ToeQuest - Blogs - labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/ en Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:24:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.toequest.com/forum/images/styles/TotallyPro/misc/rss.jpg ToeQuest - Blogs - labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/ <![CDATA[Lorrina's Horses]]> http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/919-lorrinas-horses.html Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:42:40 GMT My horses are my teachers, in large part, and from them I have learned much. Horses have shared the journey with our species for a very long time now, no need to debate the exact length. They have been hunted for food, domesticated as a means of transportation and collaborative to our efforts of... My horses are my teachers, in large part, and from them I have learned much.

Horses have shared the journey with our species for a very long time now, no need to debate the exact length. They have been hunted for food, domesticated as a means of transportation and collaborative to our efforts of agriculture, exploration, and sadly, even used in war, suffering alongside us as often as sharing the better times.

As our species has proliferated, the horse no longer has much habitat where it may live a 'free' life, yet it accepts this change and has evolved well alongside of us. Though we have made it dependent upon us for continued existence, the horse remains quite capable of adapting back to self-sufficiency in any habitat which affords it with natural food, water and minimum shelter from the elements.

For our part, we have been selectively breeding the horse to suit our purposes, and there are hundreds of breeds, some which are quite regional, which reflect these efforts. Living in a northern climate, I have settled on the Morgan Horse as being the breed most suitable for this climate and of diverse ability. That the breed is also one of the more visually pleasing and personable, is a chance bonus.

As the old cowboys say, 'Pretty is, as pretty does.'

Around these parts, 'pretty' has to be able to handle anything that comes it's way, lol...

This link to my personal web site, an exercise which is as much about teaching me computer skills as it is a celebration of my journey with horses.

https://sites.google.com/site/lorrin...ndurance-horse ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/919-lorrinas-horses.html Equine circadian rhythms http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/750-equine-circadian-rhythms.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:06:12 GMT Horses, like people, have times of the day when they are active and times when they prefer to rest, 'loafing' as horsemen refer to such. Mid-afternoon, local time, is often when most horses are at their most relaxed, and it was to that effect that I decided it was timely to trim the hooves of Madelaine, as future weight gain will make standing on three legs more awkward for her.

The weather was a spring squall this night passed and early morning, and I had tucked her into the 10 x 14 barn to give her respite, and she was looking quite comfortable when I had brought her morning feed to her and mucked out.

Stepping in to the space with the big mare, I gently reached out for her off-fore hoof. She went to oblige, then changed her mind and walked past me. I gave her a moment to settle before asking again, and received the same result. This was not like Madelaine.

I stepped back a pace to observe.

There were several small whorls in her fine red coat, along her ribs and flank, the hair pressed out of it's normal lay by the mare nipping at herself. This is not uncommon, as the foal can exert quite a kick, despite the cushioning that grows upon it's developing hooves as protection for the womb of the mare. What effect these nips may send to the nervous system of the foal, I cannot say, but they do demonstrate the discomfort of the mare. As I watched, I observed a staccato rhythm playing out on her right flank.

Her breathing was a bit fast and heavy and I watched closely, concerned that she might be in the early stages of premature labor. There was no sign that her water had broken, and I have foaled out a few mares. After watching her for several minutes, she blew out a sigh and then reached out to touch my hand that was holding the nippers, rasp and hoof pick.

This time, when I asked for a hoof, she stood and gave it readily. Not certain if the foal would co-operate for long, I elected just to clean out the foot and use the rasp, though it meant more work for me. I would trim the pair by increments, rather than leave the mare unbalanced if I were forced to abort this task. She was not overly long in the hoof wall, and I could take a bit more over several days. As more of a horse's weight is borne on it's forehand, the front feet are more awkward for the horse, although more people are nervous of the hind end. :mrgreen:

We managed to finish the trim of the hinds and I shall rasp her fronts at least once more. She was slightly out of balance on the outside of the right front and the inside of the left hind, and this disparity has been corrected for the present. As she generally wears her feet remarkably evenly, by dint of good bone alignment, I would attribute the uneven growth and wear to the weight and placement of the foal. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/750-equine-circadian-rhythms.html High wide and handsome.... http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/749-high-wide-handsome.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:44:57 GMT Madelaine, the Morgan is now at day 294 of her gestation, and in the third trimester of equine pregnancy. When viewed from the front, her ribcage extends well beyond her shoulders on either side, and from the side, her abdomen now extends slightly below her sternum.

In horseman's terms, she is carrying high, wide and handsome.

She is now requesting more water, and I dutifully attend with bucket brigade as the nights are still too cold to set out water troughs and she has a preference for water with the chill taken off, which no doubt helps her to conserve energy, as much is now being diverted to the rapidly growing foal.

In nature, the foal is experiencing the most rapid growth while resources are at their least available. This may seem counter-indicative, and yet it serves a purpose. The mare seeks out those foods which are more nutrient dense at this time, and I have observed them to paw the earth and lick for minerals which may be lacking in the domestic diet, though they have a salt and mineral lick at hand. Likewise, fresh green hay will languish while the mare goes looking for last year's aspen leaves and dead grasses and sedges, pawed out from beneath it's cover of snow. They have some means of discerning their nutritional requirements if they but have access to natural forage.

