I made the unpopular decision. I’ve discussed the topic with others and we were all in agreement. I’ve done the best I can and it wasn’t good enough. We chose to put Sahara down this weekend. I know it’s an unpopular decision by many. I’ve had many people tell me “be the dominant mare”, “Show her who’s boss”, etc. Each time those people said such things, I offered Sahara to them and each individual declined the offer and quickly stopped talking about Sahara’s options. Who wants a dominant, crippled filly? I would have gladly handed her over to someone who had the knowledge and patience to train her. I do not.
I know some will be angry that we didn’t try to do more with her. We could/should have taken her to the vet to have her legs looked at. It would have required extensive surgery costing a large amount of money that I don’t have. Remember, I pay for the entire sanctuary out of my pocket and I don’t have a high paying job. I’m just a peon trying to cover the cost of the mortgage along with feeding for the horses. The money is not endless. I have to take into consideration the other 19 horses standing in the pens/pastures.
I could have sent her to a trainer, but to do what? She couldn’t have been a riding horse. She should never be bred. Who wants a dominant pasture pet that you have to work with every day for the next 25 years, if her legs held out that long.
I had to make the decision of what was best for Sahara and for the rest of the horses. I completely understand those that disagree with my decision and would rather not follow what we do at Borderlands any more. But remember one thing, I offered her to you and you declined for your own personal reasons.
I am sad. I am upset. I am angry, angry at the world, angry at the previous owner, angry at being the one that has to do what someone else couldn’t do, angry at being the only one willing to step up and do the right thing. I knew when we took her, that her life would be short. But I wanted to ensure that she would know kindness for the brief time she was at Borderlands.
Had she not been as dominant, we would have worked through the issues. But I can’t risk getting hurt. I can’t risk anyone getting hurt. I have to think of the other horses and what Sahara was taking away. Her passing does not open up a spot for another. Not yet anyway.
My heart is very sore. In a two week span, I will have lost two uncles and two horses. It is simply more than I can bear. This is the time to be thankful and filled full of good tidings and cheer. All I can do right now is muster through the impending dread that is hanging over me. Losing someone is tough, even when you know it’s going to happen. Losing someone when you are the one that has to make that call is heart breaking. I am emotionally drained to the point of exhaustion. I would very much like to curl up into a ball for the entire week and just ignore all that is happening around me. But that is unfair to those around me so I’ll muster on. I’ll apologize now for not being as chipper as I would like to be, especially this time of year. All I ask is that you don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Perhaps that is the meaning I am to focus on this Christmas season. Rejoice in the love of my family and friends and act as though each day is the last so enjoy the heck out of it.
Showing posts with label Sahara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sahara. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Picture Sunday
Figured you were all tired of listening to me ramble on about stuff so instead I'll leave you with pictures.
Prince
Sahara - look she does stand tied...or about 30 seconds at a time.
Thor enjoying his grain mash
Babe - girl after my own heart. This girl loves her grain mash as much as I love my chocolate.
Babe - her age is showing a little bit but she's still a tough cookie.
Thor
Sahara watching Thor and Babe eat
Prince and Sahara
Prince - he's such a looker
Prince - he's definitely a Prince Charming
Prince
Sahara - look she does stand tied...or about 30 seconds at a time.
Thor enjoying his grain mash
Babe - girl after my own heart. This girl loves her grain mash as much as I love my chocolate.
Babe - her age is showing a little bit but she's still a tough cookie.
Thor
Sahara watching Thor and Babe eat
Prince and Sahara
Prince - he's such a looker
Prince - he's definitely a Prince CharmingTuesday, October 25, 2011
Spittin' Fire
Poor Babe. She likes her pen quiet with no drama. She hasn't gotten a quiet day in a while. When Thor went blind, we messed Babe's world up by putting those two together. I've since had to rearrange living arrangements much to Babe's dismay. Hopefully things will settle down after a little while and Babe can go back to enjoying her drama free days.
We put a round bale in the blind pen Sunday night. It's not net wrapped so the horses pull half the bale out onto the ground. I was in the pen scooping it up and tossing it over for the big herd (who think they are starving). Thor and Babe were rather disgusted with me. They thought it was grain time. I kept telling them they had to wait but they wouldn't listen.
While I was scooping up hay, something got into Sahara. I have no idea what. Apparently no one has ever told her that her front legs are croocked and that she should take it easy. She took off like a bolt of lightening, racing around the pen. She was running and bucking for the pure joy of it.
Of course, that commotion got Babe into a tizzy. It also set Prince off. He started loping around with his head held high and his tail outstretched (boy is he a looker when he does that). Any time Sahara would take off with lightening speed across the pen, Prince would lope or trot around. At one point both Sahara and Prince were bucking around the pen. Poor Babe. She hates all that commotion.
It was fun to watch Sahara feeling good. She was running and bucking and farting all around the pen. Putting the young ones in with the old sort of tones down their spunk but it sure didn't have that affect on Sahara. It's probably a good thing that no one told her that her legs aren't straight. It sure didn't stop her from a full gallop around the pen. She'd always stop close to Thor. She must find comfort in Thor. That or Thor was her stopping spot for racing around the pen.
Prince looked gorgeous trotting around the pen with his tail out (makes his tail even more luxurious). I was surprised to see him let out a few bucks but apparently he was feeling good last night too. I sometimes forget that he's only 5 years old. He'll stand tied while I feed Thor and Babe and the only thing he does is paw every once in a while and tries to untie himself.
The other day, while Prince was standing tied, King came over and started harrassing Prince. Then it dawned on me, we have two paints one named King and one named Prince. Thought it was rather a neat idea. So now we have a Queen, King, and Prince. Never knew we'd have royalty. At one time we had a Queen, King, and Ace! I don't play poker but it sure felt like we had a full house.
Luckily both Sahara and Prince settled down after just a short time and Babe was able to back to a less drama filled pen. And to not forget Thor, he could have cared less about all the commotion. He just stood their searching for his grain dish. That boy may have lost his sight but he now has a better sense of smell. I did think it very cute to watch Sahara race around the pen and go straight to Thor, like Thor was the "safe zone". Rather cute.
That Sahara. She sure was spitting fire last night.
We put a round bale in the blind pen Sunday night. It's not net wrapped so the horses pull half the bale out onto the ground. I was in the pen scooping it up and tossing it over for the big herd (who think they are starving). Thor and Babe were rather disgusted with me. They thought it was grain time. I kept telling them they had to wait but they wouldn't listen.
While I was scooping up hay, something got into Sahara. I have no idea what. Apparently no one has ever told her that her front legs are croocked and that she should take it easy. She took off like a bolt of lightening, racing around the pen. She was running and bucking for the pure joy of it.
Of course, that commotion got Babe into a tizzy. It also set Prince off. He started loping around with his head held high and his tail outstretched (boy is he a looker when he does that). Any time Sahara would take off with lightening speed across the pen, Prince would lope or trot around. At one point both Sahara and Prince were bucking around the pen. Poor Babe. She hates all that commotion.
It was fun to watch Sahara feeling good. She was running and bucking and farting all around the pen. Putting the young ones in with the old sort of tones down their spunk but it sure didn't have that affect on Sahara. It's probably a good thing that no one told her that her legs aren't straight. It sure didn't stop her from a full gallop around the pen. She'd always stop close to Thor. She must find comfort in Thor. That or Thor was her stopping spot for racing around the pen.
Prince looked gorgeous trotting around the pen with his tail out (makes his tail even more luxurious). I was surprised to see him let out a few bucks but apparently he was feeling good last night too. I sometimes forget that he's only 5 years old. He'll stand tied while I feed Thor and Babe and the only thing he does is paw every once in a while and tries to untie himself.
The other day, while Prince was standing tied, King came over and started harrassing Prince. Then it dawned on me, we have two paints one named King and one named Prince. Thought it was rather a neat idea. So now we have a Queen, King, and Prince. Never knew we'd have royalty. At one time we had a Queen, King, and Ace! I don't play poker but it sure felt like we had a full house.
Luckily both Sahara and Prince settled down after just a short time and Babe was able to back to a less drama filled pen. And to not forget Thor, he could have cared less about all the commotion. He just stood their searching for his grain dish. That boy may have lost his sight but he now has a better sense of smell. I did think it very cute to watch Sahara race around the pen and go straight to Thor, like Thor was the "safe zone". Rather cute.
That Sahara. She sure was spitting fire last night.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Weekend Activity
Saturday Mom, Dad, and Grandma came down to help around the place. Last winter we had a fence break in the drylot. Mike and I cobbled it together and with no horses pushing on the fence, it held. Knowing that those boys are going to be pushing on the fence because there are girls on the other side, that fence won't hold. So Saturday we dug holes.
I had thought I could hand dig the holes earlier in the week. Nope. We are talking clay. There's no amount of hand digging gonna happen to get through a layer of solid clay. We spent all afternoon digging five holes. Luckily Dad's quick eye saw the bolt about to come undone on the two-man auger before we sheared off another pin and had to dig the auger out of the ground (speaking from experience, digging an auger out of a hole is no fun).
I played my weiny card after two holes. Dad took over my spot while Mike had to dig all five holes. We could/should have dug two more to have all the same types of posts but there are two railroad ties that are pretty solid in the ground so we left them and will use instead. Now we need to go back to town to buy more fencing supplies. Seems all I've bought this year are fencing supplies and feed. I'm not talking a couple bucks here and there for materials and feed, I'm talking a couple hundred bucks.
I knew this fenceline needed to be fixed and it wouldn't last after last winter. I just wish I would have had the common sense to take care of it this summer instead of now when everyone is busy trying to get ready for winter. But I feel a thousand times better having those poles in the ground. I can finish that fence even after the ground freezes.
Now I only have three more major fencing jobs that need to be finished before the ground freezes. Everything else will hopefully hold (fingers crossed). There's a few other things I'd like to take care of before the ground freezes but we'll see. I'm hoping the weather holds and I can get more fence posts in the ground before winter sets in. I'm still a little paniced but having those five beautiful fence posts in the ground have taken some of the pressure off.
