Brrrrr. 4.2 degrees (Fahrenheit.) With a wind chill of -15 degrees. So cold that the snow squeaks when you walk. That if you breathe through your nose it freezes your nose hair. You don't want to have too much bare skin exposed. Slopped some water on the concrete and it froze instantly.
Happy Frozen New Year.
Blanketed Aspey as she was shivering. Gave her a whole bale of hay along with a double helping of grain (No hay replacer pellets :) Snuggled everyone else in their stalls with water, hay and grain. Then ran inside to thaw by the wood stove.
So glad I took those iron horse shoes off their feet. That must add to the cold.
So, I'm sitting here, soaking up the good old wood stove heat. Enjoying the almost melting feeling on my face and feet.
How many days until spring is here? Too many, no matter how many times you count.
Have a Great New Years!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
If GREEN goop is coming out her nose, it's not a good thing :(
Now that the crisis is over, I can kinda laugh about it. Kinda. Not really.
Out doing barn chores in Vermont. 8:30 pm. Dark. 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Water freezes on concrete into ice in seconds. Literally. Just the opposite of trying to fry an egg on hot pavement in the middle of summer. Would have done barn chores and been inside already beside the fire. But for the fact that the youngest daughter had basketball practice. And we had to go feed 4 dogs and 5 horses up the road. My barn came last. Just works out that way.
Last of the chores. Almost done. Then the sound. Like one of the horses trying to hack up a lung. Except... horses can't puke. Certainly sounds like she wants to. Certainly sounds like she is trying to. And then comes the green goopey stuff flinging out of her nose. Bleck. Double bleck. Enough to get my non-horsey hubby running into the house to call the vet and her Mom. (giggle, giggle) He is not one for goopey green stuff. He hooked up a light so we could see outside and then went into the house. Couldn't handle the green goopey stuff, I guess.
Ok, I have to admit that it made me gag a few times, also. Vet on his way. Mom on her way. Me, outside, in the cold, trying to help her clear her throat. Bleck. Gag. Bleck.
Aspey is standing splay-legged and making the most horrendous sounds. Her legs are shaking and she's hacking so hard it makes her fart. Kinda funny. But very serious. I'm stressing, freezing, wishing the vet lived closer, wishing her Mom lived closer. Thinking just how late is it and is the guy with the backhoe even around this week. (No, no, don't go there.... think positive.) Positively blecky!
30 minutes later, Mom comes. Shortly thereafter, vet comes. Just in time to hear her clear everything out and start munching on the hay in the stall. Guess she figured out what the vet was going to do to her and gave another large gulp and got it gone. No more hay replacer pellets for her.
But, while the vet was here - we might as well make it worth our while. So, off to the barn to take out the rest of the stitches on Elias' fetlock that I couldn't get. Don't have the right scissors. (Long story. Different story) And to check on Buddy. His mildly expensive, imported from Britain (lah, te, dah), heaves medicine is working well. The vet told me how wonderful he looked. WOW! (You know how someone tells you that you did a great job, and it's ok. But when someone who does that something for a living tells you you did a great job, it makes it that much more impressive. I LOVE my vet. Ok - we are both happily married - to OTHER people. But I still LOVE my vet!) Then to look at Buddy's feet as he has been dealing with thrush issues the past few weeks. Doing much better. My religious cleaning of his stall and his feet and dosing with Kopertox are paying off. Now, with the shoes off, hopefully he'll grow back some of the frog he has lost. My cousin (Aspey's Mom) thinks I baby my horses too much. My vet just laughed and said that I'm not the worst he's seen. Hmmm. Maybe I need to try harder?
So, all the vet had to take out of his truck was his flashlight, stethoscope and scissors. He'll send me the bill. Yep. Don't forget that. Don't get me wrong. It's the reason I call him. I pay my bills. He visits when I call. Good working relationship. Keep him happy, he keeps my horses happy. What more could a horsewoman want?
But, on another note, my vet is leaving (what -you can't leave!) for California to the AQHA National Versatility Ranch Horse Competition to represent Vermont. Cool, huh! I hope he wins.
Now it's 10:45. I'm freezing. Haven't had supper yet. Know I'm going to check on that horse at least two more times tonight. I'm going to go hug the wood stove first. No spinach tonight. Bleck.
Out doing barn chores in Vermont. 8:30 pm. Dark. 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Water freezes on concrete into ice in seconds. Literally. Just the opposite of trying to fry an egg on hot pavement in the middle of summer. Would have done barn chores and been inside already beside the fire. But for the fact that the youngest daughter had basketball practice. And we had to go feed 4 dogs and 5 horses up the road. My barn came last. Just works out that way.
Last of the chores. Almost done. Then the sound. Like one of the horses trying to hack up a lung. Except... horses can't puke. Certainly sounds like she wants to. Certainly sounds like she is trying to. And then comes the green goopey stuff flinging out of her nose. Bleck. Double bleck. Enough to get my non-horsey hubby running into the house to call the vet and her Mom. (giggle, giggle) He is not one for goopey green stuff. He hooked up a light so we could see outside and then went into the house. Couldn't handle the green goopey stuff, I guess.
Ok, I have to admit that it made me gag a few times, also. Vet on his way. Mom on her way. Me, outside, in the cold, trying to help her clear her throat. Bleck. Gag. Bleck.
Aspey is standing splay-legged and making the most horrendous sounds. Her legs are shaking and she's hacking so hard it makes her fart. Kinda funny. But very serious. I'm stressing, freezing, wishing the vet lived closer, wishing her Mom lived closer. Thinking just how late is it and is the guy with the backhoe even around this week. (No, no, don't go there.... think positive.) Positively blecky!
30 minutes later, Mom comes. Shortly thereafter, vet comes. Just in time to hear her clear everything out and start munching on the hay in the stall. Guess she figured out what the vet was going to do to her and gave another large gulp and got it gone. No more hay replacer pellets for her.
But, while the vet was here - we might as well make it worth our while. So, off to the barn to take out the rest of the stitches on Elias' fetlock that I couldn't get. Don't have the right scissors. (Long story. Different story) And to check on Buddy. His mildly expensive, imported from Britain (lah, te, dah), heaves medicine is working well. The vet told me how wonderful he looked. WOW! (You know how someone tells you that you did a great job, and it's ok. But when someone who does that something for a living tells you you did a great job, it makes it that much more impressive. I LOVE my vet. Ok - we are both happily married - to OTHER people. But I still LOVE my vet!) Then to look at Buddy's feet as he has been dealing with thrush issues the past few weeks. Doing much better. My religious cleaning of his stall and his feet and dosing with Kopertox are paying off. Now, with the shoes off, hopefully he'll grow back some of the frog he has lost. My cousin (Aspey's Mom) thinks I baby my horses too much. My vet just laughed and said that I'm not the worst he's seen. Hmmm. Maybe I need to try harder?
So, all the vet had to take out of his truck was his flashlight, stethoscope and scissors. He'll send me the bill. Yep. Don't forget that. Don't get me wrong. It's the reason I call him. I pay my bills. He visits when I call. Good working relationship. Keep him happy, he keeps my horses happy. What more could a horsewoman want?
But, on another note, my vet is leaving (what -you can't leave!) for California to the AQHA National Versatility Ranch Horse Competition to represent Vermont. Cool, huh! I hope he wins.
Now it's 10:45. I'm freezing. Haven't had supper yet. Know I'm going to check on that horse at least two more times tonight. I'm going to go hug the wood stove first. No spinach tonight. Bleck.
OMG! For the horses sake, Euthanasia is NOT a bad thing!
I received this on one of my horse lists. If you can help this horse, please email me. I will be more than glad to forward the information to you. Find below my response, also....
-------------- Original message --------------
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
I received a call from a woman in Utica NY today asking if I could take her free horse. I am not able to at this point because my new mare is currently being "board" at a stable. From what I understand, she is a 30 year old arabian, no bad habits or vices. I told her I would post it and suggested she advertise it for "free lease" and to screen her potential adopters, ask for a vet reference and do a drive by. Any interest?? Her number is x-xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thanks
--My response----
I'm sorry, I know I'm not going to be popular or liked with this post. But when is it time to gently euthanize a wonderful creature and let them lay down in a place that they know without any pain. With so many horses out there that are young, adoptable and healthy, how in the world does anyone expect someone to take their 30 year old. I'm sorry. When my guys are old and unable to continue on, I euthanize them. Not leave for someone else what I can't do myself. If you are taking up a collection to help this woman euthanize this horse to save it the confusion and bewilderment of having to be moved at 30, I will be the first one in line to donate.
Lynn
--Lynn Esty
www.RescueAHorse.Blogspot.com
People. Get the picture. Please. A 30 year old mare. Looking for a good home. With hay the cost as it is. With winter here in full force. And 30 YEARS old. Doesn't this horse deserve the respect of a quite, gentle end in a place she has known her for at least the last few months, years of her life? If you can't do it, hire a vet that will. Call upon a rescuer or Constable/Animal Control Officer. This just kills me. Doesn't this horse deserve at least that. Just where or who do you think is going to take this mare? I see kill-buyer and slaughter house in her future. And I won't even begin to claim that I am a psychic.
Do the right thing. Put the mare down. I'll even start the donations for the vet bill and the back-hoe. I'm so very done with this.
