Four legs and a tale or two from Crow's Nest Stables

Love those Rockies!

2012-01-27T07:59:00.003-06:00

One great thing about our Rocky Mtn./Kentucky Mtn. mares is that they can stand out in the pasture for months with no attention - let alone no riding - & then we can catch them & ride & they behave as if they'd been ridden all along. The Rocky Mtn. breed is known for its 'puppy dog' disposition, & our broodmares have been excellent representatives of the breed.

HELLO, WORLD!

2012-01-24T14:17:00.004-06:00

This little filly was born early 1/23/12. She's the last foal by TWH stallion, Threat's Silver Sun, who was sadly put down last April due to blindness. Silver was white, and white horses are more prone to skin cancer, so perhaps his color also contributed to his weak eyes. Before his death we put the above ASB mare, Missouri Showtime, in with Silver in hopes of keeping him from running into barbed wire fences. But it became increasingly apparent that Silver was going to keep injuring himself as well as injure us. Due to his inability to see, he practically ran right over me on a couple of occasions...not his fault, he simply couldn't tell where I was. His last foal is a 'lit up' bay...one with lots of chrome.

Seve's Pushover

2012-01-18T09:14:00.002-06:00

This black beauty is a 4 yr. old stallion ready to send to the trainer. He's out of world champion, Seve, & a big, black mare named Pushover's Heart of Gold. He's a tall fellow & has a 'loose' way of traveling...he should be very gaited.

Oops...Handsome Dan

2012-01-13T13:19:00.001-06:00

THIS is Handsome Dan...mistaken in the previous post for Gentleman Jim. They are full brothers, both registered Spotted Saddle Horses, and look a lot alike. Dan is one year younger than Jim. This picture depicts Jim back in the summer learning about obstacles...shown here learning to cross a wooden "bridge". Sometimes the hollow sound of their hooves can create a scary scenario, but both Jim & Dan took it all in stride.

Jim

2012-01-11T17:05:00.003-06:00

This is Jim (sometimes referred to as Gentleman Jim), a 5 yr. old registered Spotted Saddle Horse gelding. Jim is naturally gaited and has a quiet disposition. He is the top colt shown sunning in the picture below.

Callie and Kiss

2012-01-07T10:33:00.000-06:00

The saddle was way too small for her, but Callie still managed to take Kiss for a spin. Then we took the saddle off & Callie had a much better time riding bareback. Unfortunately we failed to capture the bareback ride, but Callie said she much preferred that. Callie & Kiss make a good looking team! This was Callie's first time riding a gaited horse, but she & Kiss made it look as easy as it is!

Lying in the sun...

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is an old picture of our two Spotted Saddle Horse geldings when they were much younger. They are full brothers & share the same, easy going attitude. The trainer saddled & rode each one within a matter of minutes after their arrival at his place. Neither had ever been 'sacked out' with a blanket let alone saddled.

Bella and Mystic

2012-01-03T11:11:00.003-06:00

This is a photo of Bella B. Walker being ridden by Mystic back in October. Bella is a double registered RMHA/KMSHA broodmare/trailhorse. Bella has done it all...from the show ring to the trail to pulling a buggy to raising babies ... all with style & a great disposition.

Rocky Mountain filly

2011-12-30T22:49:00.000-06:00

This is Bella's 4 year old filly "Choco Latte". It's time to start the training process, but I don't anticipate any problems. Rocky Mtn. horses are known for their gentle, puppy-dog dispositions as well as their easy gaits.

2011 Caspian filly, Shovan's Finale

2011-12-22T19:38:00.002-06:00

This foal is our newest Caspian: Shovan's Finale. She was born back in May & is now currently being weaned from her mama, Chinchilla. She was weaned by the proper Moon sign according to The Old Farmer's Almanac --- & so far the timing seems to have paid off since she's adjusting pretty well to life without mama.

Latest Calf

2011-12-05T20:59:00.001-06:00

#18 delivered a cute little black heifer on 11/30/11.

5 yr. old registered Spotted Saddle Horse for Sale

2011-06-23T17:22:00.002-05:00

Shown bareback & wearing only a halter, this black/white registered 5 yr. old Spotted Saddle Horse gelding is priced to sell at $3,500. Well gaited: walk, foxtrot, & canter, loads & unloads, backs & knows basics of leg yield/side pass, neck rein, etc. At 14.3 hands & an easy-going disposition, this guy makes a great ladies or kids horse, yet has a build stout enough to carry a heavier man.

Mini Horse Gets Lifesaving Prosthetic Leg

2011-04-02T22:27:00.001-05:00

Fantastic! Run, Midnight, RUN!!!

Jamaica Mistake

2011-03-03T11:09:00.003-06:00

Exceptionally smooth riding TWH mare, Jamaica Mistake, left for her new home in Oklahoma yesterday. Congratulations to her new owner ~ she is going to LOVE Jamaica!!!

