Fencing

Mom and dad came down yesterday to tackle the fencing project in the big drylot. About two years ago we replaced the original fencing because Dude and Chaos had been pushing on the fence (and the old fence posts were starting to give way). The drylot used to be an old cattle feedlot, so the nitrogen in the soil destroys wooden fence posts (and trees).

Well, we didn't realize at the time that the horses would climb the fence and this spring I saw Dude climb the fence. It was probably the second or third time that Chaos managed to escape. So we decided instead to put up corral panels. Luckily we had enough and it's a good thing we did because the horses were even pushing on the corral panels at one point.

But I need the corral panels now that the excavator has cleaned up the old mare pasture on the east side of the Sanctuary. We won't have time to put in more fence posts before the ground freezes so I figured we'd use corral panels until I needed to use some of the corral panels for stalls this winter. We are never not using corral panels! (Anyone want to donate a few?)

Mike, mom, and dad worked hard on getting the new fence up. We learned that with the fencing materials we are using that we need to add a few additional fence materials. Fencing is a learning curve! They were able to get the entire east fenceline fixed and started on the north fenceline but ran out of materials. I'm hoping that we'll have time this coming weekend to finish up the north fenceline.

After this weekend, we won't have any time for anything (at least not for the next month).

I've been hearing some grumbling about fencing lately. I'll always grumble about fencing. Whenever you have livestock, you will ALWAYS be working on fencing. We are lucky enough to own the land and when we bought the acreage that the Sanctuary sits on, I made it very clear that we NEEDED to own the fenceline. It doesn't matter if you own the fenceline or not when you have animals. If you have livestock, you have to maintain the fenceline. That's why I wanted to own the fenceline. If I am going to put a ton of my hard earned money into a fence, I darn well better own it. But in the past we have had to rent a pasture and then we still had to put in fence posts, string wire, and make sure everything was in tip top shape. Unfortunately, it is NOT the landowner's responsibility to maintain fence when it's YOUR livestock on that land. I'm not sure if it's just a South Dakota thing or not. But that's just what it has always been (at least for me). But fencing is a long term and never ending task. Just ask any farmer that has livestock.

I am excited to have a fenceline again that looks nice. We are finally making small changes around the place. Those small changes are making a huge difference. Now if only I had more time to get stuff done before the baby came to make more improvements around the place.

I'm hoping after the first month (all of September), that I'll be physically able to do some harder work, like washing horse blankets, getting them repaired, and waterproofed before winter comes. I have a feeling we are in for a long and cold winter. The katydids have been singing since mid July. And if the old wives tale is correct this year, 60 days from katydids singing is the first hard frost, which puts us at mid-September. And the weathermen are talking about El Nino, which if that's the case, the old wives tale of 90 days from fog will actually work (it doesn't work with La Nina). But I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I'm in the final days of pregnancy and counting down so not much is happening at the Sanctuary these days. We are around but I'm not doing much other than minimal activities. I'm worn down and just need to keep my feet up for the next 10 days.

Texas Horses Scheduled To Ship Today

UGH...Too many to post. Scroll to half way to the page and you'll see all the ones listed in Texas that are planned to ship TODAY

http://auctionhorses.org/horses.asp?Page=kphorses

Older Mare at Washington Feedlot

They so don't deserve to be there.


Ali - Flaxen Chestnut Quarter Horse Type Mare - $400
Ali is a very sweet and gentle mare who just arrived at the lot. I believe her to be a senior and she will need some TLC and groceries. She seems to be an easy going girl but her main focus right now is eating. She has bonded with Alpine and they are an adorable older pair. She stands approx 14'2hh and looks to be pretty spind from what I could see. Her hooves need clean up but they aren't too bad. I don't have any history on her but she should be just fine for anyone to handle. She was wormed at the lot with Ivermectin. 

