I've been mulling over the word "rescue" for awhile. The majority of the horses at Borderlands aren't really "rescues" where it was a life or death situation. The majority of the horses at Borderlands come from good owners trying to do the right thing for their horse. There are only a few horses that are true "rescues" where they would have entered into the slaughter pipeline and been lost.
I haven't yet come up with a good word to best describe these other non-rescue horses so for the time being that's what they have been called and will probably continue to be called. I am pleased that people have reached out to do the best they can for their horses instead of dumping them at an auction. And I'm finding that even those that take their horses to an auction don't want to but have no other choice. Unfortunately many of these same people are unaware of the kill buyers and horse traders warming the seats.
I also realize that I am very opinionated on this blog so if I offend, I apologize. Everyone has options and opinions when it comes to their horses. I am pleased that those people I have worked with to bring horses in to Borderlands are concerned about their horses and want to make sure that their horses live out their lives safely.
So, here's a challenge to you. If you can come up with a better word than "rescue" send me a note. I welcome all ideas. For now, I am trying to teach myself to use "sanctuary". Still probably not politically correct but it's better than "rescue" for those horses that had loving owners wanting to find their horse a forever and safe home.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bad Weather Ahead
Looks like we'll be in it for the long haul with colder weather coming in tomorrow. From NOAA:
Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 1. North northwest wind between 9 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tuesday: A slight chance of snow before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 8. Northwest wind between 15 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7. Wind chill values as low as -21. Northwest wind between 9 and 15 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 1. Northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -9.
They've closed all the surrounding schools already so that has me worried. I should be at home taking care of the "kids" instead of at work making money. But with the weather turning worse tomorrow, perhaps it's better I'm at work today and will stay home tomorrow.
I'll be getting the stalls ready for tomorrow night. I may break out the remaining blankets. I think January and February are the months for colder temps. I did see that Horse.com is clearancing out some blankets. They aren't steller deals but it's better than nothing and I really like those types of blankets. I want each horse to have at least one blanket so that when bad weather hits, everyone will be protected.
Uuugh, let me just say, I hate winter storms.
Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 1. North northwest wind between 9 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tuesday: A slight chance of snow before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 8. Northwest wind between 15 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7. Wind chill values as low as -21. Northwest wind between 9 and 15 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 1. Northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -9.
They've closed all the surrounding schools already so that has me worried. I should be at home taking care of the "kids" instead of at work making money. But with the weather turning worse tomorrow, perhaps it's better I'm at work today and will stay home tomorrow.
I'll be getting the stalls ready for tomorrow night. I may break out the remaining blankets. I think January and February are the months for colder temps. I did see that Horse.com is clearancing out some blankets. They aren't steller deals but it's better than nothing and I really like those types of blankets. I want each horse to have at least one blanket so that when bad weather hits, everyone will be protected.
Uuugh, let me just say, I hate winter storms.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Cold Rain
I'd planned on taking the camera out tonight during chores to get a few pictures of the horses in snow. We've already gotten about 2 inches of snow and it'll continue to snow until Tuesday morning (so the weatherman says). I didn't get a chance, however, to grab the camera. When I went outside to get Sam started on his beet pulp, Rain was standing in the leanto shivering away.
A year or so after bringing Rain home, he got sick. We thought we were going to lose him. He pulled through but ever since then he's been more susceptible to the weather. I joke about him being a "delicate flower" but in truth his system has been compromised.
During the summer, Rain can't be ridden when the temps hit 80 degrees. In the winter, we have to keep a close eye on him since he can get chilled easily, as was the case today. Rain doesn't like the blanket I currently use on him. Rain doesn't really like the confines of a blanket but perhaps the one I had on him was too small. He prefers his tack/blankets loose.
So I ran back into the house and grabbed a larger sized blanket. Luckily I've been slowly stockpiling blankets. We can always use more since I don't have enough blankets for each horse just yet. I hope to rectify that the sooner the better.
I pulled Rain into the hay barn and let him eat some alfalfa while I threw on the blanket and adjusted it. He was still shivering for about 10 more minutes but with a blanket securely in place and some alfalfa in his belly he warmed up. I guess I'll have to leave the blanket on from now on. I've got blankets on Sam and Rabbit. I guess leaving a blanket on Rain until the spring won't be all that bad. At least then he wont' get chilled as quickly.
So, since I didn't get any pictures of the herd tonight, I went through my files and pulled out some more pictures from our vacation in August while we visited the Black Hills. Although the Hills might be covered in snow right now, it's always nice to see green. I'm already dreaming of a green summer.
