Things I Have Learned This Week

4/27/2020

Not really- I knew these from before. Ummmmmmmmm, maybe the one about a flushing toilet, but I know it Now!

News Flash :

I have 6 teeny little chicks- YAY!!!  Just thought to myself- if the husband doesn't like them, tough. Turned out he was glad I'd gotten some more!  I have missed having chickens around- as those who come to read this blog often already know. Chickens are good company at a barn when I'm the only one there. Along with my sweet little barn kitty, a chicken or two would usually come walking the pastures with me. Yes- a chicken and a cat.  <grins here> Simone` is like a small, odd-looking dog, and the chickens?  They look like chickens.

So- I have peeps again and love every single one of them. There are two light Brahmas, two dark Brahmas, and two Blue Laced Wyandottes. (think that's their correct name.)  Right now, the light Brahmas are white with lovely little feathers on their legs, and as their wing feathers grow in, I can see how beautiful they'll be. The dark Brahmas are a color I have never had before... I can't wait to see how they look. From the photos, I think I'll be happy. Of course, whatever their color is, they'll still be loved.
Below are a few photos I took today:
                                              Today was their first day out of a container.

These two were really brave and walking about. One of the

Light Brahmas will be named 'Emmie' after a hen I owned

long ago. The little grey/ smokey one is 

one of the Blue Laced Wyandottes

This is the other Blue Laced Wyandotte.

She now has a name:  "Sally"

There we go- all fresh n' clean with yummy chick food,

clean water whenever they want some.

The two tan/ dark brown are the two

Dark Brahmas. 

They will both need a good name- any ideas???

I just noticed I chose "Christmas Colors" for their holders.

                                                                        Oh wow...

*********************************************

Alright, so onto the 'Things I Learned.'

The toilet thing happened the first night they had been here. Of course- living in my garden tub as it is cold out for babies so young. Like some folks, I woke up having to use the bathroom, so being half awake, I wandered into it, and when I walked in, I whispered to the little chickens that I was there. Then came the FLUSH.  

Oh MY Gawd!!!  Peeps bouncing off the sides of their house, one fell in the water dish, and one hid behind its feeder.  Terror reigned supreme! Luckily the toilet is one of those that flushes very fast and it was over before anyone with fuzz could faint from the fright.

Since then, I flush the toilet even when it isn't needed and they're getting used to the scary sound it makes. The things one learns... ;) 

*****************************************************

This afternoon was the second thing I was forced to remember. 

(didn't really have to re-learn it but it is a good reminder by now)

It was dinner time for my pony, Briana.  I was walking up the hill lane to the barn.  I called her as I was - she lifted her head to see me. As usual, Simone`, my barn kitty walked over to greet me, so she got a rub on the head. By that time, Briana was walking her way up to the gate. I got there first and she dug in to hit a gallop in a few strides. Up the hill, sliding to a screeching halt in front of me.

I haltered her and we began our way to the barn and her dinner.  As we were walking, I wondered how she'd do being allowed to go to her stall by herself. After all, a couple of summers ago, I could do that and she'd do it perfectly.

Hmmmmm.........

I told her that when I slipped her halter off- she had to remember where her stall was and to head there. Off came the halter, and off she cantered. Well, she missed the front of the stall, down the aisle and ended up tearing about like some idiot. Simone (remember her?) was fascinated at a speedy black pony with the Zoomies. She ran around the corner of the barn just as Briana was coming to the same place. Both spooked sideways- cat to the left, pony to the right. 

Briana didn't slow down much and Simone gained warp speed into the equipment building. 

And around she went again- and then 'Oh heck- let's keep going as this is FUN.'

Three times around both barns and she was 'high blowing', little tail up in the air, head up as high as she could have it. My pony was a sight to behold. 

By now I was losing patience with it all. It's one thing to enjoy watching a pony

ripping around like one possessed, and then it's another to have to watch it for what was beginning to seem like much longer than a few minutes. 

I kept pointing to the barn, trying to have her realize that is where her dinner is, but heck, nope. She had discovered that delicious Spring grass. All of a sudden, I wasn't important, her dinner wasn't important and by then Simone` hadn't returned. Nothing but grrrrraaaaasssssss to eat; life was good for Briana

Finally, she realized that maybe, just maybe, I wanted her to head into the barn. She did, at a canter. All the way down the aisle, checking out the stalls, the tractor, and her cart. Snorting and blowing at everything she had seen forever. Whenever an equine is excited over anything, her human needs to be almost as calm as pond water on a warm summer day. I  did just that and she did too. Big sigh and she followed me into her stall without any problem.

Lesson learned.... in fact, TWO of them this week. 

One thing for sure, I'm never too old to learn or be reminded of things!

Oh, meet Spring! She is my friend's beautiful new Percheron Filly.

I love her and haven't even met her yet.
If this stupid COVID19 virus ever calms down, I want to meet her.  Looks like Spring will be black like her mama is.

Gotta do better!

4/18/2020

Holy moly- It has been a LONG time since I last posted here. Happily for me, the winter was gentle on this farm. Very little snow, not a ton of mud, and some sunshine. All appreciated by me as my back no longer allows much heavy work like snow shoveling my way to the barn. Yeah- and it really IS all uphill!   < laughing>  Since my big ol' Ford tractor was sold in that " auction"😡 , I no longer had any way to move snow other than ME.  So I was pleased to have an easy winter.

