Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Just a Horse


Introvert


This blog is too funny not to share...


http://www.horsechannel.com/the-near-side-blog/2015/1230-2016-the-year-of-yes.aspx




It totally cracked me up. I'm such an introvert and I know exactly how the author feels. Unfortunately (or maybe it's however), I won't be saying yes to much this year, what with having a baby at home.


I am an introvert but I still get out and do horse things. I'm the Chair of our local saddle club. Mostly because I'm too stubborn to let my brain child die. I and a friend wanted to start it and I haven't been able to let go of the reins yet (maybe this year?) I'm also a part of a mounted drill team. I get nervous and anxious before I go to practice and competition but afterwards, I'm always amazed at how my spirits are uplifted by these wonderful women.


So, maybe this year WILL be the year of less introvert and more extrovert. We'll see.

I Am His Eyes


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Bitter

Ugh. Cant' seem to catch a break. So the vet appointment scheduled for today is rescheduled to next Wednesday thanks to the snowstorm that blew in. Luckily we only got a couple of inches of snow. Even though it's only a couple of inches, tromping through it is no fun. I guess I'm going to have to learn how to use the snow plow and the tractor. Good things to learn but more time consuming because right now is not the time to learn how to operate heavy machinery.


Bought another hay net but need to go pick it up. I'm hoping that with the haynet, it'll cut down on my chores more. Apparently I'm spending too much time outside doing chores these days. So says the husband who has to care for our children for, omg, an hour while I'm out busting my butt to do chores.


Last night we had a snow storm so I put Bo and Junior in the barn and Rabbit and Mayhem in their stalls. I wish that I could incorporate Lace in with the mares and Junior. She got upset last night when I took the  mares passed her. I think she realized the horses weren't where they normally are and she got mad. But I don't know if I can trust her  yet with the mares. Next week after Rabbit's vet appointment, I'm hoping to put her in but that'll depend on if she beats up Junior. If she does, I think I  may put her in with the ponies and make her deal with it.


I've been hauling water to the mares and Junior because they wont' drink out of their tank. The tank heater was shocking them and I had no idea. We switched out heaters but now they still aren't drinking. I need to find a solution. I unplugged the second heater in hopes that they'll drink the water if there's a crust of ice (making them realize that the heater isn't on). I don't know what else to do. I am trying the salt water in the water trough to see if that works. I don't think it will but I'm desperate.


I want to put Lace in with someone else to cut down on hauling water. Apparently the extra 5 minutes it takes to care for her (i.e., throw hay and grain and haul water) is taking up too much of my time. WTF?!?! But that's what I was told. So the second mare we were considering taking in is a no go.


But it would be nice to move Lace so that I'm hauling water to less places. Still the same amount of water mind you, just in less locations (but father away to haul). Yeah, I know. I dont' get the logic either.


So, if anyone wants to start volunteering, I could really use the help. I guess from here on out, i'll be doing chores long after everyone goes to bed. So while  you're in tucked under a blanket watching tv, I'll be out doing chores (instead of doing chores while most people sit down to eat supper).


Can you tell I'm bitter?

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Pretty Appy at WA Feedlot

Basic Info

Number:#  Nacy
Type:Auction  
Price:$500    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available11/12/2015 to 11/19/2015
Age/Color/Gender17 Years  /  Roan  /  Mare
Breed(s)Appaloosa  
Registration
Broke?Yes   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Nacy is said to be broke to ride but for an experienced rider or confident older kid, is what was said, and suggested she have a tune up. She was purchased to be a broodmare but the previous owner could not find papers so she was taken to auction. She is a very nice mare and is in good body condition but is "moon blind" in one eye. In my opinion, it looks like untreated uveitis. She was sold sound and I saw no issues with her movement. She is a nice gentle mare who is easy to handle and stands approx 14'3hh.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Deadline: 11/19/15
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Mule at WA Feedlot

