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Midwest Fjord Club www.mwfhc.org summer 2007

President’s Message

ello all you Midwest Fjord Club members! May how time has flown. This is my last article as President of our merry band and I must admit that I have had a blast serving. Fjord owners in general are nice folks but those Hof the Midwest Club are a definitely a cut above the rest. We have seen a busy two years. Ones that have seen the club continue to grow and prosper. We always seem to have a great deal of work ahead but it is, and always has been,good honest work. The kind that makes you feel good at the end of the day. The new Executive Committee will be a good one with lots of experience and leadership under its belt. Look for more good things to come. I only ask that you support and stand behind Suzie as you have me. It makes a great deal of difference when the going gets rough. Well, that's enough foolishness for now. Time to sign off and head to the barn. Blue Earth will be here before you know it. Chuck Kelly, President

Lois and Viggo’s Excellent Adventure by Lois Handel 2007 BuffaloTrip him part way over it, then jumped in and made him finish it himself. That was ok. e started out on a beautiful, sunny but cool day. I left home (near Isanti, MN) around 10am, We wandered along at a plenty of time to cover the 25 miles to Sand better, slower pace after WDunes Forestry and Horse camp. I ditched the map pretty that, and came to Elk Lake, early, deciding on a route that I’d not driven in the car where the map had showed previously, as I knew the regular way and wanted some - I could cut down and meet thing different, a route would cover more countryside than up with Co Rd 4 to Sand I’d seen so far. Sounds good, right? Viggo started out with a Dunes. Yahoo maps and bang, giving his fast road trot that meant getting some - real roads are sometimes not where sooner. I tried to warn him this was a long trip, but what they claim to be. After he didn’t listen. I think he got the hint after the first 10 going a couple miles, and miles. By then we are in territory we’d not been for a not finding the right turn (or any turn), we turned around while. and backtracked to the lake again. Bummed and not want - ing to backtrack to the south end of Elk Lake once again, I I happily discovered my route took me over Hwy 169 with saw on the map that if I just kept going west, I’d get to just an overpass rather than fighting for the road on fishing north of Orrock, a out of the way from my plan but do- opener weekend, and even though it was a Thursday, it able. So, off we went, Viggo getting slower by the mile was pretty busy down there! Viggo decided he didn’t like now. By the time we reached Orrock, he was TIRED! We the overpass, and balked at the beginning of it. There was walked the 3 miles (I got out and walked along with him) enough traffic even there that I had to get out and lead into the town, and camp was still a couple miles down. continued on page 2