Jamaica Mistake - Elegant TWH Mare for Sale

2011-02-19T15:18:00.002-06:00

This is Jamaica Mistake, a beautiful, black TWH mare. Jamaica spent some time in the show ring, some time on the trail, & some time raising babies. She's done it all with grace & style. As a trail horse, she's a glide ride & is very responsive to both rein & leg cues. She also rides bareback with just a halter & lead rope.

New Caspian foal on the way...

2011-02-06T02:06:00.003-06:00

This is Chinchilla & she is carrying a foal due later this year. Caspians are tough little horses & the cold weather doesn't seem to overly affect them. They are hardy & do not require graining; hay & access to fresh water keeps them fat & happy.

Lacy

2011-01-30T20:23:00.004-06:00

Copy's Lacy Blue is a double registered MISSOURI FOX TROTTER and KENTUCKY MOUNTAIN SADDLE HORSE. She is 7 years old & has the gentle, laid-back disposition typical of many fox trotters & mountain horses. She is three gaited with a good, ground covering flat foot walk, a fox trot, & a nice canter. She neck reins, backs, parks out, & is easy to load/unload from a trailer. Lacy has been bred once to a RMHA/KMSHA stallion & had a nice foal with no problems in carrying or delivering the foal. She was a good mama with plenty of milk & willingly shared her foal with her people.

John John in training

2010-10-26T09:48:00.003-05:00

John is getting stronger & faster. The interesting thing (to me) is that his trainer says he can go either way: running walk or rack.

John-John, by JFK

2010-10-01T02:31:00.002-05:00

Training a young, gaited horse involves putting all the moving parts together. For example, Charlie is teaching John how to propel himself forward by moving off his rear end; yet, John needs to pick up his front feet & reach & also nod his head in rhythm to his steps. It's a lot for a youngster to remember to do all at once, but Charlie is a patient teacher.

Lucky me!

2010-09-13T01:08:00.001-05:00

It's not quite my birthday yet, but this is my new birthday present: a Kubota RTV ...WOW!

Betsy cantering

2010-09-10T21:55:00.002-05:00

Who says older horses can't learn new things? Betsy is a 15 year old registered Missouri Fox Trotter who, until recently, only walked & fox trotted. A lot of 'old time' fox trot enthusiasts used to insist that if you cantered a gaited horse it would ruin their gait. Hogwash! Charles Weatherell of Everton, MO has definitely proven them wrong. Betsy now canters but still retains her walk & smooth fox trot.

Welcome to the world...

2010-08-08T15:50:00.003-05:00

Registered American Saddlebred "Missouri Showtime", barn name "MO", welcomes her son into the world. This is MO's second foal, & he will be registered as a Racking Horse.

Dear Horse

2010-08-08T03:32:00.004-05:00

I discovered this on Jennifer Morris Black's Facebook page...it's very appropriate for any horse owner/lover:

Dear Horse (author unknown)

I love you very much, and I truly cherish your presence in my life. I would never wish to criticize you in any way. However, there are a few trivial details regarding our relationship that I think might bear your consideration.

First of all, I am already aware that horses can run faster than I can. I do not need you to demonstrate that fact each time I come to get you in from the field.

Please remember that I work long and hard to earn the money to keep you in the style to which you have become accustomed. In return, I think you should at least pretend to be glad to see me, even when I'm carrying a bridle instead of a bucket of feed.

It should be fairly obvious to you that I am a human being who walks on only two legs. I do not resemble a scratching post. Do not think that, when you rub your head against me with 1,000 pounds of force behind it, I believe that it wasn't your intention to send me flying. I am also aware that stomping on my toes while you are pushing me around is nothing but adding injury to insult.

I understand I cannot expect you to cover your nose when you sneeze, but it would be appreciated if you did not inhale large amounts of dirt and manure prior to aiming your sneezes at my face and shirt. Also, if you have recently filled your mouth with water you do not intend to drink, please let it all dribble from your mouth BEFORE you put your head on my shoulder. In addition, while I know you despise your worming medication, my intentions in giving it to you are good, and I really do not think I should be rewarded by having you spit half of it back out onto my shirt.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that you are confused about the appropriate roles you should play in various situations. One small bit of advice:
Your stone-wall imitation should be used when I am mounting and your speed-walker imitation when I suggest that we proceed on our way, not vice versa.
Please also understand that jumping is meant to be a mutual endeavor. By "mutual", I mean that we are supposed to go over the jump together. You were purchased to be a mount, not a catapult.

I know the world is a scary place when your eyes are on the sides of your head, but I did spend a significant amount of money to buy you, and I have every intention of protecting that investment.
Therefore, please consider the following when you are choosing the appropriate behavior for a particular situation:

When I put your halter on you, attach one end of a lead rope to the halter, and tie the other end of the lead rope to a post or ring or whatever, I am indicating a desire for you to remain in that locale. I would also like the halter, lead rope, post, etc., to remain intact. While I admit that things like sudden loud noises can be startling, I do not consider them to be acceptable excuses for repeatedly snapping expensive new lead ropes (or halters or posts) so that you can run madly around the yard creating havoc in your wake. Such behavior is not conducive to achieving that important goal that I know we both share --- decreasing the number of times the veterinarian comes out to visit you.

