Summer is finally here!

Everett taking a walk in the woods behind our house.

Always camera shy!

I am so glad summer is here as it seems that we have again had a hard winter. Not long after my last post our beloved 12 year old dog, Everett, died. He lived a long life, he helped to raise my boys and brought us endless unconditional love. Everett was an amazing, special and beautiful boy, his absence is still felt and always will be.

Munchkin got an injury that same weekend and although it was not life threatening it was a nasty one and took some time to heal so he has not had much more cart work. As the very busy school year plummeted forward we decided our animal family was not complete without another dog as Granger reminded us with her sad face every time we had to leave her for work. 

We first adopted a big beautiful and sweet Rottweiler named Bear. Bear and the horses (well. Doc) did not get along to put it mildly and the decision was made to help find him a better home. We did just that and he will definitely live happily ever after! A few weeks later we got up the courage to try again. Max came to us on  June 8th and walked into our home like he had always been there. Max is 10 months old.

left; Granger (Pittbull mix) & right; Max (shepherd / Plott Hound mix)

 

 

 

Max chasing dragonflies, his favorite past time!

They would rather I let them out to play with the horses!

It was exciting to get a new saddle this winter and I changed Doc's bit to something less harsh. The saddle I had was so comfy and nice but it was just too big for me and looked overwhelming on Doc. I found a wonderful new owner for it as her horse was Frankie's old riding buddy and so it seemed appropriate since that saddle was bought for Frankie.  My NEW saddle was custom ordered to fit Doc and is so light and easy. The center rigging has taken some time to get use to but I think I have it figured out now. I love the hybrid endurance / western look and feel. I am getting the best of both worlds. I did have to replace the girth as the one it comes with is trash :^( The turned stirrups are great though!

 

This is made by  http://www.sycamorecreeksaddles.com/

Tony Pritchett is the best to work with! This is what they call a half seat.

My Argentine Dog Bone bit. This is a low level bit that Doc seems to do well in!

This winter I also came up with a new design for my hay feeder barrels out on the track. I took down the blue ones and put two of the ones shown below up. I learned a lot from the first barrels and made improvemnets to the design. These are holding up much better!

I stung both of my new barrels between two trees for better stability. I did not cut off the ends so it will not loose it's shape. I cut a loading lid in the very top and put a handle on it. The top is propped up in the picture so you can see it and the purple sheet is an exercise mat that help the lid to stay put and keep out water. The net is attached better so I make full use of the space. I can fit 3/4 of a bale in each barrel.

 

I have so many things I need to do to fix things up around the place. last fall I built myself a hitching rail and moved all my tack into the basement so it would not get so dusty. This way I take Doc out and tie him to this for grooming and tacking. It has worked very well. 

This summer I started with something easy. The horses love it while the flies hate it, a new high powered FAN in the barn!

It is summertime now and everything has slowed to a wonderful easy pace. I am working on the house and spending lots of time with the animals. With both dogs needing exercise I am dedicated to taking lots of walks and get myself in better shape. Riding has become a challenge around here but I am determined to get Doc out several times a week even if it is just for a short bit! I also hope to get Munch hooked up to the harness again. I have a potters wheel now and I plan on working on that as well. There is always school work to do but I will think about that tomorrow!

Doc Doc Goose!

Home!

Doc and Munchkin, twins (I love this picture)

Yes Munchkin, you are the cutest pony in the world!

Doing their job, mowing the lawn!

Such a pretty boy, Graceful even when he eats

Granger and Max want to come out and play!

Crow Creek

Munchkin gets a job! Learning to Dive Part One

Munchkin is an 11 year old Welsh cross pony. He use to drive but I was told he had an accident with the cart running up and knocking him down. He is scared now and has not been driven for several years. I do not know the extent he was driven before his accident but I am trying to find out.
I have decided that now that I have had him for a year and we have become close I could slowly try to reintroduce him to the cart again. I do not know a lot about driving and so this is a learning experience for me too. All the more reason I take it very slow and do my homework. I know a man that lives down the road who may be able to help me some too.

I hate leaving Munch while I go off and ride Doc all the time. It would be so awesome if he could go too at times. I have friends whom could share the riding and driving with me and Munchkin would have a job.

We were given the harness for Munch and so I pulled it out today and cleaned it up. I went outside to try just a couple things to see how Munchie reacted.

Lesson One: I put the bridle on Munchkin with no reins but wanted to see how he reacted to the bit. He resisted it a little at first but then took the bit and I led him around in two circles and he seemed very relaxed. I took the bridle off him and told him what a good boy he was.

Lesson Two: Next I put Munch's halter on with a lead rope and brought out the saddle part to the harness. I first just laid the saddle over his back and then led him around. He looked a little worried for a minute but then calmed right down and was relaxed. I laid the back strap and crupper over his back but did not attach the crupper yet. I then fastened the girth which he was fine with and then I led him around for a few minutes. After that I attached the crupper and then led him again. He did very well and actually looked proud of himself.
I unfastened him and took off his gear to send him back out to his buddy. He threw his lips up in the air and gave me a big smile before he left. I was very proud of him for his first day.

Life goes on and a new year begins

Munchkin spent six lonely months by himself after Frankie died. As much as Munch helped heal my heart and even though I spent a lot of time with him he really needed a pasture mate if I was going to keep him. Later in the year my good friends Brenna and Frank, whom I got Frankie from, made an offer I could not refuse. They needed a good home for their seven year old TWH gelding, Doc. He was born and raised by them, they own his sire and he was dear to them but with a farm and more horses that could be ridden often enough he was offered to me. I went to see him in August of 2011 and brought him home two weeks later. It was hard to think of having a new horse and yet as soon as Doc got off the trailer it was obvious that I made the right decision.

Here are some pictures from Docs first day.

Just off the trailer

First hellos

                                                                            Friends?

                                                          Off to inspect the new diggs!



I have had Doc for four month now and he is wonderful. Munchkin is happy and they spend hours each day playing and running the track. I have taken Doc on many rides and I see a long and wonderful life with the two of them. It has been a year since Emma left us and almost a year since Frankie. So strange how life changes without warning. It has been an adjustment but I feel good again and am looking forward to the new year!