Last night I pushed Sahara past her comfort zone. I paid a small price for it but it was worth it. We had to run to town yesterday for grain and I snuck in a quick ride on Jim before starting chores. It's too nice to not ride, even if it's just a mile or two down the road and back. A ride helps clear my head some days and Jim seemed like he enjoyed himself.
The blind pen was out of hay again so Mike had to push another round bale in. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially when we are working in the dark. Our tractor isn't big enough to pick up a bale and just dump it in. Here's a rundown of what I had to do.
I had thought I could hand dig the holes earlier in the week. Nope. We are talking clay. There's no amount of hand digging gonna happen to get through a layer of solid clay. We spent all afternoon digging five holes. Luckily Dad's quick eye saw the bolt about to come undone on the two-man auger before we sheared off another pin and had to dig the auger out of the ground (speaking from experience, digging an auger out of a hole is no fun).
I played my weiny card after two holes. Dad took over my spot while Mike had to dig all five holes. We could/should have dug two more to have all the same types of posts but there are two railroad ties that are pretty solid in the ground so we left them and will use instead. Now we need to go back to town to buy more fencing supplies. Seems all I've bought this year are fencing supplies and feed. I'm not talking a couple bucks here and there for materials and feed, I'm talking a couple hundred bucks.
I knew this fenceline needed to be fixed and it wouldn't last after last winter. I just wish I would have had the common sense to take care of it this summer instead of now when everyone is busy trying to get ready for winter. But I feel a thousand times better having those poles in the ground. I can finish that fence even after the ground freezes.
Now I only have three more major fencing jobs that need to be finished before the ground freezes. Everything else will hopefully hold (fingers crossed). There's a few other things I'd like to take care of before the ground freezes but we'll see. I'm hoping the weather holds and I can get more fence posts in the ground before winter sets in. I'm still a little paniced but having those five beautiful fence posts in the ground have taken some of the pressure off.
Last night I pushed Sahara past her comfort zone. I paid a small price for it but it was worth it. We had to run to town yesterday for grain and I snuck in a quick ride on Jim before starting chores. It's too nice to not ride, even if it's just a mile or two down the road and back. A ride helps clear my head some days and Jim seemed like he enjoyed himself.
The blind pen was out of hay again so Mike had to push another round bale in. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially when we are working in the dark. Our tractor isn't big enough to pick up a bale and just dump it in. Here's a rundown of what I had to do.
- Halter Prince and tie him to a fence post.
- Halter Sahara and hang on to her because she still doesn't stand tied calmly.
- Track down Babe as she wanders the pen to feed her her grain mash.
- Coax Thor out of the way of the gate and feed him his grain mash.
- Lead Sahara out of the blind pen (can't stall her because she'll dismantle yet another stall).
- Grab the cable to tip the hay bale on to its side with Sahara in tow.
- Hang on to Sahara as she freaks out next to the tractor and have her smash me in to the tractor wheel rim.
- Stand with Sahara at end of lead rope while she gets anxious about the tractor coming right at her (in the dark with lights on.....she didn't freak out too bad except that one time but it was a lot for her to take).
- Watch Mike loop the cable over the bale and tip the bale over.
- Walk to the bale, grab the cable while Sahara sneaks a bite from the bale, and drag the cable out of the way.
- Holler at Thor to get out of the way. Apparently Thor ate faster than I had anticipated.
- Stand out of the way as Mike pushes the round bale in to the blind pen and then backs out.
- Walk Sahara in to the blind pen and then close the gate with Sahara in tow.
- Ensure Thor and Babe are done with their grain and unhalter Sahara.
- Push Thor out of the way of the hay bale and manhandle the hay ring around and then over the new round bale.
- Unhalter Prince (who stook patiently the entire time).
It may sound easier than it really is. But keep in mind, I have a frightenend yearling filly at the end of a lead rope during almost all of it. Sahara did pretty well, except for when I put her in a tight spot between the tractor and some aluminum pallets. She dragged me around for about 10 seconds and knocked me in to the tractor but after that she behaved. That's a lot to ask of a filly, to stand next to the tractor in the dark. We did walk around the tractor while it was running to see if she would freak out over it again but she didn't. I think it was just tight quarters that freaked her out. We'll see what happens the next time we push a bale in. Maybe she'll be better, maybe not. But I think she'll catch on. Now if I could only spend as much time with Mayhem as I do with Sahara.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sahara
After deciding to take a step back from a number of activities; I went a step farther back last night (and didn't realize it until later).
I've been struggling with Sahara but with the help of Mike (who pointed out what's going on in her brain), we now have a plan (and thanks to T from Gentle Spirits for giving me the moral support I needed to work with her more).
I realized a number of things last night while messing with Sahara, while watching Mike work with her, and thinking about what T said yesterday:
Last night I wanted to get some hay scooped up from the round bale feeder (otherwise they waste it). Mike was near so I had him hang on to Sahara's lead rope. He was on the other side of the fence, safe from leaning, safe from hooves, and safe from teeth.
While I was working, Mike made Sahara mind. She wasn't allowed to paw or push. If she did, she got smacked with the end of the lead rope once. By the time I was done and had my little yellow hay wagon full of hay and out of the pen, Sahara was standing calmly near the fence. I probably stood there enjoying the view for a good five minutes while Mike and Sahara patiently stood there.
Maybe I'm too high strung or wired too tight as of late, but it was such an enjoyable view to see those two just standing their, Sahara just standing with a leg cocked. But she was starting to get stressed so we called it a day.
Now that I know she CAN stand alone, we'll work on it more tonight. Not sure if Mike will be able to work with her or if I'll work with her, but in any case, she's just playing me. And I hate to be played. She's a smart girl that is going to demand respect (as she so deserves). She's only a yearling so can't take long periods of training but she does catch on pretty quick. Now it's more a matter of working on us. :-)
I've been struggling with Sahara but with the help of Mike (who pointed out what's going on in her brain), we now have a plan (and thanks to T from Gentle Spirits for giving me the moral support I needed to work with her more).
I realized a number of things last night while messing with Sahara, while watching Mike work with her, and thinking about what T said yesterday:
- Sahara is my mood monitor. I cannot be upset when I am near her.
- I must only focus on Sahara. My mind must be free of all other ideas/thoughts. When working with her, she has to be my only focus.
- I must exude alpha mare from within and exude it in my demeanor. I. Am. Boss. Mare. (hard for me to do since I like the laid back guys).
- If my inner self is not calm (even if it looks that way from the outside), I cannot work with her. I must calm my inner self before working with Sahara.
- Any leeway I give, Sahara will take it. Give her a centimeter and she will take 10 miles.
- Any minor deviance, and she thinks she's boss mare. Sahara requires boot camp. What I say goes and nothing more.
- She needs to be handled by multiple people to respect ALL people.
- The end of a lead rope is my friend. The end of a lead rope demands respect from Sahara.
Last night I wanted to get some hay scooped up from the round bale feeder (otherwise they waste it). Mike was near so I had him hang on to Sahara's lead rope. He was on the other side of the fence, safe from leaning, safe from hooves, and safe from teeth.
While I was working, Mike made Sahara mind. She wasn't allowed to paw or push. If she did, she got smacked with the end of the lead rope once. By the time I was done and had my little yellow hay wagon full of hay and out of the pen, Sahara was standing calmly near the fence. I probably stood there enjoying the view for a good five minutes while Mike and Sahara patiently stood there.
Maybe I'm too high strung or wired too tight as of late, but it was such an enjoyable view to see those two just standing their, Sahara just standing with a leg cocked. But she was starting to get stressed so we called it a day.
Now that I know she CAN stand alone, we'll work on it more tonight. Not sure if Mike will be able to work with her or if I'll work with her, but in any case, she's just playing me. And I hate to be played. She's a smart girl that is going to demand respect (as she so deserves). She's only a yearling so can't take long periods of training but she does catch on pretty quick. Now it's more a matter of working on us. :-)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Prince aka Eye Candy
I'm really impressed with Prince. Not only is he "eye candy", he's also darn smart. He's taken being blind pretty well. We have come to the conclusion that he can see certain things (shadows perhaps) during the day but he is completely blind at night. He's much slower to move at night than during the day.
I was late to do chores last night so had to grain Thor and Babe in the dark. It's all a new routine for me, so it's going to take awhile to adjust. But Thor was immediately at the fence. That boy can smell. I believe his other senses really kicked in after he lost his sight. He uses his nose so much more now than ever before.
Babe did circles until I got the grain mash in front of her. Thor was already gobbling down his grain mash.
Prince stood patiently while I haltered him so he wouldn't bother Thor or Babe. Prince is nice and plump (just the way I like them). I tried to lead him around a little but it took a lot of persuading. He doesn't trust me yet to lead him around in the dark. I don't blame him. But I'll be messing with him more now that I'm in with the blind horses every night waiting for Babe and Thor.
Sahara is maybe finally understanding the whole "standing tied" idea but I'm not sure. I tied her securely but she still had three massive blow ups. Talk about a wild bronc. I'm so used to Mayhem who does the whole "ho hum" of standing tied that rearing and pulling hard is different to me. Sahara is most definitely going to use brute force to get her way until she realizes it won't work. She pawed and pawed and pawed and blew up. Then she took a few seconds to catch her breath and went back to pawing before another blow up. This went on for the majority of the time Babe and Thor were eating. Prince and I stayed closer to Sahara but that didn't seem to help. We were far enough away from harm but Sahara was going to have none of this tying deal.
About the time Babe was finishing up her grain, Sahara decided to actually stand (without pawing) and think. I'm not sure if she was working her way up to another blowup or if she was contemplating standing still for a little while. I did see her cock a back leg for just a second. Maybe tonight will go better, or maybe it'll be worse.
Throughout the entire learning session, Prince and I hung out. I did resecure Sahara's lead rope in between her blow ups to ensure that the rope was tied. I swear I can't tie a proper knot still. When I walked away from Prince, I threw the lead rope over his back. Prince never took a step. He patiently waiting for me to return. When I pulled the lead rope off his back, he tried to take an end and chew on it. I guess he wanted a treat. Prince really is an amazing horse. I think with the right person and right training, he'll be an amazing riding horse. Or for those that just want a pasture puff, he'll be some awesome "eye candy".