Number:#  Ratatouille
Type:Auction  
Price:$450    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/2/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender0 Years  /  Chestnut  /  Gelding
Breed(s)Mule  
Registration
Broke?Maybe   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Ratatouille came in as part of a team that was said to be broke to ride and drive. I have not seen him ridden and do not know how broke he is. I couldn't get an age on him but would guess at least teens. He will warm up to you and is friendly, but did not let me see his teeth. He looks to be in decent condition and has gained weight since these pictures were taken. He's a nice mule overall and I would guess him to be approx 14'2-3hh.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Deadline: ASAP
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Additional Photos

Older Lady at WA Feedlot

Number:#  Ritzen
Type:Auction  
Price:$0    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/17/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender18 Years  /  Chestnut  /  Mare
Breed(s)Quarter Horse  
RegistrationRegistered as with AQHA - Papers Available
Broke?Yes   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Price to come- This mare has had 90 days professional training, been roped on, shown, and has been recently been used as a broodmare and has had 4 babies. She packs and has been used packing for 5 years. She hasn't been ridden much lately so will need a refresher. She comes when she is called and was sold as sound. She stands about 15hh.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA 
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115 
Deadline: 12/23/15

Additional Photos

Appy at WA Feedlot

Number:#  Rachelle
Type:Auction  
Price:$500    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/17/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender18 Years(Range)  /  Chestnut Varnish  /  Mare
Breed(s)Appaloosa  
Registration
Broke?Maybe   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Rachelle is an absolute doll with the sweetest personality. She was easy going, let me do anything to her, picked up her feet, tolerated weight, and wanted to follow me around. This mare stands approx 14'1-2hh but has a nice solid build and what looked like good hooves. She was saddled up and was supposed to be ridden through the sale but was not because they didn't want to ride her over a moving scale. I would guess she is broke from her mannerisms and she definitely was easy to handle and had a very willing personality. She stood by herself mostly but was fine with the other horses, but seemed low in the pecking order. I really like this mare and think she will make a great partner for someone.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: 12/23/15

Previous Rescue at WA Feedlot

Rescued once only to land in another bad spot. out of the frying pan into the fire?


Basic Info

Number:#  Romeo's Juliet
Type:Auction  
Price:$450    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/17/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender0 Years  /  Chestnut  /  Mare
Breed(s)  
Registration
Broke?Unknown   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

This mare is a previous rescue. The previous owner says she is not pregnant and is going to be a project. Romeo's Juliet was ran through auction as a bred mare. I will post more information when I have it. She was sweet, gentle, and appeared to be sound from what I could see. She gets along fine with the other horses and looked to be in decent condition.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA 
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115 
Deadline: 12/23/15

Additional Photos

Expressive Gelding at WA feedlot

Too cute not to share


Basic Info

Number:#  Rinkle
Type:Auction  
Price:$550    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/18/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender12 Years  /  Chestnut / White  /  Gelding
Breed(s)Mustang/ Paint  
Registration
Broke?Yes   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Rinkle is an adorable expressive gelding who was sold sound and stands approx 15'2hh. He is very friendly, but was too much horse for a beginner rider. He is still green and will need an experienced rider or someone to give him a tune up. I love his adorable ear that is so unique and his curious personality.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: 12/23/15

Additional Photos





Senior Mare at WA Feedlot

This one truly breaks my heart.


Basic Info

Number:#  Retiree
Type:Auction  
Price:$0    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/23/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender24 Years  /  Bay  /  Mare
Breed(s)Quarter Horse Type  
Registration
Broke?Unknown   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Price and more info to come on this senior mare. This sweetheart is in her 20's and is so gentle and kind. She needs a soft spot to land and lov e in her golden years. She is in great shape for her age and looks to be in pretty good condition overall.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: Can ship anytime

Additional Photos





Older TB Mare at WA Feedlot

Basic Info

Number:#  Richness
Type:Auction  
Price:$0    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/23/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender0 Years  /  Dark Bay  /  
Breed(s)Thoroughbred  
Registration
Broke?Unknown   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Waiting for price and info- This sweetie looks like an older horse and was so nice and friendly wanting love and attention.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Deadline: Anytime after 12/23/15
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Additional Photos



TB Mare at WA Feedlot

Basic Info

Number:#  Rebecca
Type:Auction  
Price:$600    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/23/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender0 Years  /  Dark Bay  /  Mare
Breed(s)Thoroughbred  
Registration
Broke?Yes   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

