The Finn horse is one of the strengths of Finnish travel industry

From Hevoset ja kunta – Rajapintoja: hevosmatkailu (e-book, p. 104-)

Summer night. Photo by Smerikal (CC 2.0)

Hippolis published a book “The Horse and The Municipality” which aims to deliver fact-based information for decision-making at municipalities (land use, zoning, construction, equine-assisted activities, youth activities etc.) One of the goals of this project is to encourage horse people to contact respective municipalities and to pass information about the industry and hobby.

One of the themes is the travel industry. Finland is an exotic and interesting, yet safe destination to spend a(n equestrian) holiday. The nature, its tranquility, spaciousness, flora and fauna, changing seasons and beautiful landscapes make Finland an interesting place to visit. Besides nature, the travellers are often interested in the local culture, history and traditions of the locals. One of many ways to experience Finland is on horseback.

The unique, native Finnish horse breed, the Finn horse, is the specialty and strength of Finnish travel industry. Now about 70% of businesses that offer horseback trail rides have one or more Finn horses in their stable (Icelandic horses are popular as well).

Sleigh rides are quite often available at the ski resorts. Photo: Pete Favelle (CC 2.0)

A developing product

According to statistics, the most common international traveller to attend the Finnish trail rides is a woman between ages 30 and 60. Most importantly she wants to experience the horse and the nature. She also appreciates quality and comfort of the trail, well-planned program and personal contact to local people – she wants to hear stories and is interested in the local history.

More to read

• Horse riding & trekking (discoveringfinland.com)
• Visit Finland
• Horseback riding vacations in Finland (hiddentrails.com)
• Trail Riding Union of Finland – in English (vaellustallit.fi – find stables!)

Trotter Queen candidates 2014

From Ravikuningas- ja kuningatarkandidaatit on valittu (kuninkuusravit.fi 22.7.2014)

It’s that time of the year again!

These  twelve mares will take part in Coronation Trot event, a competition that consists of three races within two days. On Saturday they set the bar at 2100 m race, on Sunday they race first at 1600 m distance and the final race is a 3100 m only few hours later.

The horse which performs best in all three races wins the queen’s crown. These are the absolute best mares of this breed at the moment, so we are once again looking forward to an exciting battle of the titans next weekend at Pori. :)

Here are some statistics on the Queen candidates. See the King candidates here.

Who’s your favorite?

Queen candidates

Aino-Ilona

Born 2001, breeder Kiia-Karoliina Nieminen, owner Likan Talli, trainer Esa Heikkinen

Race statistics: 195, 15-21-18, winnings 94.105 €, records 1.22,5a – 1.24,0v

This year: 10, 0-2-1, winnings 5.650 €, 1.24,0a and 1.26,8v

Hopihopi

Born 2005, breeder Good-Talli Oy, owner & trainer Anna-Mari Sipilä

Race statistics 76, 16-9-10, winnings 70.620 €, records 1.22,8a – 25,7v

This year: 11, 4-1-2, 1.23,0a – 25,7v

Kemun Tutu

Born 2006, breeder Pentti Hokkanen, owner Fanfaria Team, trainer Jouni Miettinen

Race statistics: 111, 9-23-16, winnings 68.225€, records 1.23,2a – 1.24,0v

This year: 22, 1-3-5, winnings 15.575€, 1.23,3a – 1.24,3v

Martsa

Born 2006, breeder, owner & trainer Heikki Karjula

Race statistics: 78, 15-7-5, winnings  75.020€ records 1.22,9a – 1.24,9v

This year: 14, 1-0-0, 7.040€ 1.22,9a – 1.25,1v

Mian Mari

Born 2007, breeder Pekka Raudasoja, owner & trainer Jussi Isokoski

Race statistics: 56, 5-10-11, winnings 37.180€, records 1.22,7a – 1.23,8v

This year: 13, 0-3-4, 9.830€ 1.22,7a – 23,8v

Mokomani

Born 2003, breeder Kivimäki Seppo & Oravisjärvi Pekka, owner Flankkila E.& Salmela E.& S.& S., trainer Jukka-Pekka Kauhanen

Race statistics: 96, 21-21-10,winnings 65.160€ records 1.22,2a – 1.24,2v

This year: 14, 2-2-1, 6.725€ 1.22,5a – 24,2v

Saaga S

Born 2006, breeder Keskimaunu S. & Keskimaunu J. & J., owner & trainer Ilkka Pyysalo

Race statistics: 65, 12-10-11, winnings 86.310€ records 1.21,9a – 1.24,7v

This year: 9, 1-2-1, 20.550€ 1.21,9a – 1.24,7v

Sekottaja

Born 2002, breeder Petteri Salonen, owners Kallio T.&Järvinen P.&Tahlo J., trainer Mika Kallio

Race statistics: 273, 12-16-21, winnings 64.785€ records 1.22,5a – 1.24,7v

This year: 25, 1-2-2, 7.880€ 1.23,4a  -1.24,7v

Topin Musta

Born 2004, breeder, owner & trainer Topi Piikkilä

Race statistics: 84, 23-12-9, winnings 68.680€ 1.24,0a – 1.24,2v

This year: 11, 0-2-0, 4.850€ 1.24,3a – 1.25,3v

Vaiva

Born 2005, breeder Kari Viitala, owners Romsi H.& H.& Liimatta J.&Pennanen T., trainer Jouni Miettinen

Race statistics: 112, 18-14-15, winnings 76.225€ 1.23,1a – 1.24,5v

Vislakka

Born 2006, breeder Maatalousyhtymä Tuomaala, owner Saarinen Tomi & Sipilä Annamari, trainer Tomi Saarinen

Race statistics: 70, 15-7-5, winnings 86.720€ records 1.23,8a – 1.24,5v

This year: 7, 2-0-1, 11.850€ 1.23,8a – 1.24,5v

Yllin Kyllin

Born 2002, breeder Sanna Aaltonen, owner Merkkari Talli, trainer Teemu Okkolin

Race statistics: 99, 16-10-12, winnings 108.160 € , records 1.22,5a – 1.24,9v

This year: 8, 1-0-0, 3.100 € 1.22,5a – 1.27,1v

Photos: Hippos photo bank

Playlist of 200 Finnhorse videos!

Hours of video material about finnhorses on gathered to one playlist! That’s great!

Thank you Ishexan for your time and effort. :)

 

Video: Under the Northern Star

A beautiful video about finnhorses by Tiina S on Youtube.

The song used in this video is called “Olen suomalainen” (I am a Finn / I’m Finnish).
It’s a rewritten version of Toto Cutugno’s “Sono l’italiano“.

Here’s a rough translation of the Finnish lyrics. They are quite different and more melancholic than the original Italian ones,  written to fit the Finnish state of mind, I guess… :)

Voi jospa tietäisivät maailmalla,
Oh, if only people out there knew

Nyt mitä voikaan olla taivaan alla,
What can exist under the sky

On täällä kansa, jonka kyyneleistä aikaan saisi aika monta valtamerta
Here is a nation, whose tears could fill oceans

On täällä monta yksinäistä, mutta
Many of us are lonely, but

Niin paljon kiellettyä rakkautta,
So much forbidden love

Nyt ettei siitä riitä kertojaksi taulut eikä ikävöivät lemmenlaulut…
That paintings or longing love songs could not explain…

On täällä elämä raskasta työtä
Life here is hard work

Ja siinä harvemmin on onni myötä,
And luck is rarely on our side

Sen tietää vain, yksin suomalainen
A Finn knows it

On pohjantähden alla
Under the Northern Star

Tää koti mulla mainen,
This earthly home of mine

Mä elämästä laulan,
I sing of life

Sillä oonhan suomalainen
Because I am a Finn after all

Mä rakkaudesta laulan,
I sing of love

On siinä mies ja nainen
There is a man and a woman

Pohjantähden alla,
Under the Northern Star

Elää suomalainen
Lives a Finn.

On tässä maassa itsepäinen kansa,
The stubborn people of this country

Ystävät jos pitää toisistansa,
If friends are close to each other

Ei siinä erottaa muu, silloin voi kuin yksin kuolema ja virkavalta vain
The only thing to separate them is death or official authority…

Would you like to be a (Finn)horse owner?

From Raviliiga 2014 tulee avaten mahdollisuuden myös suomenhevosille (Raviliiga.fi 26.2.2014)

Ostrobothnia will get at least one new Trot League team in 2014. Photo by Raviliiga

Trot League, or Raviliiga in Finnish, is a project that aims to provide positive, low-risk experiences of horse ownership. The idea comes from Sweden, where Rikstravet is already a thing. Finnish Raviliiga started in 2013 with eight teams and eight standardbred yearlings, each of which has 700 owners. In 2014 the amount of shares will be 800 per horse.

