Tomorrow is shaping up to be a busy day. We had to reschedule our farrier appointment from earlier this month to this Friday. We'll be trimming Dude, King, Zeke, Lightening, Tommy, and probably Diavlo if he behaves. Each trim is $30 and we'd love to find a sponsor to help offset the cost.
Friday is also 605 Let It Shine and we will be participating. You wonder what it is? People in and around Sioux Falls have been asked to shine a light into the sky from 9:30-10pm Friday, May 1st. We'll have a fire and possibly shine some flash lights as well. Not sure if there will be any drones or planes flying over Borderlands but we want to do our part in lighting the night and letting the light shine. We will try to do a LIVE on Facebook sometime between 9:30 and 10pm tomorrow night so you can join in our fun. It's a great way to bond and enjoy a way to show our support. If you have questions, we'd love for you to hop online and ask.
It's a very stressful time right now trying to figure out what to do and how to be safe. We are trying our best to support local and keep our loved ones safe.
We do need to make a run to TSC to purchase more grain. I thought we had enough but we are running very low and Jessie and Jim absolutely HAVE to be on grain. I'm hoping that we can put up corral panels soon so we can let the horses out to graze. Unfortunately, it hasn't been warm enough so the grass hasn't grown enough to let the big herd out on the lawn. I don't want them near the hay because even on fresh green grass, they tend to head to the stash of round bales that are supposed to be off limits. You'd think after 6 months of hay, that they'd go after the grass like me when there's chocolate.
We also need to do vaccinations and deworming this weekend. We'll see how far we get. Last year we got side tracked and didn't get to vaccinations until later in the year. At last this year we have a toddler so it's a bit easier to juggle life (except the toddler likes to climb everything so we have to keep an eye on him that he doesn't climb the corral panels).
We continue to do our part with social distancing but as the state eases restrictions, we will look at options for what we can do at Borderlands. I had hoped to start a few programs but we will have to wait and see. I'm very protective of my family (both two-legged and four-legged) so we will take re-entry into our new normal slowly.
But we hope that you'll stop out Friday on our Facebook page and join us for 605 Let It Shine sometime between 9:30 and 10pm.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Thursday, April 23, 2020
GivingTuesdayNOW
The creators of GivingTuesday have created a new Giving Tuesday to help offset all the issues the pandemic has caused.
On Tuesday, May 5th, we will be kicking off the first #GivingTuesdayNOW.
I'm not sure what we will be doing on that day but we'll try to do some fun stuff. #GivingTuesdayNOW was created to help nonprofits help their organizations to great things during this crazy time. There are many nonprofits stepping up to help people and animals while we struggle to adjust to what is going on in this world.
We have not had as many request this year to take in horses but I think some of that has to do with the coronavirus. At some point, we could very well see an influx. I hate saying no. It breaks my heart and brings me to tears every time I weigh all the options and realize we have to say no. I hate saying no. I feel like I'm the one signing a death warrant for the horse when I say no. I want to say yes. I want to say yes to every horse but we have to be realistic with what funds and space we have at the Sanctuary.
So this #GivingTuesdayNOW we are going to campaign for sponsors for our horses. If we have sponsors, we'll have a possibility to bring in a horse that deserves a retirement home. No work, no worries, no stresses. Just eating, sleeping, and enjoying companions who may harass you but otherwise provide quality friendship.
Help us spread the word about #GivingTuesdayNOW and our goal to find sponsors for our seniors. It's short notice and everyone's schedule is super crazy right now. We may not get to promote any of the horses so if you see horses in pictures or videos at the Sanctuary you are interested in helping out (either a monthly sponsorship, partial sponsorships, or a one time gift), let me know at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com.
Here's to a great first ever #GivingTuesdayNOW and if you want to help us promote or spread the word, PLEASE HELP!! We can use all the help we can get. Don't think you can help? Contact us anyway! We always have ways or ideas.
On Tuesday, May 5th, we will be kicking off the first #GivingTuesdayNOW.
I'm not sure what we will be doing on that day but we'll try to do some fun stuff. #GivingTuesdayNOW was created to help nonprofits help their organizations to great things during this crazy time. There are many nonprofits stepping up to help people and animals while we struggle to adjust to what is going on in this world.
We have not had as many request this year to take in horses but I think some of that has to do with the coronavirus. At some point, we could very well see an influx. I hate saying no. It breaks my heart and brings me to tears every time I weigh all the options and realize we have to say no. I hate saying no. I feel like I'm the one signing a death warrant for the horse when I say no. I want to say yes. I want to say yes to every horse but we have to be realistic with what funds and space we have at the Sanctuary.