This pretty TB mare has been at the lot for some time and will be on the next truck out. I was told she was broke to ride, but will probably need a tune up since she has been at the lot for so long. She appeared to be sound from what I could see, and is in good body condition. I don't have an exact age on her, but she is an older mare, late teens would be my guess. She stands approx 15'2hh.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Deadline: Anytime after 12/23/15
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Paint Mare at WA Feedlot


Basic Info

Number:#  Rustic
Type:Auction  
Price:$550    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available12/23/2015 to 12/23/2015
Age/Color/Gender18 Years  /  Sorrel  /  Mare
Breed(s)Paint  
RegistrationRegistered as with APHA - Papers Unknown
Broke?Unknown   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

Rustic is a 18yr sorrel 15hh APHA mare. She has been used in both arenas and trails. Due to an Elderly rider she has become barn sour and needs a tune up. She does NOT game or run barrles, and prefers to ride with another horse. I need to verify that her papers are available and went with her at auction and will update when I can confirm they are available.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: Anytime after 12/23/15

Additional Photos

128 at WA Feedlot

Breaks my heart to see these older horses standing in a feedlot when they should be pampered and loved on instead of discarded. Going to list a few that caught my heart. Wish we could do more than just post. Even if we can't save them, we can at least remember and honor them.


If you can help....
http://auctionhorses.org/horses.asp?Page=kphorses

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Rabbit and Weather

I am so far behind in posting the goings on at the Sanctuary. We have lots going on, sort of. But I can't seem to find the time for some reason. I don't think my mind is totally in gear yet and it's been almost four months since our girl was born. I'm still going with the excuse of baby brain.


So I called the vet to make an appointment for Rabbit. She's been off on her right front leg for awhile now. She won't let you pick it up and I refuse to fight her. When she came up lame, I was still not able to do much heavy lifting and wasn't willing to fight her. But she's gotten bad. She can't travel so the vet is coming to us. I don't particularly like that method because it costs more but in this case, it's the only way. We'll have to tranquilizer Rabbit and lay her down. I need to dig out her blanket and probably double blanket her so she doesn't get chilled. Need to go in search of those heavy canvas blankets besides her normal blanket.


I'm hoping that it's something simple that can be fixed. I don't think it's an abscess. It's been too long in the making. I hope that it's nothing that I could have fixed on my own. I'm afraid that her not letting me pick up her foot is part of the problem. I'm not willing to fight her and make matters worse.


But while I have the vet out, I'll have him do a quick once over of Mayhem as well. I know the prognosis on Mayhem is the $1000 surgery rather than the $400 surgery. That's her luck.


Once we get Rabbit fixed up, I want to move Lace over. She's finally calmed down. Her pen is all torn up and I can't figure out if she's stumbling and very cautious because the ground is uneven or if she's coming up lame after running and chasing Mayhem all the time. That back leg is still swollen and I'm not sure if her right knee is giving her problems now or not. No one ever mentioned anything about her big knee but I guess we'll just play it by ear for a little while longer.


I want Rabbit healthy before I introduce Lace to the herd. I'm not sure Lace is ready yet. I think her anger stemmed from food. I don't want to risk Junior getting hurt or being intimidated by a bossy mare. He's already intimidated by Rabbit.


And while talking with the vet, we decided on Tuesday for the appointment. But as she said, we'll have to play it by ear because of the weather. Weather?!?!? I heard a rumor that we were to get snow Monday and/or Tuesday but I had no idea that it could possibly complicate things. I need to start paying attention to the weather now...now that it's officially winter.


I am not ready to constantly monitor the temperatures and upcoming snow storms. I've turned a blind eye to everything so far in hopes that we'll have an open winter. I guess I need to stop with that thinking and start paying attention.