Spring arrived here as usual and it's so green and pretty this time of the year. Daffodils up and blooming, the little purple wild Violets, and of course, the ever-popular Dandelions.  The big crap apple tree alongside the barn is almost in bloom while the white Dogwoods aren't quite ready yet.
I hope everyone had a peaceful Easter weekend. Ours was so quiet, thanks to this virus that has taken over the world. ( just a reminder:   wash those hands for at least 20 seconds and stay far away from others as much as possible as you are cared about)

Other than staying here on the farm, life for us hasn't really changed that much concerning the COVID19 mess. Farm folks usually lead a life that doesn't take them out in public a whole lot - so it's not been so bad. I sure do miss being able to go out to dinner though!  Sheeeesh.. a nicely cooked meal made by someone other than us sure would be nice.

Briana, my American Draft Pony, is fine as is my barn kitty, Simone`. They have become close friends by now. I have become a herd mate with Briana and Simone` sees me as a hand that will rub her head and a voice that tells her she is lovely. Briana wants to romp and play with me as another horse, but I put an end to taking being a horse pal that far. Hahahaaa- I can't pin my ears back real well.

Bri has been shedding like crazy and is so anxious to go out in the mornings, I'm thinking it might be wiser to groom her in the evenings. She's lost some of the summer/ fall chubbies she gained over last year and is looking right spiffy now. Well- other than being mud-covered daily and hair flying all over the place.  Onto me, the grass, the mud, and other delightful places; my eyes, mouth, and clothing. Ugh.  On the other hand, I sure am glad to not have to deal with the Percherons shedding. Whew- that was awful but so satisfying to see that a short summer coat show up.

I did have a week of trouble with my Sadie... she's my dog. She began being "off"- and a little while later, it was time to go see a veterinarian. He didn't see anything wrong but for MAYBE a urinary tract infection. Sadie n' I returned home with antibiotics for a week. Still afterward, she wasn't right. Back to a different vet's office as I'd lost faith in the first group. This vet diagnosed her as having a majorly infected uterus!  A little more than a mild UTI. So, my girl stayed there overnight and had a complete spay. The vet told me that her uterus was so infected that it weighed THREE pounds!!  Sadie came home a little out of it, but slowly and surely she got better. Now? She's back to being Sadie again and I am so thankful that her problems were fixed.  I am much poorer now, but it was money well spent for her happiness and good health.

Below is Briana from this past January- we had a little snow but not enough to be a problem. She has been getting boring ol' grass hay and even though she prefers the high-powered alfalfa mix, grass hay is better for her.

I saw these little cat tracks and snapped a photo of them 

May Simone have made them?

Briana in all her 'fatness', mud, and is very pleased with herself.

                                    

See the heart left for me?

Oh so pretty Springtime

Even the Forsythia was gorgeous

Until next time!  I promise to not be so long in between posts, too. :) 

Whoa! Two in a row!

1.5.2020

A friend of mine has met a new mare and asked me for some ideas about teaching her to drive. Being hitched to a cart and taking her person for a ride in the cart or wagon.  I asked about her personality and learned she's very "barn sour". This means she isn't confident in who she is, to leave her herd. Horses are prey animals and move in herds for protection. Even when they're in a pasture, you will see them all grazing in the same general areas. You'll have those rebels that wander off to graze somewhere different- and those are the confident horses.

So, this mare is scared to leave her pals- even when in a ring, I suppose. My friend was driving home and I didn't ask her much. Generally, these barn sour horses won't be confident enough to be a good driving horse unless they are hitched with a friend of theirs. Not many folks know how to drive one horse, let alone two. I do, however. I've taught many spooky horses to drive using a more steady horse for their teammate.

What a person should do when working with a horse like this mare is to come up with things to present to her so she can learn. Items like flapping a towel around them, eventually working up to acting like some kind of banshee. Yeah- it's funny but it does work. I used to say that if your horse thinks you are a nut case- it's good. Then nothing you come up with will be alarming to them.

Tossing buckets about, kicking cans about, working up to banging on garbage cans- empty, of course... and more.

Have fun with it, make learning fun! If the said horse doesn't accept these things and can't get used to their person acting crazy, then my guess would be it won't be a safe driving horse. That horse is out front, all alone... it better be brave as can be!

Welcome 2020

1.5.2020

It has been muddy here, thanks to rain and the ground defrosting a little. Rain is great, but oh my gosh- 5 days of gloomy, cloudy weather?  Come on, January... A little sun would feel wonderful.

There's no a lot happening here due to not having but one goofy pony on the farm. She makes me laugh almost daily. Simone is the last barn kitty here also. She has been trotting down the lane in the evenings to meet me. During the nights, she lives in the tack room. It's so nice to have a cat that doesn't spray on those wooden walls!

The ''town'' house type of place is still being looked for. I will not like living in a housing development at all. < sigh>  That discussion is not over yet though.

My "Snowy's New Shoes" story is almost ready to head to a publisher. Now, I get to learn all about THAT.  Whew, so many rules and re-writes. I'll get it done though. My friend is doing the illustrations for it and her first one is Wonderful!
IF this ever really happens, I'll be sure to let you know.

Seems the husband is cooking dinner tonight- YAY.  It's almost done so I'll sign off here.

Hope your January is going well.

Tommy

12.29.19

Most likely this is the last blog post of 2019. I, for one, will be happy to say goodbye to this year, but happy about many other things in the future.

When I still lived in Maryland, I used to do some substitute teaching at various elementary schools nearby. It was what I actually went to college to become ( an elementary art teacher), so all those child development bits returned over the days spent in classrooms. Eventually, some schools realized that I was good at handling the "handicapped" kids. Those with health problems, those with emotional problems, and more. What a catastrophe in my first class was! Kids running rampant up and down the halls. Other teachers came in to tell me to keep them quieter and much worse. Perhaps I wasn't cut out to be a teacher of humans. Maybe I needed to just teach horses and forget to help out if needed.

