July 13, 2022
This month Grandfathers advice rang true. Truly you get 3 good travelling days, or in our case working days during the full moon phase. Yes in our case it was hay days. I am grateful for good weather and good help to have the loft full of square bales. I remember as a child, any building construction or repair was planned during the phase of the full moon. After everyone’s daily work was completed building would start. We did not have eight hour work days, the construction would continue during the night by the light of the moon. It was a community thing, everyone worked and the kitchen was always open, much food was provided to keep energy levels high. The buildings were roofed with Cedar Shakes and the siding either shingles or board and batten. No power in those days, the power was in the arm holding the saw and hammer. It was a different time, your day did not end until the job was done. It seems to be a chore now for anyone to really work hard for 7 or 8 straight hours.
I checked a student yesterday on her horse leading techniques. We have a difficult pony to work around. The fact that he has been trained and knows the leading ques. he is a little short on the grey matter and the lessons are not retained very well. So Abby was holding the lead shank close to his head under the chin. He was dragging her down the shed row. I teach everyone to lead with at least a foot and a half distance between chin and hand. If you hold the lead close to the head or even just holding the halter the horse can swing its head and pull your arm, that can result in an elbow or shoulder injury. Also if you have that length of lead, you can use that hand to correct the horse. I know my shoulders pop very quickly when pulled or jerked. My experience has a lot to do with what I teach. With Pytor the pony, every walk has to be a lesson walk. And every day has to be a lesson day. He may understand when he is 20. I live in hope for this pony, he is magnificent in harness and pulling the cart. It is a matter of safety to understand each and every horse. Good leading techniques will not let you down when you are working with horses. To quote Nicolas Sparks: “Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy. Remember that.”
Remember the mighty plantain leaf. Bugs are plentiful these days, and if you get bit and need to itch, pick that plantain leaf and crush it and rub the itch away. If you have multiple itches like me those bugs do love my sweet blood!! Just make a tea, pour hot water over a handful of leaves, let it sit for a few minutes, then you can wash away the itch.
Time is a killer on gates and gate posts. It seems that this is the year I have a few that need to be replaced. I can get the posts in, it is changing the electric wires that is beyond my ken and my strength. Alan Worth and son have been my go to for the fencing chore. They are strong and have better equipment than I. A few things have changed. In years past a 10 foot gate would do. Then machinery got wider, it was a 12 foot space, now those huge tractors need a 16 foot gap. It is a matter of physics and knowledge to plant your post to hang a 16 foot gate that will stay level. Being old is tough, I can no longer be and do all things wonderful, I have discovered my limitations and that is why I refer to the experts.
For the summer, 2 goats, Fred and Emma and 2 lambs, Butterscotch and BBQ are in a paddock beside Gracie, Maxine’s Mini horse. Maxine built a feed run, similar to runs done in England for the mini. Then she built a bridge. The goats and sheep can cross the bridge and feed in the circle. And Gracie can run around the circle. Gracie is getting exercise and staying slim. You can check on the shenanigans on display behind the maroon fence most the day. It is turning out to be a grand summer for visiting, the Sanctuary is in the book of “Musts” must see on the island. We love to show off the herd and the farm.
Be kind to one another. Love and hugs from Yogi and the herd.