Happy First Monday of 2020

A quiet weekend at the Sanctuary. It was a weekend of putting in hay. We put hay in Saturday for the mares and Diavlo and Sunday we put hay in to the big herd. We could have waited to put hay in to the big herd until today but with extra curriculars going on tonight, we opted to do it Sunday so that I can do chores in the daylight. I hate doing chores in the dark. I'm counting down until I can return to doing chores in the daylight again!


I'm still trying to get motivated after Christmas break and to figure out what needs to be tackled first. When time permits, I'm slowly putting the purlins back on the run in shed where the tornado ripped the roof off of it. It's been too many years waiting for help so now I'm tackling it on my own but only when there's free time (which isn't a lot). We'll see how long it takes now that I'm slowly redoing the roof.


There's nothing new going on. Now that Christmas has passed, we are hunkering down and dealing with winter. I'm ok with the snow so that it helps keep the pasture covered. I need to start planning  on how to manage the pasture this coming year to make sure that we dont' over graze. I think the way we've been doing it just isn't working any more. Time to learn a new way.


It's hard to believe that it's the first Monday of the new year already! So many opportunities to do great things this year! We hope you come along for the ride!


Happy First Monday of the 2020!

Jim looking good at 32

Good Friday Jessie

I think Good Friday Jessie (Jessie to us) is starting to learn the routine. Every night I take her out so she can have her grain mash. Last night I had to leave her tied to the hay ring to fix a gate the other herd and pushed down off the block and came back. Jessie must have picked her head up to look around because there was grain on the ground. All the other times when I hover over her, she won't lift her head.


She sorta stands to be caught to put a halter on to lead her out. I need to work with the other two geldings so they get used to getting caught as well. (I also need to work on my personal horse, Lightening).


When I had Lace and Jessie grained, Jim wandered up. Leave it to Jim to wander up from the pasture just at the tail end of feeding time. So I got his grain mash going and let him into the barn. We need to clean out the leanto portion of the barn. They always poop right in front of the door. So while I was fighting with the door, Jim decided he was coming in come hell or high water. Luckily he didn't hurt me but he did surprise me. So now I have one more thing on my list to get that door fixed.


Sadly Jim had to stand in the barn for a few hours while Mike went to help with a prayer service and I took care of the kids. I don't think Jim minded one bit. He's not exactly a "Barn Babe" but he doesn't mind hanging out and chilling.


I wish the days weren't getting so short so fast. We have a bunch of projects that need to be started before winter arrives. I have a feeling winter will be here sooner than I want. I always think I'll be organized but this year has been a real struggle. I blame juggling three kids but in truth it is juggling the oldest's activities. I hate to see what happens when all three are in activities. I may lose my  mind. Sadly we have cold and dreary weather in the forecast for tomorrow so I'm not sure how much stuff we'll get done. If I can't get the horse home tomorrow with help from trainers, I'll be leading her home on Sunday and that will burn up the last nice day we'll probably have that I can get anything done.


I am to the point where I can easily say, I need help. So if anyone wants to help in any fashion, let me know. There's lost of stuff that doesn't directly involve the horses. Or If you want to be directly involved, there's projects there too! There is no end in sight for the list of stuff that needs to get done so whatever your skills and whatever you like to work on, I am sure we have that project! So stop on out!

Jessie and Diavlo

April Blizzard

Well, we survived the blizzard, not without a couple of scares but we survived. Everyone is fine and healthy but we are going to have to look at a few of our buildings a little closer.


It started raining Friday. Luckily I'd put blankets on everyone I could so they wouldn't be miserable. I'd rather have soggy blankets than wet and cold horses. I had thought the blizzard was going to hit around 7pm but it never did. I went ahead and put horses in knowing that the blizzard was coming and wanted to make sure everyone was protected.


The mares and Junior's pen get the worst of the east wind and it was coming directly out of the east. It was so strong that it raised the roof of the hay barn slightly. Just enough to scare the bajezees out of me. I wasn't sure if the building would last through the storm or not but it did. I ended up leaving the mares and Junior in their stalls from Friday night until Sunday morning because the winds and snow were so fierce.


