The Boy Has Become A Man

The goings on at the farm are going on- steadily and without fanfare. Daily life at a working farm passes for the people and the animals much the same. The days are marked by routine- vet, farrier, riding lessons. The hours are marked by tasks and chores. Feeding, cleaning, training, riding, grooming, and grazing- these jobs are daily and repetitive but so important to the quality of life of our residents. Much time is spent seeing to the horses' well-being.  The weanlings who were castrated last week cannot remember that they were recently colts. They play and romp in the boisterous style of young boys. True to the almanac's promise, they have recovered from the surgeries in short order.

Chase has been convalescing since his procedure at the world-reknowned equine hospital Rood & Riddle.
http://www.roodandriddle.com/

He travelled back to the specialists there yesterday for a routine shoeing. Dr. Ruggles took a moment from his appointment filled day to evaluate his progress and proclaimed that Chase's healing and prognosis was superb. Since first visiting Rood & Riddle five weeks ago, Chase had worn specially crafted horseshoes on his front feet as an accessory to his leg procedure. These shoes were removed by Dr. Morrisson and he now has new, normal  shoes to wear home to Maryland. Once home, his favorite horse cobbler's Matt & Harry will resume the care and keeping of Chase's feet.

Later today, there is a potential new owner coming to the farm to meet Dakota. Dakota is a yearling stallion whose father is Chevy and mother was Carolina (God rest her soul). As an 18 month old horse, Dakota is preparing to be a Western Pleasure show horse. He will put on his fancy clothes and hopefully impress the young lady is travelling several hours to meet him. Similar to speed dating, this potential buyer will assess the chemistry she feels for him in their short meeting. We will keep you posted if a match is made!

Chevy has spent the past few weeks working out and getting fit for an upcoming appearance at a horse show. The boy has become a man and with age, he has acquired strength and wisdom. Like all deep thinkers, he spent much of today contemplating the meaning of life.

Wendy is the yearling roan filly who has been on suicide watch for a while. Like many teenage girls, she went through an angst filled period in which she was moody and mercurial. Fortunately, horses mature faster than 16 year old girls and Wendy has blossomed into a lovely young woman.

A friend is returning to our farm. Lexi Davenport, a buxom blue roan mare is making her yearly pilgrimage from Missouri in a few days. Like spawning fish who return to the same site each year, Lexi comes to the farm to foal and become pregnant again. She is a favorite among our guests and we welcome her to her home away from home.

And the days march on much like this for both the Crew and the horses in our care. Fall shortens the hours between dawn and dusk and there suddenly seems a little less daylight to accomplish our work. This is just a reminder that foaling season is just around the corner- maybe, this is the calm before the storm?

Khris