It’s Been A While

We have been busy around the farm getting ready for the warmer weather and hopefully more riding. There have been a lot of projects to keep us busy. We had a line of new fencing installed down one side of the farm. This particular side of the farm is on a well-traveled road and we just feel better that the horses are safer with an extra fence to shield them from the traffic.  In the past we have had people stop and feed them, which I don’t mind really, except I don’t want to have anyone get hurt. Having the extra fence also helps keep the garbage in one area. The slobs around here throw all kinds of cans and paper bags out their windows when they drive past the farm, which inevitably winds up in the pastures. Nice. Then we have to go out and pick it all up; it’s like being on a prison chain gang cleaning up the highways.

The double-fence also provides a wide alleyway that will let us ride without being harassed by the herd.  It has happened in the past and it’s not a lot of fun.  The alleyway now leads to a gate into the trails in the woods and another gate leads into the grass dressage arena under the trees on the hill.  By the time we walk up to the arena it’s has the added benefit of being a good warm up for us.  I like riding up there in the summer, as it’s a lot cooler.   We haven’t had a chance to ride there yet. As soon as the fence was up, we had a lot of rain and some hurricane force winds that knocked trees down which blocked the alleyway and took out two sections of the new fence…of course it did! Now we’re waiting for someone to actually show up and fix the fence and cut the trees off of it.

New fencing and ,yes, I have to power wash the old fence! That's on the list...

We replaced the split rail in this arena, seems there are a lot of resident beavers who like to snack on wood sometimes! They absolutely wrecked it.

They've got a tough life

As for the herd, during the month of May we started the horses back to work with a gradual training program.  They had not worked basically for the entire winter, so we felt it wasn’t fair to them to drag them out and just hop on and expect them to be fit and ready to go.  They’ve sort of been couch potatoes stuffing their faces with hay most of the winter. So, the plan was for all of them to have as many short longeing sessions as they needed before they were fit enough to ride.  Then we planned to saddle up and see what they’re ready for. 

" Blue"

Blue celebrated his 23^rd birthday March 26^th with carrots and Stud Muffins. He’s now officially the oldest guy in the barn.  Blue is still in very good condition and can benefit from some light work.  Saturday, I longed him at the walk in one direction and then we reversed directions. He went around twice then took himself into a trot then down to the walk, stopped and came in to tell me, “that’s a wrap for today, lady.”  You gotta love him. He probably thought I forgot to longe the trot in the first direction, so he’d have to do it for me. I think he figures I could use some advanced schooling and he’s just the guy to show me how!

I did take him for a walk around the arena and although he’s always good…well mostly good…he just didn’t seem to be into being ridden.  He’s got a bit of a stubborn streak and he put it to full use in counter bending and no steering.  I didn’t push it and we had a short ride.  I think he doesn’t mind longeing for a few minutes and he likes being groomed but he seems to want to punch his retirement card in my opinion.  We’ll have another discussion about it soon.

Blue & Rosie are inseparable, she's kind of a stalker, she won't leave his side

'Rosie"

Rosie has been doing very well with her get in shape program.  She’s been walking and trotting with energy and seems eager to get back to work.  She even took herself into a short canter on the longe. So I decided to ride her at the walk  a few times around the arena and she’s been a super star.  I’m also trying to get myself back in riding shape so I’ve been positioning myself in a half-seat at the walk before we even think about trotting again.  Rosie’s not the only one who could use a little conditioning after this winter!

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and we can all get back to not living in a bad “B” movie sooner than later. 

Quote For Today

Life is short.  Hug your horse.

Rosie’s First Week

Rosie taking a look around

Rosie arrived Thursday, (Nov.9th) and we let her take some time settling in.  Since this will be her forever home we want her to be comfortable with her surroundings and have a good experience with everything in the beginning.

Rosie & Sami

Friday we rotated one of the boys in with her at a time to let them get acquainted one on one.  Donnie was in love as usual with any mare.  We don’t call him Don Juan for nothing!  Unfortunately, she was in heat and he kept mounting her, which she didn’t seem to mind. But enough was enough after a while and we put Sami in with her.  They seemed to get along the best. Sami is very calm and not annoying so all was quiet between them.  Grady was next and it looked as if she didn’t really like him from the start and they sort of kicked out at each other for a while.  In all fairness to Grady she kinda started it.  Maybe it was too much action in one day for her.  So Blue didn’t get his turn because we brought them all in for the night.