I'd let the big herd out of the barn Saturday morning so they could stretch their legs. They were not impressed. Within a half an hour they were coated in snow and looking at me to put them back in. Luckily they have two runin sheds they can get into so I wasn't worried. But I did put them back in Saturday night.


I'm glad the storm is over but now they are talking about another storm Tuesday night into Wednesday. So much for spring. Mike was actually supposed to leave Friday to head to the Black Hills but his plans were cancelled when they talked about how bad this storm was going to be. I'm glad because we might not have gotten that much snow, but there were drifts up to my hips in front of the barn.


I know there's more to tell but I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things.


The following pics were taken Sunday after the storm had passed. I think everyone was ready for some nicer weather.

Brego and Zeke

Dude and Brego

Jim and Maverick

Jim's Choke

The last few days have been a blur. Unfortunately, I've been a bit under the weather during all of it so there's very little getting done except basic chores and such.


I've seen our vet three times in just over a week. As much as I like them, I'd rather not see them that often on a professional basis. At least that's what I was joking around with them about the last time we were in.


So I took Farley in Friday, February 23rd and then took Bo in Monday, Feb 26. Then Jim choked his past Friday and I ended up taking him in Saturday before our blizzard. Sure glad I did. So you may be wondering what happened with Jim.


On Friday night, I let Jim in to eat his grain like normal. It felt weird because Bo wasnt' there. I hate to admit it, but Jim wasn't up to the barn all that week (without Bo hovering, Jim didn't know), so I bypassed graining Jim. Yes, I am a bad horse owner but I was also not feeling the hottest and Jim looks fantastic for 30. So I wasn't too worried. but still bad horse owner I know.


Friday, I figured I'd better get back into the routine. It just felt weird walking into the barn without having Bo pacing outside or whinning in the barn not so patiently waiting for his grain. During the week from the time we said goodbye until Friday, I would sneak into the barn as quietly as I could, thinking that Bo would hear me but then I'd remember....he's not here. So I was struggling. It's only been with Bo and Ivan that I've had a hard time walking into that barn. Every other time, I wouldn't twice but these last two, so close to one another, made me take a step back. I've lost three in less than a year. It's a hard pill to swallow.


So anyway, Zeke was right on Jim's tail so I let Zeke in as well. I don't really like leaving Jim in the barn alone. He gets mad at me. So off to do my other chores and I figured when I got done with those, Jim and Zeke would be done. When I walked in, I noticed Jim was facing the door and his grain at barely been touched. That's when I noticed he was choking. It wasn't like he was choking on a big wad of hay or a big mouthful of grain. It was senior feed.


I had gotten out of the routine of soaking grain because Junior's dish would get compacted with the frozen grain. He has to have an over the fence feeder or he knocks it all out onto the ground. So I got lazy and it cost Jim. I had Mike go out and look at Jim as well and then I went back out to see if I couldn't help.


By that time, Jim had gotten the grain unstuck but he seemed really off. I left him with water, a flake of hay, and Zeke to keep him company.  Then I had to head in because I wasn't feeling well and crashed almost instantly after coming in for the night.


In the morning, I went back out and Jim hadn't touched anything and he still seemed out of it. So our wonderful vets let me sneak Jim in to get a good overall exam on him. I was able to get the truck hooked up, Jim loaded, and to the vets in just over an hour (it's a solid 40 minutes to our vet) but I drive slow.


The vets were pleased with his overall condition when I pulled his blanket (I'd put one on in case he went down in the barn and got chilled). They ran some bloodwork and all looked good so they ruled out a number of other issues. They gave him a shot of banamine, a shot of penicillin, and a shot of dex. He perked up almost instantly when we got home an hour later.


What the vet said was because Jim is 30, it would be very similar to a 90 year old choking. There would be shock and necessary time to recover. I've known of people who have choked, and two days later died from it (even though there was no food left in their throat...it was simply the shock from the experience).


I was supposed to give Jim banamine (orally because I hate giving shots) and unimprim (powder because I hate giving shots). Jim turned up his nose at the grain and unimprim but I was able to convince him with a lot of grain to eat most of it. At least he's good at taking banamine. But he's avoided the barn ever since (until the rain and snow Monday).