At least today is the shortest day of the year. I'm so far behind that I don't even know where to start these days. By the time I get the kids put down for the night, I'm wiped out and can't even get to the things that desperately need to get done. I guess for now, we'll continue to fly by the seat of our pants and hope that things get done.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Sanctuary Horses' Christmas Wish List

I was asked the other day by a good friend "What do the horses want for Christmas this year?" I guess I always have a running tally of what we need but I've never voiced it specifically. The horses tell me what they want but they get what they get when there's only so much money to go around. :-)


So here it goes....each horse's Christmas wish list.
(Sorry the pictures are outdated. I am not on the right computer with the newer pics)




Whitelacenpromises
I wish for a new blanket, size 78.  I'm new to the Sanctuary and would love to have a blanket to keep the chill away. I'd also love a bag or two of sweet feed. I'm a girl who loves her grain.




Rabbit
I wish for a new blanket, size 78. My old one is too big and I ripped it last winter. I'd also love a bag or two of sweet feed. I'd love a fly mask too for the summer months. The sunshine makes my eyes weep some days.





Mayhem
I wish for money to go towards my hernia surgery. Before I can go to school, I have to have my surgery. Any amount is helpful.  I'd like a salt lick too.




Tommy
I wish for a brand new halter and lead rope. My halter size is yearling. That way when we go to different community outreach programs, I can look nice instead of wearing my grungy halter. I'd also love to have a pedicure or two paid for ($30). Oh and I'd like a salt lick too. I don't lick them, I scrape them with my teeth!




Skippy
I wish for a brand new halter and lead rope too! My halter size is pony. I'm wearing Tommy's hand-me-down halter (and you know how dirty those Shetland ponies can get!). I'd also love to get a pedicure or two paid for before we go out and about to meet people.





Junior
I'd love for a bag or two of purina senior feed or Strategy. I'd also love a bag of Cool Calories to help me keep my weight on. I'd love to have a new over the fence grain bucket too. I'm a bit hard on grain buckets. I'd love to get a fly mask for this summer too. I'd love to have a water proof sheet. I have a heavy blanket but on those damp fall days, I'd like to wear a waterproof sheet instead of my heavy blanket.




Jim
Even though I'm the oldest and probably the grumpiest, I'd love a bag of senior feed. I'd love a brand new blanket or to have my old one fixed (the clasp on the leg straps broke so my blanket doesn't always sit right). I'd also love a brand new halter because Zeke wanted my old halter. I'd love a fly mask for this summer. The sunlight bothers my eyes and makes my eyes weep some days.





Brego
I'd love a brand new blanket, size 78. Depending on the weather, I squeeze into Jim's blanket or I wear a blanket that doesn't fit me as well and that I've stretched the leg straps out so it gets caught every once in a while. I'd also love a bag or two of Strategy. When March rolls around, I start to lose weight so having some Strategy and maybe some Cool Calories supplements might be nice.




Ivan
I'd love a brand new halter. My head is so big that only one or two of the current halters fit and I have to share with Chaos. It would be nice to have a halter all my own. Oh and to have a bag of sweet feed.




Dude
I'd love my very own blanket, size 78. I ripped the one hand-me-down blanket I used to wear. It would be nice to have a fancy blanket to call my own, especially since I'm the one in charge of everyone. I'd love a bag of sweet feed too. Oh and don't forget a fly mask. I don't want to deal with those pesky flies this summer.




Chaos
I'd love a bag of sweet feed and an over-the-fence grain bucket. That way no one can steal my grain. I'd like a fly mask to keep flies away during the worst of fly season.




Maverick
I'd love a big salt lick and a bag of sweet feed. I'd also love a fly mask for this summer.




Bo
I'd love a bag or two of senior feed and Strategy. Oh and some Cool Calories would be nice. I could always go for a new halter to call my own. I've never had a halter of my own, just hand me downs. I'd love a fly mask too for the summer. And a rain sheet. I have a heavy blanket but a rain sheet to keep the damp fall rain off my back would be wonderful!






So, that's the horses' Christmas wish list. I've scoped out some prices. At Tractor Supply, sweet feed is about $9, Strategy is $15, Purina senior feed is $19 (but we also use Dumor senior which is a little cheaper), and Cool Calories are $24 for a small bag and $50 for a big bag. Over the fence grain buckets are about $10 and salt blocks are about $5. I can't remember what halters are for price (we usually get hand me down halters from other people) Fly masks are about $15 and blankets range in price (but we are always shopping around for the best deal).