Additionally, I am now offering most days, a small portion of whole oats, top-dressed with some canola oil, as such adds calories without adding bulk and does not skew the critical ratios of certain minerals which are important at this late stage in fetal development.

Mares, like women, find these last weeks of pregnancy to be burdensome. I observe Madelaine now swishes her tail quite frequently and turns her head and neck to glare at her abdomen, with ears slightly pinned......

Oh yes, little one, you'd better settle down. There's a while longer yet that you must abide your close quarters..... ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/749-high-wide-handsome.html High wide and handsome.... http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/748-high-wide-handsome.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:44:56 GMT Madelaine, the Morgan is now at day 294 of her gestation, and in the third trimester of equine pregnancy. When viewed from the front, her ribcage extends well beyond her shoulders on either side, and from the side, her abdomen now extends slightly below her sternum.

In horseman's terms, she is carrying high, wide and handsome.

She is now requesting more water, and I dutifully attend with bucket brigade as the nights are still too cold to set out water troughs and she has a preference for water with the chill taken off, which no doubt helps her to conserve energy, as much is now being diverted to the rapidly growing foal.

In nature, the foal is experiencing the most rapid growth while resources are at their least available. This may seem counter-indicative, and yet it serves a purpose. The mare seeks out those foods which are more nutrient dense at this time, and I have observed them to paw the earth and lick for minerals which may be lacking in the domestic diet, though they have a salt and mineral lick at hand. Likewise, fresh green hay will languish while the mare goes looking for last year's aspen leaves and dead grasses and sedges, pawed out from beneath it's cover of snow. They have some means of discerning their nutritional requirements if they but have access to natural forage.

Additionally, I am now offering most days, a small portion of whole oats, top-dressed with some canola oil, as such adds calories without adding bulk and does not skew the critical ratios of certain minerals which are important at this late stage in fetal development.

Mares, like women, find these last weeks of pregnancy to be burdensome. I observe Madelaine now swishes her tail quite frequently and turns her head and neck to glare at her abdomen, with ears slightly pinned......

Oh yes, little one, you'd better settle down. There's a while longer yet that you must abide your close quarters..... ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/748-high-wide-handsome.html Yukon Fires http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/581-yukon-fires.html Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:28:52 GMT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yukon Fires From CBC North, August 3, 2009 Health officials in the Yukon urged people to limit their outdoor activities as much of the central and southern portions of the territory remained under a blanket of... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yukon Fires
From CBC North, August 3, 2009


Health officials in the Yukon urged people to limit their outdoor activities as much of the central and southern portions of the territory remained under a blanket of forest fire smoke on Monday.

The smoky air conditions came from 64 wildfires burning across the Yukon, especially in the Watson Lake, Teslin, Dawson and Carmacks areas, as well as from fires in neighbouring Alaska.

"What to do about it is actually fairly simple: to stay indoors on the heavy smoke days, and to limit exertion," Dr. Brendan Hanley, the Yukon's medical officer of health, told reporters in Whitehorse on Monday.

An open-fire ban that was imposed across the territory last week remains in place this week. As well, fire officials recommend refraining from backcountry travel, and paddlers should not travel on the Teslin River.

Extra firefighters from Alberta, N.W.T.
Extra fire crews and equipment have been brought into the Yukon from Alberta and the Northwest Territories, at least until the situation stabilizes.

But their stay may be an extended one. Environment Canada is calling for more hot and dry weather, with daytime temperatures forecast to remain between 24 C and 26 C all week.

The fire danger is rated as high everywhere in the Yukon except Carmacks, where it is extreme.

The serious fire risk in the territory even prompted assurances by Premier Dennis Fentie that there is no need to panic.

"I first want to make the point, and be abundantly clear, that the Yukon is not in an emergency situation," Fentie said, adding that no communities are being threatened at this time.

About 40 new wildfires have been reported since last Thursday across the Yukon, with most of them burning in the Watson Lake area to the south.

Firefighters are also battling five wildfires in the Teslin district, four of which are burning on the south side of Teslin Lake.

While there is currently no need to evacuate any communities, fire officials said the flames pose a threat to several mining camps and remote wilderness cabins.

Those properties have been outfitted with sprinkler systems, and fire officials are closely monitoring them.

In total, there have been 104 wildfires in the Yukon so far this season, burning about 153,580 hectares of forest.