I was late to do chores last night so had to grain Thor and Babe in the dark. It's all a new routine for me, so it's going to take awhile to adjust. But Thor was immediately at the fence. That boy can smell. I believe his other senses really kicked in after he lost his sight. He uses his nose so much more now than ever before.
Babe did circles until I got the grain mash in front of her. Thor was already gobbling down his grain mash.
Prince stood patiently while I haltered him so he wouldn't bother Thor or Babe. Prince is nice and plump (just the way I like them). I tried to lead him around a little but it took a lot of persuading. He doesn't trust me yet to lead him around in the dark. I don't blame him. But I'll be messing with him more now that I'm in with the blind horses every night waiting for Babe and Thor.
Sahara is maybe finally understanding the whole "standing tied" idea but I'm not sure. I tied her securely but she still had three massive blow ups. Talk about a wild bronc. I'm so used to Mayhem who does the whole "ho hum" of standing tied that rearing and pulling hard is different to me. Sahara is most definitely going to use brute force to get her way until she realizes it won't work. She pawed and pawed and pawed and blew up. Then she took a few seconds to catch her breath and went back to pawing before another blow up. This went on for the majority of the time Babe and Thor were eating. Prince and I stayed closer to Sahara but that didn't seem to help. We were far enough away from harm but Sahara was going to have none of this tying deal.
About the time Babe was finishing up her grain, Sahara decided to actually stand (without pawing) and think. I'm not sure if she was working her way up to another blowup or if she was contemplating standing still for a little while. I did see her cock a back leg for just a second. Maybe tonight will go better, or maybe it'll be worse.
Throughout the entire learning session, Prince and I hung out. I did resecure Sahara's lead rope in between her blow ups to ensure that the rope was tied. I swear I can't tie a proper knot still. When I walked away from Prince, I threw the lead rope over his back. Prince never took a step. He patiently waiting for me to return. When I pulled the lead rope off his back, he tried to take an end and chew on it. I guess he wanted a treat. Prince really is an amazing horse. I think with the right person and right training, he'll be an amazing riding horse. Or for those that just want a pasture puff, he'll be some awesome "eye candy".
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Hot Laps, Halterng, and Feeding
Last night as I was puttering around in the house, Mike came in and asked if I wanted momma and baby outside their fence area. Uuumm, no! Luckily they didn’t wander far and were simply checking out the place. Thank goodness Savanna is all about food. She really loves her grain. I grabbed some grain, got them in to their pasture, and fixed fence. I’m going to have to do some fencing very soon. I don’t like electric. I prefer something more substantial. We’ll see how things progress and how quickly I can get to repairing fence.
It’s been raining for the past few days. I’d let Savanna and Prize out on the pasture and had walked out to the garage to go to work. As I was getting out of the car to shut the door, Prize whinnied at me. He was telling me his displeasure in the rain. He really does NOT like being yet! He is too funny.
The other day, Prize decided that he would do “hot laps” around the pasture. Of course because it’s been muddy everything is slick. So poor Prize couldn’t go full blast through the pasture but he did stretch his legs, running, bucking, and rearing. The funniest sight was Prize pushing momma around. At first I thought he had an itch. Then I realized he was antagonizing momma into moving. He wanted her to move and run! That little guy must have pushed pretty hard because he got Savanna to move around, not at his pace but at least moving. Prize really is a character!
Last night we dumped another round bale in to the mare (and Thor) pen. Last time we put a bale in the drylot, we didn’t have Sahara in there. The last time, I tied the horses to the fence but stayed close talking to them the entire time. Loud noises bother them (although they are getting used to the commotion as long as I am close and can talk to them an distract them). But this time I couldn’t tie Sahara up as she’s never been tied before. Of course, in my haste, I’ve lost her halter and had to find another one that was ill fitting. She worked through wearing the new halter but was unhappy about all the commotion. I made sure that when I opened the gate to have a good hold on Sahara. She was a real champion. She didn’t freak out when I opened the big gate and walked back to the others. She was very nervous when the tractor came in to the pen but she stayed by Babe’s side. She was curious and wanted to watch instead of hide. She didn’t get too upset. She didn’t try to pull me around the pen or try to rip the lead rope out of my hands. In fact, as long as she was close to Babe, and touching me, she was fine. I’m betting the next time we dump a round bale in the pen, she’ll be a pro. Having only been haltered less than a dozen times, Sahara has really progressed. I would rank the ease of haltering her up there with Mayhem, who was a breeze.
Mayhem is getting a little naughty with haltering but only because I haven’t worked with her. And in fact the only naughty part is standing tied. She wants to test her boundaries. But given that she will be exactly one year old tomorrow, I think she’s come along way.
These young ones really amaze me at times. I love the old ones; they are my true calling. The old horses are the true warriors but the young ones seem to make the old warriors feel young at heart. I love watching the young and old interact. I only wish I could offer more for the old warriors who deserve a soft landing for their retirement. I wish I could provide a retirement for more deserving warriors.
I also have two side notes for today. Although I won’t be able to bring anyone home, I plan on attending the July 15th horse auction in Mitchell. The catalog sale starts at 6pm, followed by open consignment and then loose horses. If anyone would like to come with, I would greatly appreciate the company. Also, it’s been three weeks since I asked everyone to “Pay It Forward”. I would love to hear what everyone has done. I desperately need that mental boost to know that even though there is so much bad that there is some good in the world.
It’s been raining for the past few days. I’d let Savanna and Prize out on the pasture and had walked out to the garage to go to work. As I was getting out of the car to shut the door, Prize whinnied at me. He was telling me his displeasure in the rain. He really does NOT like being yet! He is too funny.
The other day, Prize decided that he would do “hot laps” around the pasture. Of course because it’s been muddy everything is slick. So poor Prize couldn’t go full blast through the pasture but he did stretch his legs, running, bucking, and rearing. The funniest sight was Prize pushing momma around. At first I thought he had an itch. Then I realized he was antagonizing momma into moving. He wanted her to move and run! That little guy must have pushed pretty hard because he got Savanna to move around, not at his pace but at least moving. Prize really is a character!
Last night we dumped another round bale in to the mare (and Thor) pen. Last time we put a bale in the drylot, we didn’t have Sahara in there. The last time, I tied the horses to the fence but stayed close talking to them the entire time. Loud noises bother them (although they are getting used to the commotion as long as I am close and can talk to them an distract them). But this time I couldn’t tie Sahara up as she’s never been tied before. Of course, in my haste, I’ve lost her halter and had to find another one that was ill fitting. She worked through wearing the new halter but was unhappy about all the commotion. I made sure that when I opened the gate to have a good hold on Sahara. She was a real champion. She didn’t freak out when I opened the big gate and walked back to the others. She was very nervous when the tractor came in to the pen but she stayed by Babe’s side. She was curious and wanted to watch instead of hide. She didn’t get too upset. She didn’t try to pull me around the pen or try to rip the lead rope out of my hands. In fact, as long as she was close to Babe, and touching me, she was fine. I’m betting the next time we dump a round bale in the pen, she’ll be a pro. Having only been haltered less than a dozen times, Sahara has really progressed. I would rank the ease of haltering her up there with Mayhem, who was a breeze.
Mayhem is getting a little naughty with haltering but only because I haven’t worked with her. And in fact the only naughty part is standing tied. She wants to test her boundaries. But given that she will be exactly one year old tomorrow, I think she’s come along way.
These young ones really amaze me at times. I love the old ones; they are my true calling. The old horses are the true warriors but the young ones seem to make the old warriors feel young at heart. I love watching the young and old interact. I only wish I could offer more for the old warriors who deserve a soft landing for their retirement. I wish I could provide a retirement for more deserving warriors.
I also have two side notes for today. Although I won’t be able to bring anyone home, I plan on attending the July 15th horse auction in Mitchell. The catalog sale starts at 6pm, followed by open consignment and then loose horses. If anyone would like to come with, I would greatly appreciate the company. Also, it’s been three weeks since I asked everyone to “Pay It Forward”. I would love to hear what everyone has done. I desperately need that mental boost to know that even though there is so much bad that there is some good in the world.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Buffet
I realized I didn't have any recent pics of the horses. I had just a little bit of time after the farrier left to take a few picture before the mosquitoes carried me away.
Queen still wants to be out on grass but she's making the most of the round bale. She was leaning as far into the bale as she could to get the very center. Babe had her chest pushed against the bale. Sahara got herself stuck against the bale. I'm guessing she rolled into the bale and got stuck. She would have worked her way out but I was there to roll her to the other side. She was calm about it thankfully. She let me touch her legs and didn't freak out. She really is calm. When I started taking pictures of Sahara, Mayhem got jealous. Those two little fillies are going to be something else. I think Thor is loving all the girl time. He's doing much better and always preffered a smaller herd and now he has it.
I'll leave you with pictures of the mares demolishing er I mean enjoying the round bale.
Queen still wants to be out on grass but she's making the most of the round bale. She was leaning as far into the bale as she could to get the very center. Babe had her chest pushed against the bale. Sahara got herself stuck against the bale. I'm guessing she rolled into the bale and got stuck. She would have worked her way out but I was there to roll her to the other side. She was calm about it thankfully. She let me touch her legs and didn't freak out. She really is calm. When I started taking pictures of Sahara, Mayhem got jealous. Those two little fillies are going to be something else. I think Thor is loving all the girl time. He's doing much better and always preffered a smaller herd and now he has it.
I'll leave you with pictures of the mares demolishing er I mean enjoying the round bale.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sahara the Goddess
I'm blown away by young minds. I prefer the steady old horses who have been there and done that. They are the stable ones that have seen everything and are warriors.
I'm not typically around young horses so it always surprises me at how supple their minds are and how willing they are to try new things.