Soon these young horses (now 2-year-olds) will hopefully start their racing careers. The project goes on for three more years, and the winner of this competition will be the horse with most winnings. It’s not the main point, though. I’m sure that with 700 owners Pamina Hip, Grainfield Fanny, Golden Luxi, Stone Capes Olive, Oberon, Lady Adele, Sahara Crack It and Arctic Madonna won’t be short of apples, carrots or admiring looks for a few years. ;)

One share of a horse for three years costs 100 €,  with no additional cost whatsoever. You could say this must be the easiest and also a very cheap way to own a horse! The horses live and train in professional trainers’ stables, so ownership doesn’t require any experience about horses. People have a great opportunity to get to know people and structures behind horse racing as a horse owner.

The League started off so well, that the project received an award for its success. It has introduced hundreds of new people to horses. In my opinion this is the way to market horse racing -through horses themselves, not betting or other trivia.

2014 – Finnhorses step in

The project has received quite much feedback, mostly positive and excited. But what seemed to trouble people the most was the fact that there weren’t any finnhorses in the league. In 2014 the new teams have a chance to choose between a finnhorse and a standardbred -both breeds get their own leagues.

Each team chooses a professional horse trainer, and trainers get to choose the horses. The standardbreds are bought as yearlings and finnhorses as 2,5-year-olds.

The participating race tracks will announce their choices (finnhorse or standardbred league) soon. I have to say, I’m excited!

The Mythical Origin Of The Finnish Horse

Source: Suomenusko (native Finnish religion) Facebook page, posted 6.9.2013

Photo by Sini Merikallio

In Finland horses have assisted people in their work and in war probably since the Stone Age. The early presence of domesticated horses is evident from the fact that the word for a horse (hevonen) is known in all Baltic-Finnish languages. In addition, the words for ‘steed’ and ‘riding’ also have the similar origins in these languages.

The prehistoric horses around the Baltic Sea region belonged to the same Northern European common breed. Modern Finnhorses descend from this same breed. Horse-related objects as bridles have been found in Iron Age graves, which tells that horses were highly valued in the Iron Age society. Prominent men and women apparently had their horses buried with them.

In medieval Europe, Häme and Karelia regions for known for their horses and horsemen. Trade flourished around the Baltic Sea. In 1229 Pope Gregory IX complained in his letter that people of Vuojola (Gotland) dared to sell horses to the heathen Finns. Karelia, sometimes called Mare Karelia, provided horses for Hansa merchants who exported them to Central Europe along with other goods.

The head of the horse was made of stone, hooves out of rock and legs out of iron.

In Finnish mythology the horse has an iron origin. The first foal was said to have been forged in a smithy located in a sacred grove or inside the world mountain. The head of the horse was made of stone, hooves out of rock and legs out of iron. The back of the foal was forged from metal. As Väinämöinen rode the iron horse above the waters of primeval sea, a malicious stranger shot his horse, and the old tietäjä fell into the ocean.

Horses are also present in spells and incantations. Commonly spells were used to protect horses from hazards and to prevent them from escaping when horses were released to summer pastures. In some spells horse’s spirit is also called to banish malicious forces (kateet) or to assist the tietäjä in his work. Few spells that were used to stop wounds from bleeding call the mythical first foal (Hiiden varsa) to stop the blood flow.

Video: Moves like Peppi

A little clip of Peppi having fun :)

I’ve got the moves like Peppi from Viivi Huuskonen on Vimeo.

11 finnhorse stallions were inspected for studbook at Kiuruvesi

From Kiuruveden näyttelyssä hienoja suomenhevosia (Hippos.fi)

B. Tuuma 1962-07J

Born: 18.7. 2007

Breeder: Talli Ranch, Lappeenranta

Accepted without a prize: 9-8-7-6/7-7

B. Tuuma, photo by Pirje Paananen

A.T. Eko  1057-01J 2001 FIN 21,1aly-22,1ke	Suikun Ero 1367-88J 1988 FIN 22,2aly-25,6ke	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Eron-Veti 1609-80J 36,5ke 1979 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Eroke 449-71JT Valio 29,9aly-31,3ly 1969
	A.T. Viksu 2314-85J Valio 1985† FIN 22,8aly-24,9ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969 FIN	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961†
			Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952
		Sulinan-Tyttö 1516-80T 52,5ke 1979 FIN	Salperi 600-71J 29,1aly-30,7ke 1969
			Sulina 187-71T P 38,5aly-41,3ly 1968
Kihin Vilma 2293-93J 1993† FIN 24,2aly-26,4ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 1977† FIN 23,1aly-24,3ly	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke FIN	Vihi 6035 28,0a prt s. 1951†
			Eri-Pulu 19868 Valio 32,5 1951†
		Kihi 200002 Vj 1957 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,31950†
			Helinä 24679 AA 40,3 1941†
	Luonnos-Tähti 2318-86J 1986† FIN 37,7aly-39,8ke	Luonnos 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964 FIN	Luonnokas 6649 33,4 1958†
			Murtuli 29314 47,0 1952
		Tuli-Tähti 1434-75J 35,5aly-39,7ke 1974 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly
			Entoola 101581 30,1aly-32,6ly

Calimero 1716-02J

Born: 2.7.2002

Breeder: Jari Heinonen, Joroinen

II prize, 7-7-7-7/8-7

Calimero, photo by Pirje Paananen

Cameron 1584-95J 1995† FIN 22,7ake-24,5ke	Suikun Ero 1367-88J 1988 FIN 22,2aly-25,6ke	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Eron-Veti 1609-80J 36,5ke 1979 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Eroke 449-71JT Valio 29,9aly-31,3ly 1969
	Luonnos-Stella 2156-83J Valio 1982† FIN 29,1aly-29,8ly	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964 FIN	Luonnokas 6649 33,4 1958†
			Murtuli 29314 47,0 1952
		Annabella 488-73T P 1966 FIN	Larvas 6338 46,21955
			Pire 36843 1955
Famu 1182-94J 1994 FIN 32,0ake-32,0ke	Fabian 1355-85J 1985† FIN 22,5aly-23,5ly	Hiluri 557-71J Valio 22,6aly-28,9ly 1969 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Paavin-Sirkka 504287 Valio 37,3ake 1962
		Vappu-Tyttö 676-73J 35,1aly-36,2ly prt s. 1969 FIN	Vilperi Jo 18 Valio 24,8aly-27,0ly1961†
			Neiti-Kuva 101108 52,6ke 1960
	M.V. Tyttö 1268-85J 1985† FIN 41,6ake-41,1ke	Viltter 1250-74J Valio 22,7aly-26,8ly 1974 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Ero-Siro 1072-76J Valio 27,1ake prt s. 1962
		Muisti 74-71J Valio 29,7aly-30,6ly 1967 FIN	Ponnen-Muisto Jo 33 Vt 25,9aly-29,3ly 1959
			Lähti 501372 Valio 1948

E.V. Tiikeri 1396-06R

Born: 21.5.2006

Breeder: Eeva Venojärvi, Siikainen

Accepted without a prize, 7-7-7/8-9=38 points

E.V. Tiikeri, photo by Pirje Paananen

E.V. Hurmio 1111-02 2002 FIN	E.V. Johtotähti 1726-93Ta 1993 FIN	Juonnos 1058-79J 25,2aly-27,2ly 1978 FIN	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964†
			Jonnen-Jatko 278-73J 28,3aly-30,7ke 1970
		Vipela 1412-84 1983 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Pele-Laikka 2018-77J 44,3aly-40,7ly 1976
	Jasmike 1879-92 1992† FIN	K.M. Poku 2435-84J 25,1aly-25,6ke 1984 FIN	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 23,1aly-24,3ly 1977†
			Ero-Muska 784-74J Valio 30,8aly-32,0ke 1973
		Kastanja 2024-87P 1987 FIN	Vilkki 1400-77J 27,3aly-27,9ly 1969†
			Melissa 2162-77J 48,0ake-43,3ke 1977
E.V. Voksitar 1544-94P 1994 FIN	Vokkerin-Liikku Hå 1618-84J 1983† FIN 24,3aly-25,9ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969 FIN	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961†
			Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952
		Luonnon-Liinu 1971-78 34,9ake-35,5ke 1977 FIN	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964†
			Tuikku 1051-75J P 39,5a-36,8 1965
	Sini 1446-79J 1978† FIN 32,4aly-33,4ly	Seitti 89-71JT 29,0aly-31,5ly 1969 FIN	Seili Jo 12 28,7a-33,1 1960
			Pujo 45627 46,6a 1957
		Lipan-Ilo 1205-75J 1973 FIN	Ilonpito Jo 86 H 27,2aly-30,9ly 1964
			Lippa 1963