9:18 AM | Add a comment | Permalink | Blog it
© 2009 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use Code of Conduct Report Abuse Safety Account Feedback ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/581-yukon-fires.html 32 Degrees http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/580-32-degrees.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:55:46 GMT 32 DEGREES Thirty two degrees is a gardener’s bane on either scale. On the Fahrenheit scale, thirty two degrees is the temperature at which water freezes. Most flowers and vegetables planted for human consumption and enjoyment do not experience growth below forty five degrees F. and many... 32 DEGREES

Thirty two degrees is a gardener’s bane on either scale. On the Fahrenheit scale, thirty two degrees is the temperature at which water freezes. Most flowers and vegetables planted for human consumption and enjoyment do not experience growth below forty five degrees F. and many will perish in the range between thirty two and forty. There are a few hardy plants, arugula, carrot and pansy among them, which can tolerate a few degrees of frost without harm. Let the potato or tomato plant even hear of a forecast of frost, and you shall have losses.

At thirty two degrees Centigrade, or the equivalent of ninety degrees F., plants will utilize great amounts of water in transpiration, the means by which they keep cool. Often the plant will grow rampantly in our northern climate of extended daylight hours, but the combination of heat and light will push radish and lettuce to ”bolt”, resulting in bitter lettuce and woody radishes, as the stressed plant attempts to set seed. There are some varieties of seed available that are more resistant to these weather extremes.

It is interesting to note that water, good old H2O, is the solution employed for both of these extremes. If one has access to water, one can employ mulch, floating row cover and a water screen to the benefit of many plants to aid in regulating the temperature of their immediate surrounds. A water screen can save plants from light frost or act to cool them during extreme heat. These methods, while applicable to a small raised bed or container garden, are less easily deployed for field crops. The choice of crop in such cases is most critical, as the weather will determine the outcome, the gardener’s input more limited to soil preparation, fertilizing, time of planting and harvesting, irrigating if that option is available.

For my effort, one of the most gratifying crops to grow is the carrot. While it is critical that they are not planted too deep, or too close, and the soil kept moist while germinating, the carrot is a hardy and productive plant which stores well and is very versatile. The carrot has few insect pests or diseases, although mice, voles, rabbits, foxes and deer will seek them out, if access is easy. Utilizing old freezers as raised garden beds, I suffered no losses a few years ago when my neighbours were waging war on the mice and ground squirrels.

Carrot pie is easy to make using cooked mashed carrots in the place of pumpkin and spice and cook as per the pumpkin pie recipe. Raw, grated, roasted, frozen, or juiced, carrots are delicious, and good for you. Perhaps, best of all, there is no end of season garden clean-up. In harvesting a carrot, you pull the whole plant, the root for your own pleasure and the tops can be fed to bunnies and horses, even added to salads in moderation, or placed in your community or garden compost. 100% recyclable, is the humble carrot.

32 degrees Fahrenheit-----------the carrot fits right in---------32 degrees Centigrade ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/580-32-degrees.html <![CDATA[Charmin', I'm sure.]]> http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/578-charmin-im-sure.html Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:12:31 GMT I am ROTFLMOF to see that some enterprising individual has addressed the history of Toilet Paper.

Given the reluctance of our society in discussing products of "intimate use", I have posted this information to my blog.

Some rather interesting information below, discussed politely.

Regards,

Labelwench


TOILET PAPER

a.k.a. “T.P.”




Presented By:



Patrick A. Tollefsrud

QMCS 425 – 01

Presentation 3



THE HISTORY OF TOILET PAPER:


Obviously, toilet paper hasn’t been around forever. We can be pretty sure that those living before the late 19th Century weren’t able to drop by their local quickie mart mega stores to pick up a case of Charmin triple-ply, or Cottonelle flushable moist wipes. Rather, the innovation of the roll of toilet paper is a very modern product and convenience, in which today, has arguably become a household commodity.


So then, how did we go from nature’s fruitful leaves to the multiple choices that we are bombarded with every time we enter the tissue section at the grocery store today?


Evidence seems to suggest that original material used in place of toilet paper ranged anywhere from leaves and sticks, to cobs of corn, or linen. It is believed that although the earliest form of toilet paper on a roll wasn’t introduced until 1880, people made do with many various items that stemmed from their environments.


For example, those living in the Northern parts of the world –in particularly, the Eskimos- used tundra moss when available in the summer months, and handfuls of snow during the balance of the year. Those living in coastal areas or tropical settings used mussel shells or old coconut shells, those living in the colonial times of America, when farming consisted of 75% of the U.S. practicing workforce used cobs of corn, or hung paper products in the form of mail order catalogs (Like that of Sears Roebucks, etc.). In ancient Rome, the popular item was a sponge attached to the end of a stick immersed in salt water. If this were the case today, don’t you think it’s possible that we might take the coined phrase, “wrong end of the stick” a little more seriously?




Even more inconceivable, many societies in the Eastern parts of the world saw it socially correct to use their left hand. Some theorists believe that this is why most cultures use their right hands when meeting new people. This previous form of hygiene is still transgressed in those cultures today, as they find it rude and socially incorrect to shake the left hand of another.


TOILET PAPER IN PERSPECTIVE:


Regardless of what was used, or how gross our associations of toilet paper and the bathroom are, the product itself has made life easier for everyone and has made finding things to clean ourselves up a thing of the past. Today there are over 5,000 different companies producing bathroom tissue around the world trying to make our lives more convenient, clean and efficient. In a study done back in 1997, it was estimated that 71.48 frugal people contribute to the waste of one roll of 1,000 sheet single ply toilet paper everyday.




