Monday, April 7, 2025

Out

 Now that we are getting more spring like weather, and the ground has thawed some, it was time to fix fence on the 15 acres  so I could let the mares out for grazing. 

The winter winds and possibly wildlife had broken the top strand of the white electrical tape, so we patched that and totally replaced the bottom strand which had been patched too many times. I also added pickets to help with wind resistance, as the fence posts there are 30 feet apart. 

I was a bit concerned about that 4 ft. gate, 
hoping Dallas wouldn't get trapped there- but they are all good.

One must fly when one can!

The mares were sure happy to get out! They did their exploratory gallop before settling down to find the green grass hidden below all the dead grass. 





Since then, I have been turning them out during the day, and keeping them off it at night, giving them hay instead; it's a bit too early for full time grazing, but I want them to have some to get their systems accustomed to it as the grass comes in, to avoid spring grass colic. 


I did see Gussie laying down again the day after her episode- she did lay flat out for a short while, and wasn't as worried once she got up. I think something flipped a switch for her, but I continue to keep watch to see if she continues to get that REM sleep, or if she regresses. 

7 comments:

Far Side of Fifty said...

Fun to see them running and kicking! I also enjoyed seeing them all lined out walking single file:)

Linda said...

Great music to accompany their celebratory release. They are so beautiful.

Shirley said...

Thanks! Blogger wont let me upload videos from my phone: it seems like they load but then it says Video not available when I hit publish. SocI have to put them on You Tube.

aurora said...

Lucky gals to stretch legs & graze. I enjoyed your videos!

Sometimes I also have to post via YouTube, due to video size. It does add another step, but works well.

Val Ewing said...

I just had to go fix fencing again on one of our pastures as the deer have been going through it.

My mules and the horse have been taking long naps this spring on the warm days. Oddly enough I saw a rarity of them all sleeping at the same time. The horse we have often lays flat out.

I don't know much about horses and REM sleep, I'd be interested in what the Vet has to say about it.

Firn said...

Maybe having an extra friend in Dallas is all Gussie needed to feel safe enough for better sleep!

Shirley said...

You know, you may be right about that.