Six Portraits


I can't take credit for finding this video.. or for even coming up with the concept....


But... it really does make you think.


http://www.horseandman.com/people-and-places/descriptors-that-label-a-horse-forever/12/19/2015/




Watch the video. Now consider the "old" horse. Everyone's perception of an "old" horse is different.


I think it's something to really think and ponder about the next time someone classifies an "old" horse as useless.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Whitelacenpromises



I would like to introduce our newest resident, Whitelacenpromises. She's a 20 year old registered paint. Born in Oklahoma. She's had a bit of a rough go the last little bit. Her previous owners only had her for a couple of months but were concerned for her health as their broodmare band was picking on her. The owners prior to that had her for about a year and a half.


She's a bit crabby still but I think that has a lot to do with her previous home and having to find off so many horses. She has many bite marks and missing hair. I put Mayhem in with her this morning because she kept pacing the fence. But she's thrown a lot of kicks so we'll see. She also has a swollen back leg but I'm guessing that has to do with the kicking she's done to protect her self and to ward off any attackers. She also has an enlarged knee.


If I remember right, in her previous career before she became a broodmare, she used to run barrels in a more professional manner than just the local barrels around here. But I don't have any proof of it. It would be neat to know more about her history but the previous owners only had her for 2.5 months so it's hard to really get much more info.


But she's secured herself a spot in the Sanctuary. She really does simply want loving. But I think she's so confused and upset over the past few months she's simply trying to protect herself and survive. She'd been munching on some weeds in her pen (with her head stuck through the hay ring feeder...the cattle version). I groomed her to some degree and then brought her grain. She just stood there. While I'd been grooming her she trying to grab my coat. I thought she was telling me she liked the grooming. No, she was telling me that she was stuck and couldn't figure out how to get out of the cattle feeder. Apparently, she's never been around a cattle hay ring feeder, only a horse hay ring feeder. In less than 24 hours she was already trying to communicate with me multiple times. I think she's going to be a "go to" horse for when I need a shoulder and mane to cry in. She just needs a little bit of time to settle down.


She's putting the smack down on Mayhem and that assures me that I will NOT be putting her in with Junior. I  may put her in with the mares and Junior later but I want her to get settled.


So...welcome home. I think we'll call her Lace.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Need Help in a Christmas Request

Alright folks, I need your help. I realize that I don't have a paypal account up and running correctly but don't let that stop you.


We were asked to take in a 20 year old broodmare. She'd done some barrels in her previous life but has been a broodmare for awhile. I don't know the specifics other than she's in with other mares and getting the tar beat out of her. So we went out on a limb and accepted her since she does fit into our criteria. We aren't really in a position to take on any new horses.  I'm overwhelmed with the 15 we currently have at the Sanctuary but I have a soft spot for broodmares.


So many mares used early on and then switched over to making babies. When they aren't in their prime, they are dumped without a backup plan for what they will do in their golden years. So I said yes without really crunching the numbers. These old girls are worth their weight in gold.


But here's the clincher. Last night we were asked to take in another broodmare. She's 19 years old, pulled from a kill pen, and now looking for her new home. She was supposed to be bred back but came open. The people who pulled her from the kill pen didn't want to see a pregnant momma ship, so pulled her and now that she's open, they want to assure themselves that she won't return to the life of a broodmare, popping out babies every year. She's getting older and they want to make sure that she doesn't have to have any more babies. But her pedigree will make people want to breed her.


And then she'll turn into Rabbit. Bought because she was in foal but when the foal was born, the mare was tossed to the side. I didn't want that to happen with Rabbit and I didn't want it to happen to the 20 year old broodmare we accepted, and I don't want it to happen to the 19 year old broodmare.


So, my question is, can you help? We need hay and grain to cover her costs.


Would anyone want to donate $65 to buy a bale of hay. We need to buy six bales. Or would someone want to sponsor one of these old girls for $100 a month? I can't bring on a second mare without knowing there are funds to cover her cost.


As it is, my hay is sitting out in the pasture waiting to be picked up and my hay guy is in the hospital undergoing surgery as I type this. So I don't exactly have bales and bales of spare hay just sitting around.