With a little over 6 billion humans living on earth, that calls for the daily production of 83,048,116 rolls per day with no days off and no vacations, 30.6 billion rolls per year and 2.7 rolls per second. Strangely enough, that’s 80% greater than our daily consumption or use of salt, 63% greater than our average use of milk, and 84 billion more people served annually than McDonald’s fast food restaurants. Yet, still we often times remain oblivious to toilet paper and take advantage of the convenience it provides for us.




The average sheet of toilet paper weighs in at a little over .22 grams and 4.0625 inches per square reaching approximately338.5 feet per roll and 5.3 million miles of toilet paper per day.


Furthermore, Americans skip to the loo an average of 6 times per day, adding up to as much as 47 minutes in a single 24 hour time period. Women spend more time with the fluffy white stuff than men, or approximately 32 months in a lifetime versus 25 months for men. However, women on average also tend to live longer than men, and object most often to men leaving the seat up.


Each time we reach for the “cotton-savior”, an average tear of 5.9 sheets is ripped from the roll. 44% of people wipe from front to back, and 60% look at the paper having just wiped, 42% fold, 33% crumple, 8% do both fold and crumple, 6% wrap it around their hands and at least 50% of people have at one time or another wiped with leaves, or something foreign to toilet paper (8% hands, 1% money).


SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WONDERFUL WHITE STUFF:


Although toilet paper carries an amazing historical past, and its significance to our lives frequents more times daily than the toothbrush, hair spray, shower, or dinner table, we too often forget about the importance of toilet paper. Whether it is due to the bad wrap that comes with its association with the bathroom and what goes on there, or just the simple fact that we have never had to do without it, this multiple purpose paper provides for us, makes things more convenient for us, and ultimately helps us look, feel and be clean.


Toilet paper is also very versatile. Outside of its obvious use, many people find that it makes a great substitute for that all too common problem of an empty Kleenex box. Others find that it is perfect for Halloween costumes, like mummy’s, or zombies, while others use it to decorate certain peoples’ houses during the middle of the night. Whatever the case may be, toilet paper is always there for us and always providing for us.




Some people like to poke fun at it, like Seinfeld, or MTV’s Beavis and Butthead, while others like to waste it, or “eat it”. You all know what I am talking about, the type of person that consumes half of the roll per trip to the bathroom, because of one bad experience that caused them to be petrified of ever getting their hands dirty. While some others wouldn’t know the difference between the various brands of toilet paper, nor care for that matter…even if you were to replace the transparent, paper-thin toilet paper that UST uses with that of the softest, most expensive and soothing brand.


Speaking of which, just where are those tuition dollars of ours going? For the expense of one class, you would think that UST administration could work something out to provide a little more comfort than that of the paper found in our notebooks we take notes on during class. It seems as though for most people, we don’t really recognize the convenience of toilet paper until one day when we have to relieve ourselves and we are left stranded, as the empty hook stares back at us with laughter and revenge.


So, how do we improvise in these situations, how do we go about handling this dilemma?


“THE DILEMMA”

Well, it’s safe to say that in today’s world, there are a lot more options than a seashell, or an ear of corn, but nothing truly compares to that of toilet paper. Since we have already established the importance and history of toilet paper –our often-overlooked friend- we are only left with one problem: What type of toilet paper do we buy?


For those of you who purchase your own rolls of toilet paper, you probably understand the abundant selection that is offered, but for those of you who don’t, let me explain...


It’s not quite as hard as in earlier times when picking the right leaves was important for preventing those unwanted rashes or problems, but the next time you visit the grocery store, take a trip down the toilet paper isle and gaze upon the wonderful world of white that has gradually come about over the last 100 years. Choosing between: Charmin, Charmin Ultra, Charmin double, Charmin Triple, Charmin unscented/scented, Best Yet, Quilted Northern, Cottonelle, Angel Soft, Soft’n Gentle, Green Forest, Scott, or even Brawni and all of their own double, triple, pillow soft, and smelly or non-smelly choices, can really become a mind-boggling event.


Whether we are bombarded at the grocery store with the umpteen different kinds of toilet paper, or just strapped for cash, the decisions we make not only effect our hygiene, but also our finances and social lives. Take for example the average college student, who, with so many bills to pay they’re coming out his or her ears, creates conflict in his or her decisions of whether to purchase beer or toilet paper. This dilemma shouldn’t be an issue, as both are necessities, but sadly it is true. An example of this was portrayed through the grammy award winning commercial from Anheiser Busch.


http://www.directorsite.com/superbow...dlight_tp.html



WHAT TO CONCLUDE ABOUT TOILET PAPER:


The short video clip may have struck home with a few of you, but regardless of all of the ways to solve your dilemmas, just remember that toilet paper shouldn’t be something that we just use, abuse, or have little regard for. It is produced for our hygiene, but is often too oblivious to our own consciousness that it is one of the biggest conveniences in our daily lives.