There was a little guy who was in a 3rd-grade class I tried to teach a few different times. Each time we got a little better and were "quiet" but still? Mayhem. The teacher had left me instructions to do certain things throughout the day but many times it just didn't happen.

One day, I stood up and told my "class" of 12 that we were not going to work on anything according to their teacher's directions but to do some artwork. A couple of little girls were very excited as they Loved Art. We talked about what art was and had a few stories told. All the while that little fellow sat listening and paying attention. He normally was one of the rowdy boys as he'd had little to no discipline at home, but he was soaking it all up.

It must have been two hours of almost peace while they all worked on their "Art". Almost... Every so often the little gal who was so mentally and physically underdeveloped would scream and smile. The rest would "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" her. I just smiled. Then one of the other kids saw a bug on a window... Havoc occurred as all rushed to the window to see said bug. That took a good 25 minutes of "science" going on. What IS a bug?  Where do they come from?  Why are bugs around? The answers were hilarious but I kept from laughing as much as I could.

Lunchtime came and off we all went to the cafeteria. Once that was done, recess was big on their list for the next item to happen. Off we all trooped to be outside. I had no idea how long recess was to be, so when the other teachers started taking their classes inside, so did I. That worked well!

After lunch and recess, we had a 'quiet time'-  a sort of nap time but not really. Some read their favorite books if they knew how some snoozed, and some, well one, screamed.

Back to finish our "art" - aka- drawings. It wasn't long until it was time to go home via buses, parents, and the ones who walked with an older sibling. After they'd all gone, I realized I was exhausted and didn't know just how this class's teacher did it day after day.

I was assigned to that same class of kids a few times and we all got to know each other quite well. They were always fun, and loud but they also tried hard to keep themselves under control.

One morning, I had once again been called to "teach" another class and actually was looking forward to it. As I was walking down the hall to my classroom, there were lines of children walking along - I had no idea where, but there they were. All of a sudden, one little scruffy boy dashed out of his line and began running towards me. His teacher began calling to him, but he paid no attention to her whatsoever. He slowed down a little as he got close to me, handed me a piece of paper, and hugged my waist ever so tightly. It was Tommy... the kid who never ever showed emotion nor would allow himself to be touched, or would not touch anyone. EVER. I took the piece of paper and hugged him softly, telling him that his hug was perfect. Then, off he dashed again into his line.

Later on, several teachers who saw what had happened came over to let me know that Tommy simply did not DO things like that. That was a big breakthrough... When I got home after classes were done, I remembered that piece of paper he'd given me. I opened it up and there was (I think) a picture of me, drawn by him- and right in the middle of "me" was a giant red heart. I kept that drawing for years afterward, and with various moves, it has disappeared. I'll never forget that little guy who understood kindness and that others have a big heart too.

                                

The end of it all

10.27.19

The 4-horse trailer has been sold- the new owner is picking it up tomorrow. This is the end of what I have known all of my life. Next will be moving to some stupid housing development with neighbors all around...

So, goodbye to being a horsewoman, goodbye to being a countrywoman and for whatever small things I am inside.

Soon, it will be taking a walk around the new neighborhood and dealing with kids, barking dogs and noise that comes with living around too many people. Not to mention cars/ trucks, etc.

The husband is as pleased as can be. Our farm has been listed for sale, and that'll be the next hurdle for me. He will be happy to be away from the "country".  I will hate it.

What's to come? Might run away and live in the mountains like a hermit would? Maybe just run away and not return? I haven't a clue... time will tell I guess.  Adapting is something I have always been good at, so we shall see. One thing for sure, I'll not ever be as happy as I was around my horses...

Welllll..............

10/2/2019
The auction happened. We sold a lot of things we no longer needed, and it was definitely a buyers sale. Things went for dirt cheap. Everything but for my gorgeous gold pickup. That went for more than what's listed as a normal price for a truck of its age. < sigh> My ancient tractor, Moses, was sold also.

The farm, however, as I figured, was not sold. It will be listed with a realtor, and hopefully sold quickly.  Horse farms are hard to sell in winter. I doubt it'll be sold now until spring.

I still have Briana, my draft pony, but no chickens any longer. I miss them but I am happy to know the last three are in a happy home with a dear friend of mine. She shares photos of them occasionally and they always make me smile.

This summer, it seems like all I have done is mow grass! Thanks to the plentiful rain and sunshine, it grew like something possessed. Every week some pasture needed to be mowed down. I used to love mowing- but sheesh, after this summer? Not so much. The farm sure did look pretty though. We got repairs done that needed to be done a few years ago, and that added to it.

There are a couple of houses that were liked by us both, but nothing absolutely perfect. The search continues I suppose... but we won't be seriously looking until this farm has a firm contract on it. It is like living in limbo for me.

Not being a person that enjoys people living right next door, I guess I'll have to adapt to it all and to look for positives to all of this. Quite a change from a horsewoman running her own business to a woman living in a housing development, I'm still not sure I will like it at all.

Briana is fine living alone- thank goodness. She's quite an independent little thing it seems. She rules the roost here now. When it's too hot for her to stay out all day, she watches the house waiting for someone to come outside. Then she'll "grunt" at them.  "Hint, hint, Briana is HOT and needs to be in her stall". She walks up to the gate and looks again to be sure I'm on my way.

She just wasn't sure about that auction!  Noise, people parking in horse pastures, that Awful loud man yelling all the time, the different smells and so many people walking around. Oh MY. She took it all in stride and just remained on the other half of her pasture. Being my nosy little beastie, she had to come up to the fence to figure out just what was going on. A friend of mine had come to help and she gave Briana attention- which I know Briana loved.