Jim has and continues to be a bit of a touch me not. When Bo was around, Jim would be there right at the door waiting to get in but without Bo watching for me, Jim doesn't seem nearly as interested in his grain any more. I expect some of that is due to the choke.


So now I need to remember to haul warm water out to soak their grain. A hard lesson to learn and remember. I'd started soaking grain when my first horse choked and I'd been doing it ever since but with Junior's need to have his feed in an over the fence feeder, I slipped.


The joys of old horses.

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday

This Wishlist Wednesday, we wish for beet pulp. Even though it takes bit of convincing for the horses to eat, we wish for beet pulp to help pack on the pounds of the hard keepers. Even though the horses are on grain and 24x7 hay, some of the hard keepers start to drop weight this time of year. We add a little beet pulp (and have to convince them they like it) to add a little bit extra weight. 

The picture is of Jim from this summer before we was on beet pulp. Once he steals someone else's grain that has beet pulp, he'll devour it. It's all about convincing them they like it (it's like convincing kids the like vegetables). 

Jim eating his grain mash

Be My Valentine - Jim

Meet Jim


Jim was originally supposed to be a personal horse. I'd been looking for an older Tennessee Walker gelding for dad to ride and came across Jim. After listening to the owner, we knew that Jim would be in trouble if he was taken to auction (which was the plan if we did not purchase him. Tennesee Walkers aren't common in this neck of the woods and are not sought after. With his breed and his age, it was a sure bet that he would be loaded onto a truck headed to slaughter). You can look at it either way as far as if he was a rescue or if we bought him for personal use. Either way, he soon retired into the Sanctuary program. In his previous home, he was called Jimbo but it really didn't fit his personality. I tried calling him Jimmy for a little while but that didn't seem to fit him either. So instead, we shortened it to simply Jim. No nonsense, no fluff, no extras...simply....Jim.


He arrived at the Sanctuary in December 2009 at the age of 21. We rode him for a bit but when he reached 25, we opted to retire him and let him enjoy his golden years. Maverick is his best friend although he sometimes hangs out with King while eating. It's a bit odd to see Maverick and Jim hanging out because it's such an odd combination but it is also why some of our older horses last as long as they do, the younger ones keep them too busy to know they are old.


Jim is a typical grumpy old man. He doesn't want to be caught, doesn't want to be handled, doesn't want to be pet, doesn't want to be around me. It could be I'm not "his person" but I'm not sure. The one way to his heart is through his stomach. He loves his grain and his treats.


I do my best never to get into his personal space so there isn't a lot of loving on Jim most days. He'll come in for his grain and then go out when he's done but I try very hard not to hang on him like I do the others. He's sort of ask to be left alone and I try to honor that (unless of course there's treats and then he's right in my space).


He also loves to destroy blankets. He's now on his third or fourth blanket. All the others, he's destroyed; some are simple repairs with a little bit of sewing and others are all out destroyed with the inner fluff scattered throughout the lot.


Jim has hair to die for. He doesn't really care if it's all tangled but I know I'd love to find some extra time to work on the witches knots. Anyone want to help?


Oh and did I mention, the vet says Jim is in excellent condition for being 31 years old. His teeth are in superb condition and it wont' be his teeth that cause him to leave this earth. Our farrier also fell in love with Jim. He's the old style walker body and the farrier simply adored him (grumpy and all)!


For the most part, Jim requires very little in the way of cost. Would you like to be his monthly sponsor? $50 monthly sponsorship covers a bag of senior feed (that he absolutely loves), a bag of treats, and his farrier trims. In return, you'll get a monthly update on what Jim has been doing and random pictures of Jim hanging out.


You can sponsor Jim through PayPal at www.paypal.me/Borderlands  or via mail at

Borderlands Horse Sanctuary
PO Box
26160 457th Ave
Humboldt, SD 57035

#MyValentine

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday

This Wishlist Wednesday we wish for Dumor Weight Booster to keep give our hard keepers a little boost to ensure their weight stays at the right levels. We want our horses coming out of winter as fat as when they went in to winter.

You can find the Dumor Weight Booster at TSC for $20. Other weight boosters are also welcome.