By the same token, the barn aisle was not designed for the running of the Derby and is not meant to serve as a racetrack. Dragging me down the aisle in leaps and bounds is not how "leading" is supposed to work, even if someone happens to drop a saddle on the floor as we're passing. Pulling loose and running off is also discouraged (although I admit it does allow you to run faster).

I assure you that blowing pieces of paper do not eat horses. While I realize you are very athletic, I do not need a demonstration of your ability to jump 25 feet sideways from a standing start while swapping ends in midair, nor am I interested in your ability to emulate both a racehorse and a bucking bronco while escaping said piece of paper. Also, if the paper were truly a danger, it would be the height of unkindness to dump me on the ground in front of it as a sacrificial offering to expedite your escape.

When I ask you to cross a small stream, you may safely assume that said stream does not contain crocodiles, sharks, or piranhas, nor will it be likely to drown you. (I have actually seen horses swimming, so I know it can be done.) I expect you to be prepared to comply with the occasional request to wade across some small body of water. Since I would like to be dry when we reach the other side of the stream, deciding to roll when we're halfway across is not encouraged behavior.

I give you my solemn oath that the trailer is nothing but an alternate means of transportation for distances too long for walking. It is not a lion's den or a dragon's maw, nor will it magically transform into such. It is made for horses, and I promise you that you will indeed fit into your assigned space. Please also bear in mind that I generally operate on a schedule, and wherever we're going, I would really like to get there today.

For the last time, I do not intend to abandon you to a barren, friendless existence. If I put you in a turn-out paddock, I promise that no predators will eat you, and I will come back in due time to return you to your stable. It is not necessary to run in circles, whinny pathetically, threaten to jump the fence, or paw at the gate. Neither your stable mates nor I will have left the premises. The other horses standing peacefully in adjacent paddocks amply demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy being turned out for exercise.

Finally, in closing, my strong and gentle companion, I would like to point out that, whatever might happen between horses and their people, we humans will always love you. In fact, our bonds with you help create new bonds among ourselves, even with total strangers. Wherever there are horses, there will be "horse people", and for the blessings you bestow upon us, we thank you.

Most sincerely yours,

Your Adoring Owner

Soccer Anyone? S.S.H. learns to kick a soccer ball.

2010-07-30T23:07:00.002-05:00

This is 3 yr. old registered Spotted Saddle Horse, Dan, after 1 1/2 weeks of riding in the Mark Twain National Forest by Gary Thomlinson. Dan was only halter broke, but Gary saddled, bridled, & then actually rode Dan in the round pen immediately upon Dan's delivery. Dan's reaction was just like his big brother, Jim: both took it all in stride. Gary used to own & stand Dan & Jim's grandsire, so Gary said he knew that both would be laid back & easy to work with.

Betsy in the pasture

2010-07-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

Cute Little Girl Running Barrels on a Little Horse

2010-07-25T00:57:00.001-05:00

WOW...wish I'd started out like this ~ look out world when she grows up!

2010 Caspian foal

2010-07-23T11:49:00.001-05:00

This is our latest addition to the Caspian herd. He's healthy and curious & all boy! He's another bay just like Chinchilla & Shovan (Mom & Dad).

Betsy in the arena

2010-07-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

This is Betsy, technically "Show Me's Brassy Betsy C.", a blue papered Missouri Fox Trotter. Betsy has done a bit of everything from the arena to the trail to the broodmare pasture, & she does it all with style. She passes color on to her foals & is a great mom.

#657 & new calf...

2010-07-20T10:08:00.003-05:00

When I purchased my first heifers from my neighbor, I asked if cows were like horses in that they were capable of breeding right back. I was told that NO, they did NOT immediately come back in heat, but that they would re-breed anywhere from one plus months to three months later. I was also told that normally a cow would keep the same pattern & calve at about the same time each year. Well...that's not correct. This cow calved on September 19, 2009...& again on July 19, 2010. And I've already had another cow that delivered twins (both dead) on 7/2---& she calved on Sept. 29th of last year!!! FYI for those who don't already know: the gestation period for a cow is 9 months, just like a human. The gestation period for a horse is 11 months.

John-John, by JFK

2010-07-18T18:08:00.003-05:00

This is our 3 year old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, "John-John by JFK" after his second week under saddle. His dam is "Jose's Lucky Lady" by World Champion, "Jose' Jose'". John is being trained by Charlie & Cheryl Weatherell of CW Stables in Everton, MO. Charlie is able to accomplish amazing things without soring, & I'm so glad I found him!!!

Smoky and Brenda, his new owner

2010-05-16T20:09:00.003-05:00

After three nights & three and a half days and close to 1400 miles, Smoky hinny arrived at his new home in Holden, MA. He is pictured here with his wonderful new owner, Brenda. Congratulations to both Brenda & Smoky for finding each other!