-------------- Original message --------------
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
I received a call from a woman in Utica NY today asking if I could take her free horse. I am not able to at this point because my new mare is currently being "board" at a stable. From what I understand, she is a 30 year old arabian, no bad habits or vices. I told her I would post it and suggested she advertise it for "free lease" and to screen her potential adopters, ask for a vet reference and do a drive by. Any interest?? Her number is x-xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thanks
--My response----
I'm sorry, I know I'm not going to be popular or liked with this post. But when is it time to gently euthanize a wonderful creature and let them lay down in a place that they know without any pain. With so many horses out there that are young, adoptable and healthy, how in the world does anyone expect someone to take their 30 year old. I'm sorry. When my guys are old and unable to continue on, I euthanize them. Not leave for someone else what I can't do myself. If you are taking up a collection to help this woman euthanize this horse to save it the confusion and bewilderment of having to be moved at 30, I will be the first one in line to donate.
Lynn
--Lynn Esty
www.RescueAHorse.Blogspot.com
People. Get the picture. Please. A 30 year old mare. Looking for a good home. With hay the cost as it is. With winter here in full force. And 30 YEARS old. Doesn't this horse deserve the respect of a quite, gentle end in a place she has known her for at least the last few months, years of her life? If you can't do it, hire a vet that will. Call upon a rescuer or Constable/Animal Control Officer. This just kills me. Doesn't this horse deserve at least that. Just where or who do you think is going to take this mare? I see kill-buyer and slaughter house in her future. And I won't even begin to claim that I am a psychic.
Do the right thing. Put the mare down. I'll even start the donations for the vet bill and the back-hoe. I'm so very done with this.
Winter, Winter, everywhere..
What a beautiful day. Sun is shining. The thermometer reading is 44.9 degrees. Balmy! And in December! You all know we are going to pay for it before winter is over, don't you?
But, step outside and your breath is stole away! The wind is blowing. Fiercely! So, I'm packing some more wood in the wood stoves and still looking out the window, counting how many horses and dogs I have to take care of tonight and tomorrow morning (lets see, 5 horses + 4 dogs +5 horses + 4 dogs = argh! too many.) My girl friend, a very wonderful friend, is off watching her eldest son play hockey, so I'm doing chores at her house tonight and tomorrow morning- yep. Keeping up with the Joneses! No, not really. We just keep matching each other in dogs and horses. Not intentionally. Just happens, honestly!
I live just outside the boundary line of the little town of Perkinsville, Vermont, (don't blink- you'll miss it!) on my grandfathers small farm. Right next door to where I grew up. Sixth generation Weathersfield. My girls are the seventh. Weathersfield, Vermont. In Windsor county. EVERYONE knows who we are. Most days that is a blessing. When your car is broke down beside the road. When your chimney is on fire. When someone from out of town, out of state, is looking for you. There are days that this blessing isn't so good. The day you mess up and EVERYONE knows it was you. When you slip on the ice and land on your butt. When your daughter runs out of gas and three people call you before she does to be rescued. You get the picture, right?
My horses live on 2+ acres. I don't mow much lawn. When the girls give me a hard time about doing their lawn mowing duties, I move the fence around and, ta-dah!, instant lawn mowing! I don't have enough pasture to feed five horses. I don't even have enough pasture to feed one horse. Ok, maybe the pony. But not by much. But, because of the neighbors who own behind me (the State of Vermont gravel pit), there is approximately 3/4 an acre of additional pasture that I am able to let them run on.
When I had a horse with Cushings and a tendency to founder, this was a good thing. I didn't want him wading through deep, lush pasture to hasten a call to the vet. I worked very diligently to make sure his feed, his FEET and his girth stayed as moderated as possible. Aba had a good life.
Come pasture time, sometime in the next (sigh) four months, I will be down to at least 4 horses. Aspey is to go back north after graduation in June. Lacey - well, when that time comes, we'll see how her mom is doing and what is going to transpire for her. My boys, Smokey, Buddy and Elias... well, they'll be here until their time is up. Then they will lay in the pasture alongside Aba, Chris and Shiloh. And numerous other 4 legged, furry friends who have graced our home.
Hmmm.... didn't mean to end on such a gloomy note. However, the shards of loss aren't so cutting anymore. It's easier to remember them without getting hacked up with the sharp edges. Kinda like sea glass - it's beautiful, pocketed, smoothed and various, beautiful colors. Collecting sea glass when I lived in Alaska was a favorite hobby of mine.
So, I'm still looking out the window at the lovely sight, while I am puttering around the house looking for my Christmas long janes (women's version of long johns:) and my wool socks. Man, winter. Snow. Cold, biting wind. Bleck!
But, step outside and your breath is stole away! The wind is blowing. Fiercely! So, I'm packing some more wood in the wood stoves and still looking out the window, counting how many horses and dogs I have to take care of tonight and tomorrow morning (lets see, 5 horses + 4 dogs +5 horses + 4 dogs = argh! too many.) My girl friend, a very wonderful friend, is off watching her eldest son play hockey, so I'm doing chores at her house tonight and tomorrow morning- yep. Keeping up with the Joneses! No, not really. We just keep matching each other in dogs and horses. Not intentionally. Just happens, honestly!
I live just outside the boundary line of the little town of Perkinsville, Vermont, (don't blink- you'll miss it!) on my grandfathers small farm. Right next door to where I grew up. Sixth generation Weathersfield. My girls are the seventh. Weathersfield, Vermont. In Windsor county. EVERYONE knows who we are. Most days that is a blessing. When your car is broke down beside the road. When your chimney is on fire. When someone from out of town, out of state, is looking for you. There are days that this blessing isn't so good. The day you mess up and EVERYONE knows it was you. When you slip on the ice and land on your butt. When your daughter runs out of gas and three people call you before she does to be rescued. You get the picture, right?
My horses live on 2+ acres. I don't mow much lawn. When the girls give me a hard time about doing their lawn mowing duties, I move the fence around and, ta-dah!, instant lawn mowing! I don't have enough pasture to feed five horses. I don't even have enough pasture to feed one horse. Ok, maybe the pony. But not by much. But, because of the neighbors who own behind me (the State of Vermont gravel pit), there is approximately 3/4 an acre of additional pasture that I am able to let them run on.
When I had a horse with Cushings and a tendency to founder, this was a good thing. I didn't want him wading through deep, lush pasture to hasten a call to the vet. I worked very diligently to make sure his feed, his FEET and his girth stayed as moderated as possible. Aba had a good life.
Come pasture time, sometime in the next (sigh) four months, I will be down to at least 4 horses. Aspey is to go back north after graduation in June. Lacey - well, when that time comes, we'll see how her mom is doing and what is going to transpire for her. My boys, Smokey, Buddy and Elias... well, they'll be here until their time is up. Then they will lay in the pasture alongside Aba, Chris and Shiloh. And numerous other 4 legged, furry friends who have graced our home.
Hmmm.... didn't mean to end on such a gloomy note. However, the shards of loss aren't so cutting anymore. It's easier to remember them without getting hacked up with the sharp edges. Kinda like sea glass - it's beautiful, pocketed, smoothed and various, beautiful colors. Collecting sea glass when I lived in Alaska was a favorite hobby of mine.
So, I'm still looking out the window at the lovely sight, while I am puttering around the house looking for my Christmas long janes (women's version of long johns:) and my wool socks. Man, winter. Snow. Cold, biting wind. Bleck!
Monday, December 29, 2008
She's so Glad I LOVE her Mother!
Lacey. Ohy, vey. Is she so glad that I LOVE her mother. Did I tell you all that mares weren't my favorite in the horse world? Before anyone starts to worry, she is fine. And so am I.
First for me - I don't know what hit me. I came home from work on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm and went to bed with chills but no fever. Only got up twice to pee. Didn't get up like a human being until 6 pm on Sunday! Missed Christmas with the in-laws (or is that out-laws:)! No, no I would have had a great time. Age, and time, does mellow things, fortunately. I really did wish I had been up to going. Went back to bed at 10 pm and didn't get up until the alarm was screaming and my daughter was nagging me at 8 am Monday. So much for my posting every day. Oh, well.
Now for Lacey. The MARE. The twitchy, witchy, dark bay, gorgeous mane and tail of luscious black ,wavy, long hair, Morgan mare. Who has taken down a good section of the fence. Not once, but TWICE... to get in with the bbbboooooyyyyysssss! (Bleep) And she is SO very proud of herself. Came prancing and dancing right over to me to show me what she had done. TWICE. Ok. I'm not fighting it if it is working. Everyone still has all their hair on their butts, no one missing pieces of their necks, no one is the worse for wear.
Elias has only been here 4 weeks. I try to transition everyone really slowly as there is less chance of seeing fur fly, and heels fly and having to slop on goopey, neon yellow ointment to cover the teeth groves in necks and butts. And vet-wrap front legs. But this time, it seems that everyone made it unscathed. (Crossing everything that I can that I haven't made a statement in haste!)
There have been many changes here since October. Aba has passed on to greener, warmer, non-snowy pastures (did you all remember that I hate snow!), Aspey has come here to stay, and the latest turn in the horse world outside my back door, Elias has come home. The pecking order is being established. Re-established. Who was on top, isn't. Who may want to be, may not be. Who may think that they rule the roost, doesn't. I realize, I do, that there have to be some scuffles in order for things to settle into some sort of routine. But I truly do hate getting out the goey, neon yellow stuff. It does work wonders, though, especially during fly season.