I know some people will ask why I'm willing to help one and not the other. Well, I let my heart get ahead of my head. So I said yes to one but my head over ruled the second horse. Unless, someone can help. And others have been willing to donate their horse and enter their horse into the feeding program (and pay) but are wondering why we turned them down. It's all timing. At that time, I was 6 months pregnant and had no clue how it would be like the second time around (based on the first, I knew I couldn't take on any more...but the second baby has been completely different).


But, for me to take on any more, to keep the 19 year old out of danger of going back to a kill pen, or being bred and then tossed aside like a rag, I need your help.


I either need people to sponsor her for $100 a month, or for people to buy her a bale of hay from now until May (which would be six bales...December through May). Last time we fundraised to bring someone home (I'm talking Junior), we priced hay at $65 a bale so that's what I'm doing again.. unless someone tells me otherwise.


So, can you help an old girl get her Christmas wish? Can you help give her a permanent home where she will be safe and sound with the Sanctuary until her last breath? Lets bring these two old girls home and give them the best Christmas present a horse can ask for.


If you want to donate, and because I don't have the paypal account set up (anyone know how to get that up and running), you can send checks to


Borderlands Horse Sanctuary
26160 457th Ave
Humboldt, SD 57035


I think you and the mares thank you.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Whim

Wow.. some good ones out there.


Embedded image permalink

Today I Do What Others Won't

Another one I just had to share...


Embedded image permalink




I'm slowly picking up the pieces. My mind and heart are in turmoil but the day to day is getting me back into the routine. I need to remember this saying.

The Warmth of a Horse

Saw this and wanted to share...


Spooked and Loose

This morning when I stepped out to do chores, there was a weird feeling in the air. I can't place it and no one was spooky except for me and Junior. After a year of fumbling around in the dark with a flashlight, you'd think Junior would be used to my antics. But he still spooks when I pull out the flashlight to check on something. Because I never get to do chores in the daylight.


The fog was rolling in so maybe that was it. Or maybe the coyotes were on the property. It's hard to tell the difference in tracks from the dogs versus a coyote. But I doubt they'd be brave enough to come up into the yard. So I have no idea what it was that set me on edge. None of the other horses were spooky or edgy. Just me and Junior.


Yesterday morning when I opened the door, I knew it was going to be a rough day. I wasn't more than two feet away from the front door and I saw Tommy racing from the barn up the hill to the red shed. Then I saw Skippy come racing out of the shadows to chase Tommy. They'd escaped...again. I KNEW when we put them in that pen, that  I should have secured the corral panels. But for some reason I turned an oblivious eye and pretended that they wouldn't try and push the panels out and escape.


They'd been out long enough to devour Junior's hay but not long enough to eat both Mayhem and Rabbit's morning hay. They both knew they were in trouble when I showed up. I was worried that there would be a lot of drama and chasing going on. It was almost 6am and I was going to be late for the paying job if they didn't cooperate AND it was still dark without even a hint of the morning sun yet. But they must have known that their escapade was in bad taste. So they let me coax them into a different pen with a small bucket of grain. Of course there was no halter involved, and I kept the lead rope out of sight. They didn't even want to take more than a mouthful of grain when I offered it after getting them in to the pen. I wonder if they knew they had been naughty.


I have no idea how long they'd been running loose. They could have done a LOT more damage.  Luckily, they didn't run off the property, hadn't gotten in to the hay shed where the hay is (or decided to go after the big rounds), and didn't take down any other fences (or get on the road). So I am super thankful for that.


It always seems that the ponies like to give me a run for my money at least a half dozen times a year. Guess my quota hadn't been reached yet this year.


Hopefully tonight, we can have a quiet night and tomorrow when I step out to do chores, there won't be any loose horses/ponies and nothing to spook Junior (or me).


Welcome back to the working world I guess.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Turmoil of the Head and Heart

I'm not sure if this is a post I've written before or if it's just been rambling around in my brain and simply waiting for me to type. I'll be rambling and need to get it off my chest...so either don't read or take it with a grain of salt. :-)


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As a Sanctuary and dealing with senior equines, we are constantly deal with death. There is always the watchful eye on the senior to make sure the quality of life is good and that each equine is comfortable. I'm used to that thought.