Now that I have brought given you a little information on the history and importance of Toilet Paper, and shown you how T.P. is our friend and it’s okay to talk about it, I hope that you all can have a greater appreciation for toilet paper and every other small thing that contributes to making our lives easier and more convenient. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/578-charmin-im-sure.html An Enduring Legacy http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/577-enduring-legacy.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:56:13 GMT
My step-father's grandmother lived during the time of Louise Riel and raised remount horses for the U.S. Cavalry, as she lived not far from the Canada/U.S. border.

Before his passing, this gentleman shared with me a great deal of personal knowledge about the Morgan Horse, and brought the reason I have chosen to perpetuate this breed as most likely to thrive and prosper in the Yukon, in the face of changing times and climes.

It is a great privilege to work with such magnificent creatures toward the common goal of a mutual future.

The following article has been taken from a posting by the American Morgan Horse Association. LW

The Morgan Horse - An American Legend

Justin Morgan was a living legend. In the manner of so many heroes, he began as an unremarkable colt and became the father of an entire breed of horses recognized for quality and dependability.
Born in 1789, Justin Morgan started life as a small, rough-coated colt known as "Figure." In 1791, he left his birthplace in Springfield, Massachusetts with his new owner, the soft-spoken schoolteacher Justin Morgan, by whose name the stallion eventually became known. Although his breeding was unknown (thought to be of Dutch, Thoroughbred, or Arabian breeding), the quality of Justin Morgan's ancestry showed in his straight clean legs; deep muscling over his quarters and shoulders; and fine, intelligent head with large expressive eyes and short, pricked ears. Add to these the quality of his movement, a thick but silky mane and tail, and a clean-cut throatlatch, and you have the conformation of the ideal light horse. Despite these fine qualities, Justin Morgan's lack of size was such that his debt-ridden owner found no buyers on their journey north to Randolph Center, Vermont. It was simply fate that no one but, his new owner realized what a little giant he was.

Over the next 30 years, the little bay stallion worked long, hard hours in the fields and on the roads of Vermont. Gradually, the local population began to talk about the feats of "the Justin Morgan horse". Standing just over 14 hands tall, Justin Morgan's exploits gained him fame because he was not as big as colonial workhorses nor as tall and long-legged as racehorses, yet he consistently outperformed both. There was the time he pulled a log no draft horse could budge, the day only he had the beauty, spirit and manners to carry President James Monroe on a muster-day parade ground; and the time he outran the most winning racehorse central Vermont had ever known, at least until that day.

Doing it all and doing it well, Justin Morgan remained sound of eye, wind, and limb throughout a lifetime of two ordinary horses. That should have been enough, but the stallion added still more: showy, ground-covering gaits with speed to spare at any one of them; a gentle disposition that made him safe enough for a child to handle yet spirited enough for any horseman, beauty men would to recall decades after his death; and a rare courage that made men who lost bets on him hit their flagons of rum and say, 'To the little Morgan!' and drink deeply.

Justin Morgan also proved to be one of the greatest breeding horses of all time. As the saga of the little stallion grew, countless mares were bred to him. So prepotent were the genes of this stallion that no matter what type of mare he was bred to, be she of heavy draft or refined racing-type, his offspring inherited his image and abilities. While most breeds develop by breeding horses of similar characteristics to each other, Justin Morgan's ability to pass his characteristics to his offspring for generations to come allowed this single stallion to found an entire breed in his likeness. Today, every registered Morgan traces back to Justin Morgan through his best-known sons Bulrush, Sherman and Woodbury.

In the coming years, the offspring of these strong, willing, able light horses grew along with the young nation that was building itself upon hard work and determination. In the hands of American colonists, Morgans cleared rugged Vermont mountainsides and converted them into rich farmland. But they weren't mere workhorses, Morgans had the style and elegance to capture the admiration of any city horseman. While some Morgans earned their keep on the farm others were in high demand to become smart roadsters for Boston and New York financiers. When harness racing reached its heyday in the 1800s, the World's Fastest Trotting Stallion was Ethan Allen 50, old Justin's handsome great-grandson.

As America grew so did the feats of the Morgan. New England men answered the call of gold and headed for California on Morgans. In the Civil War, the famed Vermont Cavalry was mounted on Morgan horses. Not only did the Union's General Sheridan ride his Morgan Rienzi, Stonewall Jackson rode his Morgan, 'Little Sorrel,' for the Confederacy as well! In the Indian Wars, the only survivor in the Battle of the little Big Horn was Keogh's Morgan-bred horse Comanche. If the pathways of history are paved with the bones of the horse, surely America's are paved by Morgans.

