Opening Day

My worries about how Frankie would act on the trail and how well my fence would hold up were as usual unfounded. The day I decided it was time to open the gate I made sure there was plenty of hay scattered around the track so he would stop running periodically and eat. I grabbed my camera to document the whole thing and let him go. At first he looked at me as if to say "You really gonna let me out there?" Then he took off up the first hill! The hay was a good thing because he did stop and eat the little piles I left him. Emma was very confused and unsure about the whole thing. She was slow to catch up to him but when she did she ran as fast as her little legs would carry her. They did find some grass along the way and quickly scarfed up what little was there. It was wonderful to see him running so free and enjoying the space.

There are two corners I would like to take out a couple small trees so he may move through a little easier and safer. I also think that next year I will go in and kill off a section of growth where the Mayapples and ferns grow in order to plant some grass. it has been a pain keeping after the ferns, they sprout up constantly and I am tired of walking the trail and pulling them.

I have not had the trail open every day because I went on vacation and did not want my neighbors to have to walk the trail checking for ferns and any downed areas of fence that deer have pulled on. I have actually only had one time the deer completely pulled apart a section of fence. They learn quick but must be getting through it still. I see them out in the track area periodically.

I still have not hung the big hay barrels yet. I have been so busy there are some things I have not gotten to. My new hay nets from Chicks have been great. They have 2" holes and are very well made, easy to open and large. It will all happen eventually. I am not as anxious about it anymore. Now that the fence is done and I have had them on the track a few times I feel much better. I think with the heat and bugs they will only want to be out there in the mornings and maybe late evenings. Winter will be the time they use it the most I am guessing.

Here is a series of pictures of their first trip through the track. Frankie waited patiently for me to open the gate...