Hopeamyrsky 246001S00101214 (P)

Born: 12.5.2010

Breeder:Jouko & Terhi Tulla, Kangasniemi

II prize, 9-8-7/7-7=38

Hopeamyrsky, photo by Pirje Paananen

A.T. Ukko-Myrsky 1038-02P 2002 FIN	A.T. Jesperi 1004-90PR 1990 FIN	Jessimo 1186-80RP 1979 FIN	Kimmoke 377-72J 28,3aly-31,3ke 1967
			Jessi-Mei 2046-75T H 56,9 1965
		I.T. Maja 1431-85PR 1985 FIN	Ilo-Tähti 1141-77J 22,6aly-25,4ke 1976†
			Johanna 1529-77T 1976†
	Portteriina 1039-93P 1993 FIN	Portteri 1738-88P 1988 FIN	Posteri 1284-74J 28,9aly-31,5ke 1974†
			M.K. Virkku 1315-78RP 1977
		Tosi-Musta 1465-80P1979 FIN	Tosi-Pinko 1613-75J 28,1aly-32,0ke 1968
			Puhe-Musta 923-72 53,9ly 1971
Vinskiliina 1790-03P 2003 FIN	A.T. Vinski 1795-78J 1978† FIN 24,1aly-25,9ly	J. Virtanen 1225-75J 34,9a-35,4 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Seireeni Jt 76 Valio 30,3a-32,2 1963
		Taru 1944-80J P Vj 33,1aly-34,5ly 1964 FIN	Riuska 5820 25,8a-27,3 1951†
			Eri-Tero 29534 47,8 1952
	Repeläinen 1088-95R 1995 FIN 44,4ke	Repen Poika 1627-86J 24,6aly-25,2ke 1986 FIN	Hilurin Lento 2019-79J 27,1aly-29,9ly 1978†
			Älli Tälli 1721-83J 35,8ake-37,5ke 1982†
		Lehtotyttö 3063-84 1984 FIN	Ero-Ponsi 141-71J 23,3aly-27,0ly 1966†
			Luonnostyttö 1299-78J 28,2aly-29,0ly 1977

Kihisee 246001S00101391 (J)

Born: 10.5.2010

Breeder: Pälvi Pöyhönen, Laukaa

Accepted without a prize, 9-9-9-8/8-8

Kihisee, photo by Pirje Paananen

Kihi T 1038-87J 1987† FIN 23,7aly-24,4ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 1977† FIN 23,1aly-24,3ly	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961 FIN	Vihi 6035 28,0a 1951†
			Eri-Pulu 19868 Valio 32,5 1951†
		Kihi 200002 Vj 1957 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Helinä 24679 AA 40,3 1941†
	Tomun-Piirto 1134-77J 1976† FIN 25,5aly-28,8ly	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967 FIN	Vilperi Jo 18 Valio 24,8aly-27,0ly 1961†
			Vekkuli 100606 Vj 37,6 1956†
		Paavin-Tomu 101495 Valio 34,8ake 1964 FIN	Paavi 5874 AA 31,7 1952†
			Tomu 502271 1951
Noppee 1160-02 2002 FIN 30,4aly-30,9ke	Jaanen Suikku 2541-90J 1990 FIN 24,4aly-26,3ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Ero-Jaaneli 147-73JT 28,2aly-32,9ly 1972 FIN	Ero-Lohko yh 1160 Valio 24,8a-epav22,0 1951†
			Paavitar 503950 Vj 36,7 1957
	Piuha 1542-85J 1985† FIN 25,1aly-25,4ly	Ero-Ralli 1230-75J 24,3aly-25,9ke 1974 FIN	Ero-Lohko yh 1160 Valio 24,8a-epav22,0 1951†
			Huvi 46706 1963
		Voku-Hymy 1344-78J 31,4aly-34,4ly 1977 FIN	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969†
			Muroleena 1309-75T Valio 1969

Koivikon Kalle 246001S00091242 (J)

Born: 11.5.2009

Breeder: Erkki & Tuomo Lappi, Rautalampi

II prize, 8-7-7-6/7-7

Koivikon Kalle, photo by Pirje Paananen

Viesker  1228-89J Valio 1989 FIN 19,9aly-22,5ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 1969† FIN 22,3aly-25,1ly	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Kiito 502672 Valio 35,0 1953
		Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952 FIN	Lähetin 5096 AA 27,9 1944†
			Murtima 54136 1941
	Vieska 2062-84 1984 FIN 51,6aly	Jaska 230-72J P 35,4aly-36,2ly 1969 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Ero-Vihje 38216 30,1a 1959†
		Viesta 2309-75J 29,3aly-32,2ly 1975 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Esta 101580 34,1aly-36,6ly 1963
Virin Veera 1795-01J 2001 FIN 35,0ake-33,0ke	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 1978† FIN 24,3aly-26,9ly	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Mutrin-Lento Jt 57 25,2aly-epav23,8 1956
		Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960 FIN	Ari yh 1054 29,4-epav28,8 1947
			Suhina 18767 27,1 1948†
	Muiston Viri 1625-93J 1993 FIN 28,2aly-28,8kp	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 23,1aly-24,3ly 1977 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Kihi 200002 Vj 1957
		Viritin 1036-78J 1977 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Riitta Jt 220 Valio 33,5a 1960†

Kosken Pirtsakka 246001S00102094 (P)

Born 5.6.2010

Breeder: Nina Seppälä, Kuusankoski

Accepted without a prize, 7-6-7/6-6=32

Kosken Pirtsakka, photo by Pirje Paananen

Mirlakka 2025-92P 1992 FIN	Lappi-Muisto 1844-80P 1980 FIN 29,6ake-30,2ly	Pikku-Muisto 15-73J 25,9aly-28,3ke 1972 FIN	A.T. Muisto 572-72J 29,6aly-32,4ly 1966
			Rosita 45795 35,1a 1958†
		Lappi yh 62031 43,2 1958 FIN	Velitys 1954
			Noikka yh 60719 1947†
	Virlakka 1713-84PR 1983† FIN 40,0aly-39,0ke	Virhakka 1172-76J Valio 27,1aly-26,9ly 1975 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Pirhakka 782-71J H 33,3aly-37,6ke 1970
		Hilun-Huli 1339-76T 1975 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Seura-Neiti 1290-75T H 1965
Tähti Pirteä 2470-00 2000 FIN	P.V. Hemppa 2329-93 1993 FIN 30,5aly-30,5ke	Viikar 1336-78J 26,7aly-27,8ly 1977 FIN	Viikari 521-71T 39,9a-39,5 1967
			Purren-Tyttö 256-74T Valio 1972†
		Tellen-Tähti 1793-83 46,8aly-49,1ly 1982 FIN	Poika-Luonnos 192-74J 24,4aly-26,0ly 1970
			Telle 682-74J H 45,0ake-44,4ke 1973
	Kihi-Jolina 1650-86J 1986† FIN 40,5ake-39,0ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 23,1aly-24,3ly 1977 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Kihi 200002 Vj 1957
		Jola 2335-77 1977 FIN	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960†
			Lillakko 608-73 – 1972

Mikko Mania 1611-05J

Born 3.6.2005

Breeder: Ulla Torppa, Veteli

Accepted without a prize, 7-6-7-7/6-6

Mikko Mania, photo by Pirje Paananen

Viesker  1228-89J Valio 1989 FIN 19,9aly-22,5ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 1969† FIN 22,3aly-25,1ly	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Kiito 502672 Valio 35,0 1953
		Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952 FIN	Lähetin 5096 AA 27,9 1944†
			Murtima 54136 1941
	Vieska 2062-841984 FIN 51,6aly	Jaska 230-72J P 35,4aly-36,2ly 1969 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Ero-Vihje 38216 30,1a 1959†
		Viesta 2309-75J 29,3aly-32,2ly 1975 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Esta 101580 34,1aly-36,6ly 1963
Mirekka 1683-981998 FIN kl2.04,6ke	Turo 2577-84J Valio 1984† FIN 23,8aly-25,1ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Marine 2184-76J Valio 27,6aly-28,4ly 1975 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Marilla 445-72J Valio 29,2aly-30,9ly 1970
	V.V. Viretta 1605-89J 1989 FIN 27,9aly-26,9ly	Voltti 1566-75J 24,6aly-26,2ke 1973 FIN	Ero-Lerkko Jo 154 29,1a-31,3 1966†
			Hovi-Minna 102043 1963
		Virilo 88-72J Valio 34,4aly-37,1ly 1967 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Värinä 504238 – 1961†

