horses – The Hermits' Rest

Moving mud around

No blog yesterday, because the day didn’t feature anything worth mentioning to the blogosphere. Today wasn’t much more exciting, since I was mostly problem solving issues of no interest to anyone other than me and a couple of coworkers. At least my mind is occupied!

Some birds are still hiding. This Green Heron thought it was invisible.

It’s been a nice couple of days full of interesting birds, like a Canada Warbler, which of course didn’t pose. We’re getting quite a variety these days.

I enjoyed a visit with this friendly Lark Sparrow. They are brave little guys.

The highlight of the day, at least for those of us in the household who do horse care, is that more work is being done around the pens (rain slowed progress down, but all the rails are back up!). I heard noises outside, and when I checked it out, the tractor was busy moving dirt from the big pile that created our tiny pond into the pens.

The dirt has smoothed out the areas than have sunken in since Kathleen bought sand to put in the pens when they were first finished. The mud from rains, especially where it dripped off the shelter roof, is very slick and no fun for horses or people.

We hope this will help drainage, but it’s been pointed out that the new dirt will just make new and different puddles. And it’s darned clay-ish in this part of the property.

Butterflies drink from the clay mud. It has minerals.

It sounds like the shelter extension will go up soon. It will have a gutter that will drain away from the pens and give the horses a much nicer shelter and a dry shaded place for grooming, hoof trimming, and veterinary stuff.

Bonus photo of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

There are even rumors of a concrete pad for bathing. I don’t know…that sounds awfully fancy! It’s fun to dream of, though. And Apache could sure use a bath!

Even when it’s for the best, rehoming an animal is hard

This is difficult to write, because I’m in danger of veering off into blaming myself, berating myself for being such a wimp, etc. But the goal of this post is to focus on what’s best for everyone.

Nope. Dusty isn’t going anywhere. Kathleen now rides him for hours!

As you may know, my little gray gelding, Drew or Droodles, has had some issues ever since he got kicked in the head by Fiona (mini-donkey). His boundaries are not good, and it takes constant vigilance to remind him to give humans and other horses space. Consequently, my son got kicked by him and had spleen damage, I got knocked into a metal fence rail and needed stitches, and just this week, Kathleen got crowded into a fence and kicked. Not to mention damage inflicted on other horses. I just can’t have any more injuries caused by my horse. (Note that I can go on and on about his good qualities—I love him.)

We had already been trying to find him a place where he’d fit in better. We had decided that he needed somewhere he’d be worked with every day by experienced horse people, and where he could have a job.

These guys need to be in a calm environment, too.

Kathleen’s stepson just happens to be a genuine cowboy, trained by his dad and others. He works with a very good trainer who has helped him with a couple of horses who’ve turned out really well. After this last accident, the family agreed to get Drew over there sooner rather than later. The time for waffling over it had ended.

Drew meets his new trainer. And his dog.

I’m convinced that Drew will adapt well to the new style of training he’ll get, and that the education I already got him will speed things up. Being worked with more often will keep his mind busy and build back his muscles. No matter how much I’d hoped for it, my work and travel schedule would never keep him where he needs to be.

So yep, my family and my other horses will be safer. I can work with Apache more easily without Drew raising a ruckus. The water troughs won’t have him chomping on the spigots (though it’s good there’s now a cage around the automatic waterers, since Spice is a big splasher, too). Drew will be in a more suitable situation with the cowboys, ropes, and all that. My hope is he will be happier.

Do I get to ride in this heirloom trailer?

But I’m very sad. I promised him I’d keep him safe, and now after just four years I’ve let him be shipped off. That’s normal, though. Even with his flaws, he was a lot of fun, and his curiosity always made me laugh. Sara said it was bittersweet when I told her. That’s it. Bittersweet.

At least he’s still in the family, and I’ve been promised photos and videos. I’m truly grateful that Drew has found such a good new situation with good people.

Stopping now before I go into blaming myself. It is all for the best, just sad.

Good news: the rods in the horse pens are all back up and properly welded. More safety! More gratitude for the help on this.

Can we have ONE crisis-less week, or even day?