So this #GivingTuesdayNOW we are going to campaign for sponsors for our horses. If we have sponsors, we'll have a possibility to bring in a horse that deserves a retirement home. No work, no worries, no stresses. Just eating, sleeping, and enjoying companions who may harass you but otherwise provide quality friendship.
Help us spread the word about #GivingTuesdayNOW and our goal to find sponsors for our seniors. It's short notice and everyone's schedule is super crazy right now. We may not get to promote any of the horses so if you see horses in pictures or videos at the Sanctuary you are interested in helping out (either a monthly sponsorship, partial sponsorships, or a one time gift), let me know at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com.
Here's to a great first ever #GivingTuesdayNOW and if you want to help us promote or spread the word, PLEASE HELP!! We can use all the help we can get. Don't think you can help? Contact us anyway! We always have ways or ideas.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Happy Earth Day
Happy Earth Day!
What are you doing on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day?
In South Dakota, it's supposed to be a gorgeous day! Hard to believe it'll be in the 70s today!
Hard to believe we had a snowstorm on Easter Sunday and yet today (a week and a half later), all of the snow is gone and we are going to have some beautiful weather!
I can't wait to get out and get some fresh air!
What are you doing on this beautiful Earth Day?
#EarthDay
What are you doing on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day?
In South Dakota, it's supposed to be a gorgeous day! Hard to believe it'll be in the 70s today!
Hard to believe we had a snowstorm on Easter Sunday and yet today (a week and a half later), all of the snow is gone and we are going to have some beautiful weather!
I can't wait to get out and get some fresh air!
What are you doing on this beautiful Earth Day?
#EarthDay
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| Sunset last summer |
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| Rain |
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| Zeke |
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Easter Storms
We hope you all had a great Easter even if it was different than what you normally do or had expected this Easter season. Like everyone else, it was different for us at Borderlands. It was much quieter but we still had good quality family time.
Saturday night I opted to blanket a few of the horses. It seemed a bit silly as it was in the 50s and the weather was still nice. But the weather man was talking about a storm. With everyone starting to slowly shed out and knowing that a few wouldn't handle getting wet and then cold very well (the weatherman was saying teens for lows), I opted for blanketing. We need a bit more variety in our blankets. Sadly, most are heavy or medium weight blankets. We need just as many rain sheets or lightweight blankets instead as spring rolls around. I know I over react but with seniors who get chilled easily and can't warm up as quickly as others, I need to make sure they are comfortable during this crazy weather.
We had beautiful weather Saturday with temps in the 50s and then Sunday rolled around and we had lots of snow. Luckily we missed the rain transition but it was still snow. Not unusual to get snow in April but after being at home for the past month, I think everyone is antsy for nice weather.
By Sunday morning, I was very happy to have put blankets on the horses that needed it. There was lots of snow and the temps were cold. We didnt' spend much time outside other than to do our normal chores.
Monday rolled around and although it looked nice out, the temps were still cold. Sadly we also had wind. Luckily the wind was out of the north west so the horses didn't get the brunt of it. At least everyone can get in out of the wind now. I hate the pen where the mares are at but we rearranged some things so they can get in out of the wind and stand in the hay shed. It turns the hay shed into a disaster but at least they are protected and happy.
We had two or three snow squalls yesterday. They took me by surprise. Oddly we never received any weather notifications for snow squalls yesterday but did on Sunday (when we didn't get any). Snow squalls are new for our area. Yesterday was just weird. I went outside to do chores after a tiny snow squall and bustled my way around to get everything done. While I was sitting on a log looking at the pasture, listening to the birds, I could tell another snow squall was coming. I didn't quite get inside before it hit but at least I missed the majority of it. I only sat for about 10 minutes max. Normally I hang out with the horses but for whatever reason, I needed the peace and quiet without a nose snuffling in my pocket for a treat. Some of the horses like to check in with me more than others but I even needed a break from the horses. I felt guilty but knew that I needed quiet time to try and recenter and not share my burdens with the horses.
By tomorrow we are supposed to be starting to warm up again and by the weekend into the 60s. I can't wait. It'll be a muddy mess but I'm ready for some fresh air in the house and to be able to look at some projects again. Many of our bigger projects have been on hold for a number of years. I'm hoping that during this social distancing, we can start looking at these projects finally. Even if they take longer because we don't have anyone to watch the kids, we can still start. It's better to start these projects and work slowly on them to see the progress, than to never start them at all. But I'm also the type of person who has to see progress to feel like I'm accomplishing anything.
So even though it's been fairly quiet at Borderlands, we are still plugging along.
We are looking for volunteers to work on a few online projects. If you're interested, please contact us. You can email me directly at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com. And I'll make sure that whatever you're working on is something that you're interested in doing! I have lots of ideas (I'm fantastic at brainstorming). Now I need the help with the follow through!
