something new, again

I should have known better. A couple of days ago I said something like - At least QT did not throw a shoe. Well, that day he did not, but the next day he did. Took me about 4 hours of searching to find it. So out he goes now, happy as a clam with one bell boot on over his one shoe. This pony is so happy I could hug and smoosh him. The farrier will come out and pull the other shoe and I'll be checking in to see how he does barefoot. Java is barefoot, I'll have her teach him how to rough it with no shoes. Java in fact is barefoot because that girl can pull shoes like it's her job. Last time I tried to get her to wear shoes, she pulled one 3 times in 2 days, ripping bell boots in half, while showing, the works. That was about 6 years ago. She simply refuses to wear shoes. Works for me. She is probably telling QT how to pull the other shoe right now...

This is QT yesterday as I'm searching for the shoe (for the third outing looking for it). He keeps a close eye on me in case I have treats for him.

I kept Java in her smaller paddock for the day because I was paranoid that she would step on the lost shoe. She decided to do this:

And I found the shoe outside of the paddock on the far side of the wood chip path. Crafty little guy did not lose a shoe, he chucked it. I searched for HOURS INSIDE the paddock, kept Java OUT of the top paddock so she would be safe, she decides to EAT the branches of 300 YEAR OLD pear trees, I did not clean up the manure in the top paddock for fear of driving over the shoe, and I found it at 6:00 at night OUTSIDE of the paddock, inches from where I DO DRIVE the gator. This is all pure luck, and I'm so glad we're all OK now.

progress with the beasts

Peace has been restored back here at camp Java. QT is settling in and so far today has not done anything insane. Java must be feeling sorry for me because she has been extra good these last few days as QT has tested my love for horses. Well, these guys are in luck, because I still love them tons. Mr. Java's Mom and I set up the third stall with mats and put mats down on the aisle. Java supervised every bit and seems to approve.

fun fun fun in the snow

QT and Java went out together for the first time today. QT has on shoes, so I put on some bell boots so he hopefully wouldn't pull a shoe we don't have too many disasters on one day.

They had a good time exploring together, Java made a few ugly faces so that QT would understand who is the boss, and ate hay. Separate piles today. They almost shared... but Java could not decide if she wanted to be that nice on their first day out together. I'm watching most of this from the barn as I muck out and get the barn in spic and span shape.

Fast forward to hours later.... The snow storm has picked up and is ugly - blowing snow sideways. QT comes in first. Before putting him into his stall, I attempt to pick the snow balls out if his front feet because of his shoes, and he takes this opportunity to exit the barn. I get a hold of the lead rope and try to convince him otherwise. He's gave me a big "whatever" and I lay sacked out, flat out in the snow as he takes off. Well there is a first for everything, and I have never been ditched in the snow by a pony, and, have not had a loose horse yet here. Well I can check those two adventures off the list. After a couple of minutes of him running around loose (me: heartattack) we tried again. The chain lead rope that I deployed was able to gently convince him to go back into the barn without incident. Meanwhile, Java, the same horse who spent hours pinning her ears and pretending to be all-ms.-uppity-too-cool-for-you-independent is absolutely unglued without QT and is a little disturbed by all the commotion (major understatement).

They are both in the barn now, safe from the storm, with clean stalls, fresh water and loads of good hay. As I tell them it's nap time and tuck them in, QT looks at me like "this place is great, what fun I'm having" and Java has this confused look like "what the heck just happened".

Well at least QT did not pull a shoe!

The new arrival

QT is in the house. He's a cute little guy, and from the photos you can tell that he has plenty of space and it does not look like I have to worry about him hitting his head on the ceiling or window frame top. QT is Java's new buddy. He is a gem. His full name is Quit Talkin' which is a fabulous name, and makes me laugh every time I say it. We also like to say that QT is for Quiet Time. We love quiet time here, it's so....... relaxing. Java wishes every day were a relaxing spa day. QT may help her find her inner zen and relax. So far he is doing a great job and both Java and QT have been relaxing well together. We are due to get a foot of snow, so turnout tomorrow with the two of them out together for the first time will be an event. Java is ready to show him all her favorite napping spots, and QT hopes to teach Java how to roll on both sides. I'll be there with the camera.