That cloud of misfortune over our family is getting too big for its britches. We aren’t looking for constant tranquility, just a bit less ebb and more flow. The inconveniences, illnesses, deaths, and accidents are just piling on.

I picked myself flowers to bring a little nature inside.

Yesterday Lee drove all the way back to where the RV is, because he’d left his wallet. Yep. Made it nearly a week of lots of driving with no wallet. And in this place, you need ID, even if you’re white and straight and look male.

That’s nothing, really. And hey, I’m only slightly sick now. It was an okay day of work and I was looking forward to my 1:1 with my boss when Kathleen called. She never calls when we are both here. Well, she was feeding horses when Drew pinned her against the gate and kicked her right above her hip. Dammit.

Let’s look at pretty plants, not at someone who is hurt.

So I called 911 and got Drew away from her (he had been nuzzling her like horses do when they throw you to the ground—why are you down there?). It didn’t take too long for the guys to arrive. I am not an EMT so I can’t judge, but they didn’t seem very good at getting her on the gurney.

Off she went. I went back to work until I remembered to feed my son’s pets while he’s in the Old Country. At the same time as I realized I didn’t have car keys, FedEx came. Dogs barked as usual. Kept barking as I set boxes down. Were still barking when I got in the car…so I checked on them. Yes, as if animals hadn’t caused enough injuries today, Penney was trying to eat Harvey. He was trying, in his old and unstable way, to fight back. Carlton was trying to break it up. Too much hysteria led to a mess.

By the time I threw my bag at Penney to make her leave, blood was everywhere. No one was mortally wounded, but Harvey gushed a bit. That didn’t last long. Lee had to do a lot of cleaning of wounds and floors while I fed Potato and Dewey, the grandcat and rat. I admit I stayed with them and basked in their calmness and cuteness for a while.

I told myself that things come in threes (not really a believer), so I was happy to discover the third thing was just weird. Right by my car as I was driving to the road, a very large mama cow decided to mount an equally large and thankfully calm bull. That’s some power dynamics.

I wound down at the birding hut, where Nature at last decided to smile on me. I enjoyed watching two sweet-faced heifers checking me out across the fence. They were so graceful and curious. I bet they’ll make wonderful and respectful mama cows.

The good news is that Kathleen is “only” severely bruised and has no broken bones or damaged organs. Since this is the third time Droodles and his boundary issues have caused an injury, he is going to go to another location. There will be a trainer there who will give him the work he needs to be his best and will keep him away from short women or inexperienced people.

Safety first. Four years down the drain. I’m not the right person for him, nor is Kathleen. We are not up to what is needed.

This has not been a fun day. But we handled everything and have made rational decisions. I’m proud of all of the family. I’m not proud of one horse and one particular dog.

Getting Back on Track

Today was beautiful, as days after a spring cool front tend to be. Every color was bright, the animals were happy, and the birds were out in full force! Thanks to migrating gulls and other visitors, we had 72 species at the Hermits’ Rest today! That’s the most since I have been tracking birds.

The weather was so nice that Vicki decided to ride her new horse, Malone, over for a visit. He’s a very attractive red dun with an expressive face, especially when he’s looking at Darryl, Jr., who is his first turkey experience.

Here he’s looking at Drew, who also interested him.

I got Apache all saddled and warmed up, and we set out to ride around the field. Apache was fine for about five minutes, then decided he was done.

Here’s Malone watching me warm up Apache. Only later I realized the poles are set wrong.

It was pretty frustrating to see him back in his old ways. I remembered how to deal with it, but after ten minutes or so, my right leg was getting tired of trying to get him to go forward rather than sideways. It didn’t help that Drew and the other horses were in a tizzy and running up and down the fence line. Soon Drew broke the fence completely. He wanted to join us.

I got Apache back to the starting area and proceeded to do more ground work with him, so he won’t think I will stop asking him to do things if he behaves badly enough. He did fine.

Malone didn’t really want to leave, so it was Vicki’s turn to deal with an opinionated horse. Once they got to the end of the driveway and around the corner, it got better.