While the offspring of Justin Morgan were taming the wilderness and building the country, they were also creating the standards by which other American breeds would become known. The stamina and vigor of the Morgan together with his excellent conformation and way of going helped make other American light horse breeds what they are today. The great speed of today's racing Standardbreds was produced by crosses to the fastest Morgan blood. in the 1860s, the Morgan stallion Shepherd F. Knapp was exported to England where his trotting speed became a byword. Today, many English Hackneys carry his name in their pedigrees. In American Saddlebreds, such famous champions as Edna May, Bourbon King, Rex Peavine, and Wing Commander trace to Justin Morgan. The foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking horse, Allen F-1, was a grandson of the Morgan stallion Bradford's Telegraph. In addition, many good Morgan mares were sent to Texas only to lose their breed identity in Quarter Horse bands, and to make the breed greater for it. The oldest of all American breeds the Morgan was strong enough to contribute greatly to almost every other American light horse breed while retaining its own identity across two centuries.

Present-day Morgans differ little from their mighty progenitor. The average size of a Morgan today is between 14.2-15.2 hands, with some individuals over or under. Morgan coats are predominantly chestnut, bay, or brown, although many black, palomino, buckskin, and even a few grays appear in the breed. The breed's tremendous courage, disposition, substance, and type has remained as important to breeders today as it was 200 years ago. Whether you visit farms in New England, California, or any state in between, you can see bands of Morgans with the same deep bodies, lovely heads, and straight clean-boned legs. In barns and show rings across the country, the Morgan show horses flash by with heads high, eyes bright, and nostrils wide - Morgan quality showing in every hair on their gleaming, muscular bodies.

Today, Morgans have few wildernesses to conquer or wars to win, but they still accomplish great deeds. They are loved and revered as dynamite performers in Morgan shows across the country, and as loyal, sensible mounts on America's beautiful trails and pathways; they are treasured by mounted police squads and therapeutic riding programs for their intelligence, soundness, and gentleness; they are winning awards in driving, dressage, reining and cutting competitions against horses bred specifically for these jobs; and no matter what they may be doing or the tack they wear, knowledgeable horsemen see them and know, 'That's a Morgan!'

A bit of the hard-working, determined Morgan legend is with us whenever a Morgan carries a saddle-weary cowhand down a Montana mountain, pulls a carriage around a grueling obstacle course in record time, quietly carries children along a wooded path, or flashes around show rings with a style that causes spectators to cheer. The Morgan, our country's first breed of light horse, is as much a part of America today as it was two centuries ago.'

The Morgan legend has also spread around the world. Morgan owners and dubs can be found in Canada, England, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South America. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/577-enduring-legacy.html Taking on the High Flyers-update http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/575-taking-the-high-flyers-update.html Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:38:53 GMT CBC National News featured the song "United Breaks Guitars" on Thursday July 9th, at 10:30 p.m.

Since the song and video were released on Tuesday, it has received 644,000 views.

The artist was hoping for 1,000,000 hits in one year.

United Airlines is now in conversation with the artist and it is hoped that the third song of the promised trilogy may possibly feature a happy ending. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/575-taking-the-high-flyers-update.html Taking on the High Flyers http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/574-taking-the-high-flyers.html Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:58:59 GMT David & Goliath, Taking on the Corporate World

How many of us, at one time or other, has been frustrated by unfair treatment at the hands of a corporate entity? Incidents occur daily, and unless one has deep pockets, and the time to wait out litigation, most often we have little recourse but to walk away and chalk it up to experience.

The link below tells the story of one individual who has played the game fairly and come up with a creative solution that appears to be yielding the result desired from the very beginning, please just fix what you broke. No more, no less.

The internet, being put to good use, with a country song thrown in for good measure, lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/574-taking-the-high-flyers.html Nothing without purpose.... http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/572-nothing-without-purpose.html Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:59:54 GMT *Nothing without purpose....* The horses that are being bred in the Yukon at present, have a purpose in mind. Kinnick and Madelaine, procreation duties now attended, were ready to resume their training for future missions. They had been selected for their hardiness, with exceptionally strong... Nothing without purpose....

The horses that are being bred in the Yukon at present, have a purpose in mind. Kinnick and Madelaine, procreation duties now attended, were ready to resume their training for future missions.

They had been selected for their hardiness, with exceptionally strong hooves, requiring little maintenance and not in need of shoeing. They were weather resistant, taking heat, cold and dampness in stride, utilizing natural shelter, never in need of blanketing. Their dentition was well formed and even in wear, and their appetites were broadly tolerant of much of the local forage, reducing the cost of their upkeep. That they were pleasing to the eye and of delightful temperment, was just the frosting on the cake.

Deciding this day that Kinnick should be worked, the woman placed the halter on the stallion, eliciting a braying response, Kinnick having come to associated the halter with his duties as a stallion of late. The mare, was annoyed by such conduct, and pinned her ears while backing up toward them, her tail slashing the air, from side to side, clearly stating, “Not interested. Really, really, not interested.” The woman bade the mare away, no easy matter with a randy colt on the line.

Once outside the shared pen, Kinnick showed more interest in the green grass, so she allowed him a few mouthfuls before they moved on. Once tied at the hitching rail, the colt began to fidget, making grooming a chore. Trimming his bridle path with a small pair of scissors occupied the better part of 20 minutes, when it should only have taken about 3, but patience is often required in training animals.