Again, next to my Percherons and Appaloosas, I adore this breed. The American Draft Pony breed is wonderful to have around and care for. They are sensible ( so long as they inherit that super brave draft horse mind) and such fun. Briana loves to go for drives- anywhere. She doesn't care, so long as it's fun for her and I try hard to keep it like that. There are so many horses that have been ridden to the point where they're dead tired and hurt badly the next few days afterward, that they learn to dislike being around humans. I can happily say I've not had a horse who learned that from me. I know how much I ache after a hard days' work but I can understand why. Horses don't, but they sure learn to associate a day of being ridden to aching the next day or two.

That's about it for what has been going on here. We do have three deer that come out and graze in the back pasture since it no longer has horses in it.  That is pretty neat. I believe they are the same ones that use the woods across the road for bedding down during the days. One afternoon, I saw them and got these photos of two. See, they still have their spots.

Summer 2019

Wow, have I ever been a slacker here. It has been an interesting Spring and early Summer at this farm.

First, we are downsizing BIG time. This coming September 7th, there is to be an auction here. We will sell whatever we won't be taking with us, and then once that's done, this farm is to be auctioned off. It appears my husband decided this, even if I don't agree.  And that's that.  Sadly, I've been sorting thru all of the items gathered over the years. Tough choices as to what to take and what will be for sale.

Many many memories in this "stuff" of mine. Some good, some not so good. I shall miss my wonderful hill at the top of the farm. Many's the time I have walked up there and felt as though I could see the whole world. Missing the mountain view already.

 This past April, I lost my last Percheron. Bojangles hindquarters had gotten so weak that there were times I feared he might stumble and go down. Never wanting to see that happen, we chose a day for him to move onto the 'Summerland'. He would be with his best friend there, and there wouldn't be any more pain for him.  The farm's vet arrived and I'd already planned where he would be buried. Gently he slipped away in total peace... Bo was ready to leave this earth. After it was all quiet, Briana and I walked to where he was laying so she could understand.  Horses know all too well about death... and I wanted to allow her to accept that he was gone. She's the only critter left here now on 4 legs. We stood beside him and she sniffed his neck a little, and another time. Then she was ready to leave, so we walked back to her pasture. No calls, no running like one who didn't understand it all.  She quietly went back to grazing, occasionally looking up the hill to where her pal was. And that was it. She has asked me where he was and I explained it to her again. Eventually, she was fine with it all. I thought perhaps to get another horse for her to be pals with. She hasn't fussed at all.  So perhaps she is independent enough to live with just me and those goofy chickens as pasture pals?  It has been good so far.  I know I'll miss him- all of his silly antics and how gentle and loving he was.

 Slowly but surely, I am marching towards a full retirement; I will be boarding my 'short horse' with someone I hope will care for her as well as I do, and that will be that.  The husband says we're going to do some traveling- but somehow I don't see that happening much.

If you have nothing to do on September 7th, come over and see what we have.

Snow- blech

2.26.19

I'm baaaccccccckkkk.  So far we've had 4 snows in 2019. Thank goodness, nothing really to amount to. But is sure has snowed- the last one was during the Polar Vortex and that was quite simply COLD. Bitter cold. Being on the East Coast, we have wonderful humidity that doesn't go away even in winter. So- one goes out to the barn, gets busy working along and all of a sudden, one is sweaty. Hahaha- one better hadn't be still for long or one will be Very cold. Layers are the way to go but eventually, they don't even help much.

Everyone came thru that bitter cold just fine, thank goodness. I stepped on keeping a lot of water available for the animals and we didn't lose electric power!

Now we have semi-melted mud and when it freezes, life is hard.  Walking is hard too.

So here I am, impatiently waiting for Spring to arrive, knowing full well, March still has to be dealt with. Just one more month and it'll be getting warmer again.  YAYYYY!!!!

I hope your winter has been easy to deal with- ours has- so far.

Here are a couple of photos I took- it seems the two  house cats LOVE to drink from toilet. Smudge, my black cat, didn't realize it was possible until Dexter showed him how it was done.

ewww, February

2.12.19

 What a winter it has been here. A LOT of mud, slippery slopes, and very dirty horses are all a part of winter but it seems there has been a lot of it. Oh- then the mud freezes around the ankle-deep hoof prints in the pastures and they quickly become mini potholes for we humans to fall over. I am not sure which I hate the most- the boot-sucking mud or those little 'tripsters'. Either one makes life a little more miserable to deal with.  I bet the horse people reading understand how very terrifying it is to the horse when a human falls down...
< winks>

Today, it is snow to contend with. Not much but enough to create a wonderland out of the farm. That is if one ignores the icy patches...

Our farm has slowly been downsized to just two horses by now. The husband and I decided last year that come this Spring, the farm would be for sale and we are planning on moving into a much smaller place.  Sadly enough, I don't think my chickens will be able to move with me. :(    I love my chickens but sheeesh- can't see them living with neighbors all around. 

The ring is below- can you tell my Percheron gelding has been in it?  Just about all of my driving cones have been knocked over. Hahaha- it is seemingly HIS job to knock them over and he does it really well

 Briana is a hoot lately. She's my American Draft Pony and reminds us so much of my Percheron mare, Evie.  Same look, same personality, and spunk.   I love her a lot and can't see life without her in it. When I lead her out to her pasture for the day, she's head's up, looking all over for something 'new'. If she finds it, we must head over to check it out. Lately, it's been an old green tarp. She'll sniff it, and push on it with her face in checking it out. Never has she been unsure of checking things out because I have never allowed her to be scared or hurt.  Trust is a glorious thing between a human and a horse. Lynn used to trust me explicitly and would give almost anything a checkout or a try. I'm hoping my pretty pony develops the same kind of trust.

