indoors so theyre much less likely to obtain into accidents. They are also much less prone to illness and they seem to remain beyond trouble better than dogs. Dogs, around the other hand, are a lot more most likely to ingest a foreign object or to acquire hit by a automobile mainly because they ran following something on the street./p
August 11th, 2010
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Your Not Just Buying A Horse, Your Making An Investment – A VERY Large One
Coming to you,a beauty to behold - the Friesian horse straight from the province of the Netherlands. These horses which were once in tremendous demand for warfare are graceful and nimble for their size. Once facing extinction these horses have returned with vengeance. Should you wish to purchase a Friesian there are definitely some things that you are going to want to know.
Cross-breeding throughout the years has led to many variations of this graceful beauty but if you are looking for a pure-bred then you should keep a few things in mind.
If you reside in the US then you are going to want to belong to the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA), and then straight to the Netherlands to register with the KFPS. All registered horses will either have a tongue tattoo (before the 1999 year period), and more recently the horses were given a microchip. Some older horses may have to be checked for both. The tattoo, or the chip must be matched to their passport, and unless you have all of the proper paperwork – the deal should be off right there.
You should determine whether the Friesian is a good horse or not. Ordinarily those horses coming from a first, second or even third premie studbook will be of better quality. If it is possible for you to attend a training day inspection, you should! You will be able to gain useful knowledge from the KFPS website to determine what you are getting before you make a purchase. If the Friesian was a premie grade then you should determine if this was recent, as an adult, or when it was a foal.
Like with any living breathing purchase you want to make sure that it is in good health. In the Netherlands the horses where generally used for farm work and their health was not always a main concern. Demand a check from a veterinarian prior to the Friesian sale to ensure you are getting a great horse! Overworked horses will show signs on their hooves.
In order to ensure you are getting the best breed possible you should have the horse checked for worms, aortal ruptures as well as male castration. Make sure the Friesian has had its shots; mud fever, heel mites and checked for skin conditions.
Horses under the age of three may be advertised as already being saddle trained. While they may have had some experience, they are still considered babies and will need a significant amount of work to get them where they need to be.
When purchasing a Friesian you are going to want to make sure that all of your facts are correct and that you have correctly verified all of your research. A second opinion is never a bad option, and cross referencing with the KFPS is always a good idea. Please see Friesian Sale
Once again buying a Friesian is not like buying any other horse. The average price is approximately $6,500 and can step up to $125,000, and even up to $1,000,000+. At these prices it gives a new meaning to the term doing your homework.
Sphere: Related ContentAugust 10th, 2010
Basics of Raising Chickens: Part Two
Welcome to Part Two of our series on the Basics of Raising Chickens. When you are trying to learn how to raise chickens, you need as much information as possible. In this section, we look at watering your birds as well as protecting them from predators.
Unlike most other animals, a chicken has virtually no defenses other than running away. This makes them easy prey for other animals. The good news is you can provide protection via your chicken coop, hen house, or chicken run.
When you look for plans for chicken coops, take a moment to consider how the plan is designed for protecting your animals. For instance, you want to purchase chicken coop plans or hen house plans that have instructions on how to install wire over the windows, vents, and other entry ways. You want plans that allow for some kind of flooring. Having your birds on the ground, in the dirt, that is, is dangerous as many predators can easily get to them. Dirt floors are also hard to keep clean and can lead to outbreaks of disease.
If at all possible, you want your chicken coop to be off the ground. This is the best way to keep unhealthy bugs, rodents, and other predators out of the coop or hen house. It is also the best preventive measure for keeping the floor dry during wet weather
If your chicken coop is built more than 18 inches above ground level, make sure you add a wooden ramp so the birds can enter and exit without harming themselves.
The next important issue you have to address is one that can make or break your efforts. It has to do with water.
Chicken coops, hen houses, and chicken runs all need some form of delivering clean, fresh water to your birds. It has been estimated that as many birds die from lack of water as from all other threats combined. This is especially true in hot weather.
There is no set amount of water per bird. Chickens will drink when they get thirsty provided they have access to clean water. It is vitally important that you provide enough watering points for the number of birds you have. You should know that chickens will often refuse to drink water that is filthy or has droppings in it. They will also refuse to drink water that is either too cold or too hot.
Many quality chicken coop plans will contain important information on how to set up watering points to accommodate the number of birds you plan to house. Do not underestimate the importance of watering your animals properly.
As you can see, many of the potential problems associated with raising chickens can be prevented by simply being prepared. Give your chickens the right type of feed, as determined by their age and purpose, provide them with fresh water, and build them a chicken coop that is safe and secure and many of your worries will be gone. If you run into anything you do not understand, look into one of the many online forums dedicated to this hobby. You will be surprised at how many people will help you as you try to learn how to raise chickens that are healthy and wholesome.
Tags: Bird, Chicken, Chicken coop, Poultry, Water
July 29th, 2010
Westie Puppies – Lovable Little Polar Bears
- Image via Wikipedia
For my money, one of the best breeds of dog for city life is the West Highland Terrier. Mind you, they do equally well in the country if you happen to be on an acreage, but their small size makes them ideal for apartment or townhouse living.
