So we've been busy getting ready for winter as I'm sure all of you have. Below are just a few of the projects we've been working on and have finished. There are still plenty of jobs waiting in the wings but for now I'm just happy these are done.
We dug out an area to put the dumpster in and lined it with giant blocks and gravel underneath. So instead of having a very large dumpster with ramps that were hard to navigate with the wheelbarrow and having to toss the manure up with a pitchfork to the rear, this is better. Once the side is filled in (where the planters are) there will be a ramp to walk up and just dump the manure in over the top. Eventually, it will be planted with bushes.
Next we put down the flakes in the indoor to treat the footing. It keeps the dust down and gives it a good consistency. Almost like beach sand.
Or this gate either, that's for Hanz and my daughter, Rosie just isn't ready yet
" Gracie" was exhausted and needed to take a nap in the sun after watching all this activity going on for days. She was giving me the 'stink eye' so I didn't disturb her and decided to unload the hay after lunch!
Quote for Today
I live in a house, but my home is in the stable.
Wow - you have been busy! All the improvements look deluxe, most especially those gorgeous dressage letters. ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks C! The dressage letters came out nice, she's pretty artsy. She also make different ones for the outside arena. How have you and the gang been doing? Still waiting for the rest of your house series! Stay well.
DeleteEverything looks so beautiful! I am jealous of your jump course indoors even though I wouldn’t be using it with any of the horses living with me right now. :))) And the dressage letters are stunning. So happy you’re all set up for winter riding now. You and Rosie are keeping me inspired!
ReplyDeleteThanks Billie! I’m really not using the jump course the way it should be yet either. But in time I hope to.
DeleteWow, so great to see photos of your place and all your hard work. Everything looks super nice!! From the easier to use dumpster (all dressed up!) to your indoor arena. What a cool ceiling, love all the wood and how it frames to a shape. Those large windows must make your arena nice and bright. I like your mounting block too. I took lessons for years (Western, dressage type - before it was a thing) at a jumping barn where Harmony came from. I do not jump, but enjoyed riding the course and going over smaller ones. Good for balance and picking up feet, important for trail riders. I used letters at that barn, and may add some to our future indoor. Your's are pretty! I think all the work we do on our barns makes it even more inviting to spend time with our beloved horses. Your quote is perfect. How fun for you & Rosie!! It would be great to see you guys using the course, including Hanz and your daughter. Hint, hint. Easy for me to say! Lucky Grady to get a Presidential Suite, no doubt it will make things easier and more comfy for him. Cats and their stink eyes, they don't like us messing with their barn comforts!
ReplyDeleteThanks aurora. We love the indoor and those window help make it brighter and give good breezes for the three seasons they're open. We made them so they can slide and lock closed for the winter. Rosie and me have been walking over the jumps for now. But on a good note I got her trotting around the perimeter so I'm happy about that.
ReplyDeleteI think your progress with Rosie is fantastic! As you know, we are eventually building an indoor. Potentially sooner than later. Hope you don't mind me asking a couple questions about your arena. Not trying to hijack your post :) Are your barn walls & ceiling insulated, is it heated? Do those beautiful large windows make the barn colder in Winter? We plan to insulate (both) with standard window strips along the top. Also, do you remember how you did your flooring? Brad said something about plans for 4-6 inches of fines and then a couple of sand (or similar amounts). Glad you shared the bag of additive, will look into it. The barns around us just use some type of salt to keep the indoor footing from freezing.
DeleteHi aurora, I don't mind answering a few questions if it helps you out :)
DeleteOur indoor is 100x200 clear span(that means no poles) it isn't insulated or heated. I don't think the windows make it colder it just keeps the wind out. We leave them open for the three seasons. We also have three cupolas on top with working fans in them. It helps keep it cooler in summer but we had to put mesh in the openings because the birds like to make nests up there. As for the flooring we put fabric first (agricultural fabric) then a layer of stone dust that got compacted (like three or four inches), then a layer of sand which I think was called mason sand about 4 inches. And then we put down the magnesium chloride ( the mag flakes)it takes a bunch of bags depending on how big the arena is.We don't do it that often because we don't have a lot of traffic. It basically pulls the moisture out of the air and keeps the footing not dusty. Keeps the sand damp naturally so its like beach sand so you never have to water it. This is the healthiest option for the horses too since they're not breathing dust.
Hope this helps I'll be happy to answer anything else that you want to know.
Thank you for taking the time & sharing!! Can't wait to discuss with Brad. You are so knowledgeable, and extremely helpful! We learn from the places we've ridden over the years, and gather info on what works/doesn't from others sources. There are so many options to think through and figure out what fits us.
DeleteNo problem. Willing to help anytime.😊 I’m sure with all your research you will find what’s right for you. Good luck!
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