There have been SO many untrusting horses

in my life and each one has belonged to someone else. Not ever has a horse learned fear or confusion when it was "owned'' by me. It's easy to develop and is wonderful to watch happen.  Sadly when the horse goes back to its rightful owner, and THEY have not learned the things needed to continue, it reverts back to how it was before.  Lynn was mine from the time she was 15 months old and hadn't been mistreated too much by her former owner, so she was great fun. Briana had had two owners and the first one really destroyed her trust in people when it came to having her ears handled. Still, she isn't 100% trusting about that, sadly enough. I just don't understand why people don't take some time and show their animals that clippers, etc will not hurt them... I guess because they either have little education in all that or just don't care. Forcing is easier and faster. At what cost to the equine though?

Below is my little smarty pants  :)

WHY do we continue to do it?

1.10.2019

Vent:

 So for years- decades actually- I have tried so hard to be nice to others. Sure, when I hurt so badly I can barely walk, there's a tendency to get crabby. There have been times when I have not said anything just to see it happen over and over again. Sometimes we horsewomen hurt to the point that we wonder "why".

Why do we keep trudging forward?

Why do we keep putting up with bad pay clients?

Why do we continue dealing with people who ask so many questions (yes, some over and over again) and never seem to absorb the answers?

Why do we put up with the supposed know-it-alls that have it oh so wrong but continue to teach students or train horses in abusive methods incorrectly?             ( the worst is that others actually believe them)

Why do we deal with fractious horses (their people too) just to have money coming into the barn?

Why do we head to the barn every single day - in knee-deep snow, in the 100-degree summer heat and springtime's torrential downpours?

 WHY?

Lately, I have once again opened this barn to those in the area who really want to learn how to be around horses in the correct manner. It began with inquiries from various people who when they found out that they (oh my gosh) would have to help at the barn in order to learn more. To me, it's an exchange of help (yes- stalls) and education. The 'barter system" if you may.

It began alright- but slowly but surely things dwindled down to the ever-popular " sorry" over and over again. I did my part in teaching all about horses (within a beginner's level) Finally it was enough and I took the option away. No more "sorry"- no more ''oh this or that happened" on the morning of the self-appointed day they should have been here to help.

And so it is over. I am finished dealing with people who haven't the smarts to realize that we barn owners/managers have needs too...

A need to be paid on time, a need to have a possible day off, a need to be able to discuss things with clients and not watch/ listen to their excuses, or 'hissy fits' about how terrible we are to even ask to have things accomplished, paid or just to stop gossiping.

Never do /did I want to run my barn or any others as far as that goes with the proverbial Iron Fist. There have been some managers like that and it bothered me. Sadly- now I understand their 'whys'.

I know there are many barn managers out there who have had bad pay boarders. Those people who don't seem to care whether they get their board or monthly lessons paid. Little do they know (or perhaps they DO know and ignore it??) that a farm is run by their prompt payments- each time, every time. I wonder how many would complain about a board being broken or a fence post lose? Do they ever consider that their late (or not at all) payments are used for that sort of thing? It is very expensive to keep a barn and farm repaired and safe for animals of any kind. We, horsewomen and men, take in other's animals to care for because we love doing it. Not "just for the money"- but it costs money to keep things safe and in good repair. Feed, hay, bedding, electric and more. Those who make late payments or just never bother are the ones who will be the first to complain or gossip to others who will listen about how bad it is where they board or ride.

And so it goes and here's one better educated, willing to help horsewoman 
who is closing those doors.

Christmas Eve 2018

12.24.18

 As I sit here smelling the pumpkin pies baking in the oven, and my husband snoring as he snoozes to some of his favorite TV programs, ( I call it watching TV w/ one's eyes shut...) I realize how blessed we really are.

We have a cozy little house that keeps us warm in winter snows and cool when it's hot enough to fry the proverbial egg outside. A wonderful strong barn that prevents winter winds from blowing inside, freezing everything solid (so long as I remember to shut the doors, that is). Pastures that look brown with mud all over give me a promise of soft new grasses growing strong, come Spring.

Thinking of the year gone past, there have been some wonderful moments and some awful times too. All in all, I think the good and bad have balanced themselves out just fine. I lost a lifelong friend that I cherished deeply, but losing her brought along more firm plans for our future.

Remembering Christmas's past, I find I miss the glorious family moments that will never happen again, but others have taken their places. So many presents, so much laughter, and joy. So much love. Times gone by... Kids are grown up and have their own families- scattered all over the country. 

Happily for me, no more frantic shopping, decorating the house, making sure there will be plenty of food for family gatherings. Now, Christmas is a relaxed time with just us two. I managed to do probably 90% of my shopping online, thank goodness. Remembering Christmas's when there was no money available and having to create gifts for loved ones. Some were absolutely horrid, but I never realized that until many years later when I saw some of those gifts.  Oh lordy.

 Tomorrow will be kind of a normal day for us but for the gifts purchased and the grand dinner we have planned.  Always being one for not a lot of fuss n' bother, I like a peaceful day. I have always had 'country' like celebrations but for a few years when I was expected to have the house decorated by some designer to perfection. No thanks, I like pine boughs instead of the fake stuff... homemade decorations on the Christmas tree. Those mean more than the well-balanced balls hanging in the correct places so all is perfect. I DO give in and have a fake tree- but it's as realistic as possible.  Cutting a wonderful tree down and sticking it in ones' house isn't very kind to me. So I leave the trees in the woods and use a "pretend" one.  It's just as pretty and no one has to die because of it.