But for some reason I'm struggling with the thought of death lately. I'm guessing it's a combination of thoughts. As I look at my daughter, I see new, fresh, and exciting. Everything for her is new. Everything is a new experience and I'm so excited and thankful to be a part of it.  But then my mind thinks about death. Maybe it's my mind trying to protect myself from the past few months. An acquaintance was killed the first part of August. She was young, vibrant, and had her whole future ahead of her. She was on the path to greatness...not to become great but to do great things and to help people. I struggle about her passing some days. We never spoke, we never met in person, I simply followed her life on her blog and Facebook page. Her life intrigued me (because she was doing such amazing work in an area I'll never visit.) So with that shock of her passing, I have been thinking about death.


Then there is the passing of one of our biggest supporters, my grandmother. Now that all the paperwork has been finalized for the trust, I have been getting items from her house. Everywhere I look, I see something of hers. Something she liked, something that made her smile. She's been gone for almost three years and yet I'm struggling with her loss. Maybe more so because the items from her house are also things that my mother had a hand in. Without my mother's help, my grandma wouldn't have stayed in her home as long as she had. So when I look at my grandmother's things, I think of not only her but my mother as well. And then I think about the stresses she's been going through. As she said "It feels like I am an orphan now". It's an odd statement but when you have the support of your family your entire life, and that support breaks even with one person passing, your world turns upside down.


I know my thinking doesn't make much sense. But with all the major changes, I'm struggling. I'm sure it's the stresses of going back to the paying job. Being forced to work at a job while someone else watches my children. Knowing that I could be doing more, making a bigger difference but can't because of politics and money.


Or maybe it's the fact that as much as I want to stay a kid, I'm actually in the prime of my life and I'm seeing life in a different light. I don't want to waste the days away doing meaningless and trivial tasks. I want to be with family and make a difference where it really matters.


I know this post doesn't make any sense and it has nothing to do with horses. But it's all the thoughts banging around in my head and I cant' seem to make heads or tails of them.  I can't seem to come to terms with how life is. My head and my heart are in turmoil and I can't seem to calm it enough to make sense of anything these days.


I'm sure most of this is simply stress of going back to work and trying to figure out how to juggle a paying job, caring for the sanctuary horses, caring for two small children, keeping up with a house, and simply putting one foot in front of another. I had about the same amount of turmoil after my son was born and again after my daughter was born. But the turmoil seems to have reared its ugly head once again.


I guess I'm struggling to come to terms with life. As I knew it then, as I know it now, and as I hope to know in the future.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Heartbroken

I've moved passed the dismayed and the disappointed stage and moved into the heartbroken stage. I never really realized there was one. Recently I've been disappointed with people but the last few days have simply broken my heart.


I'm not sure if it's the weather, the stress of going back to work after being off for such a long time due to maternity leave, or what but I'm simply heart broken. I see people moving forward and I'm not only moving backwards, I'm being sucked into some type of black hole.


Maybe I should hang up the Sanctuary work. I know some would laugh and dance at that idea. It'll be 10 years of doing rescue/sanctuary work come this May. Maybe I'm burned out. Maybe I should just play with the horses that we have and turn a blind eye to the rest. Let someone else do it, since they are the ones who ... well.. I'll not finish that sentence.  I never could figure out how people could be all about a cause and then somehow change their tune and make it all about the money. We are all in it for the same reason. To help the horses. And yet, when it comes right down to it. It's not about the horses, it's about the dollars and cents. Who can get the most so they can get their name out there. It's not about working together for the betterment. It's about taking all the glory and the money.


So maybe, just maybe I'll continue to be quiet and do my own thing. Lurk in the background like I've done for so many years. I've seen too many rescues fold or call themselves rescues and then disappear. I don't want to be one of those. But I'm burned out. Maybe I'll just call myself an individual trying to help out a few horses at a time. There's a lot of people doing that and not asking for money or taking any glory. Maybe that's the way to go.


