Here a trim......there a trim

Hoof trimming is a very important part of a horses' health care routine.  If their hooves get too long it can cause tripping - which is never good for the horse or the rider - since falling can cause serious injuries.  A farrier  examines their feet and can easily tell if there is a problem brewing as many conditions can cause lameness (that's when a horse can not be ridden.)  Luckily for Bud & I - there have not been any problems w/his feet...whew.

           .
              Bud is put in cross ties & John bends his leg at the knee.
             

          Here he examines all parts of his hoof & cuts away old growth

          as well as cleans out the area.  Can you imagine if horses were never

          seen by a farrier......they would all be wearing elf shoes!!       

          He then brings his leg forward & files down his hoof to maintain

                    the correct shape for his build & weight.

                    


As you can see...Bud is a very good,calm horse to work on....except for the camera phobia he has. I had to stop taking photos b/c he was starting to spook which would not have fun for John :(


When I think of all the weight his four legs have to support - I'm again in awe of these beautiful creatures - who are SO large & yet SO fragile.

Happy Heart Day.......2011

As you all know today is Valentine's Day & I'd like to share some photos of the Buddha & his barn mate from Saturday.

 

Here's Bud dressed in his Valentine decor :)

I feel he is saying, "I can't believe I'm standing for this"!!!!

Ms. Tia is much more relaxed ........

I think she really LIKES the camera...

I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day & remember to love the one you're with :)

OOPS!!!!!

As I was perusing my previous blogs - I came upon a huge OOPS......

A wonderful Christmas present from a dear friend - I love it and wear it
            weekly b/c it's SO warm.....sorry Mel :(

Beyond the Blizzard........

Luckily I had NO problem trekking my way to Wisconsin on Saturday - all the roads were very passable & there was little traffic.  Once I arrived, I saw the Buddha happily consuming his breakfast of champions - aka - hay with his stall mates in the white pasture.  He gave his usual hello of raising his head with a mouth full of hay ,as if he was nodding hello, BUT saying w/ his eyes I can't stop eating b/c these other 2 will eat my share!

After he ate for awhile & we played in the barn ( mucking & bedding ) - we brought the horses in for a grooming followed by a photo shoot......

                  The Buddha & I having a lil love fest outside....

 

As well as Melody & Tia....

 

And we can't forget Kayla & Blackjack - no worries - he was simply retrieving a carrot from Kayla's mouth!

The driveway was unearthed after receiving 24 inches of snow - thank you Doug :)

Not a horse in sight....

The entire midwest has been involved in a HUGE blizzard.....

 

Here is what Bud's barn/home looks like......

Hopefully I can make it up to Wisconsin this weekend - more snow has already  been predicted for Sat /Sun/ Mon  :(