Ponnen Aatos 1995-07J

Born: 31.5.2007

Breeder: Miina Laukkanen, Muurla

III prize, 7-7-6-7/8-8

Ponnen Aatos, photo by Pirje Paananen

A.T. Eko  1057-01J 2001 FIN 21,1aly-22,1ke	Suikun Ero 1367-88J 1988 FIN 22,2aly-25,6ke	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Eron-Veti 1609-80J 36,5ke 1979 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Eroke 449-71JT Valio 29,9aly-31,3ly 1969
	A.T. Viksu 2314-85J Valio 1985† FIN 22,8aly-24,9ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969 FIN	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961†
			Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952
		Sulinan-Tyttö 1516-80T 52,5ke 1979 FIN	Salperi 600-71J 29,1aly-30,7ke 1969
			Sulina 187-71T P 38,5aly-41,3ly 1968
Ponnen-Leikki 2292-87J 1987† FIN 27,5aly-28,9ly	Ero-Ponsi 141-71J 1966† FIN 23,3aly-27,0ly	Ero-Lohko yh 1160 Valio 24,8a-epav22,0 1951 FIN	Lohko yh 928 28,2-epav25,6 1943
			Sirkka-Lintu 17794 38,7 1939
		Ponnen-Maine 504100 Vj 38,9 1960 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Mainekas 502330
	Nyyti S.K. 1765-81J Valio 1981† FIN 29,0aly-32,9ly	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964 FIN	Luonnokas 6649 33,4 1958†
			Murtuli 29314 47,0 1952
		Puhena 38881 Valio 41,5aly-43,8ly1966 FIN	Puhemies 6572 Pj Valio 26,0aly-27,8ly 1957†
			Huvitus 200566 Valio 46,8ke 1959

V.G. Vipori 1262-08J

Born: 6.5.2008

Breeder: Grönfors Training Oy & Sherwood Stable Oy, Inkoo-Kotka

II prize, 8-8-8-6/8-7

V.G. Vipori, photo by Pirje Paananen

Sipori  1738-96J 1996 FIN 19,4aly-23,2ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 1978† FIN 24,3aly-26,9ly	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Mutrin-Lento Jt 57 25,2aly-epav23,8 1956
		Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960 FIN	Ari yh 1054 29,4-epav28,8 1947
			Suhina 18767 27,1 1948†
	Eri-Marina 1910-76J Valio 1976 FIN 29,0aly-29,6ly	Jaska 230-72J P 35,4aly-36,2ly 1969 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Ero-Vihje 38216 30,1a 1959†
		Lento-Tyttö 250-74T Hj 1971 FIN	Erimus Jo 8 26,2ly-epav25,6 1949†
			Hokin-Lento 101805 1964
Vileska 2512-97 1997 FIN	Vokker 662-72J Valio 1969† FIN 22,3aly-25,1ly	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Kiito 502672 Valio 35,0 1953
		Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952 FIN	Lähetin 5096 AA 27,9 1944†
			Murtima 54136 1941
	Vieska 2062-84 1984 FIN 51,6aly	Jaska 230-72J P 35,4aly-36,2ly 1969 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Ero-Vihje 38216 30,1a 1959†
		Viesta 2309-75J 29,3aly-32,2ly 1975 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Esta 101580 34,1aly-36,6ly 1963

Voinokka 1145-07P

Born: 3.5.2007

Breeder: Jorma Hietikko, Teuva

III prize, 8-7-8/8-7=38

Voinokka, photo by Pirje Paananen

Ellun Voi 2796-91P 1991 FIN	Hemmo 1225-82J 1981† FIN 25,5aly-28,4ly	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964 FIN	Luonnokas 6649 33,4 1958†
			Murtuli 29314 47,0 1952
		Hili 38367 trt s. 1962 FIN	Lentävä 5702 1950
			Vili 502654
	Lippe 2896-84J 1970 FIN 34,9aly-35,6ly	Arpa 38,1a-38,3 1967 FIN	Arikas yh 1254 30,6a 1957
			Arja 1497-79J 30,6aly-31,8ly 1961
		Eri-Latu 502589 1952 FIN	Eri-Aaroni 3423 Valio 27,8ke 1932†
			Hurmasa 51790
A.T. Murustella 1747-00P 2000 FIN	A.T. Jesperi 1004-90PR 1990 FIN	Jessimo 1186-80RP 1979 FIN	Kimmoke 377-72J 28,3aly-31,3ke 1967
			Jessi-Mei 2046-75T H 56,9 1965
		I.T. Maja 1431-85PR 1985 FIN	Ilo-Tähti 1141-77J 22,6aly-25,4ke 1976†
			Johanna 1529-77T 1976†
	Tasa-Muru 1021-92 1992 FIN	Tasatahti 1866-82J 25,9aly-27,2ke 1982 FIN	Etu-Tahti 1108-76J 25,3aly-26,7ly 1975†
			Tasori 1984-78J 33,5aly-34,5ke 1977
		Mursikki 1219-80T1979 FIN	Mursi 571-72J 25,5a-29,7 1962
			Erotus 458-71T Pj 39,0ake-43,3ly 1967

Points explained

J = juoksija = trotter studbook: character – movement – barrel – legs – leg health – hooves

P = pienhevonen = pony: character – movement- drivability/ridability – usability points – type – barrel -legs – leg health – hooves – conformation points

R = ratsu = riding horse: character – movement – jump test – ridability – usability points – type- barrel – legs – leg health – hooves – conformation points

Ten stallions were inspected for studbook at Ypäjä

From Ypäjän orinäyttelyssä esitettiin 17 oritta (Hippos.fi), photos from Hippos photo bank

Haastava (J)

Haastava. Photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

Accepted without a prize, points 8-7-8-6-7-7

Apassi 2082-95J Valio 1995 FIN 20,0aly-22,2ly	Vokkerilla 1952-86J 1986† FIN 22,2aly-23,7ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969 FIN	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961†
			Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952
		Erilla 194-71J Valio 26,7aly-30,3ly 1966 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Aro-Likka 19672 Valio 38,1 1951
	Salperon Tähti 1921-91 1991† FIN 31,8aly-32,2ke	Nils-Aslak 2902-84 33,2ke 1984 FIN	Vika-Pisto 1974-77J 26,2aly-27,3ly 1976†
			Helotar 402-71J 33,0a-34,5 1969
		M.T. Salpero 1685-81J 29,9aly-31,3ly 1981 FIN	Salpa 1580-77J 32,4ake-33,6ly 1975
			Mutrin-Tähti 1554-75J 32,9aly-34,1ke 1974
Kihin Keva 1529-93J 1993 FIN 27,8aly-30,6ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio1977† FIN23,1aly-24,3ly	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961 FIN	Vihi 6035 28,0a 1951†
			Eri-Pulu 19868 Valio 32,5 1951†
		Kihi 200002 Vj 1957 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Helinä 24679 AA 40,3 1941†
	Okeva 1668-84J Valio 1983† FIN 26,8aly-29,6ly	V.T. Ajatus 1430-75J H 26,3aly-28,9ly 1974 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Tositar 101462 31,9ake-33,8 1964†
		Keva 200665 Vj 36,2aly-37,5ly 1962 FIN	Uskoton 6166 Vj 26,8aly-29,6ke 1954†
			Neeva 27939 Valio  b. 1948

I.P. Legenda (J)

I.P. Legenda, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

III prize, points 9-7-7-6-7-6

Viesker 1228-89J Valio 1989 FIN 19,9aly-22,5ly	Vokker 662-72J Valio 1969† FIN 22,3aly-25,1ly	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Kiito 502672 Valio 35,0 1953
		Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952 FIN	Lähetin 5096 AA 27,9 1944†
			Murtima 54136 1941
	Vieska 2062-841984 FIN	Jaska 230-72J P 35,4aly-36,2ly 1969 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Ero-Vihje 38216 30,1a 1959†
		Viesta 2309-75J 29,3aly-32,2ly prt s. 1975 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Esta 101580 34,1aly-36,6ly 1963
I.P. Suvitar 1012-89J 1989† FIN 26,5aly-28,1ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 1978† FIN 24,3aly-26,9ly	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Mutrin-Lento Jt 57 25,2aly-epav23,8 1956
		Aritar 101057 Vj 1960 FIN	Ari yh 1054 29,4-epav28,8 1947
			Suhina 18767 27,1 1948†
	I.P. Vipotti 1051-82J Valio 1981† FIN 28,0aly-31,7ke	Viltter 1250-74J Valio 22,7aly-26,8ly 1974 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Ero-Siro 1072-76J Valio 27,1ake 1962
		Ilta-Posti 906-71J Valio 29,3aly-32,4ly 1970 FIN	Hovi-Posti 6628 Hj 24,8aly-27,8ly tprt s. 1957†
			I.T. Taika 889-72J Valio 29,0ake-32,7ke 1959†

Kujanpään Jyräys (J)