Last Saturday Rosie went to her paddock and we introduced Blue to her.  That went very well for a while and they seemed to get along just fine.  Blue  got a little studly at times and acted like he might be stallion material (which he definitely is not)! When it looked as though she had had enough of him we switched her little buddy Sami in and all was peaceful.

For the remainder of the week, since she was still in heat, we put her and Sami in the small paddock.  Everyone could see each other across the driveway and get used to the idea of a new horse.  It seemed to work out well and the boys started to lose interest eventually. 

Today, Saturday, we decided it was time to put them all together to get acquainted up close and personal.  Sami and Rosie went out first and we let her explore her new surroundings for a while.  Then we turned Blue out and he didn’t seem too interested in anything but his hay basket.  Next in was Donnie then Grady. Donnie was very interested in making friends.  Grady…not so much, the hay basket was calling his name.  Once Blue noticed that Donnie and Sami were hanging around her by the run-in shed he decided to claim her for his own.  He chased Donnie and Sami off and he tried to herd her around, which she took exception to, and threw a few warning kicks in his direction.  After the initial meet and greet Rosie decided she might like to explore some other fields and had quite a conga line following her around.  She is curious and very sensible and calm. 

Adventuring out of the catch pen for greener pastures

Donnie, Sami & Rosie

The herd figuring out what to do next

Rosie checking out more things with her followers

This was Blue's basic position with her all day...what a pest

There was one time they all broke into a canter as a herd in the second field.  Rosie missed the exit ramp over the culvert and wound up in the corner.  The rest of the herd thundered through the culvert only to realize she was no longer with them.  This led to an impressive U-Turn by the herd as they went back to stalk reunite with her. 

So for the most part they’ve been grazing and Rosie has been exploring her new surroundings.  Blue has been right up her butt the whole day and I’m sure it’s getting on her nerves by now.  No girl likes to have a personal stalker!  But all in all the whole day went very well and in time they will all get used to one another. 

Quote for Today

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.  ~Sharon Ralls Lemon

Herd Update

" 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.

Nosy Horses

As I was heading out Sunday afternoon I pulled into the driveway that leads to the backfield to see 

what the herd was up to.  Our horses never cease to amaze me in that they can find the most 

mundane things to amuse themselves.  I have to apologize for the quality of the pictures.  The gate 

leading to the field was locked and I didn’t have the key with me so the pictures are taken from far 

away. Even with the telescopic adjustment it seems they aren’t up close and personal enough.  If I 

was more agile I might have climbed the fence and walked in but my fence – hopping days are 

over.

Sami - The first one to investigate the newly dragged arena

Seems he just needed a fresh palette to show off his artistic talents

"Hi Mellon, want to play with me and Grady"

Nate checking out the interesting new playpen

Sami sampling the all-you-can-eat-grass-buffet. I guess it's true, the  grass is always greener  on the other side of the fence.

Blue never gets involved with their silly antics

 Until next time

Quote for Today

There on the tips of fair fresh flowers feedeth he
How joyous is his neigh
There in the midst of sacred pollen hidden all hidden he
How joyous is his neigh
    - Navajo Song

Horses of the Night

"Chowing down on the hay nets"

Most of the country seems to be having a heat wave and we’re a part of it.  The past few days have been unbearable, the temps ranging from the high 90’s into the over 100-degree mark.  If that wasn’t bad enough the humidity is very high making everything and everyone drip with sweat.  I know ladies perspire but we’re sweating our butts off here.

In order to give the horses some relief they have been staying inside during the day under their fans and out of the blazing sun.  Nighttime turnout around 7 p.m. seems to keep everyone more comfortable.  Although, they can’t wait to come in first thing in the morning for breakfast and a nap, so I’m not sure how happy they are to be out all night.  So that’s how we’re coping with the heat. Below are a few pictures of turnout tonight:

"Shh, hide the beer and smokes, they're coming... damn, busted."

Blue:  "Where'd everybody go? Heard there was a party tonight."

Nate :   "I heard it was in the back field...heh, heh, heh"

Mellon:  "Get the light outta my eyes. You're killin' my buzz."

