Hay HAY Hay

New Friends

The New Guy

A few days ago I posted a photo of this handsome horse that appeared in the barn last week. His name is Charlie and he is a 18+ hands, 2002 lbs. Belgian Draft horse. He doesn't belong to us, but since Tiffany is at the neighbor's, our neighbor was kind enough to bring him over so we'd have a horse to drive.

Charlie just returned from a one-semester stay at Michigan State where he was used in the draft horse driving class. He has also spent a few seasons working for the Amish. He's a real sweet guy and very laid back.

Jubilee has established herself as the alpha horse, and seems to have a big more spring in her step as she reminds the new guy who is in charge. However, Charlie seems to respect his elders and the two of them are getting along fine.

Fun Friday Video

Peace

It's amazing how animals can connect us with what's really important. Take Jubilee and Charlie-- give them some water, food, and companionship, and they're two happy campers.

There's nothing like watching animals for a few minutes to take your mind off of human problems: finances, violence, politics. For other creatures it's simple things that keep them going, and keep them satisfied.

Sidekick

Our neighbor stopped by the other day, and our Golden Retriever/Malamute mix was very excited to see a new person. The neighbor said, "Kobe, we've got to turn you into a farm dog."

Alas, while Kobe was born on a farm, being a true farm dog isn't in his future. Perhaps it's the Malamute in him, but he has never been very good at the recall command (okay, and maybe his owners deserve some blame for that, too-- but when we got him we had a fenced in yard for him to roam around in). And we live right on a very busy road, so letting him roam off-leash is out of the question.

Would I like to have a pet that dogs my every step as I tend to the outdoor chores? Yes-- it makes me feel a bit safer knowing that there's a sidekick around. Fortunately, I do have another four-legged sidekick who oversees my every move-- Sassy the cat!

Sassy basks in the fall sun as she watches me clean out stalls

While her mousing skills are questionable, her ability to supervise is extraordinary. The only times she won't follow a human around is during breakfast and when the human is messing with the fire in the wood boiler. This 11 lbs. tri-colored fur ball shows no fear around the two draft horses we've got stomping around. She always is present as I round the horses up from the field and bring them into the stalls for their evening meals. It's a tough job wrangling a 2000 lbs. horse, so I'm happy she's there to assist :-). 

Sassy always makes sure I make it safely down the hill after visiting the horses in their pasture.

And she always comes running at the promise of food or a head scratch.

 I used to think she was such a pest when she first started coming around, but I'm glad she didn't give up on us. She has turned out to be a lovely pet, and we are very thankful to have her as part of our farm family. 

It's Always Nice...

It's always nice to to walk into a barn and find one of these waiting for you!

Stay tuned for more details about this handsome guy!