I get so tired of listening to people ask me to take horses and tell me they can't afford it. I AM the sanctuary. Let me repeat.. I AM the Sanctuary. It's my paycheck and I don't make a lot. I sacrifice. I don't go out asking for a lot of money because I know we aren't a non-profit and who wants to give to an organization that's not a non-profit. But I sacrifice. I don't drink. The last time I bought an alcoholic beverage was in 2011. Why do I remember. Because I just broke open the frozen peach daiquiri the other night. It's been in my freezer since November 2011. I don't eat out often and when I do, it's fast food and the cheapest thing on the menu...always. If you open my cupboards, you'll see that everything is generic. Its' Surfine or Great Value. My one luxury is buying name brand pop. And I keep that to a minimum of one a day. I drive a 13 year old vehicle and try to work one day of work from home to keep the gas bill down. I drive an 11 year old truck and pull a 22 year old stock trailer and if I do pull the big trailer, hell that's 19 years old. Nothing I have is new. I wear hand me down clothes. I get my hair cut twice a year. I don't dye my hair. I can't tell you the last time I went to the movie theater and any movie I've watched at home comes from the $5 bin at Walmart.  We don't have cable, we don't do NetFlix, we don't do Dish. We have basic tv that's free. So don't tell me you can't afford them. Make a sacrifice. I know I sure as hell do.


I guess until I'm out of this funk I'll simply lurk in the background and not post anything. I'd rather not ruin people's holiday cheer.  Ba Humbug

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Junior Update

We had a quiet night last night. Of course it was long past dark by the time I was able to get out to do chores. Luckily the moon was out so I could do chores by the light of the  moon. Who needs a flashlight when the moon is so bright.


I'm still debating on where horses are going to go. I'm sort of waiting on the weather to see how cold it gets before we completely fill water tanks or move them to where they need to go. Every winter is a little different based on who we have at the Sanctuary. I do have to admit that last year and this year have been a blessing in that we haven't had to make the decision to say goodbye to anyone.


In fact, last year we brought Junior in to the Sanctuary. He's officially been at the Sanctuary for a full year. We've had our ups and downs to try and figure out how to get and keep the weight on him. It was a struggle the entire winter, spring, and summer. And then I decided to haul him to mom and dads in August. I'm not sure if the grass was better or there was less competition or what. But he put on the weight and looked like a different horse. He was up there with Brego and no one else. Brego isn't pushy so maybe that was the key? I have him in with Rabbit and Mayhem but he can and does push Mayhem around when he wants to. I don't think Rabbit pushes him around too much but  maybe she's hogging all the food. I'll have to keep a closer eye on them. I have been stalling him at night so he can eat his grain and hay/alfalfa without having to compete. The way his stall is set up is right on the other side of the fence so he's never alone and there's a wind block from the south and west. I need to come up with a wind block for the east. That east wind bites right through.


The other night I'd put him in his "stall" and when I came out in the morning, the wind was blowing from the east. He put his cold nose on my shoulder. I think he wanted out. And after I threw hay, he put his nose on my back. I'm not sure if it was a thank you or if it was why didn't you hurry up faster? I'll take it either way. I'm still trying to figure out what is best for Junior to keep his weight up and keep him happy.


And if I don't post again, I want to wish you all a  Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Chestnut Mare at Washington Feedlot

Basic Info

Number:#  Nice Momma
Type:Auction  
Price:$600    
StatusAVAILABLE!
Date Available11/22/2015 to 11/24/2015
Age/Color/Gender17 Years  /  Chestnut  /  Mare
Breed(s)Quarter Horse  
RegistrationRegistered as with AQHA - Papers Available
Broke?Unknown   
ConditionAverage
More Info:

Description

This sweet mare is the mother to a small group of horses that came in. She is friendly, easy to handle, loves attention, and looks to be in good body condition. She has an easy going personality and loves attention. I don't know how much she has been worked with, but she tolerates weight, picks up her feet, and overall is a very nice motherly mare. She stands 15h+ with a medium build. Her papers are available upon pick up at the lot. I do not have her reg info.

Purchasing Information

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: Anytime after 11/24/15

Additional Photos