I'm trying to get everyone adjusted to grass to cut down on the hay bill and to make my summer chores easy. The ponies have been tormenting Sahara and I want her to be in with the other mares. I've found the old warriors can teach a lot to these young kids. Mayhem is totally mellow because she's round the old girls.
We put a round bale in for Thor, Babe, Mayhem, and Queen (who will go out with Dick and Rabbit once I fix the fence. She knows where there's a broken strand and made her great escape Sat night into our front lawn). I want Sahara to have more room to run and be more social instead of being next to the naughty ponies all the time.
I figured I'd at least try my luck at getting a halter on Sahara and we would go from there. I side tracked her with a handful of grass and I slipped the halter on. No problems what so ever. She stood perfectly still. She didn't care that I had a halter on her. She didn't care that I had a lead rope over her back. I clipped the lead rope on the halter and asked her to move. She moved. I was amazed. I asked for her to take a couple more steps and she followed.
I figured I might as well get her out of her pen and see what she does. She followed. She pushed on me and I pushed back but that was it. We walked all the way around the hayshed to the drylot. She only hesitated once. She was using me for support but she walked on beautifully.
I figured we'd have some issues, stopping, backing, rearing, bucking, something. I got nothing. I was amazed.
I led her over to the drylot and let her in. Mayhem had to stop and say hello. There's an advantage to having blind horses. They dont' see you coming with a new horse. I let Sahara go into the drylot and she walked around. Mayhem came to investigate and they touched noses but that was about it. Sahara introduced herself to the rest of the herd. I figured Queen would take to her because she's young. I think Queen was in a bad mood because she wasn't out on grass. Sahara then took of loping through the drylot. Yep, that's right. Even with her crocked front leg, she loped. Her front end is all gangly but hopefully some of that she'll grow out of. She really is the most beautiful black/brown color. Almost identical to her mother.
I was very pleased with how she handled herself in the new surroundings amongst other horses. She didn't freak out; she didn't call out to the ponies or her mother; she didn't try to climb a any fences; she didn't try to boss anyone around. She took everything in with dignity like a true goddess.
Because I don't typcially feed round bales because of the herd dynamics, I wasn't sure how things would work having Sahara in the drylot with Thor, Queen, Babe, and Mayhem all at one round bale. But this morning when I ran out to do chores in between the downpours, all five of them were at the round bale munching away. I'm sure Sahara will adjust quickly. And now she and Mayhem can play. I can also start working both yearling fillies on leading, tying, and other ground work. I'm excited.
I'm not typically around young horses so it always surprises me at how supple their minds are and how willing they are to try new things.
I'm trying to get everyone adjusted to grass to cut down on the hay bill and to make my summer chores easy. The ponies have been tormenting Sahara and I want her to be in with the other mares. I've found the old warriors can teach a lot to these young kids. Mayhem is totally mellow because she's round the old girls.
We put a round bale in for Thor, Babe, Mayhem, and Queen (who will go out with Dick and Rabbit once I fix the fence. She knows where there's a broken strand and made her great escape Sat night into our front lawn). I want Sahara to have more room to run and be more social instead of being next to the naughty ponies all the time.
I figured I'd at least try my luck at getting a halter on Sahara and we would go from there. I side tracked her with a handful of grass and I slipped the halter on. No problems what so ever. She stood perfectly still. She didn't care that I had a halter on her. She didn't care that I had a lead rope over her back. I clipped the lead rope on the halter and asked her to move. She moved. I was amazed. I asked for her to take a couple more steps and she followed.
I figured I might as well get her out of her pen and see what she does. She followed. She pushed on me and I pushed back but that was it. We walked all the way around the hayshed to the drylot. She only hesitated once. She was using me for support but she walked on beautifully.
I figured we'd have some issues, stopping, backing, rearing, bucking, something. I got nothing. I was amazed.
I led her over to the drylot and let her in. Mayhem had to stop and say hello. There's an advantage to having blind horses. They dont' see you coming with a new horse. I let Sahara go into the drylot and she walked around. Mayhem came to investigate and they touched noses but that was about it. Sahara introduced herself to the rest of the herd. I figured Queen would take to her because she's young. I think Queen was in a bad mood because she wasn't out on grass. Sahara then took of loping through the drylot. Yep, that's right. Even with her crocked front leg, she loped. Her front end is all gangly but hopefully some of that she'll grow out of. She really is the most beautiful black/brown color. Almost identical to her mother.
I was very pleased with how she handled herself in the new surroundings amongst other horses. She didn't freak out; she didn't call out to the ponies or her mother; she didn't try to climb a any fences; she didn't try to boss anyone around. She took everything in with dignity like a true goddess.
Because I don't typcially feed round bales because of the herd dynamics, I wasn't sure how things would work having Sahara in the drylot with Thor, Queen, Babe, and Mayhem all at one round bale. But this morning when I ran out to do chores in between the downpours, all five of them were at the round bale munching away. I'm sure Sahara will adjust quickly. And now she and Mayhem can play. I can also start working both yearling fillies on leading, tying, and other ground work. I'm excited.
Friday, June 10, 2011
582 and 581
I walked through the aisles on a chilly Easter Saturday. My heart ached already for the horses that would be lost this day. I started with the loose horses, as is my normal routine. I stopped at each pen to thoroughly exam each horse and to catalog them in my brain. A pair of sorrel mares stood together watching the people walk by. I had to stop. I couldn’t (and still can’t) figure out what was wrong with both. I have never seen horses that obese before. They had normal quarter horse feet but their bodies were massively fat from the needs up and even had plump checks.
I saw paints, bays, palominos, donkeys, sorrels. Everything was standing in pens, whinnying and milling in their pens.
I kept walking the aisles, stopping to look at each horse. And there she was, standing in the corner of her pen. Hip Number 582 with her baby Hip Number 581. Thin, matted hair covered both momma and baby. I’m sure I stood in front of their pen for five minutes without moving, looking at every detail. The baby had a crocked left leg. My heart sunk. The baby constantly moved but the momma tried to stay as far in the corner as possible. As other horses milled in the adjoining pens, she stood her ground with depression in her eyes. She wouldn’t look at anyone but made sure to stay near the baby.
I continued on my perusal of the loose horses but I was drawn to 582. So thin, so neglected, so unloved. I noticed someone pull an orange ticket from one of the pens. I immediately went back to 582’s pen to see if she too had a ticket. Sure enough a ticket was stuffed in the container.
2 black mares
Miguel Hernendez
Alvord, IA
Bile rose in my throat. Terrible thoughts ran through my head. I put the ticket back and continued wandering, looking at each horse but constantly thinking of the thin black mare with a baby by her side.
The auction start time neared so I got my buyer number and found a seat. Luckily I met up with friends and we all sat together. We chatted through the opened consignment horses and grumbled about prices and the behavior of the riders. I tried to stay as relaxed as possible.
As more and more horses ran through the ring, the audience dwindled. My heart started to race as I realized half of the spectators were already gone and the loose horses hadn’t even started. Then there was a pause. The auctioneer announced they would begin loose horses.
The bile rose in my throat again, my heart started racing, and my palms started sweating. I checked for my buyer number. I tried keeping track of buyer numbers with no avail. I kicked myself for not bringing a notebook. Yuppy or no yuppy, I’d at least have the details. I couldn’t talk. Luckily my friends realized I wasn’t up for much chatting.
As each horse ran through the ring, I became more agitated. When will she run through? When, when, when? Who will bid on her? What will happen to her? How much will she go for? Who will bid on her? What’s going to happen to her?
One yearling colt and a mini donkey went as no value. I thought about raising my hand but knew I couldn’t handle bringing in a yearling stud colt or an unhandled donkey. I felt terrible knowing that not raising my hand could possibly have sealed their fate.
More horses ran through the ring and more people disappeared from the audience, bored with the prices of the horses.
Then the double doors opened and 582 walked into the ring. A hush fell over the few remaining people in the stands. The auctioneer started near $50 (I’m guessing; it’s a blur so I don’t remember). In an instant the auctioneer dropped the price to $10. My hand rose for the $10. At the same time, someone else raised their hand. I’m guessing they felt bad and didn’t want to her to go for no value. The auctioneer screamed $15 for the other individual. My mind raced. I bid against a kill buyer for Bo one month ago. Was I bidding against a kill buyer? The auctioneer looked at me. The price was $20. I nodded my head. The auctioneer scanned the crowd, slammed the gavel on the counter, pointed to me, and said “SOLD! What’s your number dear?”
Luckily I had somehow managed to pull my buyer number out and displayed my number. I was worried my hands would shake too much for them to read my number. The auction staff rushed 582 out through a second set of double doors. Relief swelled over me.
In hobbled 581, the crippled daughter to 582. The auctioneer looked right at me and started the bidding at $25. I shook my head no. Why would I pay more for a crippled baby. I don’t need any more babies. My friend said, “Start at $5.” The auctioneer took that as me wanting the baby for $25. He looked around at the remaining crowd and said “SOLD”. WHAT?!?! I told him “No.” Of course no one can hear me. Luckily my friend told the auctioneer “No, I said start at $5!”.
The auctioneer started the bidding again at $5. Someone raised their hand (I’m guessing the same person who had bid for 582 in the first place. The auctioneer looked at me. I shook my head. The person who bid on 582 (I’m guessing because I couldn’t hear) said they would rather I have the filly. The auctioneer asked if I would take 581 for $5. I nodded. DAMNIT. What am I going to do?
I started to panic. How was I going to get them home? My friend’s friend was there with a trailer so we left the stands to find them. I was in a bit of a panic. What had I done? We found my friend’s friend and asked if they could haul the mother/daughter combo. “No.” They had to be in a different town shortly and couldn’t squeeze in the trip.
Panic. Well, guess I’ll have to make the trek home, hook up the trailer, and head back.
Luckily my friend is not deterred quickly. She suggested we go out and look at our new acquisitions. I was still shaking from bidding on 582. We wandered through the pens. I heard the loudspeaker telling the auction staff what pen to put horses.