In this issue… Blue Earth 2007 Update ...... 4 President’s message ...... 1 Babies ...... 5 to Buffalo ...... 1-2 Classifieds ...... 6 Midwest Horse Fair ...... 3 Club Officers ...... 7 Minnesota Horse Expo ...... 4-5 Upcoming Events ...... 7 Membership Form ...... 7 continued from page 1 hose. I got the spare We pulled into camp around 4 p.m. Plenty of time to room, a great gather some firewood and set up camp. I put Viggo to bed dinner, a hot on the tie line, made a nice, warm fire for me and settled shower (the in. The DNR manager from the Ann Lake campground best part!), came over for firewood and water, and we chatted a while, and a warm otherwise the campground was all mine. I did clock it on bed! Life the odometer after I couldn’t be got home, we’d cov - better! ered 33 miles that day, a bit more than Saturday was beautiful, sunny, cool and just about perfect. I’d intended for I helped set up the cone course at the rodeo grounds and Viggo having not then we went back for the . I borrowed Steve’s train - been out much this ing cart and we had a great time playing with all the fun spring. stuff that was set up. I did not work Viggo very hard there, my husband came out and we ran the courses, then I In the morning I helped Steve and then my friend Mary with their horses loaded everything for most of the day. back up and we got started by 9am. Viggo is tired, and I think a bit sore, but he’s game to go. He was pretty disap - Sunday morning I got ready early and got going by 9am or pointed to head south rather than back east and home, but so for the trip home. It was cloudy and looked like rain, so didn’t complain too much (yet). He had enough energy to put on the rain gear right off. Viggo knew he was on his bug at some plastic blowing in a landscaped area, and way home since we’d been through this last year and he garage sale signs, he really does not care for balloons on put on a good pace. It was pretty uneventful heading back those. In Big Lake I led him through some of the town, up, and at least I never had to get out and push. He booked across the RR tracks, and at a busy intersection with of all through Monticello without missing a beat, bridges, tracks things a yellow gas line box & pipes. Once past that, we & all and on up to Big Lake. I drove him up to Sand took Hwy 25 down to Monticello. I had to lead him at the Dunes, arriving there by 2:30. I took pity on my tired Fjord start of the river and called hubby to come fetch us home. We covered 81 bridge, then miles total. Enough for 4 days out. I got treated to a nice jumped in and he Mother’s Day dinner with my family, and hubby was happy finished going to have me safely back home. I have a full year to get over that, but Viggo in shape for next year’s annual Buffalo drive again! once we got off But this year, we are going on a longer drive part way back the main highway from Blue Earth in July, so I have to get busy and condi - and onto the tion him for that one. You won’t catch me lying around in back streets that the hammock at home doing nothing until then. were quieter, he decided that was enough and stopped dead. I did let him rest, for quite a while as I was in no hurry, but I did want to get to Buffalo before dark. I got him through town by leading him, even over the Hwy 94 bridge. I’m sure it was pretty funny with me trotting over it leading him along like a sheep pulling a buggy! I got lots of Hi signs from drivers on both sides, and lots of laughs I’m sure! After we got back on the quieter streets, again Viggo said no. And I said yes. We had a discussion about the virtues of a good horse, and a long trip, and how I was not about to walk the last 10 miles along with him. I’m glad I did carry the whip even though I rarely use it, but after line driving him on the ground with it tickling his fetlocks in the rear, he got the message loud and clear. I did not ask for any big trot, just a walk was fine with me, but forward motion was required. He finally gave in and we did make it to Waddell’s about 3:30 or so. Just about the length of time I’d expected. He got bedded down in a nice box stall, fresh water & hay, and lots of rest after a cool bath with the 2 Midwest Horse Fair by Patti Jo Walter