Saturday night I opted to blanket a few of the horses. It seemed a bit silly as it was in the 50s and the weather was still nice. But the weather man was talking about a storm. With everyone starting to slowly shed out and knowing that a few wouldn't handle getting wet and then cold very well (the weatherman was saying teens for lows), I opted for blanketing. We need a bit more variety in our blankets. Sadly, most are heavy or medium weight blankets. We need just as many rain sheets or lightweight blankets instead as spring rolls around. I know I over react but with seniors who get chilled easily and can't warm up as quickly as others, I need to make sure they are comfortable during this crazy weather.
We had beautiful weather Saturday with temps in the 50s and then Sunday rolled around and we had lots of snow. Luckily we missed the rain transition but it was still snow. Not unusual to get snow in April but after being at home for the past month, I think everyone is antsy for nice weather.
By Sunday morning, I was very happy to have put blankets on the horses that needed it. There was lots of snow and the temps were cold. We didnt' spend much time outside other than to do our normal chores.
Monday rolled around and although it looked nice out, the temps were still cold. Sadly we also had wind. Luckily the wind was out of the north west so the horses didn't get the brunt of it. At least everyone can get in out of the wind now. I hate the pen where the mares are at but we rearranged some things so they can get in out of the wind and stand in the hay shed. It turns the hay shed into a disaster but at least they are protected and happy.
We had two or three snow squalls yesterday. They took me by surprise. Oddly we never received any weather notifications for snow squalls yesterday but did on Sunday (when we didn't get any). Snow squalls are new for our area. Yesterday was just weird. I went outside to do chores after a tiny snow squall and bustled my way around to get everything done. While I was sitting on a log looking at the pasture, listening to the birds, I could tell another snow squall was coming. I didn't quite get inside before it hit but at least I missed the majority of it. I only sat for about 10 minutes max. Normally I hang out with the horses but for whatever reason, I needed the peace and quiet without a nose snuffling in my pocket for a treat. Some of the horses like to check in with me more than others but I even needed a break from the horses. I felt guilty but knew that I needed quiet time to try and recenter and not share my burdens with the horses.
By tomorrow we are supposed to be starting to warm up again and by the weekend into the 60s. I can't wait. It'll be a muddy mess but I'm ready for some fresh air in the house and to be able to look at some projects again. Many of our bigger projects have been on hold for a number of years. I'm hoping that during this social distancing, we can start looking at these projects finally. Even if they take longer because we don't have anyone to watch the kids, we can still start. It's better to start these projects and work slowly on them to see the progress, than to never start them at all. But I'm also the type of person who has to see progress to feel like I'm accomplishing anything.
So even though it's been fairly quiet at Borderlands, we are still plugging along.
We are looking for volunteers to work on a few online projects. If you're interested, please contact us. You can email me directly at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com. And I'll make sure that whatever you're working on is something that you're interested in doing! I have lots of ideas (I'm fantastic at brainstorming). Now I need the help with the follow through!
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Super Pink Moon and Chores
Thank goodness for the Super "Pink" Moon last night. Some how the day got away from me and as always had to do chores in the dark. I despise doing chores in the dark when I don't have to but there was a bit of a debate in my head and chores in the dark won out.
After spending all morning working at the paying job (btw, I love working from home), then watching the kids play outside all afternoon (while Mike went in to work), it was time for the evening routine. It was absolutely gorgeous out so it was almost impossible to want to go into the house. So we had our second camp fire of the year while we ate supper and because my daughter requested to go horse back riding, I quickly saddled up for a short ride around the yard. I'm glad she's fearless, but at 4.5 years old you can be! After our nightly video chat with family (because we aren't allowed to see them in person any more), it was time for the kiddos to head to bed. And that's when I had to make a hard decision on what to do with putting in hay.
The mares (and Diavlo) were almost out and by morning they would certainly need a new bale. It was already 10pm and I was tired. I could throw a small square bale of hay for the night and put a round bale of hay into the pen in the morning or suck it up and simply put the hay in. I debated long and hard. Bed was calling my name but the nice weather was still available so....
Off to putting in hay at 10pm it was. Luckily it was only the mares that needed hay (until the end of this week) so it was only one bale and I could easily rearrange horses so we could get hay in, the net wrap off, and the hay net on. If it wasn't for the hay net, chores would be a breeze. I need to figure out a way to put hay in and not have to deal with tying down the hay net. I get so disgusted with having to tie it down multiple times and all around the hay ring. But I cant' justify spending $1,500 for a hay feeder with the hay net installed. As much as I'd love to have one, it's unrealistic. At this point, I'd be happy with $170 so I could buy a new hay net. The mares have a new one that I bought this year and it's so much easier to use than the old ones that are pieced together with twine.