Gaited Trail Mule for Sale Video 6

2010-05-01T23:23:00.001-05:00

Hammer, the mule, & Smoky, the hinny, have both been sold. Hammer is going to Rick, a very nice man in KS, who has an old mule & a 26 yr. old TWH---so he knows how to take care of his animals. Rick said that he plans to keep Hammer until he dies or Hammer dies, whichever comes first. He took Hammer on a test drive in the National Forest, & he & Hammer are a super match for each other. Rick is a good rider with soft hands, & he had no problems getting Hammer to foxtrot & also runningwalk. They will make a great team.

Smoky is also blessed to have found a super home with Brenda in Holden, MA. Brenda has two cute little girls who will love Smoky; & Smoky will be right at home with Brenda's three donkeys! Brenda said she stalls all her equines at night & then turns them out to pasture during the day. Smoky will LOVE life at Brenda's getting to spend each night in a nice, warm stall. Brenda has also said she'll treasure Smoky until the day he dies, & I truly believe she will. I think Smoky is a super match for Brenda & her family.

Gaited Trail Mule for Sale Video 4

2010-05-01T23:18:00.000-05:00

World's smallest horse?

2010-04-26T21:46:00.002-05:00

Click the link below to see Yahoo's story on what may be the world's tiniest horse at a mere six (yes, 6) pounds!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Newborn-stallion-may-world-smallest-horse/ss/events/sc/042610einsteinhorse

Smoky hinny crosses the bridge

2010-04-25T19:42:00.001-05:00

After being turned back by a truck pulling a fishing boat, Smoky hinny makes it across the bridge. The video camera person's horse is tied to the trailer & calling to Smoky, but now that there's no traffic Smoky is not in any hurry to go back to her. Listen to Smoky's hoofbeats & watch his front feet 'paddle'. He is very naturally gaited, & a joy to ride.

Gaited Peruvian Paso Endurance Horse

2010-04-21T12:01:00.002-05:00

This great horse is proof that disabilities do not have to limit horse or human; it's all in the spirit.
(No, he's not mine - I just found the video on YouTube & wanted to share it.)

I don't wanna cross that bridge...

2010-04-21T02:05:00.002-05:00

Smoky really resisted crossing that bridge. He normally willingly goes wherever he's pointed, but today was unusually hesitant. He has more sense than I.

Smoky crossing bridge but meets truck

2010-04-21T02:03:00.001-05:00

Hammer

2010-04-15T23:53:00.001-05:00

#6's calf will hopefully solve the problem...

2010-03-15T10:24:00.003-05:00

Top picture is of the long awaited calf belonging to poor #6. The calf arrived around 1 pm on Sunday & these pictures were taken around 6 pm. It's hard to see from this angle (bottom pic), but the calf seems to have solved the problem for all teats except the front left. I'm hoping it will take care of that one today!!! According to the feed store manager, this is not an uncommon thing, and calving usually solves it. I'm hoping he's right but plan to keep a close eye on her just in case.

Please don't let this be mastitis!

2010-03-13T14:00:00.005-06:00

POOR #6...I hope she calves immediately & that solves this problem. I have never seen anything remotely similar to this.

More new calves!

2010-03-10T02:27:00.002-06:00

#187 (bottom photo) calved Sunday morning followed by #213 (top photo) that afternoon. Both had calves on the small side, so thankfully no problems with delivery. I feel very blessed that there have been absolutely no calving problems so far this year & that all the calves are healthy & growing well.

New arrival

2010-03-08T12:05:00.002-06:00

Well, it looks like our young stallion, Seve's Pushover, managed to sire a foal without our help. We did NOT plan to breed Jamaica Mistake; nevertheless, our little accident is a real cutie: black filly with huge star & snip.

Foraging for Food

2010-02-15T22:33:00.005-06:00

Winter takes a toll on anything & everything exposed to it. Although the horses & cows endure hardships related to freezing temperatures & wind chill, at least they are supplied with daily food provisions. The wild animals are not so fortunate. I've been trying to keep seed out for the birds & squirrels, but this enterprising little guy has been digging into his own stash of pecans that he carefully buried last Fall around the trees in back of the house.

Stallion behavior

2010-02-13T02:01:00.004-06:00

It's amazing that even with the ground covered with snow, Silver can somehow manage to find a muddy spot to roll! Given the choice of freedom or a nice, much warmer stall, it's interesting that most of the horses choose freedom. They seem to crave the wide open spaces unless it's freezing rain or ultra hot & sunny.

Winter

2010-02-10T23:33:00.000-06:00

Mr. Bull, alias #369, & one of his harem, er...herd.

Mud knots

2010-02-05T00:10:00.005-06:00

Thanks to Equus magazine, this is how to tie a mud knot. In this rainy, snowy, icy, muddy weather it's a great way to keep the horses' tails from dragging in the muck. Check this download for step-by-step instructions in exactly how to tie the knot.

Quark The Wonder Dog

2010-01-16T21:36:00.003-06:00

It's been so cold on the farm that even Quark has been forced to wear a parka, altho he isn't fond of it.