So, for the past two nights we have had the usually mellow file in through the back door routine all befuddled up. Trying to organize and sort and file through in order - Lacey thought she wanted to be in with the BOYS until she had to wait until LAST to be let in because she won't let anyone past HER stall with HER food in it. THEY might just sneak some when she isn't looking and trying to bite them on the BUTT while munching at the same time!
So we are learning *patience* Sigh, yeah, right. Patience my ass. Actually, she did make a motion like she was going to bite my ass, but somehow the manure fork was there and she bumped her nose into the tines. Oops! So tonight, she danced and flattened her ears and jigged in place, but she did let Elias in before she scooted into her stall and stuck her nose in her bucket and, I swear, swung out her front leg to cover where her hay was, as if to say, "even though I have my face in my bucket, eating my grain, I still don't want you to get my hay!"
Now, part of the problem is that Elias is still learning the barn and is still hesitant about walking the aisle without someone there in front of him. My horses go in and out, one at a time, by themselves, with me opening and closing doors and encouraging them to get their butts out and stay out unless they want to come back in for the day. Most days, they get to the door and off they fly, for a great run around the pasture. Elias won't go out in the morning unless he is following you. He's the last in line to go out in the morning, so it works well. Then, once he is sure that there is no one hiding outside the door, he's off with the rest of them. (No lead rope, no halter, just wants to follow you like a puppy - a VERY LARGE puppy!)
So, it's rather like a one-armed paper hanger (sorry, if there are any one-armed people out there reading this - I think you are amazing to do with one arm what I can't accomplish with two most days) trying to get Elias in and keep Lacey out, while my boys, Smokey and Buddy, are munching down in their stalls, wondering what all the circus is about.
And people wonder why I treasure my geldings. They are so much less hormonal that Lacey ever considered being. Yep. Geldings. Yep. Love my friend. Ohy, vey. Mares!
First for me - I don't know what hit me. I came home from work on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm and went to bed with chills but no fever. Only got up twice to pee. Didn't get up like a human being until 6 pm on Sunday! Missed Christmas with the in-laws (or is that out-laws:)! No, no I would have had a great time. Age, and time, does mellow things, fortunately. I really did wish I had been up to going. Went back to bed at 10 pm and didn't get up until the alarm was screaming and my daughter was nagging me at 8 am Monday. So much for my posting every day. Oh, well.
Now for Lacey. The MARE. The twitchy, witchy, dark bay, gorgeous mane and tail of luscious black ,wavy, long hair, Morgan mare. Who has taken down a good section of the fence. Not once, but TWICE... to get in with the bbbboooooyyyyysssss! (Bleep) And she is SO very proud of herself. Came prancing and dancing right over to me to show me what she had done. TWICE. Ok. I'm not fighting it if it is working. Everyone still has all their hair on their butts, no one missing pieces of their necks, no one is the worse for wear.
Elias has only been here 4 weeks. I try to transition everyone really slowly as there is less chance of seeing fur fly, and heels fly and having to slop on goopey, neon yellow ointment to cover the teeth groves in necks and butts. And vet-wrap front legs. But this time, it seems that everyone made it unscathed. (Crossing everything that I can that I haven't made a statement in haste!)
There have been many changes here since October. Aba has passed on to greener, warmer, non-snowy pastures (did you all remember that I hate snow!), Aspey has come here to stay, and the latest turn in the horse world outside my back door, Elias has come home. The pecking order is being established. Re-established. Who was on top, isn't. Who may want to be, may not be. Who may think that they rule the roost, doesn't. I realize, I do, that there have to be some scuffles in order for things to settle into some sort of routine. But I truly do hate getting out the goey, neon yellow stuff. It does work wonders, though, especially during fly season.
So, for the past two nights we have had the usually mellow file in through the back door routine all befuddled up. Trying to organize and sort and file through in order - Lacey thought she wanted to be in with the BOYS until she had to wait until LAST to be let in because she won't let anyone past HER stall with HER food in it. THEY might just sneak some when she isn't looking and trying to bite them on the BUTT while munching at the same time!
So we are learning *patience* Sigh, yeah, right. Patience my ass. Actually, she did make a motion like she was going to bite my ass, but somehow the manure fork was there and she bumped her nose into the tines. Oops! So tonight, she danced and flattened her ears and jigged in place, but she did let Elias in before she scooted into her stall and stuck her nose in her bucket and, I swear, swung out her front leg to cover where her hay was, as if to say, "even though I have my face in my bucket, eating my grain, I still don't want you to get my hay!"
Now, part of the problem is that Elias is still learning the barn and is still hesitant about walking the aisle without someone there in front of him. My horses go in and out, one at a time, by themselves, with me opening and closing doors and encouraging them to get their butts out and stay out unless they want to come back in for the day. Most days, they get to the door and off they fly, for a great run around the pasture. Elias won't go out in the morning unless he is following you. He's the last in line to go out in the morning, so it works well. Then, once he is sure that there is no one hiding outside the door, he's off with the rest of them. (No lead rope, no halter, just wants to follow you like a puppy - a VERY LARGE puppy!)
So, it's rather like a one-armed paper hanger (sorry, if there are any one-armed people out there reading this - I think you are amazing to do with one arm what I can't accomplish with two most days) trying to get Elias in and keep Lacey out, while my boys, Smokey and Buddy, are munching down in their stalls, wondering what all the circus is about.
And people wonder why I treasure my geldings. They are so much less hormonal that Lacey ever considered being. Yep. Geldings. Yep. Love my friend. Ohy, vey. Mares!
Friday, December 26, 2008
What is this world coming to?
I know it's winter. Boy, do I know. We have a winter weather advisory for tonight/tomorrow that is calling for snow, freezing rain and rain. Guess the horses will be in tomorrow. And just maybe I won't have to go in to work :)
But I'm so tired of hearing horses being dumped. Being left behind. Being neglected. Being abandoned. People make me sick.
I'm not going to go into details here - I'm going to provide the links so you can see for yourself. Here are a couple of examples:
WARNING: These stories are extremely graphic. In one, horses are saved. In another, the horse is dead.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28322392/
www.troyrecord.com/articles/2008/12/24/news/doc4951bd013c87d348543490.txt
I have a couple more that are on the back burners as there have been no charges filed yet. As soon as I can, I will post them, because the horses are likely to need a LOT of help.
I have pangs of conscience when my boys are outside and it is raining and I'm late getting home to let them in for the night. I can't even begin to imagine doing this for days and weeks and months.
I need to go to the barn. Snuggle with my horses and see them warm in their stalls with plenty to munch on. If I try hard enough, I might be able to block the images and words from my mind for a few moments.
God help us all. If we continue to do this to our animals, I can only imagine the punishment that will be handed out to us in the future.
Came across this in an email I received. I certainly hope it's true!
There is an Indian Legend.........
When a human dies there is a bridge he must cross to enter into heaven.
At the head of that bridge waits every animal he encountered during his lifetime.
The animals decide which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away
But I'm so tired of hearing horses being dumped. Being left behind. Being neglected. Being abandoned. People make me sick.
I'm not going to go into details here - I'm going to provide the links so you can see for yourself. Here are a couple of examples:
WARNING: These stories are extremely graphic. In one, horses are saved. In another, the horse is dead.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28322392/
www.troyrecord.com/articles/2008/12/24/news/doc4951bd013c87d348543490.txt
I have a couple more that are on the back burners as there have been no charges filed yet. As soon as I can, I will post them, because the horses are likely to need a LOT of help.
I have pangs of conscience when my boys are outside and it is raining and I'm late getting home to let them in for the night. I can't even begin to imagine doing this for days and weeks and months.
I need to go to the barn. Snuggle with my horses and see them warm in their stalls with plenty to munch on. If I try hard enough, I might be able to block the images and words from my mind for a few moments.
God help us all. If we continue to do this to our animals, I can only imagine the punishment that will be handed out to us in the future.
Came across this in an email I received. I certainly hope it's true!
There is an Indian Legend.........
When a human dies there is a bridge he must cross to enter into heaven.
At the head of that bridge waits every animal he encountered during his lifetime.
The animals decide which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away
Thursday, December 25, 2008
What is a Rescue?
I've had many interesting conversations over the dinner table, but I must say this one (and it has been on more than one occasion that I have had this discussion) is the most frequent. It's on the definition of a 'rescue.' Don't get me wrong. I support rescues. I work with rescues. I have adopted from rescues. I have fostered for rescues. All types of rescues. Dogs, cats, horses, birds. Some I have donated to. Others I volunteer at events. You don't necessarily have to have an animal in your midst to help a rescue.
My definition of a rescue (and I realize some of you will disagree with me here, but if you do, start your own blog :) is ANY animal that is in need of medical, physical or emotional care that it is not receiving anywhere else. That goes to the most basic of needs. To be safe. To be fed. To be vetted. To be in an environment where you are cared for.
You don't have to be a 501(c)3 - though I support many that are - to 'rescue' an animal from an abusive, neglectful, inhumane situation. Taking in any animal, give it a safe, warm place to live with abundant food, medical care and heaps and heaps of patience, love and understanding, and you have all the ingredients needed for a 'rescue.'