Tonight they are snug in the barn. QT was sent with a fabulous wardrobe and we are trying on all the outfits.

breaking up is hard to do

Breaking up is hard to do, and especially hard with the horse and owner are so beautiful. Well, it is time to break the news to you all: Creme had to leave. With only three stalls, and only two horses currently on the property (Java and Creme), it was something I had to do: Break up Java and Creme.

Creme is seeks geldings to play with, goof off with and would love a play friend to do these things with (think teenage boy with his rat pack). Java seeks an affectionate companion who enjoys long naps and consuming lots of hay and grazing for hours on end (think high maintenance middle aged princess). It was a terribly difficult decision, and today was the day that Creme left for his new home. He will have geldings to goof off with, and lots of fun for Creme and his owner. I actually used to board at the barn they are going to and it is a great fit. Java even loved living there, and as we know, she is sooooooo picky. We also set up the third stall this weekend to prepare for a third horse so we have have one happy bunch here.

Java is not the type to hang out alone, as a matter of fact, she would probably have a nervous breakdown is she were left alone. SO, she has a new companion. His name is QT. Photo and story of his arrival to come tomorrow. He is about the same size as Creme, and is going to try out retirement here at the Land O' Java. So far he thinks the big stall, limitless hay and the whole scene are pretty cool. I'll tell you more tomorrow, but don't want this to be one of those annoying wordy blog posts...

another roll in the snow

Mackie getting a good roll in the fresh snow yesterday morning. Today it poured rain, so it's gone now. He knows how to live up every opportunity life presents.

guess what

Guess what? more snow. It's cold and windy... now that the neighbor cut down all his trees... and our wind block. We chatted a little yesterday, he really is a very nice guy, and is quite considerate of the horses. We're still going to plant on our side, we do like the wind block and Java likes her privacy.

And, the rarely photographed, adorable, special Bearded Collie: Bandy. Bandy's job is to run Mackie around so he stays in good shape and does not become a big fat Labrador. Since Bandy joined the family in November, Mackie has probably lost close to 10 pounds. She loves to run him around, and she's a very good snuggler. Mackie is talented in everything he does.

more of this please

The weather is warm, cold, snowing, raining, foggy and now mudding. I'm rushing around this morning because I have to go to work (gasp), which means I have to leave the property in normal clothes. This takes a lot of extra planning lately. I work mostly from home, but leaving the property in clothing other than Carhartt is a challenge. More coffee.

I whisper sweet talk to Java and Creme as I turn them out explaining that they need to please have a good morning, please don't get hurt and enjoy the morning. I scurry back to the barn loft and carefully choose a new bale to cut open. I'm looking for a bale that they will really like. JACKPOT. As I approached the gate with more (since they liked it extra extra, I decided they could have a little extra extra) Java looked up at me, mouth full with an expression that said "um... this is good, may we please have more of this, thank you". She has wonderful manners.

Here they are happily sharing their apparently extra tasty hay this morning. Really, it's hard to worry about much when you see Java happily enjoying hay and a good life. That top on my list of 935,832,128 things I love about having my own barn.

One more roll in the snow before it melts...

same old, sort of... but warmer!

I swear, this photo was taken this morning... see how it all looks the same. Snow, barren, but at least it's less cold...

Here are a couple of differences:

The snow is melting. AND the rain barrel fell over AGAIN. Ugh.

Hay stuck to snow and ice.