Thank goodness for automatic waterers!

2010-01-10T13:26:00.005-06:00

A few years ago we installed these automatic waterers so that I no longer had to break ice in the winter. They have been a real blessing; however, with the frigid weather we've been having even they freeze. In order to drink, the animals have to use their noses to push the blue balls down to reach the water beneath. Trouble is, the splashed & dripped water all around the balls freeze, & then the balls are locked into place to the extent that even with the horses striking them with their feet failed to dislodge the balls. At least all I have to do is go around with hot water & a hammer to dislodge the blue balls...sure beats chopping ice on the ponds!

Brrrrrrr...

2010-01-08T20:34:00.005-06:00

We escaped the heavy snow that blankets a lot of the country, but we haven't escaped the cold temperatures. The low tonight is supposed to be 1 degree & the high tomorrow is expected to be 13 degrees. Brrr !!

Reminders (or remainders) of Deer Season...

2009-12-31T13:06:00.004-06:00

Our dog, Roy, found his own best Christmas Day present: a deer leg left over from someone's hunt back in November. Roy proudly carries it around with him where ever he goes.

Flying south for the winter...

2009-12-29T08:15:00.004-06:00

It seems a bit late in the season to be migrating, but I suppose that's due to the mild winter we've been experiencing. At any rate, these birds are on their way!

White Christmas

2009-12-27T01:02:00.005-06:00

Thanks to a skiff of snow, we managed to have a White Christmas. This picture was taken at twilight on Christmas Day, and by the next day it had all pretty much disappeared...but it was there for Christmas!

Rainy days...

2009-12-24T01:13:00.003-06:00

Silver came into his stall to escape the rain & also to enjoy his morning breakfast. I startled him by taking a flash photo, whereupon he immediately bolted back out into the rain. It didn't take long for him to come back inside & resume eating though. And we - both man & beast - are all very fortunate that all this rain isn't SNOW!

Christmas Parade

2009-12-14T23:23:00.009-06:00

This is one of my riding buddies, Tammy Smith, from Alton, MO. We had planned to ride in the Christmas parade last Saturday, but I canceled at the last minute. Tammy went ahead & rode in the parade, & was one of the few who did an outstanding job of decorating her horse (& herself!). The long string of large jingle bells draped across her horse's withers as well as the jingle bell wreaths at each side of her saddle provided a nice background beat. So congratulations to Tammy & a Very Merry Christmas!!! (If you click on the picture - or any other picture on this blog - the picture will enlarge for better viewing.)

Update today - Booney's FREE!

2009-12-06T15:42:00.008-06:00

Kathy just emailed me some new pictures of Boone, who was turned out of the barnlot today & allowed to run free with her coming 3 yr. old TWH filly. He's enjoying having some extra freedom & room to stretch his legs. Boone has not been allowed to run with the fillies for about 6 months on the off chance he could have impregnated one, so he'll have to find his place in Kathy's herd.
Contrary to popular beliefs, in the horse world a stallion does not 'rule' the herd---that position is occupied by an Alpha mare (usually the oldest, definitely the most dominant. In my herd, that position is held by Jamaica Mistake, black reg. TWH).

Boone's new home...

2009-12-06T11:31:00.002-06:00

Boone surely feels right at home at Kathy's house. He has lots of new horse friends so he won't be lonely, & he even has what appears to be a poodle & a min-pin for dog friends (doesn't the min-pin remind you of Quark, our min-pin?). It won't be long before Boone will be turned out with his new horse buddies & become part of his new family.

Bye, Bye Boone

2009-12-02T20:17:00.007-06:00

This is Boone, a yearling Missouri Foxtrotter. Today Boone began his big adventure with his new owner, Kathy Murphy. He left here in the rain, but Kathy kindly took his picture upon arrival at her farm & emailed it to me so I'd know he was safe & at home in his new quarters. As you can see, he is happily munching away on some hay. He has a nice, big stall, & Kathy has other horses so he won't be lonely. Kathy is a soft spoken, self confessed 'horse collector', & I'm sure she'll take really good care of Boone. Kathy & Boone don't live far from me, & Kathy has invited me to visit Boone from time to time. So, Boone found a new home, & I found a new friend.

Twins?

2009-11-21T00:43:00.006-06:00

If you think you're seeing double, just look a little closer. These two Spotted Saddle Horses are full brothers. Jim, on the left, is a three year old while Dan is a year younger. It's hard to tell from this angle, but Dan (the 2 yr. old) is actually a couple of inches taller than older brother, Jim.

Horse's eye view...

2009-11-17T01:03:00.005-06:00

Everyone's heard of a "bird's eye view", but not many people stop to think of a horse's vision. Because a horse's eyes are situated on the sides of its head, it can't see objects directly in front of it but instead has what we humans consider great peripheral vision. This is one contributing element to a horse's "spook factor". In simple terms, while we riders tend to look ahead, a horse sees things off in the bushes to the side; many times resulting in the horse's jumping sideways to escape the danger it perceives.

