March 3, 2010

Fine Four-footed Friends

Well, it's the end of another long day but I'm showered, have a full tummy, and all the work of the day was completed without complications. That (officially) goes on record as a good day. The barn seemed to teem with life today- both human and animal.

The day looked something like this. Morning dawned a bit too early today as our fine four-footed friends from Vermont arrived around 3:45am. Tess and Nona arrived a little thirsty and tired, and a lot hungry in the wee hours this morning. After getting them settled into their waiting stalls, I was wide awake. Perhaps because I had been outside in the just below freezing temperatures, or maybe because I knew that it would be dawn soon, regardless, I decided to stay awake and climb the small mountain of paperwork on my desk.

Once the sun finally decided to join me, we proceeded with our regular activities for a breeding season Wednesday. Paddocks were filled with bright green alfalfa, water tanks were refreshed and checked, horses were fed and stalls were cleaned. Tara and I tackled several large projects (including one which required the use of no less than 4 power tools!). Meanwhile, Gary and Amber put the school horses through their paces.

We were surprised with a visit from several visitors and another by an area horseman just before lunch. Then, after a brief detour to Taco Bell, we returned to the barn with a fresh load of hay. Again, another visitor- this time an owner delivering a mare to be bred by Chevy. After a short visit, everyone settled again into their respective list of chores.

There were horses to groom, ride, longe, hand-walk, and tease. Added to the mix were visits from two different farriers- one in the AM and another in the PM. So, as I'm winding this up tonight, Chevy has a brand new set of shiny rims. Much like the morning began, the evening is ending with horses munching hay while all wrapped up on their snug winter blankets. The days may be getting just a touch warmer and the flow of work is getting just a little quicker as we are no longer fighting snow and ice. Of course, mud comes with its own set of rules.

No comments:

Post a Comment