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Deadline: 8/28/15
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

22Yr Old Saddlebred at Washington Feedlot

Arlo - 22yr Chestnut Saddlebred Gelding - $0

Price to come- Arlo is a very nice gelding who wound up in this situation only due to owner health. He is said to have 5 gaits and should be well broke but not ridden for some time. He goes through creeks, stands tied, and is very easy to handle. He stands 16'2hh and appears to be sound and in good condition for his age. His teeth were floated 2 years ago and he is currently due for wormer. His hooves look good and were just trimmed. Arlo is going to be a wonderful addition for anyone and gets along great with the other horses. 

AVAILABLE! 


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

Chestnut Beauty at Washington Feedlot

I just can't get over how many super nice horses are standing at the feedlot states away

Aero - Chestnut Gelding - $475

I don't have much info on Aero at this time. He looks to be in good condition and previously taken care of. He stands approx 14'1hh and appeared to be young and sound. I don't have any previous history on him at the moment or additional info. He gets along well with the other horses, and looks like he would have a ton of potential. 

Location: Sunnyside, WA
Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115
Deadline: 8/07/15 past ASAP

Black Beauty at the Washington Feedlot

I can't get over how many beauties are at the feedlot in Washington


Alouette - 12yr Black Mare - $650

Alouette is a nicely built and tall girl, she stands right about 16'H. This mare is a beauty with her sleek and shiny black coat and she is a willing partner. Alouette is broke to ride and may be best suited for trail riding or even competitive gaming at the upper 4H levels. This mare is very athletic and she is light, supple, and responsive - you will not have to push her to move forward. She has a very nice and smooth walk and trot, but will need some help relaxing at the canter. This is a nice horse and she has not offered to buck during her previous work experience; but she will need a confident and advanced rider to continue her progress moving in the right direction. Alouette has many hours of trail riding to add to her resume, this girl has many good years ahead and she has a lot to offer her new home.

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

Beautiful Paint at Washington Feedlot

Wow.. she's gorgeous!

Avalon - 18yr Chestnut / White Paint Mare - $650
This mare is said to be broke to ride but will need to go to a trainer or experienced horse person as the previous owner said she can be fearful undeer saddle. She has been ridden and shown but is not for a beginner. She is easy to handle on the ground and gets along well with other horses. Avalon stands approx 15hh. 

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

Mule at Washington Feedlot

Any mule people out there?

Ashland - 15yr Bay Mule Gelding - $300

This is the sweetest mule ever! I was told he is an older mule but I do not have an exact age so I am guessing 15. He is not completely sound and his knee appears to be a problem for him or perhaps his hooves that need trimming. He is an in your pocket type mule who aims to please and wants to be your best friend. He has been at the lot for some time, and equines who are not sound, usually just ship, but this sweetheart really deserves a chance. He gets along well with the horses and is low in the pecking order. He will come to you when you are talking to him, and will stand there and soak up love and attention. www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204748512212794&set=vb.1236914182&type=3&theater

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

Walker Andalusian Cross at Washington Feedlot

Wow.. walker and andalusian cross...don't see those in our neck of the woods. what a shame.


Attica has been at the lot for a few weeks now. I have not been able to handle her at all. She appears to be gaited and will need corrective farrier work as her feert are terrible and grossly overgrown. She moves relatively sound even with poor hooves. She will need someone with patience to work with her and may just warm up nicely when out of the feedlot environment. I have no other information on her. 

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

Registered Beauty in Washington Feedlot

There's no way this beauty should be at the feedlot!


A Story To Remember - 19yr Grulla Quarter Horse Mare - $700
Registered as "Me Brilliant" with AQHA - Papers Available

A Story To Remember is everything that her name says. This beautiful 19 yr old mare is well built and she is just a nice all around horse. It is said that she was well broke to ride, but recently she has been a brood mare for past 5 yrs. This mare is stunning, a quick refresher should not take long to get her back to being the reliable riding partner that she had proved herself to be. She stands approx 15hh and is ready to go with a refresher. She has been used for cows, rach, and trail. 