Luckily we had the super moon and I didnt' really need my head lamp (but I used it anyway). The moon was so bright I could see easily without anything. If I have to do chores in the dark, I'm always more happy to do it when there's a full moon rather than a new moon. Chores in the pitch black are no fun.
Of course, last night after we were done with our video chat, I had to put Chaos and Rain away (the two horses we were riding). They are both black so seeing them in the dark is a bit tough. I had them tied to the trailer and the garage door happened to be open. So I was trying to make sure that two black horses were tied to a trailer but it was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack because I was looking into the black abyss. Luckily Chaos and Rain have learned long ago to stand patiently at a trailer so there was no fear of them wandering away.
And now that it's almost 6:30am, I'm definitely glad we spent the time putting hay in last night. I am now listening to the rain on the window. We took advantage of beautiful weather and a super moon to get chores done (even while exhausted) to beat the cooler temperatures and having to work in the rain. I'm used to working in the rain but if I can avoid putting in hay and dealing with hay nets while in the rain, I'd much prefer it.
Now, to see how fast the geldings eat down their bales to see if we put in hay this weekend during the one rainy day or not.
After spending all morning working at the paying job (btw, I love working from home), then watching the kids play outside all afternoon (while Mike went in to work), it was time for the evening routine. It was absolutely gorgeous out so it was almost impossible to want to go into the house. So we had our second camp fire of the year while we ate supper and because my daughter requested to go horse back riding, I quickly saddled up for a short ride around the yard. I'm glad she's fearless, but at 4.5 years old you can be! After our nightly video chat with family (because we aren't allowed to see them in person any more), it was time for the kiddos to head to bed. And that's when I had to make a hard decision on what to do with putting in hay.
The mares (and Diavlo) were almost out and by morning they would certainly need a new bale. It was already 10pm and I was tired. I could throw a small square bale of hay for the night and put a round bale of hay into the pen in the morning or suck it up and simply put the hay in. I debated long and hard. Bed was calling my name but the nice weather was still available so....
Off to putting in hay at 10pm it was. Luckily it was only the mares that needed hay (until the end of this week) so it was only one bale and I could easily rearrange horses so we could get hay in, the net wrap off, and the hay net on. If it wasn't for the hay net, chores would be a breeze. I need to figure out a way to put hay in and not have to deal with tying down the hay net. I get so disgusted with having to tie it down multiple times and all around the hay ring. But I cant' justify spending $1,500 for a hay feeder with the hay net installed. As much as I'd love to have one, it's unrealistic. At this point, I'd be happy with $170 so I could buy a new hay net. The mares have a new one that I bought this year and it's so much easier to use than the old ones that are pieced together with twine.
Luckily we had the super moon and I didnt' really need my head lamp (but I used it anyway). The moon was so bright I could see easily without anything. If I have to do chores in the dark, I'm always more happy to do it when there's a full moon rather than a new moon. Chores in the pitch black are no fun.
Of course, last night after we were done with our video chat, I had to put Chaos and Rain away (the two horses we were riding). They are both black so seeing them in the dark is a bit tough. I had them tied to the trailer and the garage door happened to be open. So I was trying to make sure that two black horses were tied to a trailer but it was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack because I was looking into the black abyss. Luckily Chaos and Rain have learned long ago to stand patiently at a trailer so there was no fear of them wandering away.
And now that it's almost 6:30am, I'm definitely glad we spent the time putting hay in last night. I am now listening to the rain on the window. We took advantage of beautiful weather and a super moon to get chores done (even while exhausted) to beat the cooler temperatures and having to work in the rain. I'm used to working in the rain but if I can avoid putting in hay and dealing with hay nets while in the rain, I'd much prefer it.
Now, to see how fast the geldings eat down their bales to see if we put in hay this weekend during the one rainy day or not.
Monday, April 6, 2020
New Routine
I've not yet settled in to this new routine. It's been almost a month of everyone staying home. I'm still not adjusted to juggling the paying job, helping with school work (thank goodness it's not high school math but this new way of teaching math is way beyond me), caring for the horses, and trying to figure out how we'll support the Sanctuary. I guess supporting the Sanctuary is no different than any other year. But it shouldn't be my paycheck supporting the Sanctuary. We need donations and grants and there's just no time to go in search of those when everything else is going on.
We had somewhat nice weather this weekend and the next two days are supposed to be beautiful. I'm getting excited to get outside more and enjoy the fresh air. Hopefully then I can actually be with the horses and not have to be in all my winter gear. One of the many downsides to winter is that I have to wear glove and that means when I pet the horses, I don't actually get to feel them. It's weird how I need that touch, to be able to feel their hair and their warmth. I think it must have something to do with helping me stay centered.
