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Just A Reminder To Winter Critter Keeping........

Our dogs go outside to do their business several times a day, We keep it in rather short bursts when the temps outside warrant it. Recently we've had single digit numbers Fahrenheit, so that's cold on their tootsies and there have been more than one occasion when we've had to carry them up the stairs because they've turned themselves over like bugs at the bottom of the stairs because they just couldn't take it anymore as much as they love frolicking in the snow.


Goats have got shelter and bedding within that shelter for winter and they do have their daily grain to start their chilly mornings and of course hay.


The horses have their shelter and winter turn-out blankets on them. I've found a Weaver brand that does it quite well. They are a mid-weight, water proof, fleece lined at the withers blanket with leg straps to hold them in place and the usual criss-cross under belly straps as well. Also a tail flap. They work well in this weather for the girls. And they cannot get them off. And let me tell you they try to remove them from each other.

The shelter is simply a lean-to. These girls will not be stalled, however, I have it set up for stalling if it becomes necessary as it did last year. No more pasture time for these girls as I do not want to risk another injury like last year. They have plenty of room to move around between the paddock and arena as it gradually becomes one area rather than two separate areas as Kola's large bottom has eliminated the gate and post. I'll be pulling more posts this spring. I do still need to spread straw for bedding in their "lay" areas. I'm a bit behind on that right now. But, the straw will go this week. There are about three different areas they lay in and I will make st aw beds for them there.

Plenty of fresh water. I keep a 100 gallon trough with a heater topped off and cleaned weekly for the horses and a 30 gallon heated bucket filled for the goats. I use the outdoor spigot and keep the hose indoors until use. Once I use it, I detach the hose from the spigot which keeps everything from freezing and allows the water to drop back down to the well. I learned that lesson along time ago. Of course the girls generally keep the same feeding regime, however, in the cold, I do up the hay a bit. Anything I forgot? Please feel free to add your winter horse, goat, critter keeping ideas and plans as I'm sure we all have things that we do that works and any ideas I haven't heard , I'd like to.................

Well, This Has Been One Crappy Weekend ..........

She came to us in early October of 2006. A little blind thing crawling between Stephen legs at our local hay farmer's barn, "Mew, mew, mew" . They seemed to get louder. I scooped her up and said, "Stephen, we can't leave her here." Bill, the farmer said, "Ya know, if you don't take her, she'll be dead by morning, her mother rejected her." Our heart strings tugged and I slipped her into my coat as we finished up and drove home. I spent the first 3 hours with her bundled in my arms trying to clear her crusted shut eyes with warm water compresses and then when I had finished discovered what I considered a bonus and shouted to Stephen, " Steve, come look, we have a bonus! She has extra toes and lots of them!" He had never seen that before. The next several week, I fed her warm milk with an eyedropper and we made several trips to the Vet for various meds to try and save her sight, which to no avail, did not work, so we accepted our blind little kitty and began to "baby" proof the house with gates and chicken wire and wooden barriers built to keep her from falling from one floor to another and it worked.

Over the few years we've had our little Liliput, who turned into a very large Liliput, she became accustomed to her surroundings. Clearly she knew where her food was kept, the litter pan and her safe hiding places. Because she was blind, she could be a little over sensitive and only gave out her kitty cuddles when she decided it was ok, generally when one of us was in the bathroom. 24 claws balancing on a bare lap, but purrs you couldn't resist.........

She had an acute turn of events for the worse over this past week and in an effort to force some meds down her, she bit my thumb, rather badly.........Of course, we initially had kitty vaccinated, however, since she was indoors strictly and anytime to try and get her into a cat carrier was like battling a bag of razor blades, we figured the risk of her getting rabies would be low as all of the other animals who routinely go outside or live outside are vaccinated up to date. Something had made her ill, congenital, her overweight issues, I do not know, but Liliput had to be euthanized regardless and sent to the state lab for rabies testing. It more than likely would have happened this week even without the bite as something started an acute illness........Trust me, this was not an easy decision nor was it at this point really ours entirely. I don't think even if we had her up to date as we have the others, she still would have been ill and this still would have happened. I'm glad we gave her 4 years that she wouldn't have had if I hadn't have tucked her into my coat and I am glad she gave us 4 years of uniqueness, her own very different personality and kitten kisses. Rest in Peace my always little Lilput...........We miss immensely...........And if I cry anymore, it probably still wouldn't be enough..............So sorry, Miss Put, so sorry little one. You will be missed so much......................

Our Little Dusting of Snow Today..........