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

20Yr Old Gelding at Washington Feedlot

Oldsters deserve so much more and so much better


Alpine - 20yr Dun Quarter Horse Gelding - $450

Alpine is an adorable and friendly gelding who has been at the lot gaining weight. He has gained quite a bit and is in pretty good body condition now. These pictures are mostly from when he first arrived. He is an older horse, probably 20+ and stands about 14'3hh. He should be a been there done that horse with halter and saddle marks to prove it. He is very easy to handle, picks up his feet, and should be easy enough for a beginner to handle. He has nice manners, gets along with all the other horses and will be a nice gentle friend for someone. He has a new girlfriend Ali that just arrived and they are almost an identical pair who have instantly bonded. His hooves are in need of clean-up but not bad and he has an old scar on his hip. 

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

August or October

I was not prepared for last night's endeavor. This morning it dawned on me. We are having October weather instead of August weather (at least the last two days).

I knew just watching the weather out the window that chores were going to be long and painful. I forgot what it was like to do "winter" chores. Usually I have to work up to it but last night hit me full in the face how much has to be done on any given night for winter chores.

We've had rain. A lot of rain. Not a little shower here or there, but rain. All. Day. And at points in the day, downpours. At other times, I watched sheets of rain come across the neighbor's field. The wind also picked up. When I went to bed last night I had the reminder of winter, rather than middle of summer. The winds we had last night usually call for blizzard conditions in the winter.

I knew I'd put Junior in and leave in him overnight. I'm just realized that it's the only way to work on getting weight on him. Hopefully with grain, alfalfa, and now high quality hay he'll be able to put some weight on although we are planning on hauling him to Madison this coming weekend so he can enjoy some pasture. Junior was shivering and I debated on putting a blanket on but knew the alfalfa and hay would get him warmed up just fine.

I called for the big herd and they weren't all that thrilled with coming up. But they did and I was able to get some of them into the barn. Ivan and Brego need a lesson on stalling again. Ivan is NOT cooperative. I wanted Jim in the barn but he wouldn't cooperate (dont' blame him after all the poking and prodding we had to do earlier in the day).

So in to the barn went Rain, Zeke, Bo, Brego, and Ivan. If we hadn't had a broken stall thanks to Dude's big butt last winter, I probably would have pushed to get Jim in the barn as well. But those that went in were pretty happy to get in out of the wind and rain. The other four (Jim, Maverick, Chaos, and Dude) were huddled in the leanto. I threw hay and I would have sworn they hadn't eaten in weeks. But they were all shivering so I was happy to break open a bale and watch them settle down and relax.

I was worried about Rabbit and Mayhem but they disappeared into the pasture. Rabbit is lame and I need to figure out what's going on with her. I can't pull them into the haybarn stalls because all the corral panels are being used. There was one spare stall and I contemplated putting King in it because he looked miserable, but he had a round bale and could get in out of the wind.

This morning the wind was still pretty fierce. It's going to take a bit to get back into the mode of "winter" chores again. The big herd was happy to get out of the barn and out into the pasture. Luckily they didn't try and charge the gate. The drylot is now a soupy mess. I was really struggling to walk through the slop. I have a back/hip issue going on right now (think the baby is laying on a nerve) so I was really struggling and stumbling along. Everyone respected my space and my pace (i.e., snail pace).  I love opening the barn and seeing the horses completely content standing in the barn, dry and warm. But they were ready to get out as well.

I opted to leave Junior in his stall because the wind was still really strong and I didn't want to put him into the pasture. His pasture takes a lot of the wind from the west. Luckily it's Wednesday, which means it's Grandma and Grandpa Day (mom and dad watch my son) so dad let Junior out when it got light out and there wasn't as much rain/drizzle.