We found 582 and 581 in a pen where the auction staff were moving horses. What did I get myself in to? Would I even be able to touch them? They didn’t seem interested. We neared them and both momma and baby trotted away from us. We approached again, momma and baby again trotted away. As we were looking at the pair, the auction staff were rushing a loose horse through the aisles into a pen, beating and yelling at the horse. Why not just put a halter on and ask the horse to go into the pen? But I didn’t say anything and stood there like a log.
My friend then decided that 582 and 581 needed food while we tried to find a ride home. They looked around for some hay. There was a round bale in another pen. My friends stopped the auction staff after rushing another horse into a pen.
While they asking for hay, I approached 582. 581 wouldn’t come near. I stopped at her shoulder and talked quiet nonsense to her. She stood with 581 tucked behind her on the far side. I raised my hand to ask permission for a touch. She stood. I gently reached out and placed a fingertip on her shoulder. She stood. I placed my entire hand on her shoulder. She stood. I rubbed my hand along her shoulder. She stood. I worked my hand up her neck. She stood but turned her head away. I stopped. I started at her withers. She stood. I worked my way up her neck. She stood. I took my other hand and touched her head. She stood. I rubbed my hand on her neck and head. I curled my arm under her head and my other arm over her head. She stood. I hugged. She stood. I fought back tears. 582 was home.
I let go of 582’s head and realized my dear sweet friends had piles of hay for the mother/daughter pair. The horses wandered over but were wary. They snatched a few bites and moved to the other side of the pen.
By that time, the auction was finished. I decided I’d better pay for 582 and 581. My bill, $25; $20 for the mare (582) and $5 for the filly (581). For two lives, I paid $25. I’ve spent more on stupid stuff. How can two lives only cost $25? My friend gave me the $5 for the filly. Speechless. There are no words to explain my gratitude. I wasn’t the only one saving a life today.
After paying for the mares, my friend spotted someone we both recognized. They too were saving lives. They negotiated with the auction to take the two no values. By this time I was totally confused but somewhere my brain recognized that my friend had discussed with these same caring people transport for all the horses. Apparently these caring people didn’t live far from me. Again the wave of gratitude I felt for my friend and these caring people was overwhelming. I stood dumbfounded as everyone chatted.
A trailer was on its way. A ride was secured. The two mares were coming home. My friends had to leave but I stayed with the caring new friends and waited for the trailer. My face felt flushed. What had I done? What was I doing?
We went to the pens to collect the No Value horse, No Value donkey, 582, and 581. The new friends wanted the horses closer to the loading area while we waited for the trailer. The No Value horse was the yearling stud colt. Why no one bid, I don’t know. He will someday be a beauty. We moved the colt closer to the loading area. He moved easily and quickly through the maze of pens and aisles. Then it was time to move the donkey. I was no help in moving him. The new friends are experienced with horses and donkeys and it amazed me at the calm attitude and persistence they had in moving this very stubborn little mini donkey. My hats off to them. By the time the little donkey was in a closer pen, the trailer had arrived.
The new friends loaded the colt with ease and with much pushing and shoving, loaded the donkey. It's my turn!
We grabbed a spare halter from the auction. The driver of the trailer walked up to 582. I didn’t think she’d let him halter her but she didn’t budget when he neared. She followed without a struggle and the baby stayed glued to her momma’s side.
Butterflies swirled in my stomach. How were they going to load? I didn’t want anyone getting hurt. I should be the one leading the mare. If someone gets hurt, it should be me. But the gentleman leading her lead her to the waiting trailer and she hopped right in, followed immediately by the baby. I was amazed and relieved. The relief swelled over me and I started shaking (hopefully not visibly).
582 and 581 were on their way home. Because my friends were at the auction to help and support me, I offered them the chance to name the mother daughter pair. They chose Savanna for 582 (the mother) and Sahara for 581 (the crippled filly).
My gratitude and appreciation for all those that helped me to bring Savanna and Sahara home. I will ever be thankful for your kindness. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I saw paints, bays, palominos, donkeys, sorrels. Everything was standing in pens, whinnying and milling in their pens.
I kept walking the aisles, stopping to look at each horse. And there she was, standing in the corner of her pen. Hip Number 582 with her baby Hip Number 581. Thin, matted hair covered both momma and baby. I’m sure I stood in front of their pen for five minutes without moving, looking at every detail. The baby had a crocked left leg. My heart sunk. The baby constantly moved but the momma tried to stay as far in the corner as possible. As other horses milled in the adjoining pens, she stood her ground with depression in her eyes. She wouldn’t look at anyone but made sure to stay near the baby.
I continued on my perusal of the loose horses but I was drawn to 582. So thin, so neglected, so unloved. I noticed someone pull an orange ticket from one of the pens. I immediately went back to 582’s pen to see if she too had a ticket. Sure enough a ticket was stuffed in the container.
2 black mares
Miguel Hernendez
Alvord, IA
Bile rose in my throat. Terrible thoughts ran through my head. I put the ticket back and continued wandering, looking at each horse but constantly thinking of the thin black mare with a baby by her side.
The auction start time neared so I got my buyer number and found a seat. Luckily I met up with friends and we all sat together. We chatted through the opened consignment horses and grumbled about prices and the behavior of the riders. I tried to stay as relaxed as possible.
As more and more horses ran through the ring, the audience dwindled. My heart started to race as I realized half of the spectators were already gone and the loose horses hadn’t even started. Then there was a pause. The auctioneer announced they would begin loose horses.
The bile rose in my throat again, my heart started racing, and my palms started sweating. I checked for my buyer number. I tried keeping track of buyer numbers with no avail. I kicked myself for not bringing a notebook. Yuppy or no yuppy, I’d at least have the details. I couldn’t talk. Luckily my friends realized I wasn’t up for much chatting.
As each horse ran through the ring, I became more agitated. When will she run through? When, when, when? Who will bid on her? What will happen to her? How much will she go for? Who will bid on her? What’s going to happen to her?
One yearling colt and a mini donkey went as no value. I thought about raising my hand but knew I couldn’t handle bringing in a yearling stud colt or an unhandled donkey. I felt terrible knowing that not raising my hand could possibly have sealed their fate.
More horses ran through the ring and more people disappeared from the audience, bored with the prices of the horses.
Then the double doors opened and 582 walked into the ring. A hush fell over the few remaining people in the stands. The auctioneer started near $50 (I’m guessing; it’s a blur so I don’t remember). In an instant the auctioneer dropped the price to $10. My hand rose for the $10. At the same time, someone else raised their hand. I’m guessing they felt bad and didn’t want to her to go for no value. The auctioneer screamed $15 for the other individual. My mind raced. I bid against a kill buyer for Bo one month ago. Was I bidding against a kill buyer? The auctioneer looked at me. The price was $20. I nodded my head. The auctioneer scanned the crowd, slammed the gavel on the counter, pointed to me, and said “SOLD! What’s your number dear?”
Luckily I had somehow managed to pull my buyer number out and displayed my number. I was worried my hands would shake too much for them to read my number. The auction staff rushed 582 out through a second set of double doors. Relief swelled over me.
In hobbled 581, the crippled daughter to 582. The auctioneer looked right at me and started the bidding at $25. I shook my head no. Why would I pay more for a crippled baby. I don’t need any more babies. My friend said, “Start at $5.” The auctioneer took that as me wanting the baby for $25. He looked around at the remaining crowd and said “SOLD”. WHAT?!?! I told him “No.” Of course no one can hear me. Luckily my friend told the auctioneer “No, I said start at $5!”.
The auctioneer started the bidding again at $5. Someone raised their hand (I’m guessing the same person who had bid for 582 in the first place. The auctioneer looked at me. I shook my head. The person who bid on 582 (I’m guessing because I couldn’t hear) said they would rather I have the filly. The auctioneer asked if I would take 581 for $5. I nodded. DAMNIT. What am I going to do?
I started to panic. How was I going to get them home? My friend’s friend was there with a trailer so we left the stands to find them. I was in a bit of a panic. What had I done? We found my friend’s friend and asked if they could haul the mother/daughter combo. “No.” They had to be in a different town shortly and couldn’t squeeze in the trip.
Panic. Well, guess I’ll have to make the trek home, hook up the trailer, and head back.
Luckily my friend is not deterred quickly. She suggested we go out and look at our new acquisitions. I was still shaking from bidding on 582. We wandered through the pens. I heard the loudspeaker telling the auction staff what pen to put horses.
We found 582 and 581 in a pen where the auction staff were moving horses. What did I get myself in to? Would I even be able to touch them? They didn’t seem interested. We neared them and both momma and baby trotted away from us. We approached again, momma and baby again trotted away. As we were looking at the pair, the auction staff were rushing a loose horse through the aisles into a pen, beating and yelling at the horse. Why not just put a halter on and ask the horse to go into the pen? But I didn’t say anything and stood there like a log.
My friend then decided that 582 and 581 needed food while we tried to find a ride home. They looked around for some hay. There was a round bale in another pen. My friends stopped the auction staff after rushing another horse into a pen.
While they asking for hay, I approached 582. 581 wouldn’t come near. I stopped at her shoulder and talked quiet nonsense to her. She stood with 581 tucked behind her on the far side. I raised my hand to ask permission for a touch. She stood. I gently reached out and placed a fingertip on her shoulder. She stood. I placed my entire hand on her shoulder. She stood. I rubbed my hand along her shoulder. She stood. I worked my hand up her neck. She stood but turned her head away. I stopped. I started at her withers. She stood. I worked my way up her neck. She stood. I took my other hand and touched her head. She stood. I rubbed my hand on her neck and head. I curled my arm under her head and my other arm over her head. She stood. I hugged. She stood. I fought back tears. 582 was home.
I let go of 582’s head and realized my dear sweet friends had piles of hay for the mother/daughter pair. The horses wandered over but were wary. They snatched a few bites and moved to the other side of the pen.
By that time, the auction was finished. I decided I’d better pay for 582 and 581. My bill, $25; $20 for the mare (582) and $5 for the filly (581). For two lives, I paid $25. I’ve spent more on stupid stuff. How can two lives only cost $25? My friend gave me the $5 for the filly. Speechless. There are no words to explain my gratitude. I wasn’t the only one saving a life today.