'Slow' calf update

2009-11-11T18:48:00.004-06:00

This is the calf that required bottle feeding shortly after birth...just look at him go now. The pictures don't clearly show it, but he's got milk ALL OVER his face!

Growing up...

2009-11-09T21:32:00.004-06:00

Three Spotted Saddle Horses and one Rocky Mtn./Kentucky Mtn. Horse. All are ready to begin training on the lunge line & learning to wear a bridle & saddle. Next year, they'll be three years old and ready to ride. Now if I could just get in gear & start training...I need a ranch hand!

Here they come...

2009-11-04T00:02:00.003-06:00

This is what I encounter any time I venture out on the four-wheeler. Once I'm spotted by one horse, here comes the entire herd.

Hidy hole...

2009-10-29T22:39:00.004-05:00

#648's calf was the one that didn't seem 'normal'. He was slow to nurse, & I had to give him colostrum & then bottle feed him for several days before he finally started nursing mom. He also acted like he couldn't see or hear well. When I finally turned #648 & her calf back in with the herd (they had been in the barn for the duration of the bottle feeding), mom wisely hid him, putting him in a brushy area surrounded by blackberry bushes. She kept him this way for several days, until he was strong enough & savvy enough to come out into the real world. He seems to be doing better each day, & he is certainly growing.

Two Year Old Stallion

2009-10-26T18:37:00.004-05:00

This is 'SP', short for Seve's Pushover. He is out of the World Champion TWH stallion, Seve, & his dam (mother) is out of another well bred stallion, The Pushover. He is definitely bred for performance & should have a chance to strut his stuff in the show ring. He is BIG, BLACK, & BEAUTIFUL. (He has not been stalled, but running outside in the pasture, so his coat is sunburned & bleached. When stalled, he will be coal black.) We haven't measured him yet, but he's probably already close to ... maybe over ... 16 hands, & he's only 2 yrs. old. He will continue to grow until he is 4-5 years old, so he will definitely be a TALL one. He is now old enough to start to work...all I need is the time & $$$ to train him!

Another birth

2009-10-26T03:08:00.003-05:00

#218 blessed us with a calf on Oct. 24. As is typical, she is keeping her little one apart from the herd for the first few days.

Bulls babysit

2009-10-22T22:51:00.003-05:00

Cows are notorious babysitters. It's not uncommon to see one or two cows with almost all the calves gathered around. They seem to take turns watching each other's babies so that they in turn can go forage unencumbered. But sometimes Papa takes over & gives the Moms a break--what a guy!

Calf update

2009-10-19T19:04:00.003-05:00

I'm already three cows/calves behind! On 10/06, a black cow with some white on her face (ear tag fell off) gave birth to a black calf. Then, #210 (above) gave birth on 10/07 to another black calf. Today, #214, (second picture) gave birth to a little black bull calf.

Mop of a mane

2009-10-18T22:51:00.004-05:00

No, this little guy is not Welsh...or at least MUCH Welsh. As near as I can figure, he is 7/8 Caspian as his mother is 1/4 Welsh & 3/4 Caspian, & his father is 100% Caspian. And as for the mane, well, it sorta does look like Rod Stewart...notwithstanding the cockleburrs in the foretop!
If only we could put him in a shampoo commercial!

Caspian yearling--Shovan's Showoff

2009-10-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

This is our Caspian yearling, out of Shovan (sire) and Chinchilla (dam). Although Shovan is a purebred Caspian, Chinchilla is not: she's 1/4 Welsh. Therefore, we had immediate plans to geld this little guy as he is only 7/8's (?) purebred. We registered the little one from the get-go as a Part Caspian, but have held off on sending pictures & naming him until we knew exactly what color he's going to be. He was born bay, but his black legs, mane, & tail have lightened over time. It's hard to tell if he's just sun bleached or if he is indeed changing colors -- altho I've never seen a bay loose its black points before. At any rate, this little guy has a MOP of a mane, with equal hair on each side of his neck. He also possesses a super inquisitive nature. We hope to 'borrow' a kid as this little one ages so that he can reach his full potential as a jumper. Caspians are known for their agility, so we expect him to follow in the footsteps of his breed.

2 year old stallion

2009-10-14T01:38:00.003-05:00

Seve's Pushover (barn name 'SP') is going to be a BIG horse. I need to get the measuring stick out, but just eyeballing him, I think he's already close to if not over 16 hands...& he will continue to grow for another year or two. He is going to be BIG, BLACK, & BEAUTIFUL. He also exhibits a huge overstride at liberty in the pasture; he'll definitely be a 'big lick' horse & needs to be in the showring to exhibit his talents.

Silver

2009-10-11T08:44:00.004-05:00

Silver has been so happy this year as he has been turned out with two mares: Missouri Showtime, an American Saddlebred and Pushover's Heart of Gold, a Tennessee Walking Horse. Due to the extreme downturn in the horse market, we only allowed him to breed these two mares---but both should produce quality foals. Mo's foal can be registered as a Racking Horse (her father was a 5 gaited champion so she carries the racking gene), and Push's foal will be registered as a TWH. Both foals can also be registered in the Spotted Saddle Horse Assn. if they are spotted as Silver is registered in all three associations.

