Autumn rolls on

 Well the snow didn't last long, now we are back into the usual dreary November weather. However, we have been getting lovely skies, which makes it all better. 

The fall pasture is holding out well; the mares only occasionally head to their shelter to chow down on the round bale. 

Gussie dropped a bit of weight, which I was hoping to happen as she got rather fluffy on the late summer pasture. 

This Saturday, weather permitting, I will be going to look at a possible stallion to breed her to next June. If I choose him, it will be the first time ever that I have had to pay a stud fee. It puts things into a different perspective; weighing the costs involved against my desire to get an exceptional foal from her, as well as her well being and not having her as a saddle horse during her pregnancy. I think she is such a good mom that it will all be worth it. 

Velvet, assuming she is in foal to Beamer, will definitely be retired as a broodmare after this foal. If for some reason she isn't in foal she will still be retired. She has become a favorite with me, she walks with me wherever I go in her pasture, always with her head to my shoulder. She always comes to greet me in the mornings when I go to the barn to feed the barn cats, and positions herself so that I make no mistake in exactly what spot she wants scratching. 

All is well when your horses want to be with you!

Goodbye 2021....

 Can't say as it's been good to know ya. 

The year winds down in beauty...

Cold and colourful...

My key word for 2021 was Faith, and my faith is what kept me strong through a year of sadness, trials and tears, both because of the worldly ugliness and personal losses. None of which is relevant to this blog. 

There were some highlights though, with two good foals born (Derby up at Shayla's and Dally here with us) both of whom sold for good prices. Offset by losing both Merle and Tess.... 

There were many times when all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and do nothing, but having horses kept me grounded. There were many other times when I just wanted to Ride a Good Horse! But not having a