Many thanks to all of you out in the blogosphere
who have enriched my life throughout the year.
Here’s wishing you and your family
a very Happy New Year.
Royal and Marvel
Happy New Year !
Another Triumph ~ Przewalski Foal Born At Australian Zoo
New Przewalski’s horse foal “Effie”
stands with mother Natasya
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This past November, the Monarto Zoo in Australia added another jewel to its crown, with a rare Przewalski’s foal born at the zoo, the first successful birth of the animal since 2000.
Born on Melbourne Cup day, the little white foal has been nicknamed Effie after cup winner Efficient.
The birth sent a wave of excitement through staff as it carries worldwide significance.
Przewalski’s horses are the last of the world’s wild horses, with concerted efforts under way to ensure they do not become extinct.
Only about 100 to 120 remain in the wild in Mongolia, and Effie is the first Przewalski’s horse to survive at the zoo since 2001.
In the mid-90s, the zoo was involved in an international program and sent two mayors from Adelaide to re-establish the species in Mongolia, after they became extinct in the wild.
Monarto zoo senior curator Peter Clark said the mares had to go through some extreme climate changes, from 40C heat in Australia to -40C in Mongolia. “One of these mares is alive to this day and has had several foals,” he said.
“It is a big testament to their ability to survive in the most extreme of climatic conditions.
“They are tough animals.”
Earlier Post: Last of the True Wild Horses
Skijoring With Horses
Nate Bowers of Bowers Farm
Fort Collins, CO
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Skijoring, or ski driving, is a winter sport that originates in Scandinavia, where it has been practiced for centuries. Laplander’s skied on Nordic skis holding the reins attached to reindeer.
In the mid 1950’s, skijoring found its way to North America, where ranchers attached a long rope to the saddle horn of a horse that was ridden at high speeds down a long straight-away.
Skijoring with horses usually involves two people and one horse. One person rides the horse while the skier is towed behind. The rider determines the pace and route for the skijoring adventure, while the skier attempts to hold on.
Skijoring involves towing a skier behind horses or dogs. In addition to being a rapid way to get around, it is also a competitive winter sport in some parts of the United States, particularly the Northwest and Midwest.
Especially with horses, skijoring is sometimes classified as an extreme sport because of the high rate of speed and potential danger involved. Skijoring is also a great deal of fun when carried out safely.
Some horse skijoring competitions integrate jumps and extreme skiing maneuvers in addition to conventional skijoring. Horses used for skijoring tend to be extremely agile and quick, and breeds such as the American Quarterhorse are favored for the sport.
Currently, the sport of equestrian skijoring has become a highly specialized competitive sport, where competitors must navigate a course of jumps, gates and sometime spear rings.
Competitive skijoring competitions are currently taking place in over 5 states in the USA, and in several countries worldwide.
In 1999, after several follow-up meetings, the North American Ski Joring Association (NASJA) was developed. For the first time in history, equestrian skijoring became a sanctioned sport!
Video: Nate Bowers Skijoing at Bowers Farm
Link: Bowers Farm
For some exciting, competitive Skijoring, watch the video of
Skiing in the Streets: Leadville’s Offbeat Winter Sport.
Video: Competitive Skijoring in Leadville.,Colorado
Link: More information on Leadville, Colorado Skijoring
Link: National Association of Skijoring in America
Last Minute Gift? Perhaps A Draft Horse Or Two Will Do!
Click Here For A Gentle Giant
Click here for a Clydesdale
Click Here For A Percheron
Click Here For A Draft Horse
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Happy Holidays!
Historic Lebanon Christmas Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade
On December 1, in the charming scenic town of Lebanon, Ohio, more than 1,800 horses’ hooves paraded through the streets as they heralded the beginning of the holiday season with the 19th Annual Historic Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade.
More than 80,000 spectators turned out to see the majestic Clydesdales, adorable miniature horses, and be-decked equines of all sizes.
Historic buildings provided the perfect backdrop for this ever-popular and growing festival.
More than 100 horse-drawn antique carriages paraded through the streets, pulled by miniature horses, majestic Clydesdales, and all kinds of horses in between.
The carriages, horses and drivers are decked out in turn-of-the century attire and holiday decor.
This annual historic parade has two showings. One is held in the early afternoon, the other during the evening. The night parade spectators hold candles along the route.
Christmas carolers, bell choirs, and strolling musicians added to the festive holiday celebration that has made the Lebanon Christmas Parade a notable and joyous event.
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YouTube: Lebanon Christmas Parade
Photographer: Robert Leifheit – Daytona Daily News