he Midwest Horse Fair, April 2007 in Madison Wi, stallion, Fair Acres Ole and had decided to sell him, I had Twas once again a time to show what Fjords are all to talk about him a lot that weekend and it was very hard about. The Fjords have been at the Midwest Horse to talk to people about selling him. Knowing this was my for since the early 90’s. Each year the group tries to show last year with him at the fair, knowing the fun we had and the versatility of the fjords, the disposition and tempera - the great memories but also knowing it’s the right thing to ment. It’s not always easy as it’s a super nice fair, with very do in selling him, made it a hard weekend on me. Ole is a nice facilities, but..also limited warm up area, and since we one in a million horse. I’m so grateful I bought him as a all come from different states , we can never practice with weanling, raised and did all the training on himself and all each other. We do our best each year and the Fjords by far, that I’ve accomplished with him, even taking him to are our saving grace. Madison, and being able to do vaulting with Keelie was a treat. You can’t do that with all horses, and especially with This year’s theme was “Ride, Rock and Roll”. The Mid - a stallion. It’s been a joy to work and handle and be a part west Group, likes to try and follow the fair’s theme when - of his life for that last 12 yrs. Fjords really can teach you a ever possible, so Dawn Schlickman, head coordinator for lot if you let them. our stall decorations went to town. Using 45’s and 33 Records from that As I look back and remember our demo, just how many era as stall plaques, breeds could have a stallion doing vaulting, with the picture frames and vaulter doing cartwheels, summersaults,running and jump - with retro colors, ing up over his rump to get on, cantering and doing a we started the bounce drop, standing, kneeling and basically doing what - weekend with our ever you want to on him, with him, around him! AND, stalls looking fabu - not only that, but having a team driving team, that is a lous! Then Joni feat in itself. The big hitches that were there Griffin head cos - driving 6 and 8 horses said , ‘driving a tandem” is harder tume designer found then driving the bigger multiples. Then we had young Pink Ladies T- horses that had never been in a big coliseum with loud shirts, caps and music and lots of people yelling and clapping. It’s always scarfs along with impressive to see those black leather jackets. The guys wore white t-shirts and young ones deal so well with jeans. We tried to roll cigarette packs up in their sleeves the crowds and noise. but guess the packs are different then years gone by as it didn’t work. Joni did find Elvis Presley sun glasses with I think our Fjords are the side burns attached and we really thought Gary Holland BEST horses at the fair. Ok, looked “HOT” in them, but we could not convince him to I’m biased but I see our stalls wear them during the demo. He kept saying he couldn’t open, with owners inviting see thru them or some silly notion like that. My friend, spectators to come in and Linda Miller has a “T-birds” leather jacket that I borrowed meet a Fjord up close and and I also found a fake tail, it was SOOO much fun personal. I’ve seen small having that long hair for the weekend. BUT, am very glad children allowed to sit on it’s not that long all the time, too hot, too much to deal the fjords back in the stall, with, with the fake curls and all. (just so you all know it is I’ve seen multiple kids put up on the backs of Fjords at me in the pictures!) Pat Reising, seated on Ole and Carolyn Wieland, standing. Pat is a one time. This year, I per - Our group consisted of Nancy and Rich Hotovy, Nancy grandmother and Carolyn a great- sonally put up a grandma driving a tandem. They were sharp looking! Gary and Pat grandmother and a great-grandma up on Holland riding western and hunt seat respectively. Tyler Ole’s back. They were Schlickman and Jessica Katzman both western. Joni Grif - sooooo enthralled with fin and Eby Higdon both hunt seat and myself with Keelie him, it was kind of neat putting older folks up there in - Finnel doing vaulting and riding double. We had some stead of the kids. I just think we have the BEST breed, the young horses, green horses and a couple seasoned ones. All kindness and humbleness of the Fjord shows in so many represented the breed VERY well. ways that it is hard to describe it in words. I’m just thank - ful to God, that I own Fjords! It was a rather bittersweet weekend for me. I brought my