Mama cow cleans her baby...

2009-10-07T21:21:00.003-05:00

#809 & her 10/06/09 calf...JUST born.

Banner Day for Babies!

2009-10-06T21:08:00.005-05:00

Today was the best calving day ever...at least so far. Three calves were born within hours of each other - two at almost the same time! All three appear healthy, active, & alert. Here's the first cow to give birth today: #191 and her very pretty calf. Tomorrow I'll try to post pictures of the other two calves born today.

Busy birthing week...

2009-10-04T13:17:00.012-05:00

Arriving on 9/26/09, calf # 3 belongs to #637. She's a great mother & has kept her baby segregated from the herd for almost a week.
Calf #4, a black bull, arrived on 9/29/09. I had to bottle feed him colostrum & milk replacer because he was too weak to stand, & when he did, he wandered off in the wrong direction even though mama, #648, was calling to him. I think he is blind & perhaps deaf. He also has a swollen right knee. Is this joint ill? Blind staggers? Dumb calf syndrome?

Calf #5 belongs to a cow that has lost
her ear tag. He arrived on 10/01/09.

Magic Mushrooms ???

2009-09-27T02:06:00.011-05:00

The pastures are filled with mushrooms. Are these 'magic' mushrooms? (They are in the sense that they appear suddenly.) What kind of mushrooms are these & are they poisonous? Are they harmful to cattle or horses? Is the livestock going on a spirit journey without my knowledge? Where is C when I need her?! I'd better start googling...

Ranch dog...

2009-09-25T21:27:00.005-05:00

Quark the Wonder-rat loves to ride the 4-wheeler to check the livestock. If the cows or horses get too close, he barks at them ... as if that would intimidate them. Photo courtesy of Claudia of The Goose fame.

Boone's registration papers - or lack thereof...

2009-09-23T13:04:00.005-05:00

This is my only non-registered horse, & I consider him quite handsome. His name is Boone, & he is a 'sooty' or 'smutty' buckskin yearling. Actually, he is eligible for registration as both his parents are registered Missouri Fox Trotters. But with horse prices so cheap, it doesn't pay to register. In his case, I would have to first join the MFT association, then I would have to pull mane or tail hair & submit for DNA analysis ($45-50 depending on the association) plus, since MFT has only recently converted to DNA, I would also have to run the DNA for his mama. She has her registration papers, but at the time she was registered DNA was not required. So, before registering any of her foals, she will first have to be DNA'd--so, there's $100 just in DNA fees alone, not to mention joining the assn. & registration fees. Small wonder nobody seems to be breeding horses any more.

Fall calves

2009-09-20T21:53:00.005-05:00

First calf, born 9/14/09 to #730
Second calf, born 9/19/09 to #657, shown with Dad, #369, in the background.
And no, I do not have that many cows...those are just the numbers they came with at purchase.
I'm so thankful that I don't have any heifers trying to deliver calves that are too big. I never want to go through that again!

Growing, growing...

2009-09-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

GM seems to be getting a little taller each day. Despite her independence, she still has to check in on Mom now & then.

Brothers

2009-09-16T10:46:00.002-05:00

Dan (on left) & Jim are full brothers separated by one year of birth. Both are very well gaited, registered Spotted Saddle Horse geldings & both are ready to start under saddle work.

Castration

2009-09-15T01:12:00.003-05:00

I always try to have the veterinarian castrate my foals according to the "sign" in The Old Farmer's Almanac . I have discussed this with several veterinarians, & the consensus seems to be that no one truly understands it, but there actually does seem to be something to it. For example, one vet told me that sometimes a horse will bleed excessively while at other times there seems to be almost no bleeding or swelling, etc. So, I figure why not err on the side of caution (&/or what do I have to lose by trying)? This month's favorable days are September 28, 29, & 30 so it won't be long. Unfortunately, Boone (yearling Mo. Fox Trotter) is cryptorchid - meaning his testicles have not 'dropped.' Therefore, castration for him will be a much more involved procedure...so he may be granted a reprieve for a few more months in the hopes that he will 'drop'. Since this is my first ever foal to have this problem, research seems to be in order...

Broodmares

2009-09-14T01:23:00.009-05:00

Chinchilla, the small, bay Caspian mare, is in foal to Shovan, our Caspian stallion, for a 2010 foal. Betsy, a buckskin Missouri Fox Trotter, is currently open. With horse prices plummeting, we can't afford to breed all our broodmares this year.

Scary, but still hopeful...

2009-09-08T19:09:00.005-05:00

I brought this hay home on 8/24 & 8/25. I was told it was baled on 8/16, that it was put up dry, but did get rained on AFTER it was baled; however, it had been curing for a week out in the field prior to my purchase. Upon arrival here, it was left in the open, unstacked & untarped with plenty of room between the bales for air to circulate. We did have to tarp it later as it looked like rain, but it was very loosely tarped & later mostly untarped. We finally put it in the barn on 9/04, so it had a total of 3 weeks from cutting to cure; however, when it was put in the barn, this is what the bottom looked like. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the mold is only on the very bottom so that I can just discard a couple of inches or so off the bottom & feed the rest. HOPE, HOPE, HOPE!!!

