Sunday June 7, 2009

After missing last week’s tours, I was really happy to be back at the farm today.   I would like to think the horses were happy to see me, but I am probably deluding myself—anyone with a carrot bucket works for them.   I made a point to visit every single horse on the farm today—all 45 or however many; I have lost count.   Let me tell, you, I am beat.  Poor Marley worked every tour today.  She is crashed and out like a light!

I do think there was one horse that was especially happy to see me.  Kiri’s Clown is the latest to sport the hot horsey fashion accessory—the grazing muzzle. When he saw me this morning, his eyes lit up like “oh thank goodness, she’ll have pity and get this contraption off me.”  Sorry Kiri, no can do!  The grass this spring has been especially rich and lush, and we don’t want any colic or founder.  So, for the more susceptible horses, the grazing muzzle is the solution.   But the hole in the bottom of the muzzle is just large enough for a carrot, so Kiri still got his share.  

EscapedfromNewYork has turned into a nice little horse.  His coat is a beautiful reddish bay, all shiny and smooth.  He loves treats and runs right over to the fence when he sees people.  I guess he thinks he died and went to heaven—all the food he needs with lots of grass and water, topped off with treats and attention.  Couldn’t ask for more if you are a horse!  He really draws people in, too.  Everyone is touched by his story and amazed at how far he has come, in such a short time.   But as someone said today—those New Yorkers are a tough bunch!

Today was immunization day at the farm.  Now, everyone knows what Creator thinks of humans–we are not his favorite people.  As you can imagine, shots are REALLY low on his list.  But Kent caught him, and patiently hung out with him until Creator relaxed.  Then, a quick shot on each side of his neck, a little more bonding time and some treats, and it was over.  Very nicely done.  

We had some terrific people on tours today.   People came from Ohio, Illinois, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and New York City.   As he left, one little guy ran back to tell me “I’ll see you next time—I’m coming back again!”  His mom told me he was already making plans.  I think it was The Wicked North who got him hooked.  But then, who doesn’t get hooked by Norty?

For the last tour today, I took my group up to the “back 40.”  We walked up and back—this was the hike that did Marley in for the day!  But it was a fun walk.  Elvis, really named King James, came right over for treats.  He is a pretty dark brown horse with four white ankle socks.  He doesn’t have as much chrome as Williamstown, and he is very handsome.  I can kind of see why he is nicknamed Elvis. 

Speaking of Willy, he has moved to a new paddock at the top of the hill.  I think he loves his new digs—he has lots of space and a nice line of trees for afternoon shade.  He looked great too, and came right over for treats.  Glitterman and Polish Navy were waiting by their respective fences as we walked to see them.  Their paddocks overlook the housing development behind the farm.  I’d love to look out my back door and see those two guys grazing behind my house! 

Wallace Station and Appygolucky are paddock-mates now.  Wallace Station is significantly taller than Appy, so they are a bit of an odd couple.  Still, they seem very happy together.   My pal Kudos looks terrific.   One of the ladies remarked on how soft and smooth his coat and mane feel.   His mane lies perfectly and there was no mud or dirt on him. He looked like he just got home from the spa. 

Siphonizer has always been somewhat moody–standoffish one day and friendly the next.  Today he was a certified treat hound—he pretty much followed us around waiting for attention.  He, Futural, and Affirmed Success finally lined up perfectly for the group photo I have always wanted—you know–dark brown, chestnut and bay, all shiny and pretty.  But did I have a camera?  No, I did not. 

I think, however, the horse who looked the very best of them all today was Bonnie’s Poker.  She is fat, shiny and dappled. She, Cozy Miss and Hidden Lake were hanging out in their run-in shed out of the sun but as soon as Hidden Lake came out for treats, they all wandered over.   (Klassy Briefcase and Personalized apparently aren’t allowed in their little clique and were farther out in the paddock grazing.)  But for everyone who has asked how Bonnie has been doing since her friend Narrow Escape died, I can enthusiastically say she looks fabulous, maybe the best I have ever seen her.  No way does she look her age.  And Hidden Lake?  Gorgeous! 

Well, that about covers the day at the farm.  Great weather, terrific horses, nice people—as one man said this morning, “what a great way to spend time on a nice day.”  I am very lucky to be able to do this each week!

We hope you can visit us soon.  In the meantime, thanks for spending Sunday with Old Friends.

-Val