Weather Weather, it can always be a point of discussion.
I ventured out Tuesday evening for crib. I got to the highway and wondered why. I made a good decision about the herd, they were in for the night due to the high winds. Why was I on the road?? Crosswinds created drifts, there was a car in the ditch in Springfield. Help was on hand. I would be no help if I stopped. Returning home was just as bad, for drifts and visibility. Rte 231 is part gravel, there are no lines to use as a guide in between the whiteouts. I arrived home, well enough to tell the tale of a harrowing drive. There will be no next time, when the herd is in because of high winds, this old one will be too. We have cancelled both dates we had for the volunteer orientation day, but we will keep trying to find a Sunday afternoon that works with the weather gawds. Keep watching the Handibear Hills Facebook page for a heads up.
Prince gets oral medication twice a day.
I have had to be very devious, when I come with the syringe, he is quite resistant to me. To the point he is unhappy when I join him in the stall at any time to massage or brush him. He thinks I have the syringe. Now I ask anyone who is there to give him the syringe. For his daily “Prescend” tablet I make a pocket in a piece of carrot. He will not take the carrot from me. He is one very smart pony. When you volunteer you learn to medicate, this herd knows me too well and do not trust me.
Spring is in the air, I wish, our annual health clinic is being planned for a Saturday in April.
The clinic presented by Dr. Tammy Muirhead and the AVC Equine Club Students will critique the herd, teaching diagnostic techniques with heart, respiratory and temperatures. We will show deworming and injection techniques while treating the herd. This is my reminder for you that it is important to vaccinate for the many viruses lurking about, especially if you are competing and moving your horse from venue to venue. Flu vax is so important with young stock, and now there is a five-way vaccine, one shot does it all. Any virus will put a minimum six-week halt to any training or conditioning needed for performance. Our racing and show season is so short, you cannot afford to lose the time. A couple of viruses are death sentences, Herpes for one. Even once the horse has recovered, it becomes a carrier and should be isolated for life. Who can do that?
Feeding trends come and go.
The latest is the track system, I believe it was developed in the U.K. for ponies. You build a track and place piles of hay at intervals. It is recommended for fat horses and ponies. Mostly because it keeps the animal moving. Neat idea, but I could not afford the extra fencing. I have no machinery or an employee that could devote the time it would take to place hay. The designers of this system did not have to deal with winter conditions of snow and wind. So it is out for me. In my winter the herd goes from round bale to round bale depending on the pecking order. This is not ideal; I am told the herd is too fat. And that has brought a few problems. I am speaking about Prince, Cameo, and Chairo. There are other ways to get them moving. Do you have a horse that is hard to catch? I have a friend doing a course in animal behaviour. She needs an example to work with. She has to work with said animal and video the results. My herd is way too friendly. When Isabelle went to the field they all came to greet her. Even Morning Missed, she usually ignores everyone, unless it is on her terms. If you have a candidate to help this gal out let me know, and email me at handibearhills@gmail.com.
Saturdays are busy and buzzing with activity, it is Trailblazer time.
During the winter and bad footing, we devote 5 hours to stable management and herd care. Starting at 9am and finishing around 2pm. When the weather gets a little better and warmer, and we can work and play outside with the herd, then we finish around 4pm. We ask for a $20 donation, if possible, for the day of education. Please reach out, if you feel this activity would benefit your child 10 years and older, and the cost is a burden. We will find a sponsor. Dressing warmly is a must. Especially good warm socks. My Swedish Director, Helena, tells me there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Take heed for these words of wisdom and layer up.
I shopped at the Butcher Shop and the Independent last week and they bagged my groceries. I am so lucky to have so much kindness around me. I wish it for everyone. Please take the time to make someone’s day.
Love and hugs from Yogi and the herd