Kinnick was evidencing separation anxiety, and called repeatedly to his mare, most annoying to the woman’s ears. The colt eliminated, his droppings loosely formed, but not foul-smelling, evidence of mental distress, not ill health.
She saddled the colt, and his foundation of training was manifest, in that he stood motionless and quiet, as conditioned through his early work. She left him to stand tied, and to rest herself from the heat before proceeding to the next phase of their work.

Returning after half an hour, she took the colt to the round pen, and within the safety of six foot walls, she moved Kinnick through the routines of walk, trot and canter until he was soft and compliant to her requests of speed and direction. When he was blowing soft wuffles of comprehension and licking his lips, they were ready to ride on the trails. They headed off into the boreal forest at a walk, the mercury hovering at 27C.

Kinnick was possessed of a comfortable trot and a delightful canter, his walk being the gait most in need of improvement, as he tended to dawdle. Today, the woman was surprised to find that the colt was moving with considerably more alacrity at the walk, despite the heat of the day, and she pondered at this change. She concluded that this was Madelaine’s doing. In her persistent hazing of the colt, she had encouraged the stallion to improve his walk, as a means of conserving energy, in complying with the mare’s frequent demands to relocate. Horses establish dominance by means of making those below them in the hierarchy yield position.

They walked through the woods comfortably, until they had a strange encounter with a spruce grouse. These birds would occasionally fly up, startling a horse with their noisy flutter. This bird was on the ground, and instead of flying away, it came scuttling toward them, uttering a threatening sound, more growl than cluck. The colt looked askance at this demented display and she felt the energy of concern rise in his body. He was requesting her input on the appropriate means of dealing with this unknown behaviour. She reassured him through voice and rein contact, as the spruce hen came within two meters and paralleled their path for 30 meters more, before turning back. She likely had a nest nearby, and the woman marvelled at the courage of motherhood, to bravely face an animal of nearly 1000lbs in defence of her young.

The rest of their journey was without incident, and the old cowboy’s words came to her mind. “If you want a sensible horse, then ride him sensibly.” Kinnick was showing signs of becoming a sensible horse. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/572-nothing-without-purpose.html <![CDATA[What part of "NO" don't you understand?]]> http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/571-what-part-no-dont-you-understand.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:12:24 GMT On June 3rd, Kinnick was united with his intended. In the manner of their species, there was much running and snorting, interspersed with mutual grooming and the ritual blowing into each other’s nostrils with necks arched. Madelaine was used to having herd-mates. Kinnick, living solitary for... On June 3rd, Kinnick was united with his intended. In the manner of their species, there was much running and snorting, interspersed with mutual grooming and the ritual blowing into each other’s nostrils with necks arched. Madelaine was used to having herd-mates. Kinnick, living solitary for several years, was ecstatic in her presence.

This state of affairs lasted roughly one week. As Madelaine cycled out of estrus, she rebuffed Kinnick’s advances, gently at first, and then with the convincing authority of fore and hind hooves.

What part of “NO” did the stallion not understand? By his appearance, he was slow in learning equine comportment.

The woman haltered the colt and led him off to tend his wounds. He had a festering wound on the underside of his jawbone, having obviously taken a sharp blow to the face. Both sides of his neck and chest were laced with contusions and abrasions, hair missing and epidermis peeled away. All four of his legs were scraped and scabby, but no swollen joints or lameness was observable. On his underside, just inches forward of his sheath, he had a cut and swelling, the sight of which would make any of her male acquaintances cross their legs in reflex. She sighed and proceeded to bath his wounds, the majority of which proved superficial.

Once a mare has conceived, she will usually “flash” on her next cycle, as her body adjusts to the many hormonal changes of pregnancy. She will display mild signs of estrus, but will usually decline the attentions of a stallion. This seemed to be the present case, and Kinnick was confused by the mixed signals he was receiving, requiring the mare to be increasingly more assertive.

Discretion being the better part of valour, Kinnick was returned to his bachelor pen for several days, where he waxed despondent, alternately blaring out his lament and pacing for hours at a time. Madelaine, on the other hand, seemed quite relieved by the absence of her former suitor.

Several days later, the mare’s cycle seemingly passed, the woman decided once again to test the living arrangements between the two horses.

Kinnick’s enthusiasm was short lived. Madelaine granted him a sisterly welcome and then proceeded to inform the stallion of what 10% of the corral she would tolerate him to occupy. As the woman watched the mare move the stallion around the pen, allowing him no surcease except when it pleased her to do so, she was satisfied that the mare was observing formal equine protocol. Madelaine was roughly 100 lbs. heavier than the colt, and tireless in her patience, repeating the lessons as needed.