Kujanpään Jyräys, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

III prize, points: 7-7-7-8-8-8

Turo 2577-84J Valio 1984† FIN 23,8aly-25,1ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 1978† FIN 24,3aly-26,9ly	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Mutrin-Lento Jt 57 25,2aly-epav23,8 1956
		Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960 FIN	Ari yh 1054 29,4-epav28,8 1947
			Suhina 18767 27,1 1948†
	Marine 2184-76J Valio 1975† FIN 27,6aly-28,4ly	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961 FIN	Vihi 6035 28,0a 1951†
			Eri-Pulu 19868 Valio 32,5 1951†
		Marilla 445-72J Valio 29,2aly-30,9ly 1970 FIN	Eri-Matti 5625 28,1-25,0 1949†
			Erilon-Tähti 354-71T Pj 35,8aly-37,0ly 1966†
Patlerinna 1434-98 1998† FIN	Patleri 1280-88JT 1988† FIN 24,7aly-26,2ke	Patrik 1362-82J 21,0aly-23,2ly 1981 FIN	V.T. Ajatus 1430-75J H 26,3aly-28,9ly 1974†
			Puhelu 2397-75J Valio 28,8aly-34,3ke 1971
		Railas 1680-79J Valio 33,9aly-33,4ly 1978 FIN	Luonnokas 547-73J 32,2aly-33,1ke 1972
			Aro-Posti 738-72J P Valio 37,5aly-41,4ly 1965
	Virkku L 1144-86J Valio 1986† FIN 28,3aly-30,9ly	Jonnen-Jarru 1161-74J H 23,7aly-27,5ly 1974 FIN	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960†
			Amotar 504121 Vj 41,0ke 1961†
		Uusi-Sari 1130-78J 29,9aly-32,0ly 1977 FIN	Uusi-Veto 6862 Pj 24,8aly-27,7ly 1961
			Tähti-Sirkka 38399 30,5ake-33,5ly 1963

Tuli-Ritari (J)

Tuli-Ritari, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

II prize 8-8-8-7-7-9

I.P. Lento 1937-01J 2001 FIN 21,2aly-23,4ke	Vistari 2445-91J 1991† FIN 21,4aly-23,8ly	Kirmori 1684-81J 25,2aly-25,3ly 1980 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Eri-Kirma 515-73J Vj 29,5aly-30,0ke 1968
		Välkkeen-Lento 1910-77J 28,8aly-30,6ly 1977 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Väläys Jt 181 36,8ly 1965
	I.P. Suvitar 1012-89J 1989† FIN 26,5aly-28,1ly	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		I.P. Vipotti 1051-82J Valio 28,0aly-31,7ke 1981 FIN	Viltter 1250-74J Valio 22,7aly-26,8ly 1974
			Ilta-Posti 906-71J Valio 29,3aly-32,4ly 1970†
Euro-Tuli 1379-92 1992 FIN 34,6ake-33,7ke	Vokker 662-72J Valio 1969† FIN 22,3aly-25,1ly	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Kiito 502672 Valio 35,0 1953
		Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952 FIN	Lähetin 5096 AA 27,9 1944†
			Murtima 54136 1941
	Jouhen-Tuli 1547-83J 1982† FIN 24,8aly-30,7ke	Jouhen-Piirto 473-74J 24,9aly-27,4ly 1970 FIN	Jouhi 6195 34,7 1954
			Tähti 1962
		Tuli-Tuli 1730-77J 32,3aly-33,1ly 1976 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Turo 503512 Valio 36,6 1957

Zeus (J)

Zeus, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

II prize 8-7-7-8-7-7

Saran Salama 1914-96J 1996 FIN 20,3aly-21,8ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 1977† FIN 23,1aly-24,3ly	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961 FIN	Vihi 6035 28,0a 1951†
			Eri-Pulu 19868 Valio 32,5 1951†
		Kihi 200002 Vj 1957 FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3 1950†
			Helinä 24679 AA 40,3 1941†
	Vipo 1233-80J Valio 1980† FIN 32,2ake-33,6ke	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967 FIN	Vilperi Jo 18 Valio 24,8aly-27,0ly 1961†
			Vekkuli 100606 Vj 37,6 1956†
		Ponnetar 460-71J Valio 28,3aly-30,8ly 1959 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Hipi 502453 47,4 1952†
Xena 1361-99J 1999 FIN 32,7ake-33,7ke	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 1978† FIN 24,3aly-26,9ly	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly tprt s. 1971 FIN	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964
			Mutrin-Lento Jt 57 25,2aly-epav23,8 1956
		Aritar 101057 Vj 40,21960 FIN	Ari yh 1054 29,4-epav28,8 1947
			Suhina 18767 27,1 1948†
	Kössin Virkku 1028-90J 1990† FIN 34,2ake-36,1ke	K.K. Kössi 1548-82J 22,3aly-24,5ke 1981 FIN	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969†
			Ilo-Pilleri 275-73J Valio 38,4aly-38,4ke 1970
		Viritin 1036-78J 1977 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Riitta Jt 220 Valio 33,5a 1960†

Valon Tähkä (P)

Valon Tähkä, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

III prize 8-7-15-30-7-8-8-7-7-37

Murron Valo 1971-93R vprt 152 cm s. 1993 FIN 40,0ke	K.M. Poku 2435-84J 1984† FIN 25,1aly-25,6ke	Kihin-Muisto 2383-77J Valio 23,1aly-24,3ly 1977 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Kihi 200002 Vj 1957
		Ero-Muska 784-74J Valio 30,8aly-32,0ke 1973 FIN	Ero-Lohko yh 1160 Valio 24,8a-epav22,0 1951†
			Ponnetar 101396 Vj 52,1a 1960
	Huli-Leija 1809-77 1977† FIN 39,1a-41,6	Hulina Jo 102 P 26,7aly-29,7ly tprt s. 1959 FIN	Härmä 5751 35,8 1950
			Eri-Hyrrä 500550
		Lähtö-Viesti 654-74J 31,6aly-34,4ke 1972 FIN	Poika-Lähtö Jo 60 28,9a-31,3 1963
			Rellu 46685 44,9 1961†
Kukkiva 2130-06 2006 FIN	Lennon Poika 1847-90PTR 1990 FIN 31,8aly-32,7ke	Jouhen-Lento 1532-79J 29,4aly-30,2ly 1978 FIN	Jouhen-Piirto 473-74J 24,9aly-27,4ly 1970†
			Lohko-Lento 566-74J 44,3aly-43,6kp 1973
		Menta 2133-79J 35,0ake-34,5ke 1979 FIN	Lumotus 797-72J 29,7aly-32,1ly 1970
			Tari 101243 Valio 41,7ly 1962†
	Horsman-Kukka 1402-88T 1988† FIN 43,2ke	Hilleri 2360-75J 25,8aly-28,0ly 1975 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Lilleri Jt 75 Valio 37,8aly-41,4ly 1963
		Horsmatar 1331-77J 54,9ake-45,3ke 1976 FIN	Uskoton 6166 Vj 26,8aly-29,6ke 1954†
			Kukka 200664 Valio 39,8ly 1962†

Hillan Jarran (R)

Photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

II prize 9-7-6-8-30-9-8-7-7-8-39

Ukkosen Poika 1454-98P 1998 FIN	Pikku-Ukkonen 1217-92P 1992† FIN	Fabian 1355-85J 22,5aly-23,5ly 1985 FIN	Hiluri 557-71J Valio 22,6aly-28,9ly 1969†
			Vappu-Tyttö 676-73J 35,1aly-36,2ly 1969†
		E.T. Viri 1241-86 54,7ke 1986 FIN	Viltter 1250-74J Valio 22,7aly-26,8ly 1974
			E.T. Luonnos 1926-78J 34,4aly-37,9ke 1978
	Täti Moonika 2233-85R 1985 FIN 2.14,4ke	Holotna 1490-76J 29,6aly-30,8ly 1975 FIN	Vilu 7086 39,9aly-41,8ly 1966
			Lilli 1492-76 1957
		Lilli 267-73 1970 FIN	Aro-Läikkä 6938 31,6a 1962
			Sinko 504233 Valio 1959†
Unelma-Jarru 1046-92 1992 FIN 43,9ake	Jonnen-Jarru 1161-74J H 1974† FIN 23,7aly-27,5ly	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Lähetys 503045 Vj 43,4ke 1953†
		Amotar 504121 Vj 41,0ke 1961 FIN	Amotus (tprt 155cm) 38,3
			Tähkä yh 61657
	Jonnen-Karina 360-73J H 1971 FIN 35,6aly-35,5ke	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960 FIN	Ponne 5902 AA 29,7 1951†
			Lähetys 503045 Vj 43,4ke 1953†
		Valentina 101615 31,2aly-33,5ly 1963 FIN	Areena 5427 39,7 1947
			Sato-Veera 500290 41,9 1947

