It has been a bit since I posted, because I am trying to figure out which direction my journey with horses is going given the current world situation. Economic collapse, social upheaval and persecution… it's enough to make your head swim.
So far, I have one concrete decision- I will not be breeding the mares back next spring. These 2 foals on their way may well be the last Beamer babies to be born. He will be 20 next year, and his arthritis while seeming to be at bay, has now started to appear in his other knee. I have no idea how long he will be sound and happy. So it is one season at a time with him.
My mares have some age on them- 17, 18 and 19 next year. I may try to rehome the 2 broodmares and just have Gussie to ride and Moondance to be my replacement riding horse when he is old enough.
Gussie's health is an issue; she has fecal water syndrome and I am thinking it is because of a hind gut issue related to fresh grass and what little alfalfa is in the hay I have- she has always been sensitive to both fresh grass and alfalfa. I wasn't able to buy straight grass this year. This issue has caused another issue with her- a heavy vaginal discharge which is probably because of the fecal water entering via the vulva. I'm pretty sure she is no longer pregnant to Drifter. A blessing in disguise.
That is 2 days from the last butt wash I gave her. Poor Gussie... I have to braid her tail otherwise it gets really dirty. I sure hope it goes away soon. It seems to come in cycles, has been going on since spring so I am wondering if it is related to her heat cycles too.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying a warm November- it is the nicest November we have had in a while- our grass is still green and growing and to my surprise my magnolia bush decided to start budding out. I hope it will be ok next spring.
It was such a nice day that I saddled up the ole red mare and ponied Moondance.
Off to the river we went- Moondance didn't want to go in at first but finally I tricked him into it and he was fine.
Lovely setting sun highlighting Gussies carrot top mane
The river still runs clear, not a hint of ice now. But with December almost upon us I expect that will change soon.
Riding day 54
12 comments:
It must be so difficult to make decisions that come into play a year later. I think you are wise- even after the vaccine is out there the economic impact will last a lot longer.
Teresa I for one will refuse the vaccine. I haven't taken any pharmaceutical products for 15 years and I absolutely do not trust Big Pharma.
Poor Gussie sure hope she improves and doesn't get real sore...it will be harder when winter comes to keep her clean...but I am certain you will find a way.
There always seems to be someone who wants Beamer babies...now watch both foals will be Fillys this spring. Hard decisions for you to make Shirley...one day or season at a time!
I've been patiently wondering, what you eluded to on my blog. It is important to take time to reflect, and be true to ourselves. Even if hard. This time of year when nature hibernates for preservation I think about my life in general, more than usual. Add the solitude, world-wide pandemic affect (which is very much still unraveling) and unusual holiday season. It is a lot, and weighs heavy. I think your concrete decision is a wise one. I would be sad to see Belle re-homed again, she does so well under your care. But life and limitations are understandable. I truly hope you get your filly, and that Beamer continues to be healthy and happy. You are giving him the best of care! Your close up eye photo is so stunning Shirley, wow!! Interestingly enough, I started writing a Fecal Water post about a week ago. I want to document what I've learned so far for reference, and get input. Will finish up eventually. Also, the video didn't work for me. Enjoy the unseasonably warm weather while we have it!
Sorry you are facing these hard choices. I have found much enjoyment in reading about your wonderful horses and seeing your awesome photos and videos. I hope you can find a way to go forward that is fulfilling and joyful.
Aurora- the eye photo is mama Belle. I really don't want to part with her. The people who bought Drifter may want both mares, but the timing is not right for them as they are having a baby on Dec. 10th. So hopefully things won't get too crazy before next summer. I am really concerned about the ability for farmers to produce hay if we have even more economic collapse. And if the price of hay rises drastically it will be tough for me to afford- I bought 36 bales that are about 1000 lbs each this year and I'm using 3 a month for my 5 horses. With Ted out of work and me on pension, something has to give. Selling 1 or both foals will be my next hay fund. And of course, I can't count on a sale.... so hence my worries.
God will provide, I'm sure.
These are weird, tough times, so everyone has to make decisions, horse owners or non-horse owners, right? I love your blog, and your photography, and following the progress of your beautiful foals. Even if you reduce your herd size, please keep blogging! You are the most consistent blogger around, and you are my first go-to when I have time to read. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Thank you for letting me know who's eye you captured so beautifully!! Your photo is print/wall/calendar/contest worthy. I was wondering, thought perhaps it was Moondance. Shirley, your concern is absolutely understandable! I am so sorry for your worries. We were talking about similar with our farrier yesterday. No one knows what the economic impact will be, and how it will affect the horse industry and animals in general. You are such a gifted horsewoman. Your horse off-spring and/or chosen ones are stand outs, and will no doubt be welcomed if need be {{hugs}}
these are bad times for alot of people, even me. health issues, stress of not being able to even go out for more than a few minutes at a time because the cold has really been getting to me this year. the world is in chaos, and we are living in the midst of a crisis such as has not been seen before. the point is, to stay as close to God, and family as possible, because therein strength is found even in the most difficult of times. i think you're making a wise decision. I will try my best to offer up my issues to God. God is more powerful than anything in this world, not to mention the universe.
I miss you on Facebook. Please come back. We need to encourage each other now, more than ever. Don’t be afraid of the future. Your horses are golden! Everything is going to be okay. We are almost around the corner on this. God does have it all in his hands. We come in naked, we return naked. But don’t lose site of your gifts, my sweet friend. You are a strong, wise woman!!
And people are going to continue to want your beautiful horses!
Linda- I am active on MeWe, I much prefer it to Facebook.
I will continue to blog! I have a project horse that I am helping a friend with... an interesting case of a horse that didn't get a proper foundation and is very anxious and reactive. I hope to be able to blog about our journey with him.
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