Monday, January 27, 2014

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014

Wow! The sound of heavy rain woke me this morning ... another front moved across Central Florida!  (Mark and I have been Floridians for 30+ years and have not experienced a winter like this one!) This front, a warm one, brought temperatures into the 70s by afternoon. Our local meteorologist said "Floridians have had 48 hours of cloudy weather and are being affected by SAD." I hope he was joking, LOL, we Floridians are tougher than that; or are we???


Mark just turned our central heat on for the first time since 2010 ... it stinks!  Yes, it stinks that we had to turn it on but its ... a "dusty" smell. Haha. He thought we'd better make sure it works. So far, we've just used our livingroom fireplace and bedroom electric one. 

The Chinese "year of the horse" starts today! Those born under this sign should have a great year, according to Chinese horoscope. Horse people are warmhearted, able and smart… Born 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918…

There are more than 260 horse breeds!  Some of the more popular breeds may be familiar ... enjoy these gorgeous creatures!


The Clydsdale ... bred in Scotland originally worked hauling and in agriculture and stands 18-19 hands high! They are available in many colors and widely known in America as "Budweiser horses". The classic color is roan with black mane and tail with white "feathered" fetlocks. As you can see, other colors are acceptable. Clydesdales are known as the gentle giants. 


The Gypsy Vanner ... was bred to pull the colorful gypsy caravans across Europe. This beautiful breed has a good following in America. 


The American Quarter Horse ... was bred and used extensively for ranching and is the fastest horse in a sprint race. 


The Andalusian ... (or Pure Spanish Horse) is a breed from the Iberian Peninsula. This strong, yet compact horse was used as a war horse throughout Europe and ridden by royalty. It is a breed thousands of years unchanged. 


The Thoroughbred ... a highly developed 1,000 lb racing machine on four skinny legs capable of carrying a heavy load. This photo is Northern Dancer from Canada who lived a healthy 39 1/2 years having won international fame. 


The Icelandic Horse ... was brought to Iceland by Scandinavian settlers in the 9th century. No other horses have been allowed into Iceland making this a hearty, long lived breed with resistance to disease. 


The Spotted Saddle Horse ... an American breed created by crossing the Spanish Pinto with Tennessee Walking Horse. These horses make a delightful light-riding partner with a smooth gait. 


The Mustang ... because our American wild horses are descended from domesticated Spanish horses, they are listed as "feral horses" by our government. As such, they are under the control of the Bureau of Land Management and constantly under "herd management" controls. Nevertheless, Mustangs are strong, healthy horses and a national treasure. 

Obviously, I could carry on with registered horse breeds, and there are plenty of beautiful, sound horses of indeterminate (backyard) breeding. "A horse is a horse, of course of course!"

Happy (Chinese) New Year! (Hey, if your "resolutions" failed from 30 days ago, this is a fresh start.). LOL




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