Animals
- Equine Ice Capades
This is a familiar afternoon scene on the farm. It might look like three horses walking alone down the road, but buried in that mass of brown fur and hooves is Dr. Becky. Her horses Sid and Duffy, along with Shirley (pony and sister to my Donnie and...
- The Fat Farm
Those of you with ponies, miniature horses, donkeys or draft horsesknow that keeping "easy keepers" from getting fat is a constant battle. This time of year presents its own problems, with rich green pasturescalling to our equines... irresistibly calling,...
- Who's Who....part 7
I often get the question..."Which animals take the most time to care for?" The answer to that is easy...no thought necessary.The horses! Cleaning up their manure three times daily...plus cleaning the pastures,feeding (in the winter time, they need lots...
- A Job For Sam
Sam and Oakley are two of the most energetic dogs I have ever met.They need lots of exercise.They also need a job. Oakley is the hunter.He patrols the woods and keeps the predators away.Because of him, our chickens and ducks have suffered no attacks...
- "big" Tales
You might remember that I had mentioned putting the Bigs on a diet a few months ago. They still remain a little chubby, but certainly not like they had gotten on that rich summer pasture. Each morning, when I arrive at the barn, I open the gate from the...
Animals
Pasture Eyes
Each afternoon the Littles and the Bigs spend some time grazing
in our pastures.
During the summer months, they spend that time in the
lower pasture in front of the barn.
This pasture is adjacent to the dry lots and easily accessible
through a large gate.
The grass in this pasture is sparse and not the best quality,
which makes it perfect grazing for my five "easy keepers"
who are prone to obesity.
The upper pastures are rich and lush in the summertime....
way too high in calories for five fat equines.
It is only during the winter months, that I lead the horses up to these
upper pastures for daily grazing.
Getting them there is no problem...
they are all eager to go.
Getting them back to the dry lot, however, is another matter.
Moonbeam and Donnie are first to come in.
They are usually willing,
especially for treats,
and wait back at the barn for their buddies.
Every time I tried to catch Scarlet, she would saunter away.
So, I let her continue grazing while I rounded up Red
and Ollie.
Meanwhile, Sam and Oakley played chase with each other...
As I walked with the Littles,
in front of me was this....
then this....
Behind me was this....
Once the "Littles" were safe in their dry lot,
it was time to head out and round up dear Scarlett.
Now that she was alone, she was quite easy to catch.
Afterall, it is no fun being left behind!
And of course, treats help....
Halter on....
and off we go,
back to the barn.
A quick pit stop to visit with Oakley and Bobby...
and everyone is safely back in their dry lots.
Whew....that little jockeying job just took me a good half hour.
And now I'm out of Quaker Oatmeal Squares.
I guess a trip to the grocery will be on today's list.
Whew....that little jockeying job just took me a good half hour.
And now I'm out of Quaker Oatmeal Squares.
I guess a trip to the grocery will be on today's list.
- Equine Ice Capades
This is a familiar afternoon scene on the farm. It might look like three horses walking alone down the road, but buried in that mass of brown fur and hooves is Dr. Becky. Her horses Sid and Duffy, along with Shirley (pony and sister to my Donnie and...
- The Fat Farm
Those of you with ponies, miniature horses, donkeys or draft horsesknow that keeping "easy keepers" from getting fat is a constant battle. This time of year presents its own problems, with rich green pasturescalling to our equines... irresistibly calling,...
- Who's Who....part 7
I often get the question..."Which animals take the most time to care for?" The answer to that is easy...no thought necessary.The horses! Cleaning up their manure three times daily...plus cleaning the pastures,feeding (in the winter time, they need lots...
- A Job For Sam
Sam and Oakley are two of the most energetic dogs I have ever met.They need lots of exercise.They also need a job. Oakley is the hunter.He patrols the woods and keeps the predators away.Because of him, our chickens and ducks have suffered no attacks...
- "big" Tales
You might remember that I had mentioned putting the Bigs on a diet a few months ago. They still remain a little chubby, but certainly not like they had gotten on that rich summer pasture. Each morning, when I arrive at the barn, I open the gate from the...