Lakeuden Ihme (R)

Lakeuden Ihme, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

Accepted without a prize 7-5-9-7-28-7-7-7-8-36

Vekselin Ihme 2052-91 1991† FIN	Vekseli 324-74J P 1971† FIN 21,4aly-24,1ly	Vekkuli Jo 101 P 25,7aly-29,0ly 1964 FIN	Vesseli 6440 29,7a-31,4 1956
			Pelho 100053 Valio 29,6ake 1953
		Vekkuli 100606 Vj 37,6 1956 FIN	Valokko yh 1034 32,4 1948
			Virkkuli 33030 35,1 1943
	Haaveri 1924-77J 1976 FIN 38,6aly-37,5ke	Vetori 475-74J P 25,6aly-27,9ly 1963 FIN	Etu-Veto 6594 32,4 1957†
			Ritalo 200211 44,1 1957†
		Jaana Jt 139 Valio 42,5aly-43,5ly 1965 FIN	Arto 6624 31,9 1958
			Soihtu 38734 1959†
E.V. Bellan Tähti 1641-00 2000 FIN	E.V. Johtotähti 1726-93Ta 1993 FIN	Juonnos 1058-79J 25,2aly-27,2ly 1978 FIN	Luonnos Jo 99 Valio 28,4aly-29,5ly 1964†
			Jonnen-Jatko 278-73J 28,3aly-30,7ke 1970
		Vipela 1412-84 1983 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Pele-Laikka 2018-77J 44,3aly-40,7ly 1976
	Lulu Bella 2394-84 1983† FIN	Hilurikas 1943-78 56,2aly-2.05,2ke 1977 FIN	Hiluri 557-71J Valio 22,6aly-28,9ly 1969†
			Maaren-Muisto 1257-76 – prt s. 1968
		Isabella 1820-75 1974 FIN	Monarkki Jo 120 Ht 28,2aly-29,7ly tprn s. 1966
			Veto-Mehevä 504220 39,1ake-40,1ly 1961

Notholmens Timjan (R)

Notholmens Timjan, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

III prize 9-7-7-8-31-7-7-7-7-8-36

Taival 2230-87R 1987† FIN	Lokker 1375-81T 1980† FIN 29,8aly-32,4ke	Vokker 662-72J Valio 22,3aly-25,1ly 1969 FIN	Forte Jo 55 25,4aly-27,1ly 1961†
			Halla 502888 Valio 42,8 1952
		Sitikka Jt 196 Valio 32,0aly-35,0ly 1966 FIN	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960†
			Sähinä 37041 Vj 37,5ake 1956
	Elva 1911-75R Valio 1975† FIN	Pyräys 733-71J 47,0ly 1967 FIN	Uskoton 6166 Vj 26,8aly-29,6ke 1954†
			Jyvä 18689 Valio 35,0 1948
		Saparo 101426 Valio 1962 FIN	Taaroni 6121 43,3 1953
			Salko (Jokioisten kartanon) 1949
Telma 1463-04R 2004 FIN	H.R. Vihuri 1936-85J 1985† FIN 26,0aly-28,2ke	Hiluri 557-71J Valio 22,6aly-28,9ly 1969 FIN	Hilu Jo 65 Valio 26,1aly-29,0ke 1961†
			Paavin-Sirkka 504287 Valio 37,3ake 1962
		Viola 1070-80J 29,4ake-30,3ly 1979 FIN	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly 1967†
			Raksan-Leima 73-72T Valio 1970†
	M.L. Suosio 2258-94 1994 FIN 40,5kp	Suikku 1810-78J Valio 24,3aly-26,9ly 1978 FIN	Vekku-Lento 555-74J Valio 26,7aly-28,2ly 1971†
			Aritar 101057 Vj 40,2 1960
		Suosikki 342-72J 28,9aly-31,0ke1970 FIN	Puhemies 6572 Pj Valio 26,0aly-27,8ly 1957†
			Liima yh 61897 Vj 38,4 1952

Salmiakki Poika (R)

Salmiakki Poika, photo by Hippos/Pirje Paananen

II prize 8-7-7-8-30-8-7-7-7-9-38

Onnipoika 2318-89R1989† FIN	Mallipoika 1617-76J 1975 FIN 26,9aly-27,6ly	Eri-Poika 6509 26,0 1952 FIN	Eri-Aaroni 3423 Valio 27,8ke 1932†
			A-Reima yh 60671 Valio 35,3-40,8 1945
		Milina 751-71TJ Valio 37,8aly-41,3ly 1970 FIN	Mili 7028 44,9ke 1964†
			Entoliina 101913 1966
	Oona 1691-82R m 154 cm s. 1981 FIN	Lunastin 507-73T 29,4aly-30,9ly 1972 FIN	Mirha 6438 31,3a 1956
			Luna Jt 151 33,5a-38,8 1963
		Perho 502-73T 1971 FIN	Kroisos 6905 49,8 1962
			Laikka 102044 1966
A.T. Pikku-Laku 2568-91P 1991 FIN	Jessimo 1186-80RP 1979† FIN	Kimmoke 377-72J 28,3aly-31,3ke 1967 FIN	Jonne 6731 Vj 29,9aly-32,2ly 1960†
			Tulkki 29296 1953
		Jessi-Mei 2046-75T H 1965 FIN	Primaus yh 950 Valio 29,8 1945
			Pikku-Mara 1954
	Tosi-Musta 1465-80P 1979† FIN	Tosi-Pinko 1613-75J 28,1aly-32,0ke 1968 FIN	Toli Jo 40 29,5a 1961†
			Eri-Musta 36086 Valio 39,3ke 1952
		Puhe-Musta 923-72 53,9ly 1971 FIN	Puhemies 6572 Pj Valio 26,0aly-27,8ly trt s. 1957†
			Aro-Tomu 504093 1959†

Points explained

J = juoksija = trotter studbook: character – movement – barrel – legs – leg health – hooves

P = pienhevonen = pony: character – movement- drivability/ridability – usability points – type – barrel -legs – leg health – hooves – conformation points

R = ratsu = riding horse: character – movement – jump test – ridability – usability points – type- barrel – legs – leg health – hooves – conformation points

Not just nostalgia

From Metsäsavotan paras työmies on jämäkkäjalkainen työhevonen (Yle.fi 30.1.2014)

Work horses are coming back in fashion. The Finnish work horse is endangered, riding and harness racing are still more popular sports with horses, but luckily there are more and more people who also take interest in this tradition and want to learn more.

Photo: Yle / Susanna Vilpponen

Finnish work horses were  left unemployed and they practically disappeared after the mechanization of the Finnish society. Luckily now people seem to have found their way back to working with horses. The Finnish Work Horse Association organizes courses that introduce people to horses and traditional ways of working.

– People are interested in making their own firewood or other similar smaller tasks with horses as a hobby, says horseman Matti Pakarinen.

Pakarinen himself owns seven finnhorses. His stable is located in Rautalampi. He says that this hobby is not as popular as in our neighboring countries Sweden or Norway, but it’s growing. Working is good exercise for both the horse and his owner, and saves nature as well -a horse doesn’t leave any tracks in the forest.

There are only a few professional horse loggers left, and Matti admits that it’s a tough job to do for a living. Horses still have their place though, especially at environmentally sensitive areas, like national parks and cemeteries. Modern hydraulic equipment with four-wheel drive makes the work much easier, yet still demands a firm horse.

The horse is more than just a worker -it’s also a man’s best friend.

Video of a finnhorse in action (by Heikki Saukko)

Finnish Team for Vincennes 2014

From Vincennesin kylmäveriottelun osallistujat julkaistu (Hippos.fi 31.1.2014)

The Finnish team for Paris has been chosen:

Dominik, trainer Risto Tupamäki

Hiskin Muisto, trainer Jouni Miettinen

Rapin Aatos, trainer Jouni Miettinen

Suikun Rilla, trainer Harri Sulku

They face the Swedish and Norwegian teams in Vincennes on 20th and 23rd of February. Good luck!