3 Celebrating 22 years - work. Enclosed in the packet are the safety rules (short and and going strong basic) and the Blue Earth class descriptions. Please look over the class descriptions closely and please bring them the MWFHC Sponsored Blue Earth Show with you to the show. Note that many of our classes are of or the 22nd time not the same wordage at the newly formed NFHR we all will be rule/guidebook. After many long hours of discussion your gathering in Blue Earth Committee decided that our class descriptions FBlue Earth, MN July are conducive to our show and with the proven success of 23, 24, & 25th. our show, we will honor what we have worked so hard for Once again your so long to create. show committee has Our judge this year is Phil Callahan and photographers are been working hard Hickory Hill Farm Photography - Doyle and Shirley Gates. through out the year Class schedule is much the same as last year, classes start - to provide a show for ing each day at 8:00 AM, with afternoon classes starting at all of you to enjoy, 1:00. One new class this year, added due to popular de - relax, meet new peo - mand - Low Hunter Over Fences - will follow the popular ple, join up with old Hunter Hack class on Tuesday. Total number of classes friends, compete in this year is 68, with a full line of conformation, draft, show - new classes, and generally just have FUN with this great manship, trail, western, English, youth, , driving breed of horse - the Norwegian Fjord. pleasure and cones, turnout, ride & drive, walk/trot - By now all of you should have received your show packet. I youth, adult and green horse, fence classes and games. apologize if it came a bit late this year, due to some family Please feel free to contact me with ANY questions or con - matters, (two graduating children) I got a bit behind. cerns, email me at [email protected] or call (815) 591- Your show packets are complete. Everything you need is in 3658, I promise to get back to you asap. it. Entry form, show schedule, stall card (to be sent to Thank you for all of your support through out the years and Roger and Diane Whitney), sponsorship form with ad - we hope to see you in July! dressed envelope, patterns for trail classes, driving cones, hunter over fences and farmers race. Also this year is a new Sincerely Pat Holland, MWFHC Show Chair form for the versatility award that must be sent in with the and Committee entry form. This new procedure is to help with office book - Minnesota Horse Expo by Laurie With id we have a great weekend! Staged on the Min - Linda Syversen-Kerr was our flag carrier on Marcus, riding Dnesota State Fairgrounds, the expo here sets up a western. The Lustys drove Darla in a meadowbrook cart, parade of breeds every day in which each breed Bob and Therine Gudknecht pulled a 4 wheel wagon, and gets a one minute display in the coli - Deeann Sime and Anne Longfellow seum arena, and later in the day a 5 worked Loki Lee in an easy entry cart. minute demo ride. This arena is Oz and I rode western. HUGE, if anyone has been at the After each ride, we had people come up Minnesota State Fair they will remem - to us who had watched the entire demo ber it. The lighting is awful, the ceil - (all the breeds) and we truly were com - ing is high, you go uphill through a plimented many times about being the dark tunnel to get inside…the walls best they saw. We dressed to suit the way are high, white concrete with banners we rode, the horses were clean and on them.… at one end are the corrals groomed, and to a fault, everyone of and chutes for the nightly rodeo. them were very well behaved. When we However, in spite of all that…our walked them around the fairgrounds in Fjords did great! the evening, we were always surrounded by admiring kids We try in our demo to show the variety of styles of riding (and adults) wanting to pet them, and asking questions. and driving our Fjords are capable of, and also their suit - I met many people from the Fjord list including Kate ability for all ages. We had Hannah Boisen on Oyer as our Charboneau, who was fantastic. She came all the way youth rider, riding western. Anne Lottie with Lena, and down from Bemidji and stayed two days to help with the Kristin Lee on Yaeger rode english pleasure. Hieke mounting blocks, heading the carts, and generally being a Lewandowski showed her stallion Thor in dressage riding, terrific helper. We also met several new and potential continued on page 5 4 continued on from page 4

Fjord owners whom we sent home with a lot of information and encouragement to come to Blue Earth, even if it's just to watch. This event brings out the nerves in everyone. We mount up in the horse barn, ride down the street through people, strollers, cars, trucks, golf carts, going around the back of the coliseum where we passed a semi trailer full of noisy, stinking cows waiting to unload for the rodeo. There were papers blowing around the streets, and distractions every where. I had a panic attack and really wanted to bail out, but Kristin suggested i just sit tight (or loose) and see what hap - pens. I took a deep breath and went with it. In we went, surrounded by lights, banners, crowds, music, the whole works. Within 30 seconds, Oz was trotting in his easy western jog, WW Kooper born 5/10/07 ....12 days head down and calm, while the an - LATE! Out of Glacier View's Samson (BDF Canada King X Morgan's Dawn) nouncer introduced each of us by name, and we waved. We came around the end of and Ranka (Sebastien X Dooree). Kathy the arena, and I suddenly heard "GO, OZZIE, GO!" i looked up and there must have Johnson been at least 10 people from our boarding stable on their feet hollering for us. I rode [email protected] out with tears in my eyes, and a smile on my face. What a day! Babies!

Red dun colt, born april 16, made his first public appearance at the Minnesota WW Kooper taking a break, Ranka resting too. Fjona, Gunner, Cali, Horse Expo at 10 days old., Lillehammer & Thor, Heike Lewandowski Flikka and Tucker waiting for him to get up and play!!