Jim - our oldest resident (age 31)

New Years Resolution

I have come to the realization that the first half of the year I am pretty organized and relaxed but about the time August rolls around, I start to stress. It's been that way for years. But what I realized last year was that it wasn't just August that I freaked out. I freaked out in September, October, and November. So technically the second half of the year I was totally not with it and absolutely unorganized and beyond stressed.

So I guess this could be my new years resolution. To be prepared for the entire year instead of only the first six months. The second half of the year is really when we get down and dirty and get stuff done around the place (or when we need to but are stuck doing other things that have to get done before winter). We spend the winter months simply surviving,  spring enjoying nice weather, summer doing all the family activities, but then fall rolls around and we need to prep for winter again and I'm usually not ready because I've been off gallivanting around the countryside.

So, I'm going to spend the first six months not only planning (for things that I'll hopefully actually do rather than wish to do) but actually DOING some of those things that I need to do that always freak me out. It'll be tough but I need to do it.

So can I count on you to hold me accountable? I still need to create the list of all that needs to be done the second half of the year, but once I have that list, can I count on you to push me?

Lightening and Jim

I would be much less stressed if I could be more prepared. So here's to new years resolutions that will hopefully stick and to getting things done when they are supposed to get done.

Maverick and Lightening

Trivia Answer 2

Trivia Question 2: How old is the oldest resident and who is he?

Answer: If your answer was Jim, you're right! Jim is 31 years old today!

Bo Update and other Misc Stuff

I sound like a broken record these days. There's just so much to do and so little time to get it all done. I seem to be struggling as of late and not sure how to get everything accomplished. The paying job has me hopping and by the end of the day my brain is done in. I guess we'll see if I can pull through with a fully functioning brain after this. Two and a half months of high pressure coming my way. But enough of that.


The last few days have been so chaotic that I havent' been able to do a really good assessment of Bo. So last night, I did a quick assessment and I am happy.


His leg is healing nicely. I need to do some cleanup and trim the hair around the cut but it's healing so that you wouldn't even know there was a huge gash in his leg. The swelling in that leg has also gone down. There's still swelling in his back legs from his heart failure but that's a different thing. The swelling in the front leg is much improved and he doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. His back end is bothering him, which does give me some concern but he's been having issues with his hips for the last couple of months.


The air pocket that started in his shoulder and that started moving up his neck and wrapped all the way around his chest is starting to go away. The air is out of his neck and there's only a small pocket in his shoulder. It's all in his chest. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not but his body is taking care of him. It's odd to tap on his shoulder to get him to move and feel that air pocket so I'm really happy it's going away. Even in heart failure, his body is still working hard to keep him protected.


He's back in the big herd but I'm not sure if that's helping or not. It's keeping the swelling down because he's constantly moving but I'm not sure about the depression. Being away from horses caused him depression but being in the big herd causes him stresses as well.


We did switch his grain around and he's been improving on that so no ulcers have reared its ugly head. It's Ramona feed and consists of oats, cracked corn, and I think soy meal. He's not gaining weight but he's also not losing weight either. I started adding in some senior feed. Originally it was to get him to eat his uniprim but after he finished with that, I continued on using it to see if that would help with the weight issue.


I think his heart was pounding so bad when we went to the vet that I was sure he was going to die within days. But now that he's home and relaxed with a standard routine, he's a lot calmer. We could have him for a few more months at this rate.. and that makes me happy. I won't prolong his life just to keep me happy but I want to make sure I've done everything. He hasn't told me he's ready to go.


There for awhile, he was off his feed and that scared me but I think now that he's back into his normal routine with the herd, he's much happier and he's been polishing off all of his grain.


We are headed into a cold snap so I'll be blanketing a few of the hard keepers. I struggle with what to do with Jim. He's our 30 year old Tennessee Walker and he's in better shape than Bo, the 16 year old. I wouldn't say that Jim has had an easy life but a lot less stress than Bo's for sure. Both the farrier and the vet have been impressed by how he's aging.  Oh if only all of our seniors would age as gracefully as Jim.


Junior is doing ok. He's enjoying his nightly grain mix. I'm still trying to figure out if the balance of grains I gave him last year will work this year. He seems to be doing ok but I'm keeping a watchful eye on him.