When I'd gone out to do chores, my lightweight coat was still soaked so I grabbed my old winter coat (and a stocking cap). When I came back in, I couldn't get out of my coat. The darn zipper broke. The coat doesn't owe me a thing but figured I'd use it until it didn't work, well this morning it quit working. So there I was in my pajamas, rubber boots, and stuck in a coat with my pregnant belly sticking out. I couldn't even get the coat off my arms (picture "fat man in a little coat"). I thought maybe I could just pull it up over my head. Ummm.. no. Baby belly in the way. I had to call for Mike to pull my arms out of the coat and then shuck it down around my feet to get out. So today, chalk it up to experience that I got stuck in a coat. Ain't pregnancy grand.

As I was driving to work this morning in the mist/drizzle (and wind), I realized that what we are experiencing right now is October weather, not August weather. Not sure what the rest of the week is going to bring us. Hopefully it's not a glimpse into the winter ahead of us. I'm going to start squirreling away as much hay and getting stuff ready for a hard winter (well, I'll start next month).

Animal Angels

A really good read from Blood Horse about Animal Angels. I haven't gotten through all of it myself (darn paying job getting in the way), but wanted to share.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/features/undercover-advocates-789

Feedlot Horses

I read a blog from Horse Plus Humane Society about their ongoing investigation on a local kill buyer (local to California). I learned a few things.

But after looking at all the horses in the Texas feedlot, it just breaks my heart. All those that I just posted are most likely already on a truck headed to a Mexico slaughter house. Apparently slaughter houses in Mexico are for the "lesser" horses and the ones in Canada are for the "better" horses. I don't know what that means other than possibly "quality" but I really don't know.

I'm just heartsick over seeing so many lives that will be or have already been lost. Once they load onto the truck at the Texas border, they are lost forever. I wish there was more I could do. I'm starting to stash away some hay here and there but that will only help if I can handle taking on one more horse. But I can't commit to anything at this point.

Based on Alex Brown's investigations, most horses from South Dakota head to Mexico instead of Canada. That though really makes me sick. It's so much closer to Canada than Mexico. If only we had more land to put up hay and more land to graze, and of course more money to keep the vet bills down to a minimum. I feel like I'm not doing enough when I look at all those YOUNG horses standing in line.

They are standing in line because someone taught them that they needed to do what was asked of them. They put their trust in humans and now look at what happened to them. Their life is at the mercy of humans and I'm struggling with that thought. They are SO willing to do whatever they ask of you and yet, thousands are considered "unwanted" although I believe that's a bunch of crap. Each one is wanted, it's simply a matter of finding the right person at the right time. Anything is possible.

I don't know. Maybe I'm being overly emotional (but I don't think so after looking at all those faces and those soft brown eyes just begging for someone to love them).

I wish there was more I could do. More I could give of myself. Any suggestions?

Beaten Down Sorrel Diamond in the Rough at Texas Feedlot

Another one that looks beaten down. So breaks my heart. Diamond in the rough... a definite sorrel diamond in the rough

#3707 - 6yr Chestnut Gelding - $590

Description

3707 sorrel gelding 6yrs 14.3 hands $590

Purchasing Information

Deadline: 8/17/15 7PM CST ASAP
Location: Bowie, TX 
Contact: 940-257-8884 - Bowie Phone Number 
Secondary Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Hunky Beauty at Texas Feedlot

Ugh...too many beauties.. what a hunk!
#3708 - 6yr Gray Gelding - $590

Description

3708 white gelding 6yrs 14.3 hh $590

Purchasing Information

Deadline: 8/17/15 7PM CST ASAP
Location: Bowie, TX 
Contact: 940-257-8884 - Bowie Phone Number 
Secondary Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

Exhausted Chestnut Mare at Texas Feedlot

This one looked beat down... breaks my heart

#3711 - 6yr Chestnut Mare - $540

Description

3711 sorrel mare 6yrs 14.2 $540

Purchasing Information

Deadline: 8/17/15 7PM CST ASAP
Location: Bowie, TX 
Contact: 940-257-8884 - Bowie Phone Number 
Secondary Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

16yr Old Gelding at Texas Feedlot

#3455 - 16yr Gray Gelding - $810

Description

3455 grey gelding 16 yrs 15.3 hh rides $810

Purchasing Information

Deadline: 8/17/15 7PM CST ASAP
Location: Bowie, TX 
Contact: 940-257-8884 - Bowie Phone Number 
Secondary Contact: Sabrina 206-250-5115