It is amazing how life can change so drastically in a blink of an eye. Our world was rocked at the end of February and we are still dealing with coming to terms with it. And now the pandemic has altered our lives so I'm just not sure how to handle life at the moment.
I'm probably a bit too outright with my worries on this blog (and in the evening checks on Facebook). Probably more than I should be but when you have kids and animals, you have to make sure that they don't see or feel your worry or stress (and there's been a lot of worry and stress lately).
I had hoped to start a new project this week but that didn't happen. We'll see how this week goes. The days blur together any more. They keep pushing out the pandemic so now it could be August before the curve is flattened. It definitely change all of my summer plans and we will have to rethink some of our fundraiser ideas I was hoping to do.
So if you're bored and want to help out with the Sanctuary, I have a TON of ideas that I could use your help. I know the evening checks on Facebook get a little boring and this blog is boring without pictures but I could use your help in other areas. There's a lot more I'd like to be doing but my kids and the horses have to come first so everything else ends up falling away. But if you're bored, I can use your help. And don't worry! I'll focus on areas that you want to help with rather than something you may not want to do. There's always something. My brain is always addled but I can come up with stuff to keep you busy AND to help the Sanctuary!
We had somewhat nice weather this weekend and the next two days are supposed to be beautiful. I'm getting excited to get outside more and enjoy the fresh air. Hopefully then I can actually be with the horses and not have to be in all my winter gear. One of the many downsides to winter is that I have to wear glove and that means when I pet the horses, I don't actually get to feel them. It's weird how I need that touch, to be able to feel their hair and their warmth. I think it must have something to do with helping me stay centered.
It is amazing how life can change so drastically in a blink of an eye. Our world was rocked at the end of February and we are still dealing with coming to terms with it. And now the pandemic has altered our lives so I'm just not sure how to handle life at the moment.
I'm probably a bit too outright with my worries on this blog (and in the evening checks on Facebook). Probably more than I should be but when you have kids and animals, you have to make sure that they don't see or feel your worry or stress (and there's been a lot of worry and stress lately).
I had hoped to start a new project this week but that didn't happen. We'll see how this week goes. The days blur together any more. They keep pushing out the pandemic so now it could be August before the curve is flattened. It definitely change all of my summer plans and we will have to rethink some of our fundraiser ideas I was hoping to do.
So if you're bored and want to help out with the Sanctuary, I have a TON of ideas that I could use your help. I know the evening checks on Facebook get a little boring and this blog is boring without pictures but I could use your help in other areas. There's a lot more I'd like to be doing but my kids and the horses have to come first so everything else ends up falling away. But if you're bored, I can use your help. And don't worry! I'll focus on areas that you want to help with rather than something you may not want to do. There's always something. My brain is always addled but I can come up with stuff to keep you busy AND to help the Sanctuary!
Friday, April 3, 2020
April Fools Joke
Mother Nature sure played a mean April Fools joke.
We had unbelievable gorgeous weather April 1st. It was sunny and the temps were amazing. Low 70s is unheard of but we took advantage of the weather and the day to enjoy our time outside. The weatherman was talking about another storm rolling through but Mayhem didn't show any signs of discomfort so I thought maybe it was a spoof.
It wasn't. We had freezing rain yesterday. Luckily we've missed most of the snow. But the freezing rain left a coat of ice on everything. I'm glad that we are staying put but my parents are out and about bright and early this morning so my worry is at a high level. But I digress away from the horses.
I didn't blanket anyone Wednesday night because it was just too nice (and warm) for heavy winter blankets. All we have are medium weight (and one or two heavy weight) blankets. I'd really love to get some rain sheets. Thursday morning rolled around it and it was dreary but no rain or snow. It wasn't until around noon that the freezing rain started. Normally I would run out and blanket those that needed to be blanketed but with three young kids, it's just not possible to run out and hang with the horses, throw blankets on whoever, and make sure everyone is comfortable. I had to wait until Mike got home so I could run out and do chores and make sure everyone was happy.
While Jim and Dude (and Rain who snuck in to the barn) dried off, I threw blankets on them. Those are the ones I'm most worried about. I was thinking of blanketing Jessie but she now has the entire hay shed to stand under so there's really no need. All three were standing at the bale (Jessie, Diavlo, and Mayhem) when I went out to do chores last night. I guess they aren't too concerned for the weather.
I'm going to have to make a plan for running in to town. We are going to be out of grain before the end of the month and we still have two months worth of grain we need. I typically don't grain during the summer months when they are on pasture if they aren't too hard keepers. Jessie may be on grain forever and Dude will be dependent on if his hips bother him. When the weather warms, he doesn't seem to need anything but weather like today (or really cold), he needs his Buteless.
