Foraging for Food

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

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

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

Mud knots

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

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!

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...

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 !!