Lace is picking up some weight as well now that I'm graining her. She seemed a tad thinner than I liked...not thin or anything but I like them going into winter fat. She's adamant about her grain these days and will demand she get fed. She's second in command so she'll wait for Junior to go into his stall before I feed her but she wont let Mayhem grab a bite. Smart girl.


The last few days have been crazy busy with non Sanctuary activities. I am hoping for a short period of quiet but with Christmas right around the corner, I don't see that happening. I forgot what it was like to be so excited for Christmas until this year. Five year olds make you excited for Christmas and are so enthusiastic for all the activities. So while we plug along at the paying job and the every day chores, we're throwing in a lot of Christmas activities. So if we aren't around, it's only because I'm buried up to my eyebrows with work and I want to give my attention to my kids during the holidays...not that I don't give them my attention but there's extra activities at this time of year.


I'm sure to write more later but if you don't see me until the end of the week, it's that we are buried and I'm getting prepared for an upcoming storm on Thursday. Winter will definitely be here. Ironic that on the official start of winter, we'll get a snowstorm.

Stuff

So I got my wires crossed with the farrier and she's coming out tonight instead of last night. No biggie. Hopefully I can catch Zeke. He wasn't having anything to do with me until I had to get down and dirty with him. Old bugger. Too bad he doesn't realize I dont' intend on riding him any more. The problem is Lightening is rubbing off on him even more. I wish there wasn't such an age gap. I'd love to do some Liberty work with those two. They are insync and it's fun to watch them trot in circles together (as long as it's not around me).


Even Rain was getting in on the action of trying to play tag. Those darn Arabians.


Not much else happened last night. We went to a birthday party for a very good friend and supporter. It's so nice to get away and hang out with very good friends, some who I haven't seen in months. It reminds me that I need to slow down and appreciate some life quality moments with friends and family.


We got a bit of rain last night so I'm happy. I put Jim and Ivan's brand new fly masks on last night. Jim's is a special UV protection to help with his eyes. Both were a tad too big but oh well, right? WRONG! When I went out this morning, they both had their masks off and were mashed into the mud. So much for that. The XL masks are too big. I thought they would fit the big headed horses (Ivan, Chaos, and King). They are TOO big. So now I need to figure out how to improvise and make them fit. If only they had adjustable fly masks. The flies are going to get terrible pretty quick so I want masks on. I think I'll have to put them on in the morning and take them off when I lock them in at night. I have a feel Maverick took them off. But we'll see.


I am sure there will be more to chat about but right now I'm drawing a blank. Tomorrow at noon we will GO LIVE and talk about non-horse related but Sanctuary related topics. Anything you want to hear in particular?

Jim Farts

Every time I let Jim into the barn and he sees me, he farts. And it's not like a tiny little fart. It's like a motor boat directed RIGHT at my face. The next time I let him into the barn, I'll record it so you can all see for yourself. He used to never do it, but now, it's every. darn. time.


I guess I won't fault him though. He is 30 years old and a grumpy gus. At some point you should be allowed to be a grump and get away with just about anything (and Jim is at that point). I just wish he wouldn't direct those gas bombs right at my head.


I'll take it as a compliment when Jim farts on me.

Happy Farting Jim

Summer Pasture Time!

I spent Saturday scrambling to get the temporary fencing up so that I could release the big herd. I've been more than anxious to get them out on grass. The hay guy is worried about having enough hay, which makes me even more nervous. So having horses out on pasture means no more putting hay in! Hopefully with dividing the pasture, we'll be able to rotate enough and be able to bring the horses back to this section of the pasture later this summer. It'll also give me a chance to do some serious spraying.


I've been trying to spray at least once a week to go after weeds that have been long forgotten and are taking over. I'm excited to see the results. So much neglect over the past couple of years and I'm finally getting back to it. Not sure that I'll get to do any spraying this week but this week is going to be busy.


I wish I would have taken my camera last night to take pictures. There was some pretty sights last night out in the pasture. But for now, I'll leave you with a few pictures of the first day out to pasture.




Jim and King



Brego, Dude, and Chaos



Rain and Jim

Penny supervising the herd

Penny having a discussion with Brego (and Brego's shadow, Ivan)

Jim Napping

I caught Jim napping just now. Doesn't he look cute? (I accidently startled him when I tried to get a picture of Zeke napping...oops!)