Our governor just pushed back the peak for this coronavirus until July or August. So there goes any plans to do a fundraiser in July. August is a no go with two birthdays and school starting. I'm pretty good at this social distancing but I'm feeling stressed in not getting to see "my people". I know there's more opportunities to do fun stuff online but I'm struggling with figuring that out. There's so little time now that I'm home and juggling work, kids, school, and a couple of other personal things. We don't have (and won't have) a shelter in place so hubby is going in to work every day as well instead of working from home (which means juggling two jobs and neither of us are getting all of our hours.
Lets hope the weather turns nice again so we can open the windows and get outside for some fresh air. I've been struggling to come up with stuff to do online either for entertainment or for fundraiser stuff and it leaves me mentally drained because I'm coming up blank. I need more physical work so I can go to bed physically exhausted rather than emotionally exhausted these days.
Anyone want to help me come up with stuff for online? Send me an email at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com and we can chat about some ideas that aren't fully baked yet!
We had unbelievable gorgeous weather April 1st. It was sunny and the temps were amazing. Low 70s is unheard of but we took advantage of the weather and the day to enjoy our time outside. The weatherman was talking about another storm rolling through but Mayhem didn't show any signs of discomfort so I thought maybe it was a spoof.
It wasn't. We had freezing rain yesterday. Luckily we've missed most of the snow. But the freezing rain left a coat of ice on everything. I'm glad that we are staying put but my parents are out and about bright and early this morning so my worry is at a high level. But I digress away from the horses.
I didn't blanket anyone Wednesday night because it was just too nice (and warm) for heavy winter blankets. All we have are medium weight (and one or two heavy weight) blankets. I'd really love to get some rain sheets. Thursday morning rolled around it and it was dreary but no rain or snow. It wasn't until around noon that the freezing rain started. Normally I would run out and blanket those that needed to be blanketed but with three young kids, it's just not possible to run out and hang with the horses, throw blankets on whoever, and make sure everyone is comfortable. I had to wait until Mike got home so I could run out and do chores and make sure everyone was happy.
While Jim and Dude (and Rain who snuck in to the barn) dried off, I threw blankets on them. Those are the ones I'm most worried about. I was thinking of blanketing Jessie but she now has the entire hay shed to stand under so there's really no need. All three were standing at the bale (Jessie, Diavlo, and Mayhem) when I went out to do chores last night. I guess they aren't too concerned for the weather.
I'm going to have to make a plan for running in to town. We are going to be out of grain before the end of the month and we still have two months worth of grain we need. I typically don't grain during the summer months when they are on pasture if they aren't too hard keepers. Jessie may be on grain forever and Dude will be dependent on if his hips bother him. When the weather warms, he doesn't seem to need anything but weather like today (or really cold), he needs his Buteless.
Our governor just pushed back the peak for this coronavirus until July or August. So there goes any plans to do a fundraiser in July. August is a no go with two birthdays and school starting. I'm pretty good at this social distancing but I'm feeling stressed in not getting to see "my people". I know there's more opportunities to do fun stuff online but I'm struggling with figuring that out. There's so little time now that I'm home and juggling work, kids, school, and a couple of other personal things. We don't have (and won't have) a shelter in place so hubby is going in to work every day as well instead of working from home (which means juggling two jobs and neither of us are getting all of our hours.
Lets hope the weather turns nice again so we can open the windows and get outside for some fresh air. I've been struggling to come up with stuff to do online either for entertainment or for fundraiser stuff and it leaves me mentally drained because I'm coming up blank. I need more physical work so I can go to bed physically exhausted rather than emotionally exhausted these days.
Anyone want to help me come up with stuff for online? Send me an email at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com and we can chat about some ideas that aren't fully baked yet!
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Fundraising Help
As we continue to deal with the new "normal", we are now faced with the task of figuring out how to fundraise during this weird and new time. We managed to squeeze in Light the Night just before the pandemic set in and are so very blessed to have had the opportunity to honor so many loved ones.
The question now is that the pandemic is going to create hardships for people. Everyone is being very helpful and understanding. But at some point, people are going to have to start making tough decisions. Those may very well include finding their senior horses a new home.
The problem is, we are full. We are trying our best to keep our numbers low for the time being because it just has to be with the way we have the Sanctuary set up right now. We need additional people behind the computers looking for grants if we want to open our doors to many more seniors. I hate saying no. It makes me physically ill to have to say no and every time we are asked, I crunch numbers and try and figure out in my head how we could make it work. And usually it's still a no.
That's where I need your help. With everyone at home, either under their own accord like we are or are sheltering in place because of mandates, more people are online. We could use your help. I'm feeling overwhelmed and there's even less time now than there was before to go in search of grants. There's some major props going out to all homeschooling moms!