If there is any downside to the Westie breed it has to be their energy, and a Westie puppy can definitely give you a run for your money. In fact one of the saddest things is to see a West Highland Terrier that has been converted to an overweight lapdog. Despite their small size Westies were developed to be working terriers that could go underground and drive a fox out of his den. They were never intended to spend their lives cooped up 24/7. That means that they probably aren’t the best choice for a pensioner who can’t provide enough exercise to keep them fit.
If you are fortunate enough to get a Westie puppy you might think its half goat at first. It will run through your house and bounce up on the back of the couch at a moments notice. They seem to like to perch and you’ll often find them stretched out, upside down and sound asleep, in some high place they managed to clamber up on. The bouncy energy starts to dwindle after their first birthday, but the love of high places stays with them.
Westies are known for being intelligent and opinionated and you often hear them described as stubborn dogs. There is some truth to this, but their earnest desire to please more than makes up for this trait and they are actually quite easy to train because they want to make their owner happy.
As far as I’m concerned, the West Highland Terrier is very close to being the ideal dog. This breed is intelligent, energetic, courageous and beautiful. What more could you ask for?
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Tags: Dog, Pets, Terrier Group, West Highland White Terrier, Westie, westie puppies, westie puppy
July 26th, 2010
Creative Pet Memorials
For several people, their pet is part of the family; some people even see their pets as their children. Whenever a cherished pet passes away, it can create just as much a sense of sadness and loss as losing a close family member. We hold memorials and use grave stones to indicate and remember our departed loved ones and pet memorials can be done in order to recall and our pets and how they touched our lives.
For some, it might seem a little odd for someone to go to much difficulty to memorialize their pet. Sadly, those who never experienced having a pet will never comprehend how a pet affects ones life. Sometimes a pet helps us through a lonely time, or makes us laugh when our circumstances are anything but joyful. Sometimes the simple fact that another creature loves us unconditionally can make all the difference in the globe. Pets enrich our lives; that’s why we hold them. Therefore, when we lose a pet we find it gripping to find a way to hold a funeral service for our pet. It makes a statement that states, This pets life meant something to me. Having this pet made a big difference.
We must understand that our pets are not the ones benefiting from the pet memorials but us which is more or less the same when we hold a memorial service for our loved ones who went away. It is a part of the grieving system, to recount how much their lives have meant to us, and to come to grips with the fact that we must now say good-bye. The grieving process can be differ from one person to another this is the reason why no two funerals and memorial services are the same and this is also applicable for pet memorials. The crucial thing is that we do something meaningful.
Pet memorials don’t have to be luxurious this can take place in the backyard or it can take place while you shower your pets ashes in his favorite spot. Moreover, pet cemeteries are great locations for pet owners to bury their pets and erect a grave stone to mark the site. Often pet memorials can be a kind of art, like a shadowbox that contains sentimental items like fur clippings or the pets favorite toys, a pet portrait, or even a plush replica. There is one artist that makes artworks like special tribute paintings helping owners memorialize their pets. What type of memorial we choose, again, is more about what helps us honor the memory of our pet, to recognize the way that pet touched our lives.
There are a lot of ways to creatively bid farewell to our beloved pets. There is not a right or wrong way to recall, so choose the innovative pet memorials that work best for you.
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Tags: Loss, Pet, pet memorial
July 25th, 2010
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Why You Should Invest In Race Horse Partnerships
- Image via Wikipedia
ADVANTAGES OF A PARTNERSHIP
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Group partnerships allow owners to participate at higher levels or to have more horses than they may be able to as individuals.
MANAGE YOUR RISK
Being involved in a partnership of one or more horses minimizes risks and maximizes opportunities for success.
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
A flexible form of business that blends the elements of partnership and corporate structures.
TAX BENEFITS
Favorable deductions for all expenses on your individual tax return.
COMMON EXCITEMENT
Meet new people who share a common interest in owning and racing thoroughbreds. The Managing Partner, for each racehorse, handles all the day-to-day track operations and management details. This allows partners to enjoy the excitement of ownership, without the hassles of daily management.
WHO SHOULD INVEST
Financial gain is not the primary reason participants become involved in horse racing ventures. The primary reason for <,a href=”http://www.crownedthoroughbreds.com” target=_blank>investing is for the opportunity and enjoyment of thoroughbred racing and the social connection of sharing common interests with other partners. Also the excitement of being able to own a racehorse for the fraction of the cost, as well as the benefits from the many tax incentives involved with owning a thoroughbred.
RACETRACK BENEFITS
The backside of every racetrack provides the common ground for those who share the excitement for thoroughbred racing. Partners are encouraged to visit the stable area at any time. You can experience the early morning training and watch the athletes prepare for a chance at a winners circle picture. Partners are encouraged to spend time with the trainer, riders, and others who are involved with the day-to-day operations. This gives partners the opportunity to ask questions and to see what it takes to develop these competitive athletes.
RACE DAY
Race-day is the most anticipated and exciting time for partners. The months of hard work, patience, and dedication add up to this day and with a little racing luck winners circle here we come.
On race-day, partners are allowed access to the stable and paddock areas, as well as box seating, owner parking, and free admission. The managing team will be present to make sure partners experience is memorable.
IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Owners of a winning horse will receive a winner’s circle photograph and any related press clippings.
Tags: Equestrian, Horse racing, Partnerships and Syndications, race horse partnership, Race track, Thoroughbred horse race
July 24th, 2010
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