I suppose there'll be no snow here for this Christmas. Chilly, but no snow, thank goodness. We are to the point where a big snow storm just means harder work for the people and animals too. I do hope, however, the sunshine peeks out.

So, here's to everyone having a stupendous Christmas Day 

and to all those who celebrate in other beliefs,

May your celebrations be filled with love, peace, and joy.

                            Merry Christmas with love,

                                        from all of us at

  WoodFinn Farm. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOlasA9rycI  

The City Husband

11.7.18

I was telling someone of a story concerning my husband and was told that I really needed to write it down. So- here goes.

We met in 2001. He was from the city, and I, a country woman. Total opposites and we both realized that each of our passions were important enough to learn about and accept. We got hitched in 2003, and pretty much have lived 'happily ever after'.

The next thing was buying a farm in Pennsylvania and it was his first time being a country husband. He did really well and I thought it was wonderful that he loved me enough to give this way of life a try. "wow, it is dark at night out here, isn't it?"

He'd hadn't much experience with animals but for the typical city types- dogs,a car or two. Nothing having to do with horses though. I heard comments about how he'd never noticed how many horses there were around his city, and how nice they had looked. Ha- he had no idea...

Life was going along great until I woke up to a rather odd note for me. I read it and couldn't quite understand it.
                                                  "The cat stole my shoe"
  Oooooooooooooookayyyyyy. I didn't think much more about it until later on that day when I found 'the shoe' under the rocking chair. ( at least I think that's the right area- it's been a while you see) When he got home from work, I heard the rest of the story. The shoes were the ones he'd be wearing to work, and at 6 AM, only finding one didn't bode so well with him. We had gotten a new 6-7-month-old kitten/cat whose favorite game was stealing various items. Apparently, the cat had a grand time playing with shoestrings and had dragged the shoe across the living room... thus 'stealing' it.  The shoe was replaced and guess who was a little more careful about those shoes?

Then another time, I don't remember if it was a weekday or a weekend, but he gets up earlier than I do. He does his best to keep things quiet in the house which I adore about him. I'm able to sleep in a little that way. One morning I was awakened to something pounding on the floor. It wasn't in the bedroom and stopped after a few pounds, so I went back to sleep. Later on that morning, I happened to remember to ask him about the noise. Turns out that the now, TWO cats had caught a mouse. Of course, one had stolen it from the cat who'd done all the hard work to catch it. Cats have a terrible way of torturing their prey before finally killing it, and that's just what was happening that morning. ( ugh)  The husband decided he'd pick it up and toss it in the woods or somewhere so there wouldn't be gross mouse stuff on the floor. Ha- it turns out the mouse wasn't quite dead! So, he grabbed the thing most certain to do it in- my kitchen broom!
 ''Smack, Smack, SMACK "  Finally the mouse wasn't moving- no wait, yes it was.  "SMACK, SMACK!!"  He figured it was dead and he figured right. What mouse would survive that anyways? No more mouse and we had a good laugh over it all.

There have been many more husband stories but I am testing the waters here to see how he likes reading them again. ( in public < winks>)

Chicken Tales

10-29-18

 Yes- they continue...<winks>

 As you remember, my favorite breed of chicken is the Lavender Orpington. They are friendly, lay huge light brown eggs consistently and are a lovely light lavender color. They come across to a non-chicken person as a smokey grey, but when the sunlight hits them 'just right', one can see the lavender shading on them.

I found some Ummm, teenager aged Lavenders for sale and bought 7 of them.  They were kept in one of the stalls in the barn because I was tired of finding my hens destroyed or just gone thanks to fox, mink and other nasty little critters.       ( good grief- there's SO much forest and open fields around here, I'd think they'd find easier food, but nooooooooooo)  Understanding completely that they too must eat, I didn't want my chickens to become a feast for anything from the woods or fields. And so it goes- and so they grew! Below is "SamIam'' checking out the water leaking from a hose...

I'd let them wander about the barn and outside if they wanted, but they were not that brave. A gal who helped out here, tempted them outside by dropping cracked corn on the asphalt for them. That worked great and it wasn't long before they'd go outside the barn. Not very far though... I would call them and they'd all come 'a-running'- just not far from the barn. Eventually, they got brave enough to go out around the horse trailer and areas there. They loved eating the grass, looking for bugs and worms like the other hens always have.

Ending up with FOUR roosters and three hens, it wasn't long before I had to find homes for three of the roosters as that was too many! At any rate, they were all getting along fine having been raised together, so there wasn't a huge rush to sell the three. Luckily I sold one hen and one rooster to a friend.  That left me with 6. Three hens and three roosters.

In the meantime, the little flock of lavender chickens was brave enough to travel on the sides of the barn and met the older hens. The older girls really had not much to do with the young studs wandering about crowing their darned heads off. Basically, they ignored them and went about their chicken lives. When it was time to bring them back inside the safety of the barn they chose to not want to. Heck, so many worms n' bugs outside, comparing the barn w/ just boring old chicken food- well it was a simple choice. We shall be OUTSIDE chickens!
 (at least that's how it came across to me, the chicken herder.) They are around 5-6 months old now and more independent.

One late morning a few days ago, they all came running down the aisle like the devil itself was after them. If you've ever seen chickens run, you'll understand when I type that they remind me of a bunch of little old grey men running as fast as they can, with their hands in their pockets. I stood there chuckling at them all. Convincing 7 semi-adult chickens to now go into their stall for the rest of the day isn't an easy thing. It consists of much arm flapping, walking behind, singing the "chicken song" to keep them all moving forward and towards the open door. Every once in awhile, there will be a maverick. She/ He will turn around and quick as a fox run the other way. "Divide and Conquer"? Towards the front of the barn, or even into an empty stall, hoping the 'chicken herder' didn't notice. Ummmmmm, yeah, I noticed. The rest of them hopped into their stall and hoping that they would remain in there, I herded the maverick back to her/his stall. Most of the time it works really well.