And, the piece de resistance (remember that Java is French), the neighbor's lot and port-a-poddy. How pretty. We are selecting trees to plant. At least Creme and Java have something to watch during the day as the crew over there obliterates the trees. But, it's true, the new neighbor really is a nice guy. That must count for something. Hey, come on, I'm trying to be nice!

continuity

I've taken new photos almost every day, and done the usual here at the barn, but it all looks the same. And when Java and Creme are up in the top field, they are sometimes so far away that you can't see them well in the photo. I've held off posting to see if anything exciting happens, and not yet. I would say that's a good thing, so no complaints here about having a routine. It's going to be warm today (40's) so there will be some melting... that could be considered exciting!

sun at last

At last, temperatures that start with a 3. It's 32*. Birds are chirping, the chainsaw next door is humming and there is a little bit it snow melting. That is good, because we're due to get more snow tomorrow. It seems absurd, so I'll believe it when I see it. And, Mr. Javas mom got the frozen rain barrel out of the way that fell over (about a month ago) yesterday. Progress... :)

still snow covered

Ironic, but anywhere we shoveled is sheer, polished ice. Everything else is OK. That's good because the horses still have oodles of deep snow to play and roll in.

weather oops

Me: Wow, we don't have ice here. I've been riding at least 5 days a week, the horses spend all day out and have had fluffy snow to roll in.

Me Now: Not anymore.

It's raining cats and dogs, on the snow. Holywet. In just amount of time it took to go up and back to the barn I got soaked clear through my John Deere hat and through to my long johns! (gotta have those up here in CT). There is too much snow to go away/melt, and it's too cold to melt, but just warm enough to rain. Hmpf. Tomorrow we'll have that ice we've escaped so far. It's crazy wet out. The snow is so heavy and deep it's even difficult to walk in! Mr. Java's Mom took a look at me after I went out to the barn to check on the horses and said, wow, look at you (wet) you need some rain gear! yes, but no, I hope this only happens about once a year, max.

Still love it all here at the farm/barn/house though, snow, sun, rain and ice. This photos is not from today, the camera would die in this rain. I'll see what I can do for you tomorrow for a nice picture. :)

National Geographic episode here at home

Java and I had another excellent trail ride on Friday. A little more challenging than normal (my fault, I did not know the stream was THAT deep), but so fun, and she had a blast, at times galloping through the snow. We were almost home, in our woods, and all of the sudden she spooked and jumped forward erratically. At the same time I heard something go past us behind me. It is very unusual for her to spook like that, so I looked around and... it's a hawk who has just caught a squirrel and is quietly sealing it's fate. Poor squirrel, but SO COOL.

Here are it's claw marks where it must have picked up the squirrel. And, if you look closely at the top left of the photo you can see an impression in the snow of the end of it's wings as it snatched up it's feast. It then moved and hid behind the tree to kill the squirrel and eat. It left the leftovers for the fox that I'm sure lives here too. I'm glad they share.

This is the hawk I saw, not THE one, but a photo of the same bird. Yes, it was a Red Tailed Hawk, I confirmed with with my handy dandy guide book that I took out from the library because I like pretending that I'm a geek. Apparently they are very common, and only kill a few squirrels each year (and I got to see one!). Actually, I like hearing the bird noises and matching them with the book so I can figure what is in the woods. So far I know of at least one Red Tailed Hawk and what sounds like a few Great Horned Owls.

all is well

All is well. More snow, happy horses and the usual: The rain barrel froze so solid that it rolled away from the barn. We now have a 60 pound block of ice that had to be slid out of the way like a mini submarine in the snow to make way for the hay truck. We might get it back up by the weekend if it gets warm enough. Even the best laid plans... whatever that phrase is. Java and I have had some awesome rides lately. There is something so spectacular about being able to stroll around on horseback on your own property, then the next day go out for an hour and a half in the woods on totally fresh tracks. Definitely makes up for the frozen rain barrel laying on the ground in the way.

snow and hay...

The truck made it up the driveway, no problem. No kidding.

Then the nice delivery guys say, we did not bring all your hay, we'll come back next week. No kidding. I got all my bedding and a little less than half of the hay. But that's OK. As long as they can get up the driveway again, because of course we got more snow. A substantial amount actually. They are so nice, I don't mind.

We're planning our Spring projects already. Another paddock, or two, a wood shed and probably watching the neighbor put up his house.