After paying for the mares, my friend spotted someone we both recognized. They too were saving lives. They negotiated with the auction to take the two no values. By this time I was totally confused but somewhere my brain recognized that my friend had discussed with these same caring people transport for all the horses. Apparently these caring people didn’t live far from me. Again the wave of gratitude I felt for my friend and these caring people was overwhelming. I stood dumbfounded as everyone chatted.
A trailer was on its way. A ride was secured. The two mares were coming home. My friends had to leave but I stayed with the caring new friends and waited for the trailer. My face felt flushed. What had I done? What was I doing?
We went to the pens to collect the No Value horse, No Value donkey, 582, and 581. The new friends wanted the horses closer to the loading area while we waited for the trailer. The No Value horse was the yearling stud colt. Why no one bid, I don’t know. He will someday be a beauty. We moved the colt closer to the loading area. He moved easily and quickly through the maze of pens and aisles. Then it was time to move the donkey. I was no help in moving him. The new friends are experienced with horses and donkeys and it amazed me at the calm attitude and persistence they had in moving this very stubborn little mini donkey. My hats off to them. By the time the little donkey was in a closer pen, the trailer had arrived.
The new friends loaded the colt with ease and with much pushing and shoving, loaded the donkey. It's my turn!
We grabbed a spare halter from the auction. The driver of the trailer walked up to 582. I didn’t think she’d let him halter her but she didn’t budget when he neared. She followed without a struggle and the baby stayed glued to her momma’s side.
Butterflies swirled in my stomach. How were they going to load? I didn’t want anyone getting hurt. I should be the one leading the mare. If someone gets hurt, it should be me. But the gentleman leading her lead her to the waiting trailer and she hopped right in, followed immediately by the baby. I was amazed and relieved. The relief swelled over me and I started shaking (hopefully not visibly).
582 and 581 were on their way home. Because my friends were at the auction to help and support me, I offered them the chance to name the mother daughter pair. They chose Savanna for 582 (the mother) and Sahara for 581 (the crippled filly).
My gratitude and appreciation for all those that helped me to bring Savanna and Sahara home. I will ever be thankful for your kindness. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Savanna Update
I’m not sure what got in to Savanna but I’m loving it. She’s turned almost 180 degrees from a month ago. I had the miracle collar on her for the past month because she cribbed. I hadn’t noticed her cribbing since just after Prize was born. The cribbing collar never really stayed on her correctly. She managed to pull it over her ears so that it wasn’t tight and just hung around her neck. I figured I’d better leave it on her as a reminder that cribbing isn’t allowed.
I feel bad. It’s been on and apparently not having it set properly made it rub. So I decided she could go without. I think being out on pasture for 15 hours has really helped calm her cribbing habits. It could be that if I confine her to a stall like I did for the first two weeks that she’ll return to cribbing but I have high hopes that she’ll keep her cribbing to a minimum now. She doesn’t even look for any fence posts or gates while she powers through her twice daily grain ration.
This morning she again hung her head over the gate. I again asked if she would allow me to pet her and she did. I started at her withers and I swear she about melted under my hand. She desperately wanted to return the favor but new better. Smart girl. I rubbed out some of her sweat marks from earlier this week. I really think she’ll turn in to a diva once she realizes that being touched is a good thing.
While I was scratching Savanna’s withers, neck, and shoulder Prize decided that he would investigate what I was doing. Because there was a slight chill in the air for just a tshirt, I threw on a sweatshirt. Prize decided that he would naw on my sweatshirt for a while. The little guy is getting strong! I’m not sure if he was trying to repay the favor to Savanna or if he is teething or what’s going on but it was fun to have Prize come up to me and touch me instead of running away.
We could have stood there for hours had I not had to get ready for work. I shifted my weight and Prize decided he was done with nawing on me. Savanna turned her butt towards me, not in a menacing way but rather to scratch her butt. I worked on pulling out the rest of her crappy winter coat. She’s really starting to get glossy. Unfortunately her summer coat really shows off how skinny she is. But she is putting on the weight. Pasture time will really help.
After a good rub, I told Savanna I was done petting butt and instead she turned to face me so I could scratch her other side. Had she gotten her way, Savanna would have stood there for hours I think. But Prize was getting tired of standing around and wanted out into the pasture to stretch his legs.
I am so impressed with Savanna. She’s really turning into a doll. I can’t wait until she’s to the proper weight and Prize is weaned. She’s going to be a stunning girl. I can’t wait to tell her story to people so that they can become educated in over breeding and backyard breeding.
When I threw hay to Sahara this morning she too asked to be petted. She REALLY enjoys her butt scratched. Hopefully I can spend a bit of time getting her used to the halter. She desperately needs to be wormed but we’re taking it one step at a time. Slow and steady seems to do the trick around here.
If it ever slows down around here, I’ll try to snap a few pictures of Savanna, Prize, and Sahara so you all can see the stunning horses they are turning in to. I just love the petite little heads Savanna and Sahara have. Their petite heads really make them look feminine and dainty. We’ll see how tonight goes. I’m itching to run a brush over Savanna.
I feel bad. It’s been on and apparently not having it set properly made it rub. So I decided she could go without. I think being out on pasture for 15 hours has really helped calm her cribbing habits. It could be that if I confine her to a stall like I did for the first two weeks that she’ll return to cribbing but I have high hopes that she’ll keep her cribbing to a minimum now. She doesn’t even look for any fence posts or gates while she powers through her twice daily grain ration.
This morning she again hung her head over the gate. I again asked if she would allow me to pet her and she did. I started at her withers and I swear she about melted under my hand. She desperately wanted to return the favor but new better. Smart girl. I rubbed out some of her sweat marks from earlier this week. I really think she’ll turn in to a diva once she realizes that being touched is a good thing.
While I was scratching Savanna’s withers, neck, and shoulder Prize decided that he would investigate what I was doing. Because there was a slight chill in the air for just a tshirt, I threw on a sweatshirt. Prize decided that he would naw on my sweatshirt for a while. The little guy is getting strong! I’m not sure if he was trying to repay the favor to Savanna or if he is teething or what’s going on but it was fun to have Prize come up to me and touch me instead of running away.
We could have stood there for hours had I not had to get ready for work. I shifted my weight and Prize decided he was done with nawing on me. Savanna turned her butt towards me, not in a menacing way but rather to scratch her butt. I worked on pulling out the rest of her crappy winter coat. She’s really starting to get glossy. Unfortunately her summer coat really shows off how skinny she is. But she is putting on the weight. Pasture time will really help.
After a good rub, I told Savanna I was done petting butt and instead she turned to face me so I could scratch her other side. Had she gotten her way, Savanna would have stood there for hours I think. But Prize was getting tired of standing around and wanted out into the pasture to stretch his legs.
I am so impressed with Savanna. She’s really turning into a doll. I can’t wait until she’s to the proper weight and Prize is weaned. She’s going to be a stunning girl. I can’t wait to tell her story to people so that they can become educated in over breeding and backyard breeding.
When I threw hay to Sahara this morning she too asked to be petted. She REALLY enjoys her butt scratched. Hopefully I can spend a bit of time getting her used to the halter. She desperately needs to be wormed but we’re taking it one step at a time. Slow and steady seems to do the trick around here.
If it ever slows down around here, I’ll try to snap a few pictures of Savanna, Prize, and Sahara so you all can see the stunning horses they are turning in to. I just love the petite little heads Savanna and Sahara have. Their petite heads really make them look feminine and dainty. We’ll see how tonight goes. I’m itching to run a brush over Savanna.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Whisper Sweet Nothings
Last night friends came out to ride. It was so nice to get away and not have to worry about anything. Talking horses always lifts my spirits. Thank you ladies for making my day. We rode until dusk and then I had to get to chores. While we rode, M and A played with the horses for a little while. They visited Sahara, Savanna, and Prize.
I’m not sure what those ladies whispered to Savanna but I hope they return and continue whispering those sweet nothings to her. I was finishing up chores and headed for the house when Savanna popped her head over the gate. She’s not done that since Prize was born.
I walked over to check on her and Prize. She was standing so near. So I asked her if she would allow me to touch her. Lo and behold, she did. She stood perfectly still while I scratched her neck and shoulder. I’m guessing the mosquitoes had gotten to her earlier. She even let me touch her face, which she didn’t really like even before Prize was born. I guess when Savanna needs some loving, she’ll let me hug her head. I scratched her neck and then gently touched her head. She stayed exactly where she was, only moving her tail. Savanna let me hug her again. Only three times has she let me touch her face and each time she seems to want to affection of a hug. The first time was at the auction (which almost brought tears to my eyes), the second time she came over and put her head in my chest just before Prize was born (again brought tears to my eyes). And then last night (which filled my heart with joy).
She then backed away and I scratched/petted her other shoulder and neck. I could have stayed there for hours had I not been falling asleep while standing. Yesterday was so hot that she had sweat marks all over her back where the winter hair hasn’t come completely out. I think she would have loved a good grooming had I not been falling asleep.
Savanna and Prize have been out on the lawn pasture during the day since Monday. I’m not sure Savanna totally loves it but I know Prize does. He’ll run and run and run and run. He always runs back in to the leanto instead of to momma. So then Savanna has to trot into the leanto to check on Prize. It’s a funny scene to watch but Savanna immediately goes back out to eat more grass. Savanna is an amazing mother.
I need to rearrange the fence again so that they don’t eat down the lawn to dirt. There’s plenty of grass but the mosquitoes are terrible. I’m hoping that whatever sweet nothings M and A told Savanna, that it’ll last until tonight when I can try petting Savanna again.
And on an even brighter note, Savanna lost that yucky auction tag. It was so stuck on when we first brought her home and then I couldn’t touch her after Prize was born. It’s disappeared somewhere in the pasture. Savanna is picking up weight but still looks tough. I’m betting that now that she’s on pasture for a good 12 hours a day, she’ll pick up weight even faster. She’s also very demanding of her morning and evening grain.