Sunnar belongs to Linda Syverson-Kerr. She is out of Sunniva (Smedsmo Graen X Maggie Lane's Vivikka) and WW Reidar (Gjest X Ranka). This Brown dun colt , Reterra’s Laurie & Thor Brown dun filly Reterra’s Irma & Thor little cutie was born on 5/27/07...13 days early!! Heike Lewandowski continued on page 5 Kathy Johnson [email protected] Heike Lewandowski 5 Classified Ads spring. Iduna Acres Oyer, a son, received 3 Grand Champion Halter awards in 2006 at age 3, also a Blue NFHR Eval. Sons & This space is available for MWFHC members to place free Fjord- daughter are receiving blues & reds in halter & performance related ads, up to 70 words. classes. Live foal guarantee. Contact: James Hovre, Ettrick, Wis - consin, (608)-525-5282, [email protected] Training Services Training: Pat Holland Training - proven trainer for Evaluations, riding, driving and draft. On home site offering excellent facili - Farrier Services: Vista Ridge Farrier, Joe Yanish ties and over 30 years of experience. • Graduate of Minnesota School of Horseshoeing www.pathollandtraining.com, [email protected] (815) • Member of American Farrier's Association 591-3658 Standing “Wood's Sven” Silver Medallion of Quality. • Member of Minnesota Farrier's Association By “Coleman's Jorge” (out of a Rudaren daughter) Dam is by “Balance specialist for peak performance!” “Finnmark” (Gromar). Draft in type, dark chocolate brown dun, [email protected] or 320-693-2007 quiet disposition Live cover only . Training: Horses for Sale Specializing in starting the young Fjord. Dressage, FOR SALE: hunt, western, trail, jumping. Tailor made training to suit the Rokida's Vennlig (means friendly in Norwegian) owner. Can also show your Fjord for you in evaluation system or ROK-Q-1757-G. Four year old Norwegian Fjord brown dun geld - horse shows. Also taking a few in on consignment. Have a nice ing, 14.1 hands and drafty. By Valea's Lee C-493 C-A-290-S Fjord that you need to sell? Contact me, let's see if I can help 3.pr, S4,G3, out of Ro Sandy's Misty Dawn C-589 BOF-C-505- you. Looking for a nice Fjord to buy, please check out my web - M. Vennlig is a very friendly and easy-going horse. Easy to train, site. Patti Jo Walter, Francis Creek Fjords, Two Rivers, WI not spooky. He has been ground driven, hitched to cart and (920)755-4387 [email protected] / stone boat. Used to harness and and works alone in his www.franciscreekfjords.com training. Can stand in tie stall all night. Currant on vaccinations and Coggins. Regular farrier work. Loaded and hauled several Stallions/Breedings times. Pictures available. Asking $2500. Can haul to central Stallion Service: Wisconsin or Minnesota. Philis Anderson, Sawtooth Mountain Smedsmo Graen, Gray Fjord stallion imported Fjords, 959 Cutoff Rd., Grand Marais, MN 55604-2289, 218- from . If you want inherited first class disposition, solid 387-2733, cell 218-370-0883 conformation, free athletic movement, and up-headed appear - ance in your Fjord babies consider booking Smedsmo Graen. FOR SALE: Green Valley Farm has a few exceptional Fjords for Live cover or AI breeding contracts available in 2007. We do our sale of various ages and disciplines. Our Fjords are professionally best to cooperate with you, the mare owner, to get her in foal. trained and come from outstanding bloodlines which have been We can also transport your mare. Call Phillip Odden, (715)468- NFHR Evaluated. Sign up for our quarterly e-mail by contacting 2780 email [email protected] us at [email protected] and check out our updated website www.greenvalleyfarm.com Breeding Services Standing at Green Valley Farm are 2 of the top 3 NFHR Evaluated Stallions. Kastanjegardens Fernando re - FOR SALE: 3 year old grey stallion. RT Gandalf x Rads Luna - ceived an 86 with a 9.5 for his trot and blue ribbons for his grandson of Erland. Very correct. As he is a young stallion I NFHR Intro & driving (S2) and Adv English tests would prefer someone experienced in handling a stallion. 7 year (G4). Thorvald has an 85.75 with a 9.25 for type and blue rib - old mare. Tall. Anvil's Torbjorn x Hedvig. This has always been bons for Intro English & and draft tests (S2). GVF one of our best breedings. This mare is very sweet, good ground Sjokolade, a Fernando son, received very high scores in the manners, rides and nicely started to drive. Weanling colt - born NFHR Young stock Evaluation and was placed 1st by all 3 judges 5/23/2007. Dundarling Tatonka x TUF Reba. Nancy or Rich in the 2 & 3 year old Stallion Halter Class and then went on to Hotovy, 269-244-5345 become the NFHR 25th Anniversary Show Grand Champion Stallion. Live Cover or artificial insemination (fresh cooled or Merchandise frozen semen) is available for these outstanding stallions. For All Things Fjord & More more information contacting us at Specializing in Fjord Horse design [email protected] and check out our updated website gifts and clothing. www.allthingsfjord.com. Linda Lottie www.greenvalleyfarm.com (715)689-2295, Kristin Lee (952)472-5617 Norwegian Fjord Horse 2007 Calendar Stallion Service: “WW Reidar”, son of “Gjest” out of “Sebast - Full color photos for ian” daughter “Ranka”. Owned by Kathy & Randy Johnson, each month. Huge 11 x 13.5", professionally printed. Order on - Montrose, MN (763) 972-8119 standing live cover or shipped line: www.painteasy.com/calendar.html Order by mail: Totem cooled at Fieldstone Farm & Stable, Hanover, IL Pat Holland Farm, 319 Waites Corner Rd, West Kingston RI 02892. Cost: (815) 591-3658. 14-1 hds, brown dun elegance, refinement and $20 mailed to the US; $24 shipped to Canada. Produced by outstanding movement. Proven in harness with Championships. Totem Farm Art Studio. The best of Gjest in the Midwest. Ingrid's Customized Artwork , Gifts & Embroidered Apparel for Stallion Service: WH Stone (Malcom Locke ) Reserve Cham - the Fjord, Friesian or Lover. Please visit my web - pion Halter Stallion at the NFHR 25th Anniversary Show. Blue page: www.fullmoonfarm.us and follow the links, or call ribbon NFHR Evaluation. NFHR Pedigree. Stone's gentleness, (440)236-9630. Thank you and happy trails! willing ways & correct conformation are passed on to his off - 6 New Memberships: Julie L. Snape Madison, WI 53714-2247