A year or so after bringing Rain home, he got sick. We thought we were going to lose him. He pulled through but ever since then he's been more susceptible to the weather. I joke about him being a "delicate flower" but in truth his system has been compromised.
During the summer, Rain can't be ridden when the temps hit 80 degrees. In the winter, we have to keep a close eye on him since he can get chilled easily, as was the case today. Rain doesn't like the blanket I currently use on him. Rain doesn't really like the confines of a blanket but perhaps the one I had on him was too small. He prefers his tack/blankets loose.
So I ran back into the house and grabbed a larger sized blanket. Luckily I've been slowly stockpiling blankets. We can always use more since I don't have enough blankets for each horse just yet. I hope to rectify that the sooner the better.
I pulled Rain into the hay barn and let him eat some alfalfa while I threw on the blanket and adjusted it. He was still shivering for about 10 more minutes but with a blanket securely in place and some alfalfa in his belly he warmed up. I guess I'll have to leave the blanket on from now on. I've got blankets on Sam and Rabbit. I guess leaving a blanket on Rain until the spring won't be all that bad. At least then he wont' get chilled as quickly.
So, since I didn't get any pictures of the herd tonight, I went through my files and pulled out some more pictures from our vacation in August while we visited the Black Hills. Although the Hills might be covered in snow right now, it's always nice to see green. I'm already dreaming of a green summer.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Trouble Time
In keeping with the new year's resolution to post more pictures, here's an Off Topic post. (I need to get horse pictures soon!)
During the summer months we spend most of our time outside. Our little monster dog, Trouble, doesn't get as much laptime during the summer. But we do try to spoil her when we can. While in Tractor Supply the other day we bought a bone for the two outside dogs Farley and Gypsy. Trouble had to check out the bone first.
She happily chewed on the bone and licked the flavoring right off (note to self, don't buy this type of bone again. Trouble left little foot prints all over the floor.
Nope, the picture isn't deceiving. She is just slightly longer than the bone. For being all of seven pounds, she's all T.R.O.U.B.L.E.
During the summer months we spend most of our time outside. Our little monster dog, Trouble, doesn't get as much laptime during the summer. But we do try to spoil her when we can. While in Tractor Supply the other day we bought a bone for the two outside dogs Farley and Gypsy. Trouble had to check out the bone first.
She happily chewed on the bone and licked the flavoring right off (note to self, don't buy this type of bone again. Trouble left little foot prints all over the floor.
Nope, the picture isn't deceiving. She is just slightly longer than the bone. For being all of seven pounds, she's all T.R.O.U.B.L.E.
Howling Wind
Originally I said this morning that if we had snow, we'd be experiencing a blizzard. Apparently I was wrong as it's now snowing and the winds are still strong (steady 22 mph). When I woke this morning, I could hear the wind howling and wasn't looking forward to morning chores in gale force winds.
The gentleman who originally designed and built what is now Borderlands must have studied the layout, land, and general weather patterns. When I stepped out there was barely a breeze even though I could hear the wind. Even during all my morning chores through different pens and in different locations it was a rather pleasant event.
When the wind is out of the north/northwest we are protected by a large shelterbelt. Normally there is a little bit of wind in the mare pasture when the wind is out of the north, but not today. It was surprisingly pleasant. I only wish I could be as studious and research the affects of placing buildings and trees in different areas.
We are definitely blessed with the location of Borderlands. The only time I grumble is when the wind is out of the east or south. We don't yet have a serious shelter belt to protect the horses when the winds gust from those directions. Luckily the arctic winds normally come from the west/north west so the horses are protected.
The weatherman is predicting a weather change today as temps plummet and we'll be dealing with single digits and below zero temps in the evenings. I am glad I had the opportunity to ride yesterday as the weather doesn't look conducive to anything but trudging through chores. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the winds die down for chore time.
The gentleman who originally designed and built what is now Borderlands must have studied the layout, land, and general weather patterns. When I stepped out there was barely a breeze even though I could hear the wind. Even during all my morning chores through different pens and in different locations it was a rather pleasant event.
When the wind is out of the north/northwest we are protected by a large shelterbelt. Normally there is a little bit of wind in the mare pasture when the wind is out of the north, but not today. It was surprisingly pleasant. I only wish I could be as studious and research the affects of placing buildings and trees in different areas.
