And for those wondering, the horses were completely unphased by the eclipse. The goats were a little baffled, but no one looked up to the sky except for us curious humans.
Are the horses alive? Yes. But I'm a little distracted right now... 8 successful hatchlings.
Our POOL OF CUPS had students learning about a prey animals' need to be vigilant. In Jamie's hunt for treats, he lost his ability to smell, hear or even see danger. Those cups were loud! But handlers Savanna and Lily were calm and vigilant, making Jamie feel safe from predators while he dug for snacks 😋
Feeling the Friday vibes!
Playtime! The boys are always happy to be reunited after a few hours inside.
The day after a storm always brings surprises!
After the losses of this past year, I decided to make some changes.
No additions until 2023.
Horses under the age of 15.
No more rescues.
Every week someone asked me when I was going to fill the empty stalls. Not till next year, with a younger horse, I'd say. One that's trained and ready to work. No baggage.
I made it 3 months.
When I saw the picture of the little white mare my friend was posting about, I was drawn to it. She was cute. My friends post was brief: could anyone help this older mare from a tough situation? With zero commitment, I messaged her. Then I called her. Then I had my latest addition.
Meet Merry, a 26 year old Arabian pony. She spent most of her life with a family, teaching all their children how to ride. As time went on, the kids grew up and the other horses on the farm passed away. Merry ended up on her own in a field. Her care waned, and she became underweight and lonely. Horses require company- be it another horse, donkeys or even goats. They fade when left alone.
The owners reached out for help after an order was placed to either move the horse or euthanize her. My friend found her, spoke for her and ensured her safety until we could bring her home. Home to new friends, plentiful hay and the abundance of love that she's been sadly missing. Merry spent her life giving to her family, she deserves a retirement worthy of her sacrifice.
Enrichment activities are super important for our horses, especially smart guys like Eli! He and Jamie were the quickest to figure out bobbing for Apples 🍎 😁
Life is never dull with my barn toddler around! Oh Chance 🙉
Four years ago today I discovered our newly born, pure white mini foal first thing in the morning. He had just been born, so i was able to capture his first attempt at standing. It was only 3 days later we would lose his mother, Faith, to complications. We named him Chance, because it was uncertain whether he would make it without his mom. Here we are, 4 years later and the barn wouldn't be the same without him! Happy birthday Chance 🎂 🥰
Oliver asked for more massages. His wish is our command!
I slid the truck right down into the field this afternoon putting out hay. It's stuck! But we will get it out later when the mud freezes a bit. Good thing we had some entertainment waiting for a ride home 😆
Big Boy Chance has finally overcome his yoga ball phobia!
Yesterday was... not my favourite. The storm was pretty terrible! Here is the start of my 10 hour slogging through mud and ice day. You can't fight Mother Nature!
Caleb bids you a merry holiday season! Such a smart boy 🎅🎄
Jamie is a big fan of mistletoe!
This horse... I can't even! Ollie has pretty good begging technique 😆