 Until next time


Quote for Today
A little horseplay... the way best to enjoy a summer day (or night)!

A Day in Dusty World

The best grass is always right out your front door according to Dusty.

Dusty had corrective shoes put on her hind feet this week.  We're hoping this will make her more comfortable and perhaps help with healing her suspensory injuries.  Below are assorted pictures of Dusty meandering around the barn. All stall guards except hers were put across the stalls so she couldn't trash the other horse’s stalls while they were out.  We strung a lunge line across the driveway past her paddock entrance so she still had access in there if she wanted it. She didn’t.  Not every horse on the farm has "special privileges"; only our trusted  and safety conscious veterans are allowed to roam for a time under supervision. 

Dusty & Donnie visiting while Sami looks on (Donnie loves her).

But unfortunately for Donnie, Nate's her main man.

Dusty helping get dinner ready. She's such a help she even taste tested some feed before putting it in the feed buckets.

Dinner is ready and Dusty has a ringside seat for the evening's entertainment.

 "THUNDERDOME"

Sami 14.2 vs. Grady 18 hands

This has been going on almost every night once they come into the catch pen before dinner.

Sami is now going to be Dusty's constant companion in her small paddock until he can control himself and learn some manners. Grady's no innocent either and starts the ruckus half of the time.

All tucked in and ready for dinner - My favorite time of day

Until next time

Quote for Today 
Like human beings, horses are all individuals with singular personalities, their own virtues and their own faults. We become bound to them for their beauty, their eccentricities, their heart and the love they so often return to us.
    - Lana Slaton

Updates On The Patients

Tuesday our chiropractor/acupuncturist came out to assess how some of the horses she’s been treating are coming along.  Nate did really well; he has no issues at the moment and can go back to work.  Grady was also given a good report card.  He’s been in regular work and I think that contributes to his overall well-being.  Blue was a little stiff in his back and needs to be ridden on a more regular basis to lose some weight and get in shape.  Dusty had a very stiff back, which is most likely due to her injury.  We’re sure she is compensating because her back legs hurt at the moment.

Friday our vet was here to give them their Lyme vaccines.  He also had us jog Dusty.  She still doesn’t look very lame at all considering how serious her suspensory injuries are.  Grady, Nate and Blue had their hocks injected with hyaluronic acid.  Blue and Grady were very well behaved and it goes without saying really that Nate was a PITA as usual.  They will all be spending today and tomorrow in their stalls.  Blue couldn’t care less; as long as he has food and a soft place to lay for his naps he’s fine.  Nate and Grady screamed for all their friends, who flat-left them for greener pastures, all day long. 

Once everyone was in for the night, it was all quiet on the western front.  I did tell them that they’ll thank me for this but I don’t think they believed me.  Well, maybe a few carrots will convince them.

Until next time

Quote for Today 

Poverty is another word for owning a horse...

Horses in the Mist

This is a picture I took this morning around 8 o'clock.  It seems we have been waking up to this hazy, hot and humid weather every day for a few weeks. The temperatures are always hovering about 90 degrees or above.  Obviously, it's not conducive to working either horses or humans.

Dusty was very lame this morning and the general consensus is that she either has a bad stone bruise or is working on an abscess. She's resting in her stall today. Mellon was allowed out to graze, under supervision of course, while his stall was mucked out. His leg is healing nicely from his torn tendon injury. He still behaves like a 5 year old not like a 22/23? year old horse and that is how he keeps injuring himself. Other than that we're getting through the weather here one day at a time.

Here are some morning pictures before we brought the horses in to spend the day under their fans.  We'll put them out again tonight when it's cooler and less buggy. They'll all get showers when they're settled in. I may just turn the hose on myself too!

' Misty and Muggy'

 'Grady apparently rolled in the mud after the thunderstorm last night'

'Donnie'

'Nothing phases Blue as long as he's eating'

'Nate hiding out in the shed'

'Sweetie chowing down'

'Sami keeping mom company'

'Mellon and Nate doing their morning groom-fest routine'

' Dusty giving me her "You're annoying me again look"

The remaining pictures are of Mellon grazing,visiting and exploring

Until next time

Quote for Today

Kissed by sunlight, embraced by open fields. The horse is the center of all beautiful things.