Whew. I need to get over my horse (more like horse trainer) issues and ride more often or Apache will stay uncooperative. Kathleen and I are encouraging each other to not work so late and do more horse activities. She had Dusty all saddled up and working in the round pen this evening. He’s getting muscles and seems to be enjoying it.

He’s remembering the old days. Doesn’t he look good?

I did make my nails look festive and get caught up on my temperature blanket today, but I still have Master Naturalist stuff to do. I’m just giving myself permission to take it easy, however.

It may be starting all over again, but Apache and I will get back on track! Plus, the fence is repaired again, at least for a while.

A Bit of a Break

Today was the first “normal” day in over a week. Other than work, it was just lovely, too. While the wildflowers aren’t overly spectacular this year, looking at them makes it impossible not to live in the moment.

The dandelions of many species were beautiful this morning (pre mowing)

Though the bluebonnets have mostly gone to seed, the other roadside flowers are making up for it, which makes butterflies happy.

The weather was pleasantly warm, and in the morning, the wind was just right. It was perfect for getting the horses’ hooves trimmed. Apache is still shedding profusely on his white spots, and the wind blew the hair away from poor Terry while he trimmed.

Meanwhile, Vlassic scrounged for hoof trimmings.

The horses were so good, and they all look great now that the cracks are smoothed down.

I was charmed at how Mabel and Apache waited their turns nose to nose. They have become good friends.

Even Drew was in a good mood, asking to have his face rubbed, then, get this, mouthing and licking my hand sweetly and gently. We had an absolutely relaxing and pleasant time together. He’s settling down into a fine companion.

The time spent with the horses is so good for me. Dusty and Spice are always so friendly and well mannered. We now have a happy, balanced herd. I’m glad to now have Kathleen’s help with them, too. It’s helped me move forward.

Tomorrow should be either fun or wet. We will see!

The Triumphant Return

Today had a big highlight. The day was fine, and I took a lunch break in the early afternoon between meetings. It was beautiful.

I took a little walk down the road to see if there were any new wildflowers popping up. I’m happy to report a few old friends have returned.

As I was pondering how pretty it will look when all the gaillardia is blooming, I spotted something vaguely familiar inside the horse pasture. I went to investigate and damn, there it was, one of Apache’s lost boots from last year, which disappeared after a hard April rain.

I went through the pasture over and over last year, and finally guessed the boots had washed away in flooding. Nope. I just missed it. So I picked it up and headed back home through the pasture, looking at water in the arroyo and admiring pink evening primroses.

I looked over toward the pond and something black caught my eye. Damn! It was the other boot! Now, I know I’d driven and walked by this part of the pasture many times. But today was my lucky day. I found them both.

They’re a bit worse for wear, but still usable. one had a wasp nest in it (small and empty).

I headed toward the pens to put away the boots, and saw all the horses had been napping in there. Drew spotted me and headed right over. The two paints took their time joining him, then Mabel and Dusty wandered over. Everyone was very interested in the boots, but headed off to eat that nice grass that came up.

That was certainly a nice lunch break. The mystery of the disappearance of the boots has been solved!

Best and Worst Pets?

What animals make the best/worst pets?

Dang, I wish I had more time to answer this one, but I’ve got a very early meeting tomorrow, so I’ll have to be brief.

Nota bene: the best and worst pets will differ depending on the person’s age, living situation, and personality. Thus, I’ll answer for myself.

Best: for me, I want a pet who likes me back, who communicates well, and who fits in with my life. That’s going to be a dog. Dogs are great companions, aren’t too expensive (unless you have five and one’s on liver medicine), are affectionate, and you can talk to them and they kind of listen.

Cats are okay, but I’m not sure they really like people all that much. Horses are great, but they have to live outside and are expensive, especially when you have five and one’s on metabolism medicine. I enjoy fish and birds, but I feel like they’d rather be outside. I do not want to confine an animal who doesn’t like being with humans.

Worst: for me the worst pet is a wild animal, especially the really smart ones who deserve to make their own choices. I also don’t like pets you can’t interact with. No pet insects for me.