However. When I did a chicken head count, there were just 5. Hmmmmmmm........  Just as I thought I'd better begin trekking about the barn, I heard a distant crow. There were no neighbors with chickens any longer, so I knew where the one maverick had gone. He was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy across one of the pastures, yep, crowing his fool head off. Ok- so I admit that basically, they are 'eraser brains' but, come on. Why was he so far away from his friends? I guess we'll never know as he sure wasn't talking much.  Crowing, sure, but no good reason as to the ''why'' of his walkabout.

Ever try to herd one fast rooster any place that he didn't want to go? Oh, it's great fun.  Here n' there, scooting under one fence, into another pasture, then back again. Up n' down the hills, under fencing, over to the big mares and FINALLY towards the barn. Ha- I didn't have to do my walk that day; I'd already done it!

Once 'SamIam' saw the barn, he began walking towards it and down the aisle.
 (whew) Then and I saw that little eraser brain thinking " oh no- I didn't want to come here. I shall turn around and run".   I caught him under the lawn rake I had, picked him up and carried him down the aisle to his "chicken house''.  < sigh >  I hope he was embarrassed at being delivered to the others in such an un-manly fashion, but it didn't seem to phase him much. He hasn't gone exploring much since. Thank goodness!

These are my hens-" Princess, Micah and Tillie's'' butt.  One of their many excursions down the barn aisle.

Evie's Dream

When Evie was just a youngster- around 2 years old, she had her own ideas on how life was going to be for her.  Evie was my filly that was born here in Pennsylvania.  There had been other foals but they had all been born in Maryland.  Evie ( if you like- go back and see the stories about her on this blog) was to be something spectacular and I had high hopes for her. She was born on a cold windy April morning and I missed seeing her born. Her mama, Katie, kept it a secret so learning Evie was finally here was a great way to begin my day!

She was smart, funny and so incredibly brave.  I loved her with every part of me, even when she stepped on my little toe one day. Evie was my hard-luck filly though. Something was forever going wrong with her. First, she was so tall at birth, it was hard for her to get up alone. For three days, I helped her by giving her butt a boost up. It worked and soon she was doing it all by herself.

Later on, as she grew taller and taller, she suffered from OCD.

( https://www.acvs.org/large-animal/osteochondritis-dissecans-horses) This caused her a LOT of discomfort in her stifles especially. I am sure later on in her life she'd have developed arthritis in her stifles, but I was never to find out. Evie was 18 hands tall as a three-year-old- all arms n' legs, as they say.  Slowly she learned how to handle her great height and became

so elegant in the way she moved.

When she was a little more than three years old, she made a mistake and upon rolling in some dirt, she rolled over- right into that horrid high tensile fencing. We had plans to replace the next spring. She ripped heavy-duty staples from the posts and cracked three of the posts in getting free. Her left hock in front was a disaster. She was stall bound for almost 3 months and in a protective wrap for another two or so. But- she healed and did such a good job that her scar was barely able to be seen. Evie was perfect whenever a veterinarian or myself had to re-do her bandage. She stood still as she could. 

What an incredible mare she was becoming, if she could only stop having problems!

Sadly we never got to go to a show as one day when she was just 7, she got sick. Taking no chances, I called my equine veterinarian to let her know Evie had a bit of a colic, and that I would let her know if it got bad enough for her to come out. The next morning, Evie was just "off"... not really wanting to eat, and well, just not happy. I called my vet. again, asking her to come out. After checking vital signs, etc, she decided to check Evie rectally. Perhaps something would tell us how to treat her. Evie was tranquilized and checked out. 

I was told that she had an ''Anterior Enteritis''. I wasn't sure what that was and my vet wanted to have us take Eve to a horse hospital. She tubed my mare and there was a good bit of fluid return from Evie. I said that I had to discuss it all with my husband, and would let her know soon.

That afternoon I did a lot of reading and learning about Evie's problem and found that with big Percheron mares, the chances of survival were not good, even at an equine hospital and proper care. The chances of her developing Laminitis were huge and most likely would have to have a carefully chosen diet for the rest of her life. IF she even made it. I couldn't do that to my wonderful mare. I loved her enough to let her go so she could dance in the meadows of heaven. The next morning, my love was gone.  It was a heartbreaking morning and one I never hope to face again.

Later on that day, I remembered a dream a dear friend of mine told me that Evie had told her. 

That ''one day, Evie and I would go to horse shows and win all kinds of big fancy ribbons. That Evie's "mom" (me) would put a red harness with diamonds on her. I would then hitch her to a bright red cart with sparkles on it. I'd wear red gloves covered in 'diamonds' and we'd win the biggest ribbon Ever at that show!!!"

Sadly, she never got to have that dream come to fruition, but I still get a chuckle when I think of it and "Herself".

I miss her.

Having Fun !

I found this blog in my travels online and thought I'd share it with you all  :

https://annablakeblog.com/2018/10/05/finding-your-horses-sense-of-humor/

This gal has it to a perfection-  finding your horses' sense of humor.  They all have one, believe it or not.  I don't know how many times I have fallen for my horses' jokes. Now, jokes from a horse sure aren't like our jokes. If you really pay attention, you'll get to witness a few.

