My handy niece and her partner came out last weekend to help out us old folks get our winter pasture set up. We had to remove the bottom strand of hot tape that had gotten beat up with all the storms and replace it with new tape. All 700 ft. of it. There was a lot of swamp grass grown up over 6 ft. tall along one section that we had to stomp down and drive over to flatten; the weed whacker was not powerful enough to remove it all. We got it done! The horses were happy to get turned out on that 15 acres, as their grazing pens were getting a bit low. Velvet has been on the 15 before, so she led the way through the 4 ft. gate and the others followed. Room to run, you would think, but eating was more important! They did do a bit of zooming the first day and they still have access to their auto waterer and shelter, so when the bugs get to be too much, or if a rain storm comes along, they lope on back to the shelter.
Tuffy did lose a bit of weight at weaning but it is coming back.
Took the Nikon out today and tried for some decent photos.
Normally I would edit a bit, but my old computer is having a moment and won't let me so these are straight out of the camera.
Velvet, who was first out, went off to the far end, (can you see her?) while Tuffy and Dally stayed closer to the entrance.
Those weeds are Canada Thistle and stinging nettle, both of which horses will eat in moderation. We have plans to spray this field next spring.
Dally wandered off to see what Velvet was eating, and Tuffy stayed munching on his patch.
He was keeping an eye on them, but when they went out of sight, he galloped up to the corner, whinnying and they came a-running at his call.... good mares!
This will be their winter pasture, at least until the snow starts covering the hotwire tape which is about 2 ft. off the ground for the bottom strand.
Once the Leo colt gets here in a few days, he will be penned up with Tuffy so they can buddy up and be friends before I turn them out together to pasture with the mares. Can't wait!
2 comments:
That...is an awesome winter pasture. I'm going to turn my gals out after a few frosts to the same sort of environment. I've seen them dig through snow to get at the good stuff in years past.
Strangely enough, my elder animals won't approach where they know the hot wire is supposed to be. But they have lived with those boundaries for at least 20 years.
How nice to have helpers! I am excited for you too!
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