If you don't know what you are doing, and there are some of those animals whose requirements are more than just a warm place and good dinner, team up with someone who does know what they are doing. Better yet, to start with, volunteer with a good rescue. Get your feet and hands dirty. See what it is all about and if you have the emotional, financial and physical requirements to take in a rescue. The hardest job you'll ever love. One that will break your heart. One that will confirm that the human race isn't all in the toilet. That there are good people out there.
Don't expect to be paid back for the expenses you have. Don't even expect to break even. You most likely will go into debt. To the vet. The farrier. The equine dentist. The feed store (grain, shavings, treats). The hay guy. Make sure all these people get paid. They are your source for everything that you need. They are the ones who make what you do possible. You will NEVER make money doing this. The priceless part will come when you see that little girl with her new horse and the horse being loved as they were intended to be loved. Cared for. Gushed over. Groomed. Fed treats. That is the priceless part that doesn't even begin to put dollars back in your check book. That doesn't cover the nights of sleep that were lost due to sitting up with a sick animal while you wait for the vet to come. That doesn't account for all the days you clean the stall. Taught a horse that patience and kindness come with gentle hands and treats. That doesn't even begin to heal a heart when, even though you did everything you could possibly, humanly do, even everything was not enough and the kindest thing you could do was gently lay that animal to rest in your arms. That is rescue.
So, there are many animals, many rescues, that are waiting with open arms for your help. Maybe you don't have a barn or house. You might have $5.00. If everyone in your email address book send $5.00 to a rescue, they would have the finances to save another animal. Have the money to pay for the hay, shavings, vet, farrier, dentist, etc. Volunteer at your local shelter. Knit or crochet a blanket as a donation for an auction or raffle. Open your house or barn to a four legged creature that has never known a clean stall, a full hay rack, a gentle grooming.
I rescue as I have the heart and funds and space available. Some years there are many. Some years there are few. Some years I volunteer my time; other times, my barn, my truck, my trailer, my hay.
I'm in debt to my non-horsey husband, - physically, financially, emotionally - who always seems to be able to float the extra hay bill, farrier bill. Who very rarely grumbles when we are doing chores and there is 'one more' mouth to hay, grain, clean, water, groom, blanket, check. I am most thankful that I have a supportive and caring husband who knows that it means we drive second hand trucks when we could afford new ones. I would rather have my horses than a new truck any day!
IF you don't know where a local rescue or shelter might be, google/dogpile/yahoo/whoever it... check out them on the web. Call your vet. Ask people in your area. Talk to the guy at the local feed store. Drive your truck and trailer. Sew a quilt. Find a rescue you feel comfortable standing behind and then stand behind them. Send them $20 a month. Sponsor a stall. Walk a dog. Socialize a cat. Crochet an afghan. DO SOMETHING. ANYthing. If you don't know what you can do, email or call them. Find out.
Whatever flavor of horse, whatever species of cat or dog. (Sorry, Nike) - JUST DO IT!
You will never be sorry that you did.
Just in case you want somewhere to start in Vermont/New England, here are a couple that I recommend/help as I can:
http://www.newenglandequinerescues.com/
http://www.petfinder.com/ (and go to rescues listed by State)
http://www.springhillrescue.com/
Lynn
My definition of a rescue (and I realize some of you will disagree with me here, but if you do, start your own blog :) is ANY animal that is in need of medical, physical or emotional care that it is not receiving anywhere else. That goes to the most basic of needs. To be safe. To be fed. To be vetted. To be in an environment where you are cared for.
You don't have to be a 501(c)3 - though I support many that are - to 'rescue' an animal from an abusive, neglectful, inhumane situation. Taking in any animal, give it a safe, warm place to live with abundant food, medical care and heaps and heaps of patience, love and understanding, and you have all the ingredients needed for a 'rescue.'
If you don't know what you are doing, and there are some of those animals whose requirements are more than just a warm place and good dinner, team up with someone who does know what they are doing. Better yet, to start with, volunteer with a good rescue. Get your feet and hands dirty. See what it is all about and if you have the emotional, financial and physical requirements to take in a rescue. The hardest job you'll ever love. One that will break your heart. One that will confirm that the human race isn't all in the toilet. That there are good people out there.
Don't expect to be paid back for the expenses you have. Don't even expect to break even. You most likely will go into debt. To the vet. The farrier. The equine dentist. The feed store (grain, shavings, treats). The hay guy. Make sure all these people get paid. They are your source for everything that you need. They are the ones who make what you do possible. You will NEVER make money doing this. The priceless part will come when you see that little girl with her new horse and the horse being loved as they were intended to be loved. Cared for. Gushed over. Groomed. Fed treats. That is the priceless part that doesn't even begin to put dollars back in your check book. That doesn't cover the nights of sleep that were lost due to sitting up with a sick animal while you wait for the vet to come. That doesn't account for all the days you clean the stall. Taught a horse that patience and kindness come with gentle hands and treats. That doesn't even begin to heal a heart when, even though you did everything you could possibly, humanly do, even everything was not enough and the kindest thing you could do was gently lay that animal to rest in your arms. That is rescue.
So, there are many animals, many rescues, that are waiting with open arms for your help. Maybe you don't have a barn or house. You might have $5.00. If everyone in your email address book send $5.00 to a rescue, they would have the finances to save another animal. Have the money to pay for the hay, shavings, vet, farrier, dentist, etc. Volunteer at your local shelter. Knit or crochet a blanket as a donation for an auction or raffle. Open your house or barn to a four legged creature that has never known a clean stall, a full hay rack, a gentle grooming.
I rescue as I have the heart and funds and space available. Some years there are many. Some years there are few. Some years I volunteer my time; other times, my barn, my truck, my trailer, my hay.
I'm in debt to my non-horsey husband, - physically, financially, emotionally - who always seems to be able to float the extra hay bill, farrier bill. Who very rarely grumbles when we are doing chores and there is 'one more' mouth to hay, grain, clean, water, groom, blanket, check. I am most thankful that I have a supportive and caring husband who knows that it means we drive second hand trucks when we could afford new ones. I would rather have my horses than a new truck any day!
IF you don't know where a local rescue or shelter might be, google/dogpile/yahoo/whoever it... check out them on the web. Call your vet. Ask people in your area. Talk to the guy at the local feed store. Drive your truck and trailer. Sew a quilt. Find a rescue you feel comfortable standing behind and then stand behind them. Send them $20 a month. Sponsor a stall. Walk a dog. Socialize a cat. Crochet an afghan. DO SOMETHING. ANYthing. If you don't know what you can do, email or call them. Find out.
Whatever flavor of horse, whatever species of cat or dog. (Sorry, Nike) - JUST DO IT!
You will never be sorry that you did.
Just in case you want somewhere to start in Vermont/New England, here are a couple that I recommend/help as I can:
http://www.newenglandequinerescues.com/
http://www.petfinder.com/ (and go to rescues listed by State)
http://www.springhillrescue.com/
Lynn
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Horsercise to Start the New Year Off on a Good Note
(I received this on one of the groups I belong to. I had just taken a drink of hot ice tea and almost spit it all over the computer screen. Thankfully, I have worked out the majority of these issues with my boys, but there have been days where these exercises were certainly what seemed to be the norm.)
At this time of year ads for weight-loss programs saturate print media and the airwaves. Even TV talk shows devote time to the battle of the bulge.
I caught part of a Dr. Phil episode in which the prominent self-help guru was evaluating the situation of one overweight guest.
The woman commented that she'd like to buy a horse so she could get exercise via riding. "That's great for the horse," responded Dr. Phil, drolly, "but what good is it for you?"
Obviously, Dr. Phil has missed out on the cardiovascular workout we women get attempting to get into a sports bra and riding pants....
Clearly, the good doctor doesn't own a horse. At least, not the right horse. A quiet, well-broke, agreeable mount may indeed not offer much in the way of fitness training. But, the right horse (and most of us have owned 1 or 2, haven't we?) will provide a body-building, cardiovascular-enhancing workout that would make Richard Simmons envious.
Allow me to explain....
With the right horse, you begin your fitness program by walking out to the pasture. As you stride briskly, you carry the halter and lead rope behind you, pushed up high on your back so the lead doesn't drag. The purpose of this is to tone your chest and upper-arm muscles (because you're not fooling your horse, for he knows what you carry). As you approach to within a few feet of him, he'll walk slowly away from you, but at a pace just so you can't reach him, then stop. This will be repeated several times in succession, until you're ready to jog. At that point, because you own just the right horse, he will trot, then gallop around the pasture. If you're at the advanced level of fitness, you may continue chasing after him for maximum aerobic benefits, or just stop and start throwing rocks at him to give your rotator cuffs a workout. (Make sure you switch throwing arms. Not only is this a benefit to you, your horse will think it hilarious). Beginners may prefer to toss the halter and lead on the ground, bend forward from the waist, and engage in heavy breathing and chanting (that's what we'll call it, anyway -- chanting) as the horse continues to circle the field. For those of you that have experience with this exercise, you may choose to throw the halter and lead, walk briskly, bend, pick up, repeat. When the horse determines you've had enough of this warm-up session, he'll allow you to catch him.
Now comes the total upper-body workout of grooming. The right horse, of course, will be caked in dried mud. The cement-like consistency of it will require work-to-exhaustion effort of your biceps and triceps. NOTE: This exercise has added value, the dried mud will stick to your face with perspiration, instant facial!
