CrowCreek

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!