15Yr Old Mare at Washington Feedlot

Older horses don't seem to really appear at the feedlots...so going to start posting the younger ones (i.e., teenage)

Adella - 15yr Dun Quarter Horse Mare - $650

This is a nice older mare who should be broke for anyone to ride and packs as well. She has beautiful tiger stripes, appears to be sound, and gets along great with the other horses. She stands approx 14'2hh. She does have a suspicious belly but it was not said that she is bred. 

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

Mayhem's Hernia Prognosis

I had thought if the weather wasn't bad that maybe I would take Mayhem in and get a quick evaluation on her hernia before scheduling it. With the storms rolling through early this morning I opted to hold off and simply took pictures. I'm not sure if that was a wise idea or not.

Either way, I totally failed Mayhem. I've really done her an injustice.

I should have taken Mayhem in when I first got her or at least not long after getting her instead of putting her on a backburner to deal with the emaciated horses.

From what the vet could see in the pictures and without evaluating her, she has two options.

1. IF the umbilical hernia is soft and I can mush it around and possibly get it back into her stomach, the vet can do a quick procedure. It would be as quick as a castration on a colt, where he'd knock her out, rearrange everything and get it back to where it belongs, sew everything up so it won't happen again, and get her back on her feet with very minimal recovery time.

2. IF the umbilical hernia is immobile, we have to do major surgery. It's not quite ranked up there with colic surgery but very close. And if the intestines DO drop into the hernia, she runs the risk of colic and then would have to have colic surgery to save her. And I know some will be mad when I say this, but we cannot afford colic surgery. If we had major donations or donors, colic surgery could be an option but with my pocketbook funding the Sanctuary, if someone colics and surgery is the only way to fix it, we'd have to consider the alternative instead.

The first option would run us a couple of hundred dollars. The second option would be much more expensive. I'm not sure if the options would have been the same had she been younger or not. I really have no idea. She's grown and so has the hernia so I'm not sure.

It's not really an option to let her continue on the way she is because there is a growing risk that something could go into the hernia. If it's the intestines, and she starts to colic, we have a matter of minutes/hours to get her to the vet. Knowing what I know about my vet's schedule and the length of time it would take to get her to the vet from our location, she wouldn't make it without some lasting effects.

The problem is, she DOES have a heart murmur. Will that affect her during surgery, we don't know. Any type of surgery runs the risk of the horse dying. I know some will read this and think I'm being mean and lazy about not taking her in to the vet immediately for surgery. Or that I should have done it years ago. I messed up and acknowledge that fact that I  messed up with her. But life has a way of slapping you in the face when you are down and that's exactly what happened with me and Mayhem. Do I want to do either/or procedure, most definitely. Is it possible? Yes. Is it in my pocket book? I don't know. We were trying to raise funds last winter and had two generous donations but those donations won't cover the first option let alone the second option of surgery. I know I'll be paying for a large portion of it but is it worth the risk of putting her under completely for major surgery? Is it worth the risk of letting her continue knowing that could kill her too?

I really screwed up. Poor Mayhem has really been shafted in life and this time around, it's me that caused it to happen.

Jim's Vet Appt and Prognosis

After we got back from vacation, I noticed that Jim had a lump under his eye. I wasn't sure if it was a tooth abscess or what it was. It wasn't hot to the touch, it didnt' seem to bother him too much, and there was no terrible smell that meant anything was overly wrong. I let it go for a week thinking that maybe he just bumped into something and the swelling would go down.

Well, after a week, it still looked the same, so I called the vet. Unfortunately they were out of town that week so that made me push it out another week. I wasn't overly concerned because, again, no terrible smell, no undue pain, etc. Jim seemed to be himself but I wanted to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

I loaded Jim up this morning (after spending time convincing him that we SHOULD go to the vet). I was worried about him traveling (open stock trailer) because we'd had a heavy rainstorm pass through just an hour before and I didnt' want him to get chilled. I dug out a blanket (apparently this spring, I put them all in one spot and that is where they've been sitting ever since). I DESPERATLY  need to get them cleaned. Anyone want to help me?