Next comes the bending, stretching, and toning of hoof-picking. Bend over, pick up the horse's left front foot, then be prepared to jump back as he stomps it back down to the ground, narrowly missing your foot. (Keep your knees bent as you jump, to protect your lower back.) Reach down and pick up the foot again, hopping about with the horse to maintain your grip as you attempt to pick what seems to be dirt mixed with Super Glue from the hoof. Eventually the horse may stand still; you may be chanting by this time. Repeat the entire circuit 3 more times with the remaining feet.
Once you can stand erect again, it's time for the insect repellent exercise. True, with this one, your horse may actually get more of a workout than you do, but you certainly get more of the repellent. It goes like this: Squirt!-circle- circle. Squirt!-circle- circle. Squirt!-circle- circle--- and so on, until you're completely misted with repellent and chanting 'whoa you sonofab... whoa'. To receive maximum benefit from this exercise, make sure you are at the beginning of a deep inhalation during the 'squirt' cycle and exhale after the last chanting 'whoa'.
With the right horse, saddling up provides both aerobic and strength building benefits. The trick is to keep your feet moving as you heft the saddle blanket over and over (and over), trying to keep it in place on a moving target. The blanket exercise warms you up for the saddle exercise, for which the routine is the same, only the weight is much greater -- perfect for buffing those hard-to-tone shoulder muscles.
Now comes the mounting exercise. With the right horse, it's left leg up, hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. Left leg up, hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. For balance, go around to the other side and continue the exercise (right leg up, hop-hop-hop, heavy breathing, right leg down, heavy breathing, etc.). When your heart rate begins to exceed your target range, look for a bucket. Bend over, pick it up, place it upside-down next to the horse, wait for the horse to move away, then bend over, pick it up again, place it next to the horse, and so on. NOTE: This is a cooling down routine, not to be confused with the warm up pasture routine.
When the horse deems you've had enough of these repetitions, he'll stand still and allow you to actually mount. At this point, of course, you'll be too exhausted to ride and your facial mask will be dropping off in chunks. It's best not to overdo it, so dismount, grab a glass of wine, and head in to recover in a bubble bath.
Author unknown
At this time of year ads for weight-loss programs saturate print media and the airwaves. Even TV talk shows devote time to the battle of the bulge.
I caught part of a Dr. Phil episode in which the prominent self-help guru was evaluating the situation of one overweight guest.
The woman commented that she'd like to buy a horse so she could get exercise via riding. "That's great for the horse," responded Dr. Phil, drolly, "but what good is it for you?"
Obviously, Dr. Phil has missed out on the cardiovascular workout we women get attempting to get into a sports bra and riding pants....
Clearly, the good doctor doesn't own a horse. At least, not the right horse. A quiet, well-broke, agreeable mount may indeed not offer much in the way of fitness training. But, the right horse (and most of us have owned 1 or 2, haven't we?) will provide a body-building, cardiovascular-enhancing workout that would make Richard Simmons envious.
Allow me to explain....
With the right horse, you begin your fitness program by walking out to the pasture. As you stride briskly, you carry the halter and lead rope behind you, pushed up high on your back so the lead doesn't drag. The purpose of this is to tone your chest and upper-arm muscles (because you're not fooling your horse, for he knows what you carry). As you approach to within a few feet of him, he'll walk slowly away from you, but at a pace just so you can't reach him, then stop. This will be repeated several times in succession, until you're ready to jog. At that point, because you own just the right horse, he will trot, then gallop around the pasture. If you're at the advanced level of fitness, you may continue chasing after him for maximum aerobic benefits, or just stop and start throwing rocks at him to give your rotator cuffs a workout. (Make sure you switch throwing arms. Not only is this a benefit to you, your horse will think it hilarious). Beginners may prefer to toss the halter and lead on the ground, bend forward from the waist, and engage in heavy breathing and chanting (that's what we'll call it, anyway -- chanting) as the horse continues to circle the field. For those of you that have experience with this exercise, you may choose to throw the halter and lead, walk briskly, bend, pick up, repeat. When the horse determines you've had enough of this warm-up session, he'll allow you to catch him.
Now comes the total upper-body workout of grooming. The right horse, of course, will be caked in dried mud. The cement-like consistency of it will require work-to-exhaustion effort of your biceps and triceps. NOTE: This exercise has added value, the dried mud will stick to your face with perspiration, instant facial!
Next comes the bending, stretching, and toning of hoof-picking. Bend over, pick up the horse's left front foot, then be prepared to jump back as he stomps it back down to the ground, narrowly missing your foot. (Keep your knees bent as you jump, to protect your lower back.) Reach down and pick up the foot again, hopping about with the horse to maintain your grip as you attempt to pick what seems to be dirt mixed with Super Glue from the hoof. Eventually the horse may stand still; you may be chanting by this time. Repeat the entire circuit 3 more times with the remaining feet.
Once you can stand erect again, it's time for the insect repellent exercise. True, with this one, your horse may actually get more of a workout than you do, but you certainly get more of the repellent. It goes like this: Squirt!-circle- circle. Squirt!-circle- circle. Squirt!-circle- circle--- and so on, until you're completely misted with repellent and chanting 'whoa you sonofab... whoa'. To receive maximum benefit from this exercise, make sure you are at the beginning of a deep inhalation during the 'squirt' cycle and exhale after the last chanting 'whoa'.
With the right horse, saddling up provides both aerobic and strength building benefits. The trick is to keep your feet moving as you heft the saddle blanket over and over (and over), trying to keep it in place on a moving target. The blanket exercise warms you up for the saddle exercise, for which the routine is the same, only the weight is much greater -- perfect for buffing those hard-to-tone shoulder muscles.
Now comes the mounting exercise. With the right horse, it's left leg up, hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. Left leg up, hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. For balance, go around to the other side and continue the exercise (right leg up, hop-hop-hop, heavy breathing, right leg down, heavy breathing, etc.). When your heart rate begins to exceed your target range, look for a bucket. Bend over, pick it up, place it upside-down next to the horse, wait for the horse to move away, then bend over, pick it up again, place it next to the horse, and so on. NOTE: This is a cooling down routine, not to be confused with the warm up pasture routine.
When the horse deems you've had enough of these repetitions, he'll stand still and allow you to actually mount. At this point, of course, you'll be too exhausted to ride and your facial mask will be dropping off in chunks. It's best not to overdo it, so dismount, grab a glass of wine, and head in to recover in a bubble bath.
Author unknown
I Hate Winter!
I HATE winter. I hate tramping through knee deep snow in 16 degree weather. This morning we were trimming the horses hooves. Five horses, twenty feet. Eight with shoes on them. Three layers of sweat pants. T-shirt, sweat shirt, Carhart jacket. Wool socks. Hat with ear flaps. Warm gloves. Insulated boots. Freezing my butt off after the third horse. Did I tell you that I HATE snow?? I must move to a warmer climate. Almost to the point where I will go with or without my husband. That's how serious I am. I really HATE winter.
Let me tell you about my horses.
Smokey is a 14 year old miniature horse/pony mix gelding that came to my house because he wouldn't stay inside the single strand of un-electricfied tape. All the others were large horses. Smokey is small. He would scoot out under the fence and the others would want to go for walks with him. He was supposed to be here for a short period of time until a new placement could be found for him. That was 7 years ago. Smokeys saving grace is that he is an exact replica of the pony my grandfather had when I was a little girl. The very first picture of me on a horse was in my grandfathers (now my) driveway with me on his little chocolate palomino, Lady. Smokey could be her double (ok, don't be too picky - maybe the gender is wrong, but if it were a mare would I have kept it? Doubtful!) He was in the right place, at the right time, with an empty stall in the barn. Fate. Karma. Dumb Luck? Two strands of electric tape. HOT! Tape. He's been a sweetie - no longer wanders off on his own. We will have him forever!
Buddy came to me in 2007. He is a registered Quarter Horse, 15.2 gelding, 27 years old. Been there, done that, very, very little ever spooks this horse. He was ridden at two speeds before I got him - fast and faster. And every day for almost all his life. He was owned by a very sweet, gentle man. Buddy was his transportation everywhere. They were always together. But, Buddy was beginning to stumble occasionally and his owner wanted a new mount, but wanted a good home for his partner. He had Buddy for most of his life. Buddy's owner did have a new horse ready to buy, and just a few short weeks after my receiving Buddy, Freddy was tragically killed in a horse accident that no one witnessed. Buddy is enjoying semi-retirement at my house. We ride, on average, about once a week in the summer. At a walk. That's all... walk. Not that we don't know how to go faster and occasionally do, but I like a slow pace that's easier on my body. Enjoying the surroundings. Communing with nature. No cell phones, no teenage daughters, no husband, no other worries. Just the two of us. With Freddy riding alongside :)
My truly, best love (my only other best Love is my patient, wonderful, non-horsey husband). Windstride Abakas. My 28 year old Morab gelding. 15.2. The love of my life. Aba had cushings for the last three years of his life. Our time together wasn't short - we spent over 10 years becoming each others best friend. He was a hot ticket 10 years ago. I thought, quite a few times, that I was absolutely out of my mind to have gotten a horse like him! He was still a hot ticket, even up to the day we lovingly let him go to the great, green pastures in the sky. He wasn't keeping weight on. He was having problems with his feet, chronic foundering. The horse that didn't ever like to get his feet wet, standing knee deep in buckets of cold ice water. Winter was right around the corner and we were already having to blanket him on the cooler nights in September. It truly was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Aba will never be forgotten and never be replaced. He was truly one of a kind. IF ever there was a horse I would have walked through fire for, it was Aba. And he would have followed right behind me.