I guess for being 30 years old, he can nap whenever he wants! He deserves his retirement.

I'm still trying to keep the momentum going after our annual Light the Night fundraiser. I'm so far behind on planning and organizing that I'm struggling a bit. All my fundraiser ideas keep coming to an abrupt end because they just are feasible with such limited time. So I guess we'll just see how the rest of the fundraisers go this year (if I can get anything going).

Happy Thursday (and Happy Napping!)

Name Game Trivia Question #9 Answer

Name Game Trivia Question #9 Answer:

Jim is the current Tennesee Walker at the Sanctuary.

Name Game Trivia Question #9

Name Game Trivia Question #9:

What is the name of the resident Tennessee Walker?

Terrible Realization

I had a terrible realization yesterday. It hit me right smack in the face. And it was a huge blow that made me step back and in fact brought me to tears.


We are a Sanctuary for the old and the infirm. Everyone is growing older and there is no way to stop the inevitable. You can prolong it but you can't stop it.


The last horse we lost was Babe in September 2013. That was three and a half years ago. That's a long time to go with no stress of making that final decision.


I realized yesterday that Rabbit's time with us is not going to be as long as I'd hoped. We'll see what the vet says but in reality if we can get the lameness issue resolved, she wont' be with us for very many more years anyway. That thought smacked me across the face...hard.


I am afraid we are going to experience a wave of goodbyes.


I hadn't noticed it...well that's a lie. I did notice but turned a blind eye.


Dude is in slight pain. I may start him on buteless as well. But his hips are bothering him. I had hoped with the trims that he would be feeling better. He's not. He's still showing his discomfort. This type of weather always causes him some...ice and mud are no good for a horse with bad hips. But I realized that he too will have a shortened lifespan because of those hips. Another blow that hit me hard.


Then I looked at Lace. She's been off the last two or three days but that's because of her knee. She slips and slides in this mud so I am guessing she did something to her large knee. The farrier looked at her knee and said part of it is hard and part there is fluid on the knee. I'm guessing the fluid is from dealing with the  mud but I can only guess. But she was really sore after the trim... I'm sure she'll be fine tomorrow. She even did her own personal stretches during the trim session so I know she knows all about stretching. I may have to start her on stretches too. But that knee is going to take Lace out as well.


For the first time ever, we'll be dealing with physical ailments instead of old age and not keeping weight on. That's going to be even tougher on me. It's easier to see the weight loss and know when the time is to say goodbye but these ailments that cause pain is even worse to deal with.


But I hate the pain.


I have been keeping a watchful eye on Junior and Jim (29 and 30 respectively). They are both doing fantastic. Junior is actually at the right weight but how long will he last... same goes for Jim. His teeth are in exceptional shape so it wont be the teeth that take him out.


Oh the joys of caring for senior horses. So stressful.

Name Game Trivia Question #4 Answer

Name Game Trivia Question #4 Answer is:

How many current residents have people names? SIX

And they are:

• Zeke
• Ivan
• Tommy
• Junior
• Bo
• Jim

Wishlist Wednesday

Jim and Bo

Our Wishlist Wednesday item are tires. We need lots of tires. What type of tires are you asking? Tires for wheelbarrows and for our two little yellow wagons. You can get them at TSC for about $10-12 dollars. After about a year, the tires go flat. I've run them even flat and have ended up shredding them.

We have tried everything from putting in new tubes, to fill-a-flat, to anything you could think of but the tires only last a year. We have plenty of wheelbarrows and wagons and with almost all of them out of commission due to flat tires, we could use tires to make life easier!

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday: Our wish for this Wishlist Wednesday is for senior feed. We are deep into winter. We are experiencing a January thaw but winter is not over, nor will it loosen its grip for a long time. As the winter wears on, the horses need senior feed to help supplement.

The hard keepers, Junior and Bo, go through a considerable amount of grain to keep their weight up. Jim, our oldest resident at age 30 years, also needs his senior feed to keep him happy and healthy.

Senior feed is about $20 per bag. Anyone want to buy Bo, Junior, or Jim (or any of the other senior residents) a bag of senior feed to keep them happy during the long winters?

Jim during a storm a few years back

Jim