Medium; pets like poultry, cattle, sheep, and goats are ok. I’m not going to eat a pet, though. I have to admit it’s fun to watch these domesticated animals, and some of them are pretty friendly. If you have space and funds to care for them, they’re fine, so I’m glad I can enjoy my chickens and turkeys.

Off to sleep. Enjoy whatever pets you have.

Good Night, More Tomorrow

There’s a lot on my mind this evening, so I’ll be brief. Today I enjoyed talking to my friends online, finding interesting flowers, noting the return of the Black-chinned Hummingbirds, just letting go and reveling in the flying horsehair while grooming Apache and Dusty, and some relaxing crochet. I have washed off the dirt and hair.

I did not enjoy finding out Star Fleet Academy was canceled, worrying about sick people, conversations that made me paranoid, nor finding out how expensive my car’s maintenance is.

But, hope springs eternal, and the wheel of the year keeps turning.

Good night.

My New Weed-eater

Spring at last! Ostara greetings to all! Maybe no more freezes to kill our grass.

Since it was a pretty day, I took a walk at lunch and even read for a few minutes on the porch, next to my lovely petunias that smell so good (white petunias are impressive!).

After work and poultry and equine feeding, I enjoyed some time with Apache, just walking around. My son had come over to get some eggs, so we were chatting, when we noticed what Apache was munching on.

Was it grass? No! It was prickly sow-thistle. These plants are like ugly dandelions with big thorns on the leaves.

Yep, Apache was methodically mowing down all these non-native plants. I was impressed. After my son left, I watched Apache’s grazing pattern. Somehow he was able to avoid all the other wildflowers (other than field madder, which he also liked) and just focus on his favorite greenery. I wonder how they know? Scent? Feel? This is when I wish I could ask my former horse trainer. She’d know.

After we ran out of armored dandelions, Apache kindly switched to weed-eating around the garbage dumpster. He even provided fertilization services (not pictured). It turns out, my new lawn maintenance tool is pretty good! Too bad it costs so much to keep it up and running!

Excellent long grass around the dumpster to trim!

I helped him burn off the calories from all that snacking by getting some good exercise in before returning him to his herd. Our pleasant walk ended the week on a good note!

Enjoy your weekend!

Blam blam blam

I had exactly ONE important meeting today where I had to pay attention. That is when some folks off somewhere adjacent to the people across the road decided it was time to break out the rifles and start with the pew, pew, pew. Only it was much louder.

I should have run outside and blinded them with my nails. This stuff is incredibly reflective outdoors.

Of course, while I had my camera on, Penney had to try to insert herself into my arms, Carlton started shaking under my desk, and Alfred stuck his giant head under my free arm. My headphones disconnected, things fell off the desk, and I kept trying to act professional. At least I wasn’t leading the meeting.

Why couldn’t those woods be all peaceful, like yesterday, when it was just me and the orange cat?

Let’s hope they don’t start up again tomorrow when I’m leading a meeting with bosses in it. Apparently, yesterday the blamming was during my lunch with friends.

I’d have been trying to hide like this raccoon was during today’s noise.

The good news is that there was no massacre. Once the meeting ended and I walked past the bridge, I could hear them yelling, “pull,” before shots rang out, so I figured out they were skeet shooting. That’s a new one.

There are the shooters. They also mowed an entire field of bluebonnets.

The shots sounded really close from our house, and my neighbor said it sounded like it was in her back yard. Her dogs were also terrified. The shooters were very close to her property line. Well, I hope they got lots of skeet.

I also enjoyed banter about skeet and what they could be hunting in response to my Facebook post about the noise. That made a weird day a bit better.

Getting to enjoy the bridge turtles on their new sunning log also cheered me up.

In the end, I enjoyed writing for most of the day, and had a nice rest on the porch with all the flowers after work.

Then all but one horse got some vigorous currying, because it’s shedding time. Mabel, as usual, also has mud clods that I’m gradually scraping off. She can really collect mud. I’m in charge of the horses for a while, since my helper has had a setback, but I’m on it! I just want no nearby shooting during horse time.