MWFHC Officers Kids of all ages love Fjord babies. Heike Lewandowski and Lilly show off her 10 day old colt at the Minnesota Horse Expo in April. President: Chuck Kelly, (563)864-3201 [email protected] Calendar of Events Vice President: Susan Sadlon, (260)925-6043 July 23-25, 2007 Blue Earth Show [email protected] Blue Earth, Minn. Secretary: Therine Gudknecht, (507)824-2166 Contact: Pat Holland [email protected] (815)591-3658 [email protected] Treasurer: Mary Ofjord, (218)387-1879 August 11-12, 2007 NFHR Evaluation [email protected] LaCrosse, Wis. Contact: Sophie Fiedler Past President: Karin Peterson, (920)867-4718 (815)777-6008 [email protected]

MWFHC Membership Name ______Farm Name ______Address ______City ______State______Zip______Phone______email______New Member Dues: $15 per year, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP (ONE VOTE) ____ Renewal (Due July 1) $25 per year, FAMILY MEMBERSHIP (TWO VOTES) $5 per year additional if desire to be listed as BREEDERS

Make checks payable to MWFHC Send to: MWFHC c/o Mary Ofjord 428 Cty Rd. 14 Grand Marais, MN 55604

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MWFHC Mission Statement The mission of the Midwest Fjord Horse Club is to promote high-quality, versatile Fjord horses, encourage their use in any discipline, educate people about the Fjord horse and promote fellowship amongst Fjord enthusiasts.