Temperatures dropped drastically last night, but not before I pulled out the blankets and donned the girls. Funny enough, neither one of them objected as I draped them and puttered around adjusting straps and such. And what was mud has now frozen solid and the poor girls are gingerly stepping around it all. Thankfully, no frozen crap balls stuck in their feet yet and I have a fresh delivery of hay in the barn. Those typical looks on their faces, "Well, ya big jerk, are ya going to waste time taking pictures or perhaps you'll get to dinner any time soon!". Oh, they crack me up. I am glad I put their blankets on though. I tossed around the decision whether it was cold enough or not and looked at the weather reports and pretty much timed it perfectly. I love it when a plan comes into place and so do they.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just To Get Y'all In The Holiday Spirit...........

Because tomorrow in this house will be all about being Thankful for what we have in family and friends, good food, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and of course the DOG show!


And folks, it hasn't snowed here yet, but I put up the pic of Kola and her festive wear from last year.

I received this message from Lauren Zavala this past week and was asked to do a write up and promote this on my blog. Personally, I cannot speak from experience as I have not yet given it a whirl, however, this does peak my interest as it may peak yours as well. And any of us know that horse keeping is a state of constant learning, even if it is simply what works best for your horse or horses. So I thought I would post this in case anyone was interested. And when I actually have a moment this week, doubtful, I will take a look myself. And if anyone beats me to it, let me know! Thanks!



"My name is Lauren and I am the Graphic Designer/New Media Marketing Assistant at My Horse University. This year we are having a “Black Friday” sale on all of our equine education courses and want to really reach out to those who might like to expand their knowledge in the field. I’m contacting you because we think it would be awesome if the MidWest Horse blog could post a write-up about our upcoming promotion. Obviously Kola and Misty are well-taken care of—and gorgeous, for that matter!—and I think our courses could be great resources for your readers that are interested in learning more about horse management.As far as our sale goes, we’re offering our courses for 50% off, plus an additional 25% off for our Facebook fans. The discount code is bfhorses10 and is valid from 12:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26. For more information, please visit My Horse University or our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/MyhorseU."

8 Years Today!

Happy Anniversary to my darling, Stephen! I love you so very much!

Absorbine New Product Review

Well, Once again my great friends at Absorbine / W.F. Young contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying a new product. So, of course I said, "Yes, send me something. I'll give it a try!" . Shortly, there after I received this can of Absorbine Show Sheen Finishing Mist. As per Absorbine's Website,

"Celebrated worldwide as the best-selling hair polish in over 25 countries, ShowSheen is now available as a Finishing Mist. Perfect for last-minute touch-ups, ShowSheen Finishing Mist has a continuous, quiet sprayer that won't spook your horse and even sprays upside down.
• Continuous sprayer for uniform and complete coverage• Original ShowSheen® is now enriched with Pro Vitamins and Silk Proteins to shine and strengthen better than ever• Pro Vitamins nourish coat for a world class shine• Silk Proteins strengthen mane and tail hair for a more beautiful appearance• Repels dust and dirt to save grooming time• ShowSheen® is the best selling hair polish in over 25 countries around the world• Fresh scents of Jasmine and Sandalwood pamper your horse"

And link here Absorbine .

I did take a couple of before pics, but not what I really should have, because I was so excited to have caught my horses and have them cooperate with me that I just got to work on the dreaded "burr" removal.

Kola's Mane Before:

Misty's Abominable Tail Before:

The remaining pictures from here down are "After" .

Now, I do not show my horses, however, I do like to keep them relatively clean when necessary, such as "burrs" plaguing them or mostly in the summer when riding. Usually, I use cooking spray to clear out burrs, but I thought I'd try this finishing spray, even though technically I'm not finishing prior to a show. I must admit, it worked really well as a "burr" removal product and it smelled real good. Well, that is until Misty farted in my face as I was finishing her tail. Neither horse minded the spray action or the smell, but in saying that, they are well behaved girls and both girls love a good grooming session and they are used to me messing about with them. I like the product and I would purchase it. It seems to average around $10 a can and although "cooking spray" is cheaper, I used less of the Absorbine Show Sheen Finishing spray to get the job done than I have in the past using the cooking spray. And I still have plenty left in the can. So I would recommend this product especially to those of you who do show. And it leaves tails and manes pretty and shiny.

This Week .................

On Tuesday morning, Dr.Terry actually came early and both Misty and Kola received their fall shots and I was reminded to worm them. I did later that day with Equimax. Needless to say neither one of them was impressed with Tuesday.