We got to the vets on time and they tranquilized him to get a better look into his teeth. I forgot that Jim is a lightweight so he was pretty dopy. The vet asked me a couple of times how old Jim was. Based on his teeth, the vet didn't believe me that he is 27 years old. Well, the coggins that came with him in 2009 said he was 21. And I'm just going off of what the previous owner said his age was. Although I find it odd that some owners keep the same age of the horse when they sell it  as when they originally bought the horse. But that's for another story.

But the vet was very impressed with Jim's teeth and said his teeth wont' be the cause of any health issues. I've had to bring in some horses with terrible teeth and Jim has pristine teeth! YAY. Now if I could only figure out why he loses weight in the winter (because it's not his teeth). I do believe we had his teeth power floated two years ago so apparently the power float is holding so we wont' have to deal with floating his teeth any time soon.

But the vet immediately ruled out an abscess because there was no foul smell, no puss, no nothing to that effect. He took a couple of x-rays at different angles and none of the x-rays showed any decay. He thought that perhaps the root of the tooth had died and was decaying but the x-rays proved otherwise. I'm afraid Jim's condition was a bit of a stumper for him.

We've concluded that Jim was probably messing around and whacked his head on something and he now has a major bone bruise. There's nothing else that the vet could come up with. There's no heat, no puss, no major discomfort, no nothing. Jim is a pretty tough horse. But the vet HAS seen bone bruises before and they take months to go down. So we'll see.

Jim is now on antibiotics for the next ten days and then I'm to call the vet and give him an update. But I expect that if it is a bone bruise, that there wont' be much more that we can do for Jim. Just give him time and make sure he doesn't bang his head again. I'm sure that if it truly is a bone bruise, that he and Maverick were playing and got a little too rough. That's what you get for having a 10 year old as your best friend when you are 27 years old.

August Rains

We don't ever get straight down rains in August. I honestly can't remember the last time it rained in August and never a straight down rain. We are to have more rain the rest of this week and I'll take it. We've missed out on the rains over the last month so I'm excited to see the rains. Hopefully it'll help with the pastures.

But with all the rain we've gotten, everything is a muddy mess. Trying to walk through the drylot to open the gate is difficult at best. Everyone is getting crabby over the rain. Tonight they are saying even more rain (I think we've had over two inches of rain in the past three days). I have been leaving Junior in at night, which helps cut down on my stress level. But the weatherman is now talking that we are going to get more rain overnight along with winds and that's going to make for some very cold and wet horses.

It is NOT the time to be stalling horses just yet. I am so NOT ready for stalling horses every night (although I have a feeling this winter we will be seeing a lot of stall time). But there's just enough hard keepers and delicate flowers, that I may be putting some horses into stalls overnight to keep them dry and to protect them from the winds. It's a north wind, which means it'll be cold (even in August), but we are fairly protected from north winds. I guess we'll just see how evening chores play out.

As mom pointed out, we might be having some hot weather (we were talking last week when it was in the 90s), but there's a crispness in the air. The wind that does blow through on those hot days has a bit of a nip, just a small reminder that winter is just around the corner. I know we are at the tail end of summer, but my mind is already on winter (it's bypassed fall already).

I am worried that I'm not prepared for winter. I don't have any blankets washed, repaired, or waterproofed and at this point with only about 2.5 weeks left before baby comes, I don't forsee myself washing, repairing, or waterproofing any blankets. Hopefully I can get some of it done afterwards but we'll see.

The Farmer's Almanac is calling for colder winter with more snow. Hopefully it'll be a typical winter but I have a feeling that, with the talk of El Nino, that we are going to be due for a bad winter some time soon. Of course, wouldn't you know, it'll be the winter that I have an infant in the house that we'll have a long, cold, snowy winter. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that we don't, but start preparing (well, after the baby comes).