I'll put up another post later today with more interesting pictures. The horses were still eating breakfast and not out of the barn yet when I took these. I'm sure I'll have something more interesting to say. Right now I'm holding back from telling you how the weekend really was, but thought I should be nice. It's a good challenge for me to practice keeping some things to myself.

ho hum, more snow, and a survey

Guess what.

What?

We got more snow.

I get a mother load of hay tomorrow. My largest delivery yet. That will be interesting. I'll take a picture of the loft after it's loaded, it will be chocka.

There is a survey to the right about the delivery, you have only 24 hours to cast your vote on whether you think the delivery truck will make it to the barn.

more riding

They are out there... probably in the back right corner. For some reason that is their hang out spot lately.

















And, we went for a ride. It really was great, again.


















Nothing particularly interesting aside from this bliss. I'm doing what most do: coordinating work, hay, bedding and dog barf, but it's more fun to think about the trail ride.

happiness is...

If we are friends and I don't get together with you, I hope you understand. It's because I like it here so much that I don't leave often. That and that I spend so much time with animals now that I swear like a trucker frequently, it's better than I stay away from others. The horses are in the top paddock today, soaking in the sun. They are very happy lately.

yackie mackie

Do dogs like bran mash?

yes and no.

yes they like to eat it.

no they do not like to digest it.

After feeding out a bran mash I let Mackie lick a little. Bad idea. He yacked in two spots. One right outside the barn door. I'm surprised I did not step in it. The other place he yacked, I did step in it.

icy

new weather today: ice. haven't had that yet this winter. yes, we've had ice, but not like this. we're fine, did not lose power and the horses are happy. the dogs too.
















The big four leggeds did go out in this today for a while with rain sheets on. They made it their mission to eat their hay (keeps them warm) while I mucked out. They are out there in the pasture photo, but are under a tree with their hay.

I can always count on Java, my trusty steed

Photo is of Java getting ready for a ride. She is my trusty steed. In real life I'm a real estate agent. Java pretty much comes to a halt when she hears the phone (she learned this trick when the market was hot). So, we're on the trail and the phone rings, she comes to a nice stop and I'm chatting away.... in the woods on my phone sitting on my horse who is standing while I chat. Yes, odd. Then I drop my glove. It's in the 20's... must have glove. I tell the person on the phone I have to call them right back. Java keeps standing while I get off, talking to her the whole time about how silly to drop my glove while in the woods alone, and she happily accepts a candy cane piece as a reward and I climb back on. Then stands while I dial the guy back and she continues with the ride on the trails while I blah blah on the phone, crossing a stream and all. Dang Java is great.

And, guess what!? The weather right now... it's snowing... again.

BB - Before Barn

Ah, warm days, green grass, sun higher in the sky and longer outdoor time..... The barn was not here yet, this photo was taken BB - Before Barn.

silly

Dressed with as many layers as possible (lined Carhartts are perfect in every sense of the word, except I cannot ride in them), plus blaze orange, and pony tail sticking out (I normally put my hair up in my hat, but would rather use money to have extra shavings in their stalls than a haircut!) Mr. Java's Mom took this video of us being silly. We just finished a walk in the woods and thought some more fun on the fern path at home would be good finale. It was.

riding

The weather is now decent ... temps in the 30's. Java and I had a wonderful ride on the property today. The 'fern path' had the nicest footing and Java seemed to love it, so we found ourselves going back and forth on it, what a nice ride. She is an absolutely wonderful horse and really enjoys it when we get out for rides.

This video is of us cantering up the path, but it ended up looking like a lot of Java's fuzzy mane and wind noise.

the simple life and Carhartt lined overalls

I'm like an old man always talking about the weather... but there's so much weather to talk about lately! We got snow, a beautiful powdery blanket. Then single digit temperatures. Oh yes, I DO wear Carhartt's lined overalls. And yes, I look funny. And yes, I'm OK with that.

I'd write more, but instead would like to go drink a glass of wine in front of the fire before having a nice dinner. Yes, that's right. So, I'll post more later... hopefully not about the weather. Probably about Java and how great it is to have your very own barn and happy horses in it.