Suikun Rilla is an experienced traveller -this is his third trip to Paris! Photo by Hippos/Eeva Karvonen

Earlier years’ results

Horse	Driver	date	dist./track	time	place
2002
Gilbert	A Hammar	22.2.	2100/6		disq.
	A Hammar	24.2.	2100/2		disq.
Juli Pat	S Mikkola	22.2.	2100/11	27.7a	3
	S Mikkola	24.2.	2100/10	27.8a	3
Meno-Teemu	T Pakkanen	22.2.	2100/10	28.4a	5
	T Pakkanen	24.2.	2100/12	29.7a	7
Tähti-Tili	J-M Bazire	22.2.	2100/12	29.9a	8
	M Lenoir	24.2.	2100/11		disq.
2003
Hilkker	P Vercruysse	20.2.	2100/8	29.2a	7
	M Taskinen	23.2.	2100/2	26.9a	8
Hirmori	P Puikkonen	20.2.	2100/12	28.5a	3
	P Puikkonen	23.2.	2100/12	25.9a	4
Sipori	A Hartikainen	20.2.	2100/3	28.1a	2
	P Levesque	23.2.	2100/3	25.6a	1
Utun Voku	J Kervinen	20.2.	2100/10		disq.
	J Kervinen	23.2.	2100/10	26.0a	5
2004
Jiimän	P Vercruysse	19.2.	2100/6	28.3a	8
	N Jokela	22.2.	2100/1	28.1a	8
Totemi Rok	A Teivainen	19.2.	2100/8		disq.
	A Teivainen	22.2.	2100/2	25.6a	1
Tutuari	H Torvinen	19.2.	2100/12	27.0a	3
	P Vercruysse	22.2.	2100/12		disq.(2)
Vieskerin Vire	T Perttunen	19.2.	2100/4	26.5a	2
	T Perttunen	22.2.	2100/5	26.7a	5
2005
Milia	P Levesque	24.2.	2100/10	26.9a	9
	V-E Paavola	27.2.	2100/11	25.9a	5
Tutuari	H Torvinen	24.2.	2100/8	26.3a	3
	H Torvinen	27.2.	2100/7	26.4a	7
Valkoviiri	T Salojensaari	24.2.	2100/1		11
	T Salojensaari	27.2.	2100/8	27.9a	9
Vieskerin Vire	T Perttunen	24.2.	2100/6	26.4a	4
	J-M Bazire	27.2.	2100/9		10
2006
Milia	O Mäenpää	23.2.	2100/1	26.1a	3
	P Levesque	26.2.	2100/9	27.3a	7
Plantom	A Moilanen	23.2.	2100/4	26.6a	5
	A Moilanen	26.2.	2100/8	26.7ax	4
Rento Reiska	P Levesque	23.2.	2100/12		disq.
	N Jokela	26.2.	2100/11		11
Tupla-Heli	V-E Paavola	23.2.	2100/10	26.6a	6
	V-E Paavola	26.2.	2100/10	26.7a	5
2007
Häiskän Lento	T Okkolin	22.2.	2100/10	27.4a	6
	T Okkolin	25.2.	2100/10	26.1a	3
Tementeri	T Rautiainen	22.2.	2100/3	26,8a	5
	T Rautiainen	25.2.	2100/3	27,4a	6
Vipu-Poika	M Vanha-Rauvola	22.2.	2100/11	31.1a	7
	P Levesque	25.2.	2100/11	27.4a	7
2008
Frans	J Utala	21.2.	2100/7	25.1a	4
	J Utala	24.2.	2100/4	25.1a	4
Leevi Dahlia	J-P Kauhanen	21.2.	2100/11	28.9a	7
	P Levesque	24.2.	2100	scratched
Rulari	F Nivard	21.2.	2100/1	quit
	A Lahtinen	24.2.	2100/8	25.9a	7
Tementeri	T Rautiainen	21.2.	2100/6	25.1a	5
	T Rautiainen	24.2.	2100/5	24.2a	3
2009
Huuveri	I Korpi	19.2.	2100/2	26.4a	7
	I Korpi	22.2.	2100/2	25.5ax	4
Tuiskis	H Torvinen	19.2.	2100/11	26.3a	6
	J M Bazire	22.2.	2100/11	25.3ax	3
Vileman	J M Bazire	19.2.	2100/6		disq.
	A Ala-Rantala	22.2.	2100/5	26.6a	5
2010
Filho	B Piton	25.2.	2100/1	25.4a	3
	T Okkolin	28.2.	2100/7		disq.
Suomitar	M Hietanen	25.2.	2100/7		disq.
	M Hietanen	28.2.	2100/1	29.0a	8
2011
Feelis	E Raffin	24.2.	2100/12		disq.
	J Törmänen	27.2.	2100/12	24.9a	3
Hovimäki	T Okkolin	24.2.	2100/11	25.0a	7
	T Okkolin	27.2.	2100/11	24.6a	1
Tähen Tuuri	T Rautiainen	24.2.	2100/5	24.4a	1
	T Rautiainen	27.2.	2100/3	25.1a	4
Veeran Turo	T Ojanperä	24.2.	2100/4	24.9a	6
	M Abrivard	27.2.	2100/1	24.8ax	2
2012
Feelis	F Ouvrie	23.2.	2100/11		disq.
	J Törmänen	26.2.	2100/11	24,9a	3
Provinssi	H Hietanen	23.2.	2100/12		disq.
	H Hietanen	26.2.	2100/10		disq.
Ruletto	T Okkolin	23.2.	2100/3	26,6a	4
	T Okkolin	26.2.	2100/9		disq.
Suikun Rilla	H Sulku	23.2.	2100/10	26,8a	5
	F Nivard	26.2.	2100/12	23,4a	1
2013
Keisar	J Törmänen	21.2.	2100/12	24,5a	4
	J Törmänen	24.2.	2100/11	23,7a	3
Metkutus	E Raffin	21.2.	2100/10		disq.
	J-M Paavola	24.2.	2100/10	24,8a	7
Suikun Rilla	H Sulku	21.2.	2100/11		disq.
	M Abrivard	24.2.	2100/12		disq.
Tesantti	E Holopainen	21.2.	2100/5	25,1ax	8
	E Holopainen	24.2.	2100/6	24.8ax	8

Results from the “Towards Paris” race last Wednesday the 29th:

Horse / Driver			Time		Coefficient	Prize	Dist./track
1.	1	Otto Milleri / Niko Jokela	25,8		18	3 500 €	2100:1
2.	2	Camri / Jani Ruotsalainen	25,8		43	1 750 €	2100:2
3.	10	Keisar / Hannu Torvinen	25,9		172	1 050 €	2100:10
4.	8	Tixa / Kari Venäläinen	26,0		125	700 €	2100:8
5.	11	Vieskerin Valo / Pertti Niveri	26,3	x	429	350 €	2100:11
6.	9	Jonsker / Arto Hammar	26,3	x	438	300 €	2100:9
7.	12	B. Vilunki / Ari Moilanen	26,4		202		2100:12
8.	3	Suikun Rilla / Harri Sulku	26,5		966		2100:3
9.	7	Dominik / Risto Tupamäki	26,6	x	213		2100:7
10.	5	Metkutus / Juha-Matti Paavola	26,8		301		2100:5
	4	Rapin Aatos / Mika Forss		disq.	140		2100:4
	6	Siirin Älli / Ahti Antti-Roiko	scratched				2100:6

500m:25,0/Otto Milleri 1000m: 26,5 1500m: 28,0 last 500m: 23,0

Meet Liising, the most popular stud in Finland

From Tältä näyttää Liising -Suomen suosituin siitosori jo neljättä vuotta (yle.fi)

Photo by Maria Bonnor / Yle

Liising has covered 150 mares a year for the last four years and already has over 600 foals progeny.

Owner Juha Kortekallio refers to him as a humble worker with good nerves. “Also his foals are great race horses. They are fast to develop but have enough humour to race also as adults. They are easy to handle at home but tough on the track”.

Liising has a strong sire line that goes back to Vieteri through Patrik and V.T. Ajatus. Liising’s sons Tuokkolan Touho, Köppinen and Lars (just to name a few) have also already started their breeding careers. “There are quite many Liising’s sons and daughters racing in open races. For example last Saturday there was a T75 race in Turku, where the winner, second and fourth places went to Liising’s sons!”

Coronation races encourage the finnhorse breeders

In Liising’s case the mares are covered through artificial insemination. His sperm takes the freezing well, the maximum amount of mares for one stud is 150 per year. The foaling percent is about 70, giving Liising about 100 foals progeny per year.

Kortekallio thinks that it’s an easier task for a Finnish breeder to have finnhorses than other breeds, since all the best horses of this breed are in Finland. “The breeder has a chance to see all the stallions live quite easily”, he says.

The best race horses can earn a living, but how about horse breeding?

“It’s not financially profitable by any means, but for most of us it’s a lifestyle. Luckily we have got the annual Coronation Trot event. Every breeder and owner wishes to have their horse competing there one day and that’s what keeps them trying”.

