August 19, 2021
Birthdays are a funny thing, this last one made me think that I cannot do this forever. Last week, 75 yeas of building and working with tools, I tried to remove my thumb on the table saw. Just a split second did it. That was on a Monday, then on Thursday the knee collapsed, down I went. I was lucky no broken bones, just a huge bruise on my left hip and a sore head. In my heart and mind, I would love to have the work of the Sanctuary continue, the herd and the hills provide a place of learning, a place of solace, a place of peace and tranquility.
I tell you all how much it costs to maintain a horse, the cost has risen, as everything else has, count on a minimum of $3000. My mobility, or lack there of, and money, the lack there of, has been the only thing holding me back at the Sanctuary. I have always had big dreams to provide horses for families that needed the discipline of horses. Their donation was always work related. Hay day was always a tough one. I was able to keep going with my wages and donations of money from those that believed in the mission. The hitch in the git- a -long happened when I lost my job due to the age thing. Sad stuff eh!
The Sanctuary AGM renewed my energy, hopes and dreams. I have wonderful people as directors. There will be a transition, they will find the money to carry on. Lottie my heir, has told me, “as long as the legacy continues, she will leave things as they stand.” That is her gift to us, because it is not cheap to survive in B.C., and money would not go astray in her household. She could easily sell the whole kit and caboodle. As always in life, Time will tell!!
Today herd health is on my mind. It soon will be time to assess their dental health, before we go into winter. My mantra, is check and float if necessary. The hay was a little late this year, consequently, the hay will be coarse. That will cause a problem for the oldies that do not have the crushing capacity with teeth that do not grind well. I will probably have to supplement with beet pulp to keep the fibre levels sufficient to keep 125 feet of gut healthy. It is my practise to have the hay tested, it gives me a good idea if I have to re-organize my supplements for the winter. I supplement with Flaxseed, Seaweed, and a mineral high in Selenium. Herbs for some of their health conditions are included as well. This herd in its aging process is not without their problems.
Insects are certainly a problem this summer. Mosquitoes especially. I have a whole lot in the apartment, there is no standing water in here. Where are they breeding? I noticed a lot of bot eggs on the horses, especially on their backs, that tells me they are rolling a lot. The flies lay eggs in the grass, not always on their legs. After the first hard frost will be the time to deworm with a good boticide product. On the farm you always have to think and plan ahead, ready for the attack. In my mind, I always have a war on parasites. I appreciate the availability of some chemicals. Not long ago, maybe 30 years ago I would deworm with Artemisia flowers and seed. The common name of this herb/weed is Wormwood. It did a good job of removing the larvae from the gut. It was a lot of work, it took a tablespoon per day per horse for about 7 days. In those days I had 35 horses and ponies, I did a lot of gathering and drying. Herd health comes first, this is what you do when money is short. It is a lovely thing now to be able to do a one dose and have the money to do it.
Most days the herd is standing at the top of the hill the herd looking great, their coats are gleaming. Take a drive along Millvale road in South Granville, you will see a beautiful herd with a beautiful view of hills and dales.
Be kind to one another, love and hugs from Yogi and the herd.