Imagine the younger horse playing with cones set up in a ring for driving... I had a Percheron colt who would find fun in pushing mine onto icy patches, then watching me attempt to retrieve them. I swear I could hear him laughing. He was also the one who would pick those cones up with his mouth, and innocently wait until the flighty Thoroughbred mare would wander by.  Wham! Across that fence that cone would fly, usually landing very close to her. Of course, she'd flip out, thinking that it was raining driving cones. I loved seeing that colt's very amused face as he watched her antics.

I've been told and read that a horse never 'lies'. HA! I have had a few who did. My Percheron mare, Lynna, would Big time. If she didn't care for my choice in hay for her, she'd push and shove it into a big pile underneath her feed tub. Then I'd hear her soft nickers to me that Lynn didn't get her hay that morning. I knew darn well I'd given her hay. ''No, I hadn't- I have none at all"... from Lynn.  Finally, after trying to ignore her pleas of starvation, I'd give her some. There was the original hay pile that she didn't think was quite good enough, stuffed up under her feed tub! The same hay and she'd happily be eating it. < sigh >

There was an old Appaloosa mare here who wouldn't go out if she thought it was too hot or cold out. I always let her out loose in the barn area so she could graze in peace. She'd walk to the aisle doorway, look both ways, testing the weather and if it wasn't to her liking, she would turn around and head back to her stall. This dear soul would whinny loudly when she was done eating also.  She and her old friend, Chance, would be down at the gate nearest the house at dinner time- no matter what. She would sometimes whinny loudly for us to know it was time for dinner at the barn.  There were times when those two were early- around 1 or two in the afternoon. She'd be calling and calling until I came out of the door. Well, she'd try to convince me it really was late afternoon and time for a little something to eat.  Chance would stand there all but chuckling...

There have been horses in my life that were hat thieves... especially the ponies. Shoelace un-tiers  ( haha- is that even a word??). There have been some who liked to get a hold of belt loops on jeans and move their humans. Some loved to unbuckle Farriers' leather aprons oh so innocently...

So you see, horses can have a wonderful sense of humor, so long as their people don't put them down for having one. For ages, I've enjoyed watching horses play jokes and remember getting a soaking from an equine mouth holding a hose that was supposed to be filling up a water tub outside or to check outside at night and find that someone with very mobile lips has turned the lights on in the barn AGAIN. Pay attention to your horse or the horses around you-you will find they are quite funny.

 Don't try to fool them by putting on a happy face when you're in an awful mood too. They know sometimes before you'll get in the barn and word spreads so fast. Life with the equine mind can be wonderfully interesting!

Trying to hire help

8.20.18

I have had to hire and sadly, fire people in the past. Running a horse farm is hard work and sometimes it is just nice to have a day off. Thus my wanting to hire someone to come to the farm and make life easier so I can have a day off. Most of the time, horse people don't have days off. Most times they have no insurance coverage, and they have to work when it is miserably cold, hot as Hades; when it is snowing with a blowing cold wind. They deal with all kinds of weather and all kinds of horse- and yes, all kinds of people. So many folks are not suited to working in a barn; not suited to handling 1200 - 2000 pound equines of all temperaments and personalities.  Haha- believe me- I have met all of them at one time or another.

Here in central Pennsylvania, there's not many who have enough true horse experience to work in a barn full of horses. They're either totally uneducated, scared, or angry at a horse trying to be bossy. Or- they know it all.

There ARE some wonderful people who are worth paying though- but sadly in this area, there are few. I have had to accept someone who tells me they "have horse experience" but haven't a clue about a lame horse, a lost shoe, or how to deal with a horse that's feeling silly upon going out to pasture. Soooooooooooo, I train/ teach them and some have gone on to bigger barns and making more money. This I love because I know they'll make me proud in doing a great job. Even with some, I attempt to teach about ailments, what to do in emergencies, or even to show up when expected. Many times they don't work out... Thus the 'firing'. There are some that decide that this kind of work isn't for them, and they just never return.  Eventually, it's easier to just do it myself and not have to deal with people.

I've hired folks that say they 'rode as a teenager' and I find myself thinking
 " ooooookay- that means you really haven't a clue, but know how to show that horse who's boss"  If they're interested in coming to meet me and the horses, most times, they're not really going to.  I am sure those of you who have had to hire the 30-somethings to work at a job find the same thing is true. Sure, they want to make the money but aren't going to actually work to earn it. Then the teenagers who apply for a beginner level horse oriented job- suited to their knowledge- and the first thing asked is "how much will I make?".  Ummmmmmmmmmm, it is very bad manners to even mention money until one has the job. In fact, that kind I'll leave behind.

Finding that my recent weekend helper wasn't as responsible as I thought, it was time to move on and hire another person. This little part-time job was super simple. Let 5 horses in for the evening (or turn them out for the night- depending on weather), make sure they all have their feed, proper hay, and full buckets of water for the night.  Easy, right? Apparently not. I advertised and got only a few responses with a resume`. Again- why can't people learn how to fill out one properly? Misspellings, bad language skills... sheesh.  Their ages ranged from 21 - 35 years old!  These weren't children, but adults. A couple of them asked about the money first when it was clearly posted in my ad... some had very limited horse experience, some, none what so ever. <sitting here shaking my head, all over again>

Why answer an ad, make an appointment and don't bother showing up? That I don't understand. It shows how immature, unresponsible and rude some of the 30-something crowd is once again. Hard to believe- but I see why they don't have a job!

Perhaps it is just this area. Perhaps it's how people have been raised, or have become... I don't know.

What I do know is that, once again, I'll just do those weekend evenings myself. That way I won't have to risk a horse being in trouble if I'm not there being a 'babysitter' to my "employee". Some how, paying them to be babysat by me kind of defeats the purpose...