Because we are a sanctuary rather than a rescue, we have even less opportunities to apply for certain grants (or at least those that I've come across). So I need your help in finding grants that we can apply for. I need your sherlock holmes skills in finding grants that we can apply for so that we can open our doors when the time comes. Typically owners don't have the funds to care for their horse any more so when they come to the Sanctuary, there's no money coming with him. And as most horse people know, the older a horse gets, the most costly they become.
Are you interested in helping? Please let me know! Bored of puttering online and not finding much activities to do? Binged watched everything on Netflix? We need you!!
Here's what we need!
Most of all, tell me what you want to see on social media. I'm winging it. When I asked, I was told, you want to see all of it. But....is there something more you want to see? Do you want Skippy to go on an adventure again? Do you want to continue with the story times? What other fun things can we do to educate and entertain while we are cooped up in our homes? I don't want to waste your time so tell me what you want and what would cheer you up on any given day?
I need your help and I'll most likely need your mad skills at the computer to help put some of this stuff in place. So if you're bored and want to help, please let me know. You can email us at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com and we can figure out what you are interested in helping with and we will get you set! I'm so very excited to work with you and could really use your help. It doesn't matter if you aren't local to the Sanctuary. It doesn't matter if you are in a different state or even a different country. We can always use your help.
I know there are a bunch of blogs and Facebook posts that I read and never leave comments but I'm asking for your comments today (and tomorrow and the next day and the day after that). I value your input and want to make sure that what we do will not only interest you but others all around the world. So, please help us take away some of the stress and burden on the world by taking on some tasks that will reduce our stress and burden. Any takers?
The question now is that the pandemic is going to create hardships for people. Everyone is being very helpful and understanding. But at some point, people are going to have to start making tough decisions. Those may very well include finding their senior horses a new home.
The problem is, we are full. We are trying our best to keep our numbers low for the time being because it just has to be with the way we have the Sanctuary set up right now. We need additional people behind the computers looking for grants if we want to open our doors to many more seniors. I hate saying no. It makes me physically ill to have to say no and every time we are asked, I crunch numbers and try and figure out in my head how we could make it work. And usually it's still a no.
That's where I need your help. With everyone at home, either under their own accord like we are or are sheltering in place because of mandates, more people are online. We could use your help. I'm feeling overwhelmed and there's even less time now than there was before to go in search of grants. There's some major props going out to all homeschooling moms!
Because we are a sanctuary rather than a rescue, we have even less opportunities to apply for certain grants (or at least those that I've come across). So I need your help in finding grants that we can apply for. I need your sherlock holmes skills in finding grants that we can apply for so that we can open our doors when the time comes. Typically owners don't have the funds to care for their horse any more so when they come to the Sanctuary, there's no money coming with him. And as most horse people know, the older a horse gets, the most costly they become.
Are you interested in helping? Please let me know! Bored of puttering online and not finding much activities to do? Binged watched everything on Netflix? We need you!!
Here's what we need!
- Research grant possibilities (you find the grant and I'll do the rest)
- Brainstorm fundraiser ideas (send me ideas and details and we can work together to figure out how to put it on)
- Help us get more followers on social media (we have a small number of followers and I'm so blessed to have each and every one of you but to fundraise online now, we need to have more followers)
Most of all, tell me what you want to see on social media. I'm winging it. When I asked, I was told, you want to see all of it. But....is there something more you want to see? Do you want Skippy to go on an adventure again? Do you want to continue with the story times? What other fun things can we do to educate and entertain while we are cooped up in our homes? I don't want to waste your time so tell me what you want and what would cheer you up on any given day?
I need your help and I'll most likely need your mad skills at the computer to help put some of this stuff in place. So if you're bored and want to help, please let me know. You can email us at borderlandshorsesanctuary@yahoo.com and we can figure out what you are interested in helping with and we will get you set! I'm so very excited to work with you and could really use your help. It doesn't matter if you aren't local to the Sanctuary. It doesn't matter if you are in a different state or even a different country. We can always use your help.
I know there are a bunch of blogs and Facebook posts that I read and never leave comments but I'm asking for your comments today (and tomorrow and the next day and the day after that). I value your input and want to make sure that what we do will not only interest you but others all around the world. So, please help us take away some of the stress and burden on the world by taking on some tasks that will reduce our stress and burden. Any takers?
A Meaningful Way to Say Goodbye
Had this come through in my inbox and thought I would share. We don't have anyone that's ready to say goodbye but for anyone that might, here's some information.
A Meaningful Way to Say Goodbye
While end of life decisions are always difficult, if you have decided that it is time to humanely euthanize your horse due to incurable medical or health reasons (e.g. chronic lameness) and want to contribute to an important research project, please contact Dr. Krishona Martinson (krishona@umn.edu) or Dr. Alex Bianco (bian0031@umn.edu) at the University of Minnesota (UMN).
