 |
| " Mellon" |
We’d
like to thank everyone for your heartfelt sympathies on our loss of
Mellon. Your comments and thoughts meant
a lot. It’s still hard to believe Mellon
is gone, we were so used to having him with us for twenty-seven years. The barn seems very empty now without his
presence. The herd is definitely lost
without him. No one has emerged as
leader to tell them what to do. Blue is
capable of being a leader except for the fact that he is kind of lazy and he is
just not motivated enough. Neither
Donnie nor Grady are natural leaders. Sami is trying to get them to follow him
but they simply ignore the little guy. Poor
Sami.
Mellon
used to lead them up for water or hay nets at certain times of the day and just
take care of them all in general. In the
first few days my daughter actually had to go out and bring them up for a water
break. At least that part has gotten
better and they’ve figured it out for themselves now. If only Nate or Dusty were still with us
we’re certain one of them would have emerged as leader. As it stands for now leadership is up for
grabs.
 |
| "Sami" |
 |
| "Blue" (still not happy but dealing with it) |
Blue
and Sami have been wearing their Harmany Grazing Muzzles and seem to be having
no problems with them at all. Some
slight adjustments were made so they had more of a custom fit to their faces in
the beginning. I think the horses prefer these to the heavy nylon ones with the
rubber bottom we used previously. They
are lighter and clean off easily. The
only potential problem I worried about initially is whether they would get
stuck in the bowl of the automatic waterers outside but they fit just fine and
there hasn’t been a problem. What I didn’t like about the other ones was, when
they got wet and muddy they got very heavy. It seems these are working out
really well and we’re happy with the purchase. Blue has been known to trash his
grazing muzzles in the past in record time but he hasn’t been able to
disassemble this one yet. So I’m hopeful
it will last the season.
Until
next time
Quote for Today
Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less and smile a little more.
Quote for Today
Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less and smile a little more.
Oh boy. I need to start doing that. Right now, I'm keeping Leah off the grazing--except an hour here or there. Little Joe has been on there 2 hours morning and night, but he's not fat at all. In fact, he's skinny. Still, I don't want him to founder. It's all so complicated! I sure wish I could just let them eat all day, like they want to do.
ReplyDeleteMine go out all day and that's why some need the muzzles. It's easier than monitoring them all day.
DeleteWow. That's wonderful that they can go out all day.
DeleteThey really like it and are used to going out rain or shine. We try to give them an environment as close to what they would have in the natural order of things. In the winter and inclement weather they always come in at night but in the nicer weather they sometimes don't want to come in and spend the night under the stars. They know to come up by dark if they want in and some days they do and some days they don't. We'll always take a ride out to see if they're okay though. They think their wild horses sometimes and that's fine, whatever makes them happy. And it's good that they keep moving around. That's why Blue and Sami need their grazing muzzles.
DeleteI am sorry about your loss. I must have missed that post. It's so hard when they go. I am sure that the herd will adjust in time but it's hard on them as well. Irish still stands every now and then by Steele's grave. It could be coincidence but he never stood there before.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Irish knows Steele is there and is visiting his friend.
DeleteHow many horses are left now? It has not been an easy year for the herd. I know one thing for sure, all of your horses have been very fortunate to live with you and your daughter. A real slice of heaven, love and good care.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
DeleteWe have four guys left. Blue,Donnie,Grady and Sami.
Awww, I somehow missed the post about Mellon. I am so sorry for your guys' loss. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteAdjustment periods can be so hard, especially when someone moves on that has a big presence. Glad your herd is figuring things out. They'll be okay :) It's great the new muzzles are working so well! Will keep these in mind, pretty sure Koda would benefit from one.
ReplyDeleteThanks aurora. I'm sure they'll figure things out. It just takes time.
DeleteIt will be interesting to see who ends up taking over the lead role, I have a feeling it may take a while for them to all decide.
ReplyDeleteThose muzzles are super neat, I haven't seen one like that before!
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be working.
DeleteI've been wondering how the herd is doing and also who might be taking the lead role. I can't imagine how it feels to have Mellon gone after 27 years but I know every day must also be filled with memories of him and I hope that makes it a little bit easier. When Salina left us it was so hard the first few weeks. She was such a boss mare here - but Rafer has become best friends with the pony now and Redford seems to be attached to Cody and Keil Bay. None of them do quite what Salina did though Keil is still the leader. I know your herd will sort things out. Meanwhile another big hug as you all navigate this transition. Love the muzzle update too! I have 3 that might be going into them for the summer. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are figuring things out but it will take time. If only Blue were more motivated he would be the next in line but he sort of only takes care of himself. He's always been a loner. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
DeleteI do like these muzzles but they are expensive. You might want to buy one first to see how you like it.
27 years is a long, long time to have someone in your life. We all know, with time, it'll get easier, but it's still early days yet, not just for you and your daughter but for the herd too. I wonder if they'll look to you or your daughter as 'leader' if no one else steps up. Be kind to yourself and take your time, and take good care.
ReplyDeleteGlad that the muzzles are working, for the horses and for you. Hope they remain Blue-proof!