Silly little Prize has figured out how to eat too. He’s learned that his neck is too short for his legs. So instead he bends his legs to reach the grain and grass. I need to sneak a few pictures of Prize while he’s grazing, which is a hard feat to do because he prefers to run all the time. Hopefully this week I can sneak a few pictures of Savanna, Prize, and Sahara so you can see the improvements from 1 ½ months of proper feed and a little bit of TLC.
I’m not sure what those ladies whispered to Savanna but I hope they return and continue whispering those sweet nothings to her. I was finishing up chores and headed for the house when Savanna popped her head over the gate. She’s not done that since Prize was born.
I walked over to check on her and Prize. She was standing so near. So I asked her if she would allow me to touch her. Lo and behold, she did. She stood perfectly still while I scratched her neck and shoulder. I’m guessing the mosquitoes had gotten to her earlier. She even let me touch her face, which she didn’t really like even before Prize was born. I guess when Savanna needs some loving, she’ll let me hug her head. I scratched her neck and then gently touched her head. She stayed exactly where she was, only moving her tail. Savanna let me hug her again. Only three times has she let me touch her face and each time she seems to want to affection of a hug. The first time was at the auction (which almost brought tears to my eyes), the second time she came over and put her head in my chest just before Prize was born (again brought tears to my eyes). And then last night (which filled my heart with joy).
She then backed away and I scratched/petted her other shoulder and neck. I could have stayed there for hours had I not been falling asleep while standing. Yesterday was so hot that she had sweat marks all over her back where the winter hair hasn’t come completely out. I think she would have loved a good grooming had I not been falling asleep.
Savanna and Prize have been out on the lawn pasture during the day since Monday. I’m not sure Savanna totally loves it but I know Prize does. He’ll run and run and run and run. He always runs back in to the leanto instead of to momma. So then Savanna has to trot into the leanto to check on Prize. It’s a funny scene to watch but Savanna immediately goes back out to eat more grass. Savanna is an amazing mother.
I need to rearrange the fence again so that they don’t eat down the lawn to dirt. There’s plenty of grass but the mosquitoes are terrible. I’m hoping that whatever sweet nothings M and A told Savanna, that it’ll last until tonight when I can try petting Savanna again.
And on an even brighter note, Savanna lost that yucky auction tag. It was so stuck on when we first brought her home and then I couldn’t touch her after Prize was born. It’s disappeared somewhere in the pasture. Savanna is picking up weight but still looks tough. I’m betting that now that she’s on pasture for a good 12 hours a day, she’ll pick up weight even faster. She’s also very demanding of her morning and evening grain.
Silly little Prize has figured out how to eat too. He’s learned that his neck is too short for his legs. So instead he bends his legs to reach the grain and grass. I need to sneak a few pictures of Prize while he’s grazing, which is a hard feat to do because he prefers to run all the time. Hopefully this week I can sneak a few pictures of Savanna, Prize, and Sahara so you can see the improvements from 1 ½ months of proper feed and a little bit of TLC.
Monday, May 23, 2011
One Month Ago Today
It's hard to believe that exactly one month ago today, we brought home Savanna, unborn Sir Prize, and Sahara. They've come a long way in that short month. So much has happened in one month. So many highs and so many lows. It's hard to fathom. So many stresses and yet so many joys.
Last night, I let the big herd out onto the lawn and opened the barn door to let Savanna and Prize play in the drylot. I've been overly cautious of Savanna and Prize so I keep them tucked in the barn at night to ward off any chills or rainy weather.
Savanna wandered around but it seemed as though she felt more comfortable in the barn. It could be that she'll turn into a barn babe. Prize stayed close to momma for the first 10 minutes or so while I stood there watching. I puttered for a little bit and came back to watch them. Savanna wandered down into the mud and Prize followed. It was his first experience of mud. It's so fun to watch them experience the firsts of so many things. I feel blessed. After a few steps in the mud, Prize took off like a streak, well only sort of. The mud slowed his progress. But he was all legs loping through the muddy drylot.
Queen and Rabbit took an instant interest in what was going on. I know that Queen was interested in Prize. I'm not sure if Rabbit was interested in the baby or the fact there was another horse she hadn't met. Mayhem stayed by Queens side, using Queen as a shield if something bad were to happen. Mayhem was interested but not as interested as Queen. Of course, with all those mares around, Dick became interested too. Poor Dick is surrounded by mares. I'm not sure if he thinks he's died and gone to heaven or feels outnumbered. :-) I think Dick enjoys being surrounded. Rabbit is almost always by Dicks side and Mayhem stops for a chat a couple times a day.
While I was doing chores the other day, Mike asked who was standing by the fence eating. He thought it was Brego. Nope, it's Bo! Mike makes a point to not look closely at the horses every day like I do. That way when a major change happens, he can notice it. So either Brego is going downhill or Bo is improving. I'll take it that Bo is improving. His hipbones are still protruding but he's packing on the pounds and once he's out on pasture grazing, he'll gain weight a lot faster. I figure it usually takes about six months to regain their full weight.
I was just thinking about Rabbit and looked her over pretty well. She's fat. Fatter than fat these days. I was worried about her this fall. Mayhem took a toll on her and she came to us on the thin side. But she apparently wintered well and is fat. I think she may actually be an easy keeper, which will be a nice thing. I'm a bit exhausted having hard keepers.
I'm trying to come up with a better plan for Sam. His ulcers have returned. I read an article in Equus Magazine about ulcers and the meds that we are administering. I need to change Sam's diet but not sure how to do that with being able to keep his weight up. The grains keep his weight up but they cause his ulcers. It's a trial and error kind of issue. For those naysayers, No I have not taken Sam in to do an ulcer scope or whatever they are called. Borderlands doesn't have the funds nor do we want to stress Sam out any more than we need. I don't need a test to tell me he has ulcers. I have consulted with a couple different vets to decide what the best method is for Sam's future feeding schedule. My vet HAS seen him, does know the issues, and does not need to run any unnecessary tests to tell me he has ulcers. We've diagnosed the issue and now need to rectify the issue, which is the grains.
Now that Savanna has been here a month, she's starting to lose her hair. I'm not surprised. As emaciated as she was when she arrived, they tend to lose their hair. I always feel bad. Sahara is losing her baby fur in chunks. She's tolerating most of my pulling (as long as I stay on the other side of the fence). Oh to get a brush through that baby fur and let her slick out to a beautiful girl. I want to show off her potential. She's a gorgeous little girl that needs lots of TLC. I'm betting Savanna will turn gorgeous too once the new hair comes back in and her weight is at the right level. She'll be stunning and I'm not biased either. She has the petite feminine head that people want in a mare. Not the chunky blockhead some mares are "blessed" with. Savanna will be beautiful one day. I just wish I could speed up the process.
I'm hoping that June will be a better month than May. May was a better month than April. So hopefully it can only get better from here. My heart goes out to a couple of rescues that are going through some difficulties. You know know who you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Just remember, we are doing it for the horses. You are making a difference. Stay true to your heart and don't let those same naysayers get to you too. You've taught me that. :-) Stay strong and go hug a horse. The world is a better place because horses are in it.
Last night, I let the big herd out onto the lawn and opened the barn door to let Savanna and Prize play in the drylot. I've been overly cautious of Savanna and Prize so I keep them tucked in the barn at night to ward off any chills or rainy weather.
Savanna wandered around but it seemed as though she felt more comfortable in the barn. It could be that she'll turn into a barn babe. Prize stayed close to momma for the first 10 minutes or so while I stood there watching. I puttered for a little bit and came back to watch them. Savanna wandered down into the mud and Prize followed. It was his first experience of mud. It's so fun to watch them experience the firsts of so many things. I feel blessed. After a few steps in the mud, Prize took off like a streak, well only sort of. The mud slowed his progress. But he was all legs loping through the muddy drylot.
Queen and Rabbit took an instant interest in what was going on. I know that Queen was interested in Prize. I'm not sure if Rabbit was interested in the baby or the fact there was another horse she hadn't met. Mayhem stayed by Queens side, using Queen as a shield if something bad were to happen. Mayhem was interested but not as interested as Queen. Of course, with all those mares around, Dick became interested too. Poor Dick is surrounded by mares. I'm not sure if he thinks he's died and gone to heaven or feels outnumbered. :-) I think Dick enjoys being surrounded. Rabbit is almost always by Dicks side and Mayhem stops for a chat a couple times a day.
While I was doing chores the other day, Mike asked who was standing by the fence eating. He thought it was Brego. Nope, it's Bo! Mike makes a point to not look closely at the horses every day like I do. That way when a major change happens, he can notice it. So either Brego is going downhill or Bo is improving. I'll take it that Bo is improving. His hipbones are still protruding but he's packing on the pounds and once he's out on pasture grazing, he'll gain weight a lot faster. I figure it usually takes about six months to regain their full weight.
I was just thinking about Rabbit and looked her over pretty well. She's fat. Fatter than fat these days. I was worried about her this fall. Mayhem took a toll on her and she came to us on the thin side. But she apparently wintered well and is fat. I think she may actually be an easy keeper, which will be a nice thing. I'm a bit exhausted having hard keepers.
I'm trying to come up with a better plan for Sam. His ulcers have returned. I read an article in Equus Magazine about ulcers and the meds that we are administering. I need to change Sam's diet but not sure how to do that with being able to keep his weight up. The grains keep his weight up but they cause his ulcers. It's a trial and error kind of issue. For those naysayers, No I have not taken Sam in to do an ulcer scope or whatever they are called. Borderlands doesn't have the funds nor do we want to stress Sam out any more than we need. I don't need a test to tell me he has ulcers. I have consulted with a couple different vets to decide what the best method is for Sam's future feeding schedule. My vet HAS seen him, does know the issues, and does not need to run any unnecessary tests to tell me he has ulcers. We've diagnosed the issue and now need to rectify the issue, which is the grains.