Liising 1777-94J

• Born 5th of July 1994
• Bred by Anne Nikula
• Racing statistics 79, 22-17-14
• Records 1.20,4a – 1.23,8

Patrik 1362-82J trt 161 cm s. 1981† FIN 21,0aly-23,2ly	V.T. Ajatus 1430-75J H FIN 26,3aly-28,9ly	Vieteri 407-71TJ Vj 21,6aly-25,9ly FIN	Vilperi Jo 18 Valio 24,8aly-27,0ly
			Vekkuli 100606 Vj 37,6
		Tositar 101462 31,9ake-33,8 FIN	Ihme-Toti yh 1138 25,9a
			Ara 100603 52,0
	Puhelu 2397-75J Valio FIN 28,8aly-34,3ke	Puhemies 6572 Pj Valio 26,0aly-27,8ly FIN	Erilo 5731 Valio 29,2-epav25,3
			Funkis 57189 38,0
		Tulos 503908 FIN	Eri-Tulos 6004 47,7
			Huiputus 58904 AA 47,1
Leiman-Liina 1065-81J FIN 29,1aly-30,6ly	Vekkuli Jo 101 P FIN 25,7aly-29,0ly	Vesseli 6440 29,7a-31,4 FIN	Eri-Ote 5462 32,7
			Lissu 18673
		Pelho 100053 Valio 29,6ake FIN	Mutri 5360 32,9
			Ullo 16904
	Leima 46316 FIN	Arous 5468 45,1 FIN	Aromus yh 586 Valio 29,9
			Vilo 50670
		Malu 44495 FIN	Mahti 4147
			Lessu 54857

Progeny statistics (December 2013)

Year	Progeny	Raced horses	Starts	Winnings	Wins	Record auto	Record volt
2013	94	0	0	0,00 €	0
2012	86	0	0	0,00 €	0
2011	96	0	0	0,00 €	0
2010	58	1	1	240,00 €	0		43,1ke
2009	65	17	149	131 080,00 €	29	25,9ake	28,0ke
2008	33	9	93	142 440,00 €	18	23,6ake	26,6ke
2007	36	15	191	147 465,00 €	31	23,1aly	24,1ke
2006	40	17	375	82 692,00 €	41	23,8aly	27,2ke
2005	11	6	94	3 855,00 €	1	34,0ake	32,2ke
2004	37	27	1001	281 156,00 €	82	24,3aly	23,8ke
2003	24	13	673	586 483,00 €	110	20,8aly	23,3ke
2002	29	19	904	260 068,00 €	81	20,3aly	23,5ke
2001	26	11	490	153 024,00 €	51	22,8aly	25,1ly
Altogether	635	135	3971	1 788 503,00 €	444	20,3aly	23,3ke

Video: Rimatonna is already a winner

This lovely short film has melted hearts all around Finland, I believe you also might enjoy to get to know this little filly. Her name is Rinteen Rimatonna. :)

The video is narrated in Finnish by Ilari Nisula, free translation below:

In sports, often only the biggest and most beautiful winners are remembered. After all not every winner succeeds in races. The star of this short film is Rinteen Rimatonna. She hasn’t – at least not yet – won any big races. She is not very big yet, and definitely wasn’t when she was born. Yet she has already won the biggest prize of all – a life.

In May 2013, Rinne stables staff  were eagerly waiting for Sirinän Sissi to finally start foaling. The approximate date had already passed. Finally it began, but a promising start turned into grief. Sissi had had twins, one of which, Rimatonna’s brother, had already died. Also the filly had suffered pre partum injuries. Her left hind leg had been in compression and left in wrong position. She couldn’t walk with her hind legs, she could only use her front legs to drag herself.

Rinne stables staff and vets wouldn’t give up. They supported her hind legs with special shoes and bandages. She received stretching, massage and exercise for her weaker leg, so she could stand up, walk and run.

Rimatonna herself had something to keep her going. She had the Finnish sisu. She circled around her mother and greeted cheerfully everyone who came to see her. She was gripping to life.

Still, as if all these setbacks weren’t enough, Sissi died when Rimatonna was only seven days old. It seemed that two foals and a difficult foaling had been too much for her. Now Rimatonna was an orphan. She had to suckle a bottle, at first every hour but already after four months the owners could sleep their nights without having to feed her during the night. The vet came to see her every day and even called the stables in the evening. Everyone wanted to see Rimatonna survive. And she did.

She received help and care from other horses as well. Pirske hadn’t had a foal this year, but she adopted Rimatonna, and, for everyone’s surprise, also started producing milk!

Now it seems that Rimatonna has conquered all those difficulties and made it after all. Time will tell if she ever becomes a sport horse, but now she has a chance.

Happy Tapaninpäivä!

Finnish Taxi drom 1920s (Wikimedia commons)

December 26th, St. Stephen’s Day, is a traditional celebration day for the Finnish horsemen. :)

Tapani’s Day tomorrow has been an important day to horsemen. Men woke up early in the morning and went to sauna. After that they went to stables and enjoyed a soup made of rabbit or squirrel meat together with some beer and liquor. Eating this sacrificial meal was said to make horses prosper in the coming year. However, the bones in the soup had to remain intact and kept in the stable, otherwise the horsemen’s luck with horses would suffer.

After luck with horses was ensured, people went horse racing. Tapani was the day for harnessing young foals for the first time and training them. Sometimes people even rode inside the house. Inside the house beer was poured on the horse’s head, back and mane. Then the horse was given some beer to drink and oats to eat. Finally, the rider also drank from the same pint and rode outside.

After the more calmer joulu feast, Tapani was convenient time for young people – and also older ones – for more wild merrymaking. Girls gave ”Tapani’s thread” to the boys they liked, and the boys attached these threads to their hats. From the number of threads it could be seen who was the most popular boy among the girls. At the same time quality of the threads was compared and people could deduce who would make a skilled wife.

On Tapani’s Day groups of strangely-clad men or boys travelled from house to house. Their leader had many names like ”Tapani’s pukki” or ”the old joulu man”. These creatures might wear, for instance, a fur coat turned upside down and a tar-dipped whisk as a tail. If the house treated the pukki poorly, it began to rage. Yet if the pukki was generously welcomed, it wished the house and the people the best of luck and success. The pukki sang:

”Let the cows give milk,
The sheeps carry twins,
Let the cat’s tail curl,
Dog’s tail shrivel,
and pig’s tail become knotted!”

Translation: Anssi A. / Suomenusko Facebook page

A Horse(wo)man’s Christmas

A HORSE(WO)MAN’S CHRISTMAS

It’s the night before Christmas, we’re out in the barn
Blanketing horses to keep them all warm
They’re eating their dinners, tucked in cozy stalls
Not aware that it’s Christmas or any special day at all

They can dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Maybe feeling a little sad at missing so much

This season is special but the horses don’t know
We’ve got work to do before we can go
We finish the chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and our own yuletide

It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung
I remember a story I was told when I was young
How at midnight on Christmas Eve
The creatures of the barnyard can speak to us with ease

I am called to the barn, I wade through the rain
I know I must go, I can’t really explain
I slide open the door, pause for a while
Then slowly walk down that dully lit aisle

A nicker from Casey, a wink from JD
Sleepy old Alibi waking to see
Tucker rustling his bedding, a snort soft and light
Each horse gave a greeting as I walked through the night

I thought about parties bright lit and warm
The ones we don’t go to ’cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we don’t get
When we’re working long hours for bills to be met

Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Bonnie, it brings me a smile
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
It starts me to thinking about my horses, my kin

I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.

From Horse Poems, Quotes & Jokes

Happy holidays for all my readers! (reblogged from 2012)

Christmas calendar day 24: Merry Christmas

Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka Phtography

Merry Christmas to all my readers!

Jaapeli agreed to pose for an elf photo. ;)

Christmas calendar, day 23: Dashing through the snow…

Photo by Peppi-Emilia Salmi

A bit older picture of Karu Usva. Right now there’s not so much snow… :(

Christmas calendar day 22: Swimming

B. Helmiina, photo by Hippos / Irina Keinänen

Trotter queen B. Helmiina enjoying the summer. :)

Christmas calendar day 20: Sleigh ride

Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka photography

This gentleman is called Viksanteri. :)

Christmas Calendar day 19: Peppi, 6 months old

Epona Huisko, photo by Viivi Huuskonen

Little one is already 6 months old! This photo was taken December 1st, 2013. :)

Christmas calendar day 18: Queen

Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka photography

May I present, the three-time trotter queen I.P. Vipotiina. :)

Christmas calendar day 16: Look at this!

Sirukko, photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka photogaphy

Christmas calendar day 15: Evening sun

Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka Photography

Christmas calendar day 14: Splashed white

Hagelundin Aarre at the Vermo national pony show in 2013. Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka Photography

Hagelundin Aarre is one of the rare splashed white Finn horses. :)

Christmas calendar day 13: Lads

Photo by Satu Pitkänen / Rozpravka Photography