We are definitely blessed with the location of Borderlands. The only time I grumble is when the wind is out of the east or south. We don't yet have a serious shelter belt to protect the horses when the winds gust from those directions. Luckily the arctic winds normally come from the west/north west so the horses are protected.
The weatherman is predicting a weather change today as temps plummet and we'll be dealing with single digits and below zero temps in the evenings. I am glad I had the opportunity to ride yesterday as the weather doesn't look conducive to anything but trudging through chores. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the winds die down for chore time.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Evening Ride
During the winter months I get bogged down with daily chores. By the time everyone has their evening meal and everyone is happy for the night, it's dark. I'm usually exhausted tramping through the snow, throwing hay, and usually grumbling to myself wondering why in the world I opened a sanctuary for old horses in South Dakota (of all places).
But tonight reminded me of something. The weather was beautiful (relatively speaking) at just under 32 degrees. Winter chores in "warmer" weather makes life so much easier. The days are getting longer; the sun doesn't set until 5:30 and it doesn't get pitch black until 5:45pm.
I decided that since it was such a nice day, that I would take Rain out for a quick ride because I had a little bit of light left in the day. I didn't want to ride far but didn't want to ride in the yard because of the ice. We skirted the icy driveway and headed down the gravel road which was frozen solid. We avoided the icy patches and headed into the neighbor's field (we asked permission this fall).
Rain and I took it fairly slow since the ground is completely tore up (they did a deep rip on it when disking in the fall). Rain is most definitely barn sour. We can get out of the driveway but the minute we turn around and he thinks we're headed for home he freaks out; not freak out bad or anything but gets worked up into a foamy lather.
By the time we were done riding, which lasted all of about 15 minutes, he was in a complete lather. It looked like we'd been riding hard for a good 10 miles instead of circling a small field twice. Granted Rain is out of shape but he mainly got worked up when we turned around and he saw the barn. I guess I'll be working on Rain's barn sour issue. Hopefully the weather will stay nice; although I heard a nasty rumor that we're going to get another arctic front rolling through. It's bound to bring colder temperatures. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that winter will be mild. I'm trying my hardest to keep up with my new years resolution to ride more.
And in keeping with my new years resolution, I wanted to include at least one picture on today's blog. Here's Chaos from this spring. He sure is a handsome fella. We really lucked out considered we took him sight unseen as an unhandled, yearling stud colt.
But tonight reminded me of something. The weather was beautiful (relatively speaking) at just under 32 degrees. Winter chores in "warmer" weather makes life so much easier. The days are getting longer; the sun doesn't set until 5:30 and it doesn't get pitch black until 5:45pm.
I decided that since it was such a nice day, that I would take Rain out for a quick ride because I had a little bit of light left in the day. I didn't want to ride far but didn't want to ride in the yard because of the ice. We skirted the icy driveway and headed down the gravel road which was frozen solid. We avoided the icy patches and headed into the neighbor's field (we asked permission this fall).
Rain and I took it fairly slow since the ground is completely tore up (they did a deep rip on it when disking in the fall). Rain is most definitely barn sour. We can get out of the driveway but the minute we turn around and he thinks we're headed for home he freaks out; not freak out bad or anything but gets worked up into a foamy lather.
By the time we were done riding, which lasted all of about 15 minutes, he was in a complete lather. It looked like we'd been riding hard for a good 10 miles instead of circling a small field twice. Granted Rain is out of shape but he mainly got worked up when we turned around and he saw the barn. I guess I'll be working on Rain's barn sour issue. Hopefully the weather will stay nice; although I heard a nasty rumor that we're going to get another arctic front rolling through. It's bound to bring colder temperatures. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that winter will be mild. I'm trying my hardest to keep up with my new years resolution to ride more.
And in keeping with my new years resolution, I wanted to include at least one picture on today's blog. Here's Chaos from this spring. He sure is a handsome fella. We really lucked out considered we took him sight unseen as an unhandled, yearling stud colt.
March 1 - National Horse Protection Day
I was puttering through the local humane societies and came across a very important date:
Tuesday March 1st - National Horse Protection Day
Too bad it didn't fall on a Saturday so we could go and promote during an auction. So, what can we do to promote this very important day/topic and spread awareness?
Send me your ideas (either here or on Facebook)!
Tuesday March 1st - National Horse Protection Day
Too bad it didn't fall on a Saturday so we could go and promote during an auction. So, what can we do to promote this very important day/topic and spread awareness?
Send me your ideas (either here or on Facebook)!
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