Now that Savanna has been here a month, she's starting to lose her hair. I'm not surprised. As emaciated as she was when she arrived, they tend to lose their hair. I always feel bad. Sahara is losing her baby fur in chunks. She's tolerating most of my pulling (as long as I stay on the other side of the fence). Oh to get a brush through that baby fur and let her slick out to a beautiful girl. I want to show off her potential. She's a gorgeous little girl that needs lots of TLC. I'm betting Savanna will turn gorgeous too once the new hair comes back in and her weight is at the right level. She'll be stunning and I'm not biased either. She has the petite feminine head that people want in a mare. Not the chunky blockhead some mares are "blessed" with. Savanna will be beautiful one day. I just wish I could speed up the process.
I'm hoping that June will be a better month than May. May was a better month than April. So hopefully it can only get better from here. My heart goes out to a couple of rescues that are going through some difficulties. You know know who you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Just remember, we are doing it for the horses. You are making a difference. Stay true to your heart and don't let those same naysayers get to you too. You've taught me that. :-) Stay strong and go hug a horse. The world is a better place because horses are in it.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Happy One Week Birthday Prize
It's hard to believe that one week ago today, little Sir Prize was born. I only wish that we could have pulled Savanna sooner from the auction to give her that much more time to try and recover from her starvation.
Last night as I watched Savanna and Prize, Prize decided to lope through the barn. Luckily Savanna is relaxing her guard and letting Prize move around a bit more without her ever watchful eye. Savanna is most definitely a very protective mother.
This morning when I went in to feed them, Savanna let out a dainty little nicker. Late last week she wouldn't acknowledge me but this week she is. We are slowly gaining her trust and teaching her that we won't hurt her baby.
I get the impression that with Savanna, you have to ask for permission to be around her. Even in the condition she was in when we first got her, less than a month ago, she required you to ask permission. But once she agreed, she was the most loving mare that only wants to be cuddled and loved.
We are also making small headway with Sahara. Last night I was able to scratch her neck, shoulder, and a little of her side and face. She's still very cautious of people but she too is coming around. I can only imagine what she's had to live through in her one year of life. And then I look at Mayhem and see how well adjusted she is and how she enjoys life without any worries or extra baggage. It will be interesting to compare the two fillies as they grow.
I'll try to get some pics of the birthday boy tonight.
Last night as I watched Savanna and Prize, Prize decided to lope through the barn. Luckily Savanna is relaxing her guard and letting Prize move around a bit more without her ever watchful eye. Savanna is most definitely a very protective mother.
This morning when I went in to feed them, Savanna let out a dainty little nicker. Late last week she wouldn't acknowledge me but this week she is. We are slowly gaining her trust and teaching her that we won't hurt her baby.
I get the impression that with Savanna, you have to ask for permission to be around her. Even in the condition she was in when we first got her, less than a month ago, she required you to ask permission. But once she agreed, she was the most loving mare that only wants to be cuddled and loved.
We are also making small headway with Sahara. Last night I was able to scratch her neck, shoulder, and a little of her side and face. She's still very cautious of people but she too is coming around. I can only imagine what she's had to live through in her one year of life. And then I look at Mayhem and see how well adjusted she is and how she enjoys life without any worries or extra baggage. It will be interesting to compare the two fillies as they grow.
I'll try to get some pics of the birthday boy tonight.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Calling BS
When I have more time I’ll write the full story of Savanna and Sahara but for now I’ll just keep you in suspense with a few details.
While we were looking through the loose horse pens, I spied Savanna and Sahara. I found the tag listing the owner, a Miguel Hernendez of Alvord, Iowa. My good friend D volunteered to call after the sale and see if she could get any information about Savanna and Sahara.
I did notice that both mother and daughter had at one point worn a halter. I wasn’t sure if the baby had ever worn one but there is just a slight mark that shows she had one on at one point in time, I’m guessing to get her into the trailer to go to the auction.
So D called but got Mr. Hernendez’s daughter. She asked if her dad had any horses and she said she didn’t know but that D should call back at 7pm when her dad would be in the house. D called again but only got the daughter. Luckily the daughter was nice enough to give a cell phone number. D called the cell but didn’t get an answer. After leaving a message, we kept our fingers crossed that he would call.
Mr. Hernendez did call. Now if the story is correct, we aren’t sure. I’m glad it was D who talked with him. I would have lost my patience. The daughter had to translate because Mr. Hernendez doesn’t speak English very well. So here’s what we know from the conversation.
The mare, Savanna, is five years old. The filly, Sahara, is one year old. They were actually owned by another person but they went back to Mexico six months ago. Mr. Hernedez took the pair at that time. The daughter said that they didn’t know anything about horses. And that’s about all we got out of them.
I then contacted someone from Alvord, Iowa (we’ll call them Jane Doe) to see if they knew Mr. Hernendez and if they were telling the truth. If it’s the same person (and I don’t know if it is), we were told that he keeps his horses in a barn and that his stallion has broken a fence and gotten in to Jane Doe’s pasture a couple of times.
Red Flag, Red Flag, Red Flag. Now, it could be that the person with the stallion is not Mr. Hernendez but if it is, he gave us a song and dance. And I’m beginning to think he gave us a run around. It could very well be that someone else owned the mare and filly but that he took them and still didn’t bother to feed them through the ENTIRE WINTER. Six months ago put us at the end of October. A few things just aren’t adding up. A road trip may very well be in order in the next few days. If Mr. Hernendez is the same person Jane Doe thought it was, I’m betting that there are more thin horses. And if he has a stallion, he’s causing a major issue. If there are more horses locked in a barn, I will have to raise holy hell. I have pictures of Savanna and Sahara to prove that he starved them. Savanna is so thin and Sahara has a crippled leg that should have been taken care of. I can’t tell if Sahara is thin because she won’t let me touch her yet.
So, does anyone else want to do some digging. The story isn’t adding up and I’m calling BS.
While we were looking through the loose horse pens, I spied Savanna and Sahara. I found the tag listing the owner, a Miguel Hernendez of Alvord, Iowa. My good friend D volunteered to call after the sale and see if she could get any information about Savanna and Sahara.
I did notice that both mother and daughter had at one point worn a halter. I wasn’t sure if the baby had ever worn one but there is just a slight mark that shows she had one on at one point in time, I’m guessing to get her into the trailer to go to the auction.
So D called but got Mr. Hernendez’s daughter. She asked if her dad had any horses and she said she didn’t know but that D should call back at 7pm when her dad would be in the house. D called again but only got the daughter. Luckily the daughter was nice enough to give a cell phone number. D called the cell but didn’t get an answer. After leaving a message, we kept our fingers crossed that he would call.
Mr. Hernendez did call. Now if the story is correct, we aren’t sure. I’m glad it was D who talked with him. I would have lost my patience. The daughter had to translate because Mr. Hernendez doesn’t speak English very well. So here’s what we know from the conversation.
The mare, Savanna, is five years old. The filly, Sahara, is one year old. They were actually owned by another person but they went back to Mexico six months ago. Mr. Hernedez took the pair at that time. The daughter said that they didn’t know anything about horses. And that’s about all we got out of them.
I then contacted someone from Alvord, Iowa (we’ll call them Jane Doe) to see if they knew Mr. Hernendez and if they were telling the truth. If it’s the same person (and I don’t know if it is), we were told that he keeps his horses in a barn and that his stallion has broken a fence and gotten in to Jane Doe’s pasture a couple of times.
Red Flag, Red Flag, Red Flag. Now, it could be that the person with the stallion is not Mr. Hernendez but if it is, he gave us a song and dance. And I’m beginning to think he gave us a run around. It could very well be that someone else owned the mare and filly but that he took them and still didn’t bother to feed them through the ENTIRE WINTER. Six months ago put us at the end of October. A few things just aren’t adding up. A road trip may very well be in order in the next few days. If Mr. Hernendez is the same person Jane Doe thought it was, I’m betting that there are more thin horses. And if he has a stallion, he’s causing a major issue. If there are more horses locked in a barn, I will have to raise holy hell. I have pictures of Savanna and Sahara to prove that he starved them. Savanna is so thin and Sahara has a crippled leg that should have been taken care of. I can’t tell if Sahara is thin because she won’t let me touch her yet.
So, does anyone else want to do some digging. The story isn’t adding up and I’m calling BS.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Savanna and Sahara
I'll admit that I am absolutely exhausted. I've been in "Go" mode since 8am and it's not 10:30pm. I'll cut to the chase, we brought two home. I would have kicked myself for not bringing them home but I'm worried about how we will handle taking these two in.
I'll tell the story tomorrow after I've had a few hours of sleep. As the saying goes from my favoite movie, Man from Snowy River: "I have no notion of their breeding..." But we brought two mare home in deplorable condition. I will admit that they are in better shape than Bo...sad I know.
It is a mother daughter combination. Thank you D and M for sitting through the auction with me. I don't know that I would have been brave enough to bring them home without you. Thank you also to N, her dad, and G for bringing these two lovey ladies home. It is great to have such good and so many amazing friends who are willing to help. I am truely blessed on this Easter Weekend.
I'll refrain from babbling on any more. I'm sure you are anxious to meet the new lovely ladies of Borderlands. Please welcome Savanna and her daughter, Sahara. They are resting comfortably in a stall tonight.
Tomorrow is another day.
Savanna
Savanna and her daughter Sahara
Savanna
Savanna
Sahara
Sahara resting after her long day at the auction.
I'll tell the story tomorrow after I've had a few hours of sleep. As the saying goes from my favoite movie, Man from Snowy River: "I have no notion of their breeding..." But we brought two mare home in deplorable condition. I will admit that they are in better shape than Bo...sad I know.
It is a mother daughter combination. Thank you D and M for sitting through the auction with me. I don't know that I would have been brave enough to bring them home without you. Thank you also to N, her dad, and G for bringing these two lovey ladies home. It is great to have such good and so many amazing friends who are willing to help. I am truely blessed on this Easter Weekend.
I'll refrain from babbling on any more. I'm sure you are anxious to meet the new lovely ladies of Borderlands. Please welcome Savanna and her daughter, Sahara. They are resting comfortably in a stall tonight.
Tomorrow is another day.
Savanna
Savanna and her daughter Sahara
Savanna
Savanna
Sahara
Sahara resting after her long day at the auction.
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