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  :(

Tia turns 11...

Tomorrow we are celebrating Bud's stable mate's B'day - she will be 11y/o. In horse years that is still considered pretty young BUT she has good horse sense - meaning - very good stall manners, easy to work with (either tacking or trimming for the farrier) and she is good under saddle.

She came to the barn temporarily 4 years ago & never left.  My friend, Melody, took one look it her in the pasture and it was love at first sight.  Her horse had passed away a few months prior (Piedmont) and the equine gene was reignited.  As it turned out Tia would be a Christmas present for her sister, Lori ......who had no idea...before walking in the barn that Saturday.

We had strung white lights around her stall and Tia was completely decked out in her red & green festive outfit munching away on carrots . We had turned off all the overhead lights & turned up the Christmas carols playing on the radio.  Lori was in absolute shock ..... seeing as she actually thought she was just popping in for a minute to meet Mels' new horse!!

It was one of those magical moments that you hear about at Christmas time & quite fitting ...as it all took place in a barn on a colds winter day :)

                         Melody & Tia - what a great photo!!!

                   Tia & the Buddha out on a sunny afternoon.....

                       Lori,with pup Max hanging w/ Tia

Back in the Saddle....

I can't believe the Buddha and I are beginning our 7th year together. Last year my first ride was in March and even tho it was  cold & windy outside - we endured.  Lunging him was an athletic event as he jumped, reared and tore around me like an lunatic!  Once under saddle, he was still a bit "fresh" (ready to go) but, submitted to my requests quickly and we enjoyed (?) walking, trotting and cantering around the tract.

Even tho the horses are out all winter -  and used to the weather - they are also used to pretty much doing what THEY want outside. But once in the barn, they are required to stand quietly and accept the brushes, hoof care ( and all the loving) that is bestowed on them.  This ritual is understood as we do this all year round, as well as having the farrier come out every 7 or 8 weeks to do a trim.  During spring & summer months, he comes out more often due to their hooves growing at a faster rate due to the warmer weather.

I have photos BUT downloading from a cell phone didn't exactly  work out...grrr!  The only result was 2 very teeny weeny pics. If I try to enlarge them,they get all blurry - please accept my apologies.

Get your magnifying glass out :(