Ramblings of a Pregnant Lady

The days are definitely getting shorter. All through June and July I could run out and do my minimal chores with the sun already up. Now, when I run outside (ok so it's more like waddle), the sun isn't up and it's not up until my drive in to the paying job. At night I'm struggling to get out before the sun sets. I'm not looking forward to the months of dark and cold that will soon be upon us. Of course right now with the temps almost hitting 90 and being three weeks away from having a baby, I could handle a little bit of a cool down. Note to self, if planning a baby, shoot for a winter baby even if you have horse chores! :-)

Junior is still losing weight. I'm debating on hauling him to Madison to see if he can get some benefit from Mom and Dad's pasture. I'd haul Junior and Brego (instead of Brego and Ivan). I think some better grass would help Junior and possibly convince Mom and Dad to start graining him twice a day but we'll see.

The excavator guy came Wednesday and buried the remains of the chicken coop. It's amazing what just a few hours of work will do. I used to be physically sick looking over to where the chicken coop used to be. It took three and a half years, but it's finally gone, along with a little bit of other junk that we needed cleaned up. Now its' time to put up some fencing, reseed (although not sure that'll happen until next spring), and move the mares and Junior to this pasture. I was hoping to wait to move the mares and Junior until the first of September or October. If I haul Junior to Madison, I'll leave the mares in the road pasture since there's a bale there that they are devouring. Junior isn't interested in the bale .

King is in permanent timeout until I start feeding hay to the horses this fall. I'm no longer willing to trudge along the pasture and fix fence now that I'm only three weeks away from my due date and C-section date. I've lost most of my brain so I'm struggling. I'm starting to get asked if I'm ready. Nope, not one bit. Clothes are in a tub, bag isn't packed, bottles are somewhere in a tub in the basement but I have no clue where. Although I can now lift and move tubs whereas the past few weeks I've been in too much pain to deal with stairs let alone lifting anything. Managed to find an amazing physical therapist and she worked out some of the issues I've been having. Hopefully with what she did, I'll be a little bit more limber and able to do a bit more. I remember with being two days away from my due date, chasing down Zeke and Bo who managed to get loose. I couldn't have done that prior to today and physical therapy.

I called in to the vet to try and get an appointment for Jim. I think he has something wrong with a tooth. The vet is out all this week. Last I checked with Jim, there was no heat but now I'm not so sure. Hopefully the vet will call back tomorrow. If not, we'll be running him in on Monday or Tuesday. But speaking of hauling horses, I now need to powerwash and disinfect my trailer. Last Sunday I hauled a couple of horses for someone and little did anyone know they started coughing and have snot. So before I expose any of my horses or risk exposing anyone else's horses to whatever those two had, I'm going to do a thorough cleansing of the trailer. Luckily it's going to be 90 degrees this weekend so a little bit of water won't hurt me.

I'm not sure how much more I'll be posting. My brain is pretty well fogged over. Now that the excavator did his job, the place looks so much better and I'm pumped to start working on the place. Anyone want to come out? I'm willing to supervise for the next three weeks and then after that I'll be willing to help out (ok, maybe I'll need a little bit to recover from the C-section) but I am willing to feed you!!

20yr old Mare at Enumclaw Sales

#472 Demi Moore - 20yr Chestnut Mare - $400


This mare was said to be 14-15 in the ring, but looks like she may be closer to 20+. She was led through auction and has nice manners. She has a nice snip and one cute rear sock. She picks up her feet, moves when asked, and is due for a trim. Her right eye was a bit weepy but not cloudy at all. She stands approx 14'2hh and has a nice build. She is a sweet mare and looks to be in good condition for her age. 

Estimated Deadline: 8/13/15 or later
Horses are located at the Enumclaw Sales Pavilion
22712 Southeast 436th Street Enumclaw, WA 98022
(360) 825-3151 9am-4pm.