Mmmmmmm, good stuff!

2009-09-08T00:26:00.003-05:00

When I'm in the field, the horses follow me; & if I leave the ATV unattended, they chew on it.

New day...

2009-09-05T10:28:00.002-05:00

Smoky hinney greets the arrival of a new day.

Horse Sense

2009-09-02T19:46:00.004-05:00

Horses are phenomenal about intuiting another horse's feelings. If one sees something, the entire herd immediately looks. If one gets spooked, the entire herd flees.

Here they come...

2009-09-01T10:06:00.003-05:00

Three Spotted Saddle Horses & one Rocky Mtn. Horse come to meet me. Even though they are basically turned out to pasture & by & large ignored because they are too young to ride, they all still want 'rubbies & scratchies'.

Fall is in the air...

2009-08-30T01:59:00.003-05:00

Old timers say that the number of mornings blanketed by fog during the month of August equals the number of snow days for the coming winter. Judging by our numerous morning fogs this past month, a horrible winter must be in store. I hope the 'old timers' are wrong.

Mules are 'Horses', too

2009-07-24T01:20:00.006-05:00

Hammer, the mule,(at right) and Smokey, the hinney (below).

A hinney is the result of breeding a stallion (horse) to a jenny (donkey). A mule is the opposite: a mare (horse) is bred to a jack (donkey). Both the mule and the hinney are sterile. For the sake of simplicity, both are referred to as 'mules'.

Hammer's dam (mother) was a Tennessee Walking Horse while Smokey's sire (father) was a Paso Fino. Both mules inherited the gaiting ability of their parents.

Just call us nosey neigh--bors...

2009-07-22T17:26:00.006-05:00

One Rocky Mtn. Horse (far left), one Caspian (the little guy), & three Spotted Saddle Horses (all five are yearlings) share their curiosity as they jockey for the best position from which to view what is happening in the pasture across the road.

A little over to the right, please...

2009-07-22T00:47:00.001-05:00

Ohhhh, that's a really itchy spot & Ahhhhh, that feels so good!!!

Growing up...

2009-07-19T03:32:00.004-05:00

Almost two months old now, "Got Milk" (or GM as we call her) is not only growing up & out, she's becoming more independent from Momma & often wanders off by herself.

Flehmen's Response (better known as Horse Laugh)

2009-07-18T12:17:00.004-05:00

Flehmen's Response can be triggered by various things, but it is usually triggered by a stallion smelling a mare's scent. Even though he is only a yearling, Buddy's hormones have kicked in & he realizes just exactly what to do!

Twilight

2009-07-15T02:56:00.004-05:00

Two Spotted Saddle Horses, one Rocky Mtn. Horse, and a Caspian (all yearlings) prepare to spend the night grazing by the barn. We have a lot of vocal coyotes in this area, but so far haven't had any livestock harmed by them. We are far more afraid of rabid skunks as this area seems to be under a perpetual rabies alert. Then we fear opossums due to the dreaded EPM, short for "Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis" or 'Possum Disease' -- no joke:
http://www.lemen.com/qa142.html

Hay Time

2009-07-12T00:06:00.005-05:00

What a busy time of year, culminating in the hay harvest. Unfortunately, my hay harvest was considerably less than the above picture (which is of my neighbor's field). I made the mistake of listening to the Soil & Conservation Dept. advice last year & fertilized with turkey litter. It was considerably more expensive than chemical fertilizer, but I was told that because it was organic, it broke down more slowly, & I wouldn't have to fertilize this year. Obviously, that advice was WRONG as my share of the hay this year was a whopping 10 bales. I'm now praying for rain & sunshine so I can have at least one more cutting!

Life's lessons: fold those long legs!

2009-05-27T01:17:00.009-05:00

A few hours after birth...

2009-05-26T23:19:00.004-05:00

This little gal was born shortly after midnight, and the above picture was taken a few hours later - after daylight. As you can see now that she is dry, she is not black/white but tri-color: bay (chestnut/sorrell with black on mane & tail) and white. She has a big, white patch on her nose, so Frank wants to call her: GOT MILK!

It's a girl!

2009-05-22T03:17:00.003-05:00

After several sleepless nights on Foal Patrol, Red finally delivered a beautiful black/white spotted tobiano foal. Since it's almost 3:30 a.m., I'll post more later...

Weary of waiting...

2009-05-21T02:36:00.003-05:00

Jose's Lucky Lady (Red) will be foaling soon. She is huge. She is tired. She is bored. She is very uncomfortable. She and I will both be happy when the little one (which surely isn't too little) is on the ground and nursing. Red's actual due date is June 17, but I don't see how she can go that long and am concerned by her increasing girth.