Later, when she fed the horses, although she put hay and grain in two well separated locations, the mare and the stallion ate from each, side by side, muzzles touching, without acrimony. They truly seemed to enjoy each other’s companionship. Time would tell, but for the present, matters would stay as they were. ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/571-what-part-no-dont-you-understand.html Sisters Of Mercy http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/560-sisters-mercy.html Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:11:58 GMT Sisters of Mercy..... A phone call from a friend with a pony down, this day was not starting well. Arriving on the scene, two women were kneeling and stroking Sparkie, whose eyes were closed, lips pulled back from ashen gums, the legs stretched stiffly in pain, from his bloated middle. A... Sisters of Mercy.....

A phone call from a friend with a pony down, this day was not starting well.

Arriving on the scene, two women were kneeling and stroking Sparkie, whose eyes were closed, lips pulled back from ashen gums, the legs stretched stiffly in pain, from his bloated middle. A phone consultation was underway to get some medication from a Veterinary clinic, the husband rushing off to fetch same.

She examined the small palomino horse, 20 years or so old, about 350 lbs. Her inside wrist on his inner thigh showed his body temperature to be very low, despite the rapidly rising heat of the day. His ear tips were also cold and from his blanched mucous membranes, and slow, shallow breathing, he was in deep shock. He was almost spent, quite oblivious to his surrounds, retreating from his pain. The medicine was at least an hour away. He would likely pass before then if he could not be roused to fight.

She fetched a rubber curry and began to rub his swollen belly, ribs and haunches to restore some circulation to them. She explained to the others her reasoning and efforts and they joined in, gently at first, gradually escalating, until they were nearly pummelling the small fellow and making much noise about it.

So harried, Sparkie began to move. He lacked co-ordination and did not want to rise, thrashing from side to side as he rolled on his back, trying to escape the pain and now these terrible creatures that were adding to his torment, calling him back from his pain induced semi-conscious state. Pulling, pushing and loudly extorting, the three women worked together to raise the pony to his wobbly legs, managing to keep him upright for only a minute or two.

The system once practiced, they once again got Sparkie to his feet, massaging continued, and soon he managed a few steps before collapsing in the shade of the run-in shed. This course of events continued for almost two hours, the pony remaining on his feet and being led, each time for a little longer. When he went down, he still tried to thrash and roll, and she showed the others how they might thwart his efforts between them, keeping him upright on his sternum, a recovery position for the horse. Water was syringed into his mouth, most dribbling back out, yet stimulating the tongue to move, and more response from the pony.

The medication finally arrived, the pony rousted to his feet. The shot was quickly administered into the muscle and the pony kept on his feet and moving by the women for another 10 minutes to faster get into his system. This time when he laid down to rest, his muscles were much looser. His breathing resumed a normal rate, he was more aware of his surroundings, and he remained resting on his sternum unassisted.

For the duration of the action of the medication, there was naught to do but keep the little fellow company, syringe with water on the quarter hour and hope. She left her friend to tend her little horse, and moved on to other matters requiring her attention.

It was now up to nature to address the conditions that had brought about the abdominal pain, or colic. The outcome was, as yet, far from certain, despite the appearance of improvement, brought about by the powerful pain medication. The next 24 hours would be telling.... ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/560-sisters-mercy.html To Be, or Not To Be? http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/559-not.html Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:07:06 GMT The power to create and destroy life is not to be taken lightly.

When one is contemplating the bringing of a new life into this much populated world, one must also give thought to the purpose of such a life and provision for it's development and well being.

The woman had always been passionate about horses, though there were none present in her early years. The interest was perhaps genetic, as horses were of import to a previous generation, and the influence of the paternal grandsire effect has long been known to horse breeders.

Years spent in the observation of equine behaviour and some research and study of genetics had culminated in the four horses that were now in her yard, two of her own selected bloodlines, and two by another with a lifetime of such work, and once the owner of the largest Morgan Horse ranch in Canada.

The Morgan Horse was the oldest breed of horse developed in North America, descended entirely from one prepotent stallion who was bred to the best mares available. A hardy and handsome breed of high intelligence and great versatility, the U.S. Government had even been involved in breeding and developing the Morgan as remount stock for it's Cavalry.

Two mares of exceptional quality had come to her through circumstance and chance, full sisters, two years separating them. Of the two, the old mentor had chosen one to be retained for breeding stock. Out of respect for his experience and discernment in matters pertaining to the horse, this is the mare that would be bred to the young stallion Kinnick.

Northern equine foaling is best scheduled from mid-May onward, and as the gestation period of the mare is approximately 352 days, the breeding was scheduled for June, pending the decision of the mare.

Mares experience estrous cycle approximately every 21 days, during 8-10 months of the year, the cycle suspended during the coldest months of winter.

The short months of summer were when the mare was most receptive to the stallion and based on the indicators of the species, Madelaine would be receptive of courtship on the morrow.

The "honeymoon pen" had been the project of much refurbishment and repair. The water trough was now located and levelled, ready to be filled. A few more tasks involving a hammer and rails, and all would be ready.

Tomorrow held the promise of the beginning of a relationship that had a potential duration of some 25 years.

Yes, one mustn't rush into such matters.... ]]> labelwench http://www.toequest.com/forum/blogs/labelwench/559-not.html