Adult horses would require transportation by the owner to the UMN Piper Equine Hospital on April 30, 2020. After euthanasia, owners would have the opportunity to donate the body to be used for the on-going equine carcass compost research project. Horses may be of any age or breed but should be of standard size (approximately 1,000 lbs) and safe to trailer and handle. The cost of the euthanasia appointment will be approximately $250. The UMN will cover costs associated with transportation to the compost site and composting. Identifying information of owners and horses will be kept confidential. Horse carcasses will be treated with the utmost respect and will help advance our knowledge of equine carcass composting and help educate owners, professionals, and agency personnel. For more information about the equine carcass composting research project, click here. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, owners will not be allowed to enter the hospital at the time of humane euthanasia and changes in date and location may need to occur.
April Fools Joke
If this wasn't the oddest April Fool's joke I ever experienced, I don't know what to think. Who would have thought that I would find myself working from home at the paying job, surrounded by my family while there's a pandemic going on. Not what I would have thought even a month ago. We are doing our best to self distance from everyone. It's pretty easy when I can work from home, keep the kids at home from school and daycare, and really have no need to go in to town. Sadly, Mike still has to go into work so we are having to juggle both of our paying jobs schedules while watching kids.
It also means less time to focus on the Sanctuary. Oh, sure the horses are getting fed and taken care of. There's actually less stress there because I can just walk out to see them instead of having an hour drive before starting to do chores. It's rather nice to close the laptop and just be at home. I could get used to it.
But this pandemic has me worried for our extended family. I'm doing my best to stay calm and worry about the things that I can actually change (which isn't a whole hell of a lot).
I'm a planner and I had most of this summer already planned out. Without knowing how long this pandemic will last and what effects it will have not just on us directly but on the Sanctuary, I can't plan. Nor do I want to plan. All the things that were on the list are now on hold or won't happen.
Patience isn't a virtue I was born with. I've struggled with patience all my life. Maybe as I grow older I've learned a few things but I'm still not good at being patient and waiting. I've had a few signs that have been telling me to "wait" and I'm trying. I know everyone is saying sit back and enjoy these days but there's a bit more to it than just sitting and relaxing. (not when you have small kids and elderly parents during a pandemic and you're a Type A).
I had thought we were starting to finally get a foot hold and make some small progress on getting the Sanctuary's name out there. I know there's stuff we could do online but again, there's only so much time I can devote while juggling the paying job, caring for the horses, caring for my family, and making sure my kids get their schooling done. It's definitely been an April Fools Joke on me to think that I could be in control of anything. If you'd asked me what I would be doing a month ago, this is not it. But I guess I'll take the good with the bad and enjoy the time I have with my family, listening to them talk and learn new things. It's a wonder and a fantastic experience to listen to your 18 month old figure out certain things. I guess there's always a silver lining.
So on this first day of April, enjoy the day. Virtually hug your family and wash your hands!
It also means less time to focus on the Sanctuary. Oh, sure the horses are getting fed and taken care of. There's actually less stress there because I can just walk out to see them instead of having an hour drive before starting to do chores. It's rather nice to close the laptop and just be at home. I could get used to it.
But this pandemic has me worried for our extended family. I'm doing my best to stay calm and worry about the things that I can actually change (which isn't a whole hell of a lot).
I'm a planner and I had most of this summer already planned out. Without knowing how long this pandemic will last and what effects it will have not just on us directly but on the Sanctuary, I can't plan. Nor do I want to plan. All the things that were on the list are now on hold or won't happen.
Patience isn't a virtue I was born with. I've struggled with patience all my life. Maybe as I grow older I've learned a few things but I'm still not good at being patient and waiting. I've had a few signs that have been telling me to "wait" and I'm trying. I know everyone is saying sit back and enjoy these days but there's a bit more to it than just sitting and relaxing. (not when you have small kids and elderly parents during a pandemic and you're a Type A).
I had thought we were starting to finally get a foot hold and make some small progress on getting the Sanctuary's name out there. I know there's stuff we could do online but again, there's only so much time I can devote while juggling the paying job, caring for the horses, caring for my family, and making sure my kids get their schooling done. It's definitely been an April Fools Joke on me to think that I could be in control of anything. If you'd asked me what I would be doing a month ago, this is not it. But I guess I'll take the good with the bad and enjoy the time I have with my family, listening to them talk and learn new things. It's a wonder and a fantastic experience to listen to your 18 month old figure out certain things. I guess there's always a silver lining.
So on this first day of April, enjoy the day. Virtually hug your family and wash your hands!
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