So, after he was gone, I was not going to put another horse in his stall. I turned his stall into a play room for the kittens that I had acquired through my job. They ran around and chased each other and made me laugh. It was a good transition.
Now for my early Christmas present.
I wasn't looking for a new horse. Was just searching the web, posting some free horses I found onto a yahoogroup. Not even sure I wanted another horse. Then I went to meet him. Without a trailer. The weather that day was rainy and cold. We even had some snow. Great reason not to take a trailer that day. Told myself that I probably wouldn't even like him. A Thoroughbred? Me? I'm not a spring chicken. I don't bounce well. Too many physical issues to want to ride a young (ok, by my standards, at least) horse. Not a crotchety old hen ready to go to to the stew pot - yet (I don't care what my girls tell you!). No way that I need a16.3, 15 year old thoroughbred who jumps. What was I thinking?? Was I even thinking? A two hour drive, a few 'scenic tours' along the way (just why would they name three different roads by the SAME NAME????) Figured a nice road trip with my cousin, hang out, have a good day...
Got to a small (smaller than mine) farm with turnouts and a few horses. The one I came to look at was in a stall in the barn/garage. I arrived a few minutes early. Sweet horse. Huge!!!! OMG! The owner and I tacked him up with my saddle, (the rain had stopped) and we went out in the arena. She rode him first, warming him up. He was a little off in one of his hind legs. She said he had a long jumping lesson the day before. I led him up to the mounting block (ok, I didn't feel like such a mini as she was skinny and long legged and she even used a mounting block to get on him) and got on. It was a llloonnnggg way to the ground. I asked every so slightly for a walk. Walked a few rounds, circled, back the other way, asked for a trot (ok, ask a little less next time), very nice. Walked him up to a little cross rail in the middle of the arena. This whole time we had been talking. The owner, her friend, my cousin and I, while I was riding. I asked if he would walk over the cross rail- she laughed and said probably not! But he did. Seemed kinda surprised that he could walk instead of jump. The second trip over he could barely get all four feet over - dragged each and every one of them, clunking them over the crossed poles.... guess he was telling me he didn't too much care for the jumping part, that the slow walking over part was a better idea. Very nice mouth. Very gentle transitions. Nice horse. Smooth ride. Ok horse. Still hadn't made up my mind if I was interested in bringing down a trailer to get him.
Then I got off him. I was running the stirrups up and talking to him and WHAM. He took his huge, massive head and ever so very gently pulled me to his chest and hugged me. That's it. I was in love. That is what I had been missing so much since my Aba had left. If it hadn't been for that hug, for that gentle giant following me to the door of my truck while I put the saddle in and who stood quietly munching on candy canes and hugged me again, I would probably have let that very nice, gentle giant of a horse slip right through my fingers.
After kicking myself in the butt, wondering why I hadn't brought the trailer along, anyways, we rode home in the rain. We had made plans for me to pick Elias up Thanksgiving morning. My sister-in-law was cooking. I made my first (gulp) solo trailering two hours south to pick up my new horse. The stall was ready. My heart was ready. Elias is still the gentle giant. More mellow than my Quarter horse - what's up with that???
I have two other horses that also live in my barn. Have you seen a pattern here? Gelding, gelding, gelding, gelding.... I don't do Mares. Don't particularly like mares. Nothing wrong with mares - I just get enough hormonal issues with the three teenager daughters that live at home. Not my choice of horse.
Lacey is a very beautiful 8 year old morgan mare. Who is all mare. She cycles way too much - even for mare people. (There is a reason why I only have geldings on my farm... no one to help her with that business...) Lacey will do **anything** for a peppermint candy. She is such a goof. Not a snuggler or hugger, but bring out peppermint and you have her absolutely, undivided, complete attention. Until the peppermints are gone. Then you are just a human who doesn't have anything that she might need. Lacey belongs to a very good friend of mine who is having a bit of a hard time. While she is healing and getting things together, Lacey is staying with me. She is being cared for, loved, treated like one of mine (unlike the last barn she was at where she 'became' a lesson horse for a teenager who wanted to learn how draw reins worked... argh!!) and being the queen she thinks she should be treated like. As much as I don't do mares, I am not HER person. She makes that abundantly clear. She does not like to cuddle with me. Has no use of me fussing over her mane when it gets snarled. Could absolutely care less if I pick out her feet. Wants to spend the least amount of time with me possible. Absolutely GUSHES over her MOM! That's ok. That's what Mom's are for!
Aspey is a sweet, little 14.1, 20 year old arabian mare. Very gentle, very calm. Belongs to my cousin who got me into horses at the age of 10. Moved down from a little town on the Canadian border. Loves being around the big guys. Tries to rule the herd. (The real ruler of the herd is Smokey, lol). Her Mom, my cousin, comes to visit at least twice a week. I'm blessed that I get to help them have less distance between them.
It's time. Enough of hugging the wood stove to truly have been heated through a few times over. Time to bring the beasties in from the field and snuggle them into their stalls for the night. I won't forget the candy canes, either :)
I still HATE snow. Hate winter. Hate COLD! Blech... Here we go with the layers, again :(
Let me tell you about my horses.
Smokey is a 14 year old miniature horse/pony mix gelding that came to my house because he wouldn't stay inside the single strand of un-electricfied tape. All the others were large horses. Smokey is small. He would scoot out under the fence and the others would want to go for walks with him. He was supposed to be here for a short period of time until a new placement could be found for him. That was 7 years ago. Smokeys saving grace is that he is an exact replica of the pony my grandfather had when I was a little girl. The very first picture of me on a horse was in my grandfathers (now my) driveway with me on his little chocolate palomino, Lady. Smokey could be her double (ok, don't be too picky - maybe the gender is wrong, but if it were a mare would I have kept it? Doubtful!) He was in the right place, at the right time, with an empty stall in the barn. Fate. Karma. Dumb Luck? Two strands of electric tape. HOT! Tape. He's been a sweetie - no longer wanders off on his own. We will have him forever!
Buddy came to me in 2007. He is a registered Quarter Horse, 15.2 gelding, 27 years old. Been there, done that, very, very little ever spooks this horse. He was ridden at two speeds before I got him - fast and faster. And every day for almost all his life. He was owned by a very sweet, gentle man. Buddy was his transportation everywhere. They were always together. But, Buddy was beginning to stumble occasionally and his owner wanted a new mount, but wanted a good home for his partner. He had Buddy for most of his life. Buddy's owner did have a new horse ready to buy, and just a few short weeks after my receiving Buddy, Freddy was tragically killed in a horse accident that no one witnessed. Buddy is enjoying semi-retirement at my house. We ride, on average, about once a week in the summer. At a walk. That's all... walk. Not that we don't know how to go faster and occasionally do, but I like a slow pace that's easier on my body. Enjoying the surroundings. Communing with nature. No cell phones, no teenage daughters, no husband, no other worries. Just the two of us. With Freddy riding alongside :)
My truly, best love (my only other best Love is my patient, wonderful, non-horsey husband). Windstride Abakas. My 28 year old Morab gelding. 15.2. The love of my life. Aba had cushings for the last three years of his life. Our time together wasn't short - we spent over 10 years becoming each others best friend. He was a hot ticket 10 years ago. I thought, quite a few times, that I was absolutely out of my mind to have gotten a horse like him! He was still a hot ticket, even up to the day we lovingly let him go to the great, green pastures in the sky. He wasn't keeping weight on. He was having problems with his feet, chronic foundering. The horse that didn't ever like to get his feet wet, standing knee deep in buckets of cold ice water. Winter was right around the corner and we were already having to blanket him on the cooler nights in September. It truly was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Aba will never be forgotten and never be replaced. He was truly one of a kind. IF ever there was a horse I would have walked through fire for, it was Aba. And he would have followed right behind me.
So, after he was gone, I was not going to put another horse in his stall. I turned his stall into a play room for the kittens that I had acquired through my job. They ran around and chased each other and made me laugh. It was a good transition.
Now for my early Christmas present.
I wasn't looking for a new horse. Was just searching the web, posting some free horses I found onto a yahoogroup. Not even sure I wanted another horse. Then I went to meet him. Without a trailer. The weather that day was rainy and cold. We even had some snow. Great reason not to take a trailer that day. Told myself that I probably wouldn't even like him. A Thoroughbred? Me? I'm not a spring chicken. I don't bounce well. Too many physical issues to want to ride a young (ok, by my standards, at least) horse. Not a crotchety old hen ready to go to to the stew pot - yet (I don't care what my girls tell you!). No way that I need a
Got to a small (smaller than mine) farm with turnouts and a few horses. The one I came to look at was in a stall in the barn/garage. I arrived a few minutes early. Sweet horse. Huge!!!! OMG! The owner and I tacked him up with my saddle, (the rain had stopped) and we went out in the arena. She rode him first, warming him up. He was a little off in one of his hind legs. She said he had a long jumping lesson the day before. I led him up to the mounting block (ok, I didn't feel like such a mini as she was skinny and long legged and she even used a mounting block to get on him) and got on. It was a llloonnnggg way to the ground. I asked every so slightly for a walk. Walked a few rounds, circled, back the other way, asked for a trot (ok, ask a little less next time), very nice. Walked him up to a little cross rail in the middle of the arena. This whole time we had been talking. The owner, her friend, my cousin and I, while I was riding. I asked if he would walk over the cross rail- she laughed and said probably not! But he did. Seemed kinda surprised that he could walk instead of jump. The second trip over he could barely get all four feet over - dragged each and every one of them, clunking them over the crossed poles.... guess he was telling me he didn't too much care for the jumping part, that the slow walking over part was a better idea. Very nice mouth. Very gentle transitions. Nice horse. Smooth ride. Ok horse. Still hadn't made up my mind if I was interested in bringing down a trailer to get him.