The Vet said that she thought Kola looked even better than she did in Spring. I was pleased to hear that. She also thought Misty looked better as well. Misty was a little down in weight, I think more down in muscle due to her few months of stall rest last winter. Kola was body scoring out at a "6" this spring, probably closer to a "5.5" now. And they both are getting their shaggy winter coats.


Spot and the others were having a romp in the pasture as I attempted photography. I gave him permission as he never enters the horse area unless given the OK. The other two pay no mind to me or the horses and enter as they please...........

Poor Mina Moo is either bent out of shape over the smell of the strange dog we rescued and brought to shelter on Wednesday evening or not feeling well as I've caught her piddling in the house twice now since then. We'll watch her over the weekend. I keep telling her I did not cheat.

Kota Bear and his "happy" roll.

And I still have roses. Not sure whether to cut them all back and cover them or let them just go this year. Think I may cut them back. They grew like crazy this year and that is what I did last year.

More Trouble.............

Now that our young friend, Joe, has finally figured out and taken care of his thoroughbred mare, Sky's weight issue, she managed to get herself tangled in some fencing. This first picture is of her initial injury approximately 3 to 4 weeks ago. This injury is on the anterior of her right rear hock.


Joe obviously had the Vet out immediately and initial injury was concerning as she was loosing some of her joint fluid (synovial fluid). She was placed on Penicillin and I believe, a Biozide gel or cream. Daily wound care and wrapping. He did tell me what the cream was, but I forgot to write it down. this second picture is at the end of week 2.


Here we are on about week 3. More recent and close-up.

These pictures are from today. Joe says he can see a difference in her walking. My guess is that she will have a flexion and possibly and extension issue. I advised him weeks ago to get her started on Glucosamine immediately and he did. I also suggested that he hose it clean prior to the cream administration and wrap. It definitely looks better, but time will tell.

As with any injury a horse receives, it really is a matter of time. Hock injuries always scare me. Hope Sky does recover, however, not sure if it will be full, but one never knows and I think Joe did a good job of caring for Sky's injury. It doesn't look real proud fleshy, but there are lots of products out on the market for that now. So, any further advise on exercises or anything anyone would like to add to help Joe recover Sky would be greatly appreciated.

A Weigh In Of Sorts.............

Photo has nothing to do with this post, just I thought this neighboring Gypsy was gorgeous.

ON to the post of which I'm sure will bring a few arguments or controversy, just because we haven't done it in awhile, BUT is it me or have I been noticing an influx of elderly horses that for one reason or another suddenly need a new home because of the "economy". My question is this, "Why always the horse in his/her late 20's is in sudden need of a forever home?" It's something I've noticed a lot lately on the net in various places. I know this is really nothing new, but it makes me question how we value our horses. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the economy, however, sometimes, I wonder if it's just because one cannot be bothered with the increased care and cost and time of the horse that no longer can hold it's job for that person or is it really a matter of , "OMG! I cannot afford any horse young or old right now!" What do you think?

I'm Sorry, But This Had To Go!

It was easily the size of my hand and I have long fingers! This thing should have been paying rent! I have never in all my life seen a "house spider" that bloody big! Good grief! And I did not want it crawling over me whilst I slept! Of course as I shrieked, Stephen lay in bed paralyzed with laughter!

My Darling Wife The Big Brave Farm Girl ***NOT***

One of the photos Callie would not include because we do not have a macro camera

My brother and his wife were kind enough to give up their bedroom when we stayed with them and all was fine until a Incy Wincy Spider climbed around the ceiling at which point Callie is telling me to kill it.

I could not stop laughing so Callie wearing her PJ's Rushes down stairs shouting to Graham and Helen for help which made me laugh even more, My brother being the gentleman he is came up and killed it .

Here is my lament to the poor little thing who did us no harm

Incy wincy spider climbed up the spout
Down came the rain, and washed poor Incy out
Out came the sunshine, and dried up all the rain
And Incy wincy spider climbs up the spout again

Steve

Tintagel, Cornwall, England

The land of King Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon. The stone is the closest they can date to possible Arthur's time. This was in an area in which an archaeology dig uncovered a village near the Tintagel Castle, Arthur's castle.

A medieval cider press.

A battle field. All within a mile area.

The village of Tintagel. Also land of where witchcraft originated. Loved it!

Our hotel, Camelot Castle. Our one treat to ourselves. Beautiful views, but a little in your face and snobby. And not one local worked there, strange.

But our lovely room and what an awesome bed, eh?

Tintagel Castle ruins, Arthur's castle and Merlin's cave, tucked down in there.

More of Tintagel Castle ruins.

Tintagel Castle ruins at sunset and the Atlantic Ocean, our view from our room.