|
Horses
Dec 18, 2005 14:15:03 GMT 10
Post by kiarea on Dec 18, 2005 14:15:03 GMT 10
:DHorses are graceful animals.
|
|
|
Horses
Dec 19, 2005 0:10:54 GMT 10
Post by Angel on Dec 19, 2005 0:10:54 GMT 10
I think they are such beautiful gracefull animals too kiarea
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 12, 2006 16:45:57 GMT 10
Post by katesmith on Jan 12, 2006 16:45:57 GMT 10
Arabian Horses Myth To Reality The Bedouin tribes of the desert, believing the horse to be a gift from God, told many romantic tales of the Arabian's beginnings. One such legend claims God fashioned the desert south wind into a creature who "shall fly without wings". No matter how the horse came to the desert, Bedouins took them as prized members of their households. Individual horses were selected for the gentle, affectionate nature, the striking look and proud spirit the breed is known for today. The Arabian was also bred to withstand long treks across the desert and the tribal wars which sometimes followed such trips. The Bedouins developed horses with strength, courage and stamina required for survival, and for the speed and responsiveness needed to win the tribal skirmishes. All in all, the Arabian Horse developed a significant list of attributes! When Europeans sought to improve their saddle horses, Arabians were imported to cross with native strains. The standard procedure was to use purebred Arabians, especially stallions, to improve stock. The Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian are conspicuous in English Thoroughbred pedigrees. Similar improvement plans took place in France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and Russia. Today, Arabians are found throughout the world and the blood of Arabians flows in all breeds of light horses. Ancient Bedouin breeders were careful to record bloodlines and jealously guarded the purity of their Arabians. As a result, even though centuries have passed, today's Arabian cannot be mistaken for any other breed. Whether ridden English or western, shown in park classes or used for trail riding, Arabians have the same basic distinctive appearance. The Arabian's head has a characteristic dished profile with a prominent eye, large nostrils and small teacup muzzle. His gracefully arched neck rises out of a long sloping shoulder and broad chest. A short, strong back and high trail carriage complete the picture. Arabians come in grey, chestnut, bay and roan and an occasional solid black. Although some individuals will vary, most are between 14.2 and 15.2 hands in height and weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds.
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 12, 2006 16:53:36 GMT 10
Post by katesmith on Jan 12, 2006 16:53:36 GMT 10
Australian Brumbies Australian Brumbies History Australia’s first horses arrived here in 1788. Irregular shipments followed that initial cargo. Because of the conditions the horses lived under, only the fittest survived. Some horses died during the voyages. When horse racing was recognized as a sport in 1810, good quality thoroughbreds were imported from England to Australia. It is thought that the name Brumby for Australian feral horses is thought to have been derived from a James Brumby who arrived on the Britania in 1791. James Brumby, born in Scotton Lincolnshire, was a soldier with the New South Wales Corps, he was also a farrier and it is thought that he was responsible for some horses in the early Australian Colony. When James moved to Tasmania in 1804 it is thought that he left some horses in New South Wales. Locals asked who owned the horses, "they are Brumby's" was the reply. Whilst there is some uncertainty as to the origin of this name for horses the above appears the most certain route to their naming The first horses were used for farm work, and contributed to the opening up of Australia’s pastoral land. Explorers used horses and bullocks for transport. Horses were later bred for the remount trade. The low number and quality of fences, and infrequent musters, meant that many horses escaped. Some horses were also abandoned as machinery took over many of their tasks. Both groups of horses became feral. Type Brumbies are rarely of consistent size, conformation or color. This is because domestic mares may escape and join feral horse herds. Also, they were originally of mixed type, including draught and thoroughbred. Impact Brumbies are viewed as both a pest and a resource. They can cause damage to fences, overgraze cattle pastures, drink and foul water supplies, and make cattle mustering more difficult. They may also mate with domestic mares, and carry and pass on diseases. Their usefulness in Austalia has been as meat, hair (for musical instruments, brushes, upholstery), and tourism/recreation. They can be captured and used as replacement stock horses, but demand is low. When the weather is dry, Brumbies may make water available by pawing at sandy creekbeds, providing water for wildlife and cattle as well as themselves. Because of the limited commercial need for these horses, regular culling is necessary, and studies have been carried out as to the most humane and efficient method. This culling is necessary not only to reduce the horses’ impact on cattle farming, but for the protection of the horse herd. A large number of horses in drought conditions would suffer starvation, thirst, and may consume toxic plants. Summary Horses have played an important role in Australia’s history. It is unfortunate that some became feral. It is up to us to control the size of the brumby herds, for their protection and our livelihood. Photographs: Mt Bundarrah Horse Adventures, Phillip and Louise Maguire, Mt Bundarrah Station, Via Omeo, Victoria, Australia 3898
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 12, 2006 18:15:09 GMT 10
Post by Owen Watkin on Jan 12, 2006 18:15:09 GMT 10
More great info thanks again, Kate.
When I was a kid, I used to go to my uncles farm to ride his horses, it was great.
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 12, 2006 23:04:58 GMT 10
Post by Angel on Jan 12, 2006 23:04:58 GMT 10
I love to see them running free Owen
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 16, 2006 18:44:56 GMT 10
Post by katesmith on Jan 16, 2006 18:44:56 GMT 10
I always feel sorry for our brumbies.
|
|
|
Horses
Jan 16, 2006 19:50:37 GMT 10
Post by Angel on Jan 16, 2006 19:50:37 GMT 10
I can imagine Kate
|
|
|
Horses
Feb 1, 2006 18:36:55 GMT 10
Post by willowminx on Feb 1, 2006 18:36:55 GMT 10
katesmith i do to, lovely animals horses are
|
|