Then I got off him. I was running the stirrups up and talking to him and WHAM. He took his huge, massive head and ever so very gently pulled me to his chest and hugged me. That's it. I was in love. That is what I had been missing so much since my Aba had left. If it hadn't been for that hug, for that gentle giant following me to the door of my truck while I put the saddle in and who stood quietly munching on candy canes and hugged me again, I would probably have let that very nice, gentle giant of a horse slip right through my fingers.
After kicking myself in the butt, wondering why I hadn't brought the trailer along, anyways, we rode home in the rain. We had made plans for me to pick Elias up Thanksgiving morning. My sister-in-law was cooking. I made my first (gulp) solo trailering two hours south to pick up my new horse. The stall was ready. My heart was ready. Elias is still the gentle giant. More mellow than my Quarter horse - what's up with that???
I have two other horses that also live in my barn. Have you seen a pattern here? Gelding, gelding, gelding, gelding.... I don't do Mares. Don't particularly like mares. Nothing wrong with mares - I just get enough hormonal issues with the three teenager daughters that live at home. Not my choice of horse.
Lacey is a very beautiful 8 year old morgan mare. Who is all mare. She cycles way too much - even for mare people. (There is a reason why I only have geldings on my farm... no one to help her with that business...) Lacey will do **anything** for a peppermint candy. She is such a goof. Not a snuggler or hugger, but bring out peppermint and you have her absolutely, undivided, complete attention. Until the peppermints are gone. Then you are just a human who doesn't have anything that she might need. Lacey belongs to a very good friend of mine who is having a bit of a hard time. While she is healing and getting things together, Lacey is staying with me. She is being cared for, loved, treated like one of mine (unlike the last barn she was at where she 'became' a lesson horse for a teenager who wanted to learn how draw reins worked... argh!!) and being the queen she thinks she should be treated like. As much as I don't do mares, I am not HER person. She makes that abundantly clear. She does not like to cuddle with me. Has no use of me fussing over her mane when it gets snarled. Could absolutely care less if I pick out her feet. Wants to spend the least amount of time with me possible. Absolutely GUSHES over her MOM! That's ok. That's what Mom's are for!
Aspey is a sweet, little 14.1, 20 year old arabian mare. Very gentle, very calm. Belongs to my cousin who got me into horses at the age of 10. Moved down from a little town on the Canadian border. Loves being around the big guys. Tries to rule the herd. (The real ruler of the herd is Smokey, lol). Her Mom, my cousin, comes to visit at least twice a week. I'm blessed that I get to help them have less distance between them.
It's time. Enough of hugging the wood stove to truly have been heated through a few times over. Time to bring the beasties in from the field and snuggle them into their stalls for the night. I won't forget the candy canes, either :)
I still HATE snow. Hate winter. Hate COLD! Blech... Here we go with the layers, again :(
Monday, December 22, 2008
Another Day, Another Heart Ache
Here's the web site of a petition that has been started for Tim, the abused horse. My two cents worth is in Green.
<<<<>>>
Received Dec 20, 2008
I received this in one of my dog rescue groups. It ticked me off to no end-what is wrong with the court system???? They're just as bad, if not worse, than the abusers!!!!
There are currently 80 signatures. (Now it is over 300!)
If you're new to the story of Tim, the horse, who needs rescuing from his abusive owners, please see the attachment.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/81/please-help-tim
Please pass the word.
....Lynn wrote:...
Signing the petition will not do a lot for this horse. I will sign it because I care.
As an Animal Control Officer, I have to say that the people who are doing the feeding, etc. are doing more harm than good.
Ok, no hate mail here, please. Let me explain myself. The court, animal control officer, etc. is showing up and the horse has food and water and shelter. Therefore, in the eyes of the law, the complaint is unfounded. We cannot tell that sympathy of neighbors has cared for this horse. We only know what the evidence is in front of our eyes. You can tell me for days that you were the one feeding this horse illegally - and you are only going to wind up getting yourself in trouble for trespassing.
No, I don't like the way the law is written.
No, animals should be cared for competently by their owners.
Yes, if this horse has food, water and shelter, there is NOTHING I can do.
The ONLY way to get this owner convicted is to do NOTHING for the horse.
You are condemning him to live with this person due to your kindness. If you continue to feed and water this horse and continue to tell whomever that it isn't being cared for, well then, there is no proof of that because that is NOT WHAT THEY SEE.
I DO NOT encourage, promote, humor, practice or agree with animal neglect or abuse.
Yes, I have horses of my own. You are welcome at my barn any day.
But if you truly want to help the horse and show the law that this man is not taking care of it, then you need to STOP taking care of it yourself. That is the only way you are going to convince any animal control officer, judge, court that he isn't doing his job.
He's got the best of both worlds. He doesn't have to lift a finger or spend a dime and his horse is being taken care of. Wow. Who would want to admit to that and have it stop with the price of hay/grain/bedding, etc.
I'm so sick to my stomach for all the people in this world who do get away with stuff like this. I can't sleep at night and I'm not doing anything wrong. There must be something missing in their person that they can fill their fat bodies up to the brim but can't find even one bale of hay for their starving horses.
I truly do love animals more than people on a regular basis.
Lynn
-------------- Original message --------------
December 21, 2008
Lynn- what I don't understand is that this guy has already been convicted...they let him keep the horse pending an appeal and the other horse had to be put down after 3 days of laying in the field...I don't get it. Why isn't the court monitoring the situation. One horse died and another almost and probably will if someone doesn't step up. The innocent sure don't have many rights. How sad...it must be a terribly frustrating job for ACO's...
~My Answer~
My opinion, not having seen anything except that one picture and what I have 'heard' over the Internet and read for myself? That the horse is being cared for. That's it. It doesn't matter WHO is caring for the horse. The horse has food, water and shelter. That is what the LAW requires. There is no proof that this person doesn't have an agreement with his neighbor to take care of the animal. THEY are the ones providing for it. I have to, in my Town, enforce that.
The neighbors are truly doing this horse a disservice. Yes, I do realize what I am saying. That in order to save this horse, someone needs to stop doing what the owner should be doing. That is the only way they are going to prove that the owner is not doing anything.
Let the horse NOT be fed or watered or cared for UNTIL Animal Control/Ag Dept./Sheriff, whomever, agrees that this horse is in danger, in need, without proper care, feed, water, etc. They are condemning it to live this life if they DO NOT STOP. They need professionals who will WRITE ON PAPER that they have not done this horses feet. Done his shots. Grain stores who will DOCUMENT they never sold this guy wormer or grain or hay.
If I were told to go look at this horse and he had food, water and shelter, there would be absolutely nothing I could do for him. When called to testify in a court of law, I would have to report that the animal had what the law required.
I have 3 horses of my own. And two others that live in my barn. I love my horses and go without so that they have what they need. I don't need a new truck. My second hand one pulls the trailer just fine and hauls hay and grain like no ones business. I don't like the way the laws are written. So I helped write the new laws for our Town. If you don't like the law, find a way to change it. Support someone who will enforce it.
And as difficult as it is to leave any animal with nothing, you MUST if you want to stop this cycle of cruelty. It is the ONLY way that it will work. The Owner has the best of both worlds. He got to piss off his neighbors (and the world) by keeping his horse and he doesn't have to lift a finger or spend a cent on it. They will do it for him. Why would he want to change that???
I practice, preach, promote and stand on my soap box about spay/neuter - for everything that doesn't have a committed and exceptional breeder. Those are very few and far between as far as I am concerned, unfortunately. And I have little to no tolerance of those that don't do what is right by their animals.
Yes, the guy was convicted, but he has the right to an appeal. Innocent until PROVEN guilty. And the people who are TRYING to help are just making it harder to take the horse away. THEY are providing the evidence that will hold up in court. I can just hear the owner now, telling the judge, (these are my words, ok?) "He always has food and water and shelter.?"
STOP feeding the horse. STOP watering the horse. Document with pictures that there are no foot prints or hay or water for an EXTENDED period of time. Best yet, set up a camera that will take shots every 5 minutes and leave it running for days to PROVE that no one is caring for the horse. No food steps, no hay, no water. Call your ACO/Constable/Ag Dept. and have them document it. Be Polite. Courteous. Firm. Cordial. (Bring them a cup of coffee, if you want to butter them up.) PROVE to them that the OWNER is not caring for his horse. This is going to take a matter of time. They WILL NOT come out the first time and say 'oh, my, lets take this poor horse out of here right now.' They want proof that this person isn't going to come through. Don't cave in. Doing so ONLY LOOKS LIKE HE IS DOING IT.
No, I do not want this horse to die. I want the son-of-a-bitch to go to jail and I hope the judge throws the book at him and only lets him have water and bread for 5 months. Better than what he is doing for his horse. I want it so he can never own another animal as long as he lives.
It sucks. It sucks, big time. But that is the only way it is going to work, unfortunately. It's beyond frustration. Its absolute burn out. Makes you puke in the snowbank when you get down the road a half a mile. Makes me glad that I have a wonderful, compassionate husband to lean on. Makes me glad you can't subpoena horses. Oh, the tales they would tell you. You absolutely have no idea.
Ok - now I really have to go to the barn and hug my frightfully furry equines - between this and the www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com I can't handle any more today. Then off to bed. Hopefully, the beaches and waves and sunshine can blot out the things my eyes have seen this day.
Lynn :(
--- December 21, 2008 -----
What they need to do is keep all the receipts of all the feed they are buying for that horse and then slap a lien on it or give the bill to the owner. The owner refuses to pay for it then tell him you'll see him in court or he can sign over ownership of the horse to you for the amount owed. It's easier to say don't feed the horse then to have to sit there and listen to it or watch it look at you with eyes pleading you to do something. I personally couldn't do it and wouldn't do it either.
--Lynn's Answer ----
They can't and no court that I know of would uphold that. You can't feed your neighbors horse when you weren't asked and then expect him to pay for it. It's considered a 'donation' or 'gift.' I don't agree with it, just like I don't agree with not feeding your horses.
It doesn't matter WHO is caring for the horse. The horse has food, water and shelter. That is what the LAW requires. There is no proof that this person doesn't have an agreement with his neighbor to take care of the animal. THEY are the ones providing for it.
I don't get it. If you don't want a horse and don't want to take care of it - give it to someone who will. This isn't rocket science. Not brain surgery. It's expensive to own an animal... ANY animal. This is why I like my animals better than most humans any day of the week.
NEWS FLASH: There is NO SUCH THING as a FREE animal....
<<<<
Received Dec 20, 2008
I received this in one of my dog rescue groups. It ticked me off to no end-what is wrong with the court system???? They're just as bad, if not worse, than the abusers!!!!
There are currently 80 signatures. (Now it is over 300!)
If you're new to the story of Tim, the horse, who needs rescuing from his abusive owners, please see the attachment.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/81/please-help-tim
Please pass the word.
....Lynn wrote:...
Signing the petition will not do a lot for this horse. I will sign it because I care.
As an Animal Control Officer, I have to say that the people who are doing the feeding, etc. are doing more harm than good.
Ok, no hate mail here, please. Let me explain myself. The court, animal control officer, etc. is showing up and the horse has food and water and shelter. Therefore, in the eyes of the law, the complaint is unfounded. We cannot tell that sympathy of neighbors has cared for this horse. We only know what the evidence is in front of our eyes. You can tell me for days that you were the one feeding this horse illegally - and you are only going to wind up getting yourself in trouble for trespassing.
No, I don't like the way the law is written.
No, animals should be cared for competently by their owners.
Yes, if this horse has food, water and shelter, there is NOTHING I can do.
The ONLY way to get this owner convicted is to do NOTHING for the horse.
You are condemning him to live with this person due to your kindness. If you continue to feed and water this horse and continue to tell whomever that it isn't being cared for, well then, there is no proof of that because that is NOT WHAT THEY SEE.
I DO NOT encourage, promote, humor, practice or agree with animal neglect or abuse.
Yes, I have horses of my own. You are welcome at my barn any day.
But if you truly want to help the horse and show the law that this man is not taking care of it, then you need to STOP taking care of it yourself. That is the only way you are going to convince any animal control officer, judge, court that he isn't doing his job.
He's got the best of both worlds. He doesn't have to lift a finger or spend a dime and his horse is being taken care of. Wow. Who would want to admit to that and have it stop with the price of hay/grain/bedding, etc.
I'm so sick to my stomach for all the people in this world who do get away with stuff like this. I can't sleep at night and I'm not doing anything wrong. There must be something missing in their person that they can fill their fat bodies up to the brim but can't find even one bale of hay for their starving horses.
I truly do love animals more than people on a regular basis.
Lynn
-------------- Original message --------------
December 21, 2008
Lynn- what I don't understand is that this guy has already been convicted...they let him keep the horse pending an appeal and the other horse had to be put down after 3 days of laying in the field...I don't get it. Why isn't the court monitoring the situation. One horse died and another almost and probably will if someone doesn't step up. The innocent sure don't have many rights. How sad...it must be a terribly frustrating job for ACO's...
~My Answer~
My opinion, not having seen anything except that one picture and what I have 'heard' over the Internet and read for myself? That the horse is being cared for. That's it. It doesn't matter WHO is caring for the horse. The horse has food, water and shelter. That is what the LAW requires. There is no proof that this person doesn't have an agreement with his neighbor to take care of the animal. THEY are the ones providing for it. I have to, in my Town, enforce that.
The neighbors are truly doing this horse a disservice. Yes, I do realize what I am saying. That in order to save this horse, someone needs to stop doing what the owner should be doing. That is the only way they are going to prove that the owner is not doing anything.
Let the horse NOT be fed or watered or cared for UNTIL Animal Control/Ag Dept./Sheriff, whomever, agrees that this horse is in danger, in need, without proper care, feed, water, etc. They are condemning it to live this life if they DO NOT STOP. They need professionals who will WRITE ON PAPER that they have not done this horses feet. Done his shots. Grain stores who will DOCUMENT they never sold this guy wormer or grain or hay.
If I were told to go look at this horse and he had food, water and shelter, there would be absolutely nothing I could do for him. When called to testify in a court of law, I would have to report that the animal had what the law required.
I have 3 horses of my own. And two others that live in my barn. I love my horses and go without so that they have what they need. I don't need a new truck. My second hand one pulls the trailer just fine and hauls hay and grain like no ones business. I don't like the way the laws are written. So I helped write the new laws for our Town. If you don't like the law, find a way to change it. Support someone who will enforce it.
And as difficult as it is to leave any animal with nothing, you MUST if you want to stop this cycle of cruelty. It is the ONLY way that it will work. The Owner has the best of both worlds. He got to piss off his neighbors (and the world) by keeping his horse and he doesn't have to lift a finger or spend a cent on it. They will do it for him. Why would he want to change that???
I practice, preach, promote and stand on my soap box about spay/neuter - for everything that doesn't have a committed and exceptional breeder. Those are very few and far between as far as I am concerned, unfortunately. And I have little to no tolerance of those that don't do what is right by their animals.
Yes, the guy was convicted, but he has the right to an appeal. Innocent until PROVEN guilty. And the people who are TRYING to help are just making it harder to take the horse away. THEY are providing the evidence that will hold up in court. I can just hear the owner now, telling the judge, (these are my words, ok?) "He always has food and water and shelter.?"
STOP feeding the horse. STOP watering the horse. Document with pictures that there are no foot prints or hay or water for an EXTENDED period of time. Best yet, set up a camera that will take shots every 5 minutes and leave it running for days to PROVE that no one is caring for the horse. No food steps, no hay, no water. Call your ACO/Constable/Ag Dept. and have them document it. Be Polite. Courteous. Firm. Cordial. (Bring them a cup of coffee, if you want to butter them up.) PROVE to them that the OWNER is not caring for his horse. This is going to take a matter of time. They WILL NOT come out the first time and say 'oh, my, lets take this poor horse out of here right now.' They want proof that this person isn't going to come through. Don't cave in. Doing so ONLY LOOKS LIKE HE IS DOING IT.
No, I do not want this horse to die. I want the son-of-a-bitch to go to jail and I hope the judge throws the book at him and only lets him have water and bread for 5 months. Better than what he is doing for his horse. I want it so he can never own another animal as long as he lives.
It sucks. It sucks, big time. But that is the only way it is going to work, unfortunately. It's beyond frustration. Its absolute burn out. Makes you puke in the snowbank when you get down the road a half a mile. Makes me glad that I have a wonderful, compassionate husband to lean on. Makes me glad you can't subpoena horses. Oh, the tales they would tell you. You absolutely have no idea.
Ok - now I really have to go to the barn and hug my frightfully furry equines - between this and the www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com I can't handle any more today. Then off to bed. Hopefully, the beaches and waves and sunshine can blot out the things my eyes have seen this day.
Lynn :(
--- December 21, 2008 -----
What they need to do is keep all the receipts of all the feed they are buying for that horse and then slap a lien on it or give the bill to the owner. The owner refuses to pay for it then tell him you'll see him in court or he can sign over ownership of the horse to you for the amount owed. It's easier to say don't feed the horse then to have to sit there and listen to it or watch it look at you with eyes pleading you to do something. I personally couldn't do it and wouldn't do it either.
--Lynn's Answer ----
They can't and no court that I know of would uphold that. You can't feed your neighbors horse when you weren't asked and then expect him to pay for it. It's considered a 'donation' or 'gift.' I don't agree with it, just like I don't agree with not feeding your horses.
It doesn't matter WHO is caring for the horse. The horse has food, water and shelter. That is what the LAW requires. There is no proof that this person doesn't have an agreement with his neighbor to take care of the animal. THEY are the ones providing for it.
I don't get it. If you don't want a horse and don't want to take care of it - give it to someone who will. This isn't rocket science. Not brain surgery. It's expensive to own an animal... ANY animal. This is why I like my animals better than most humans any day of the week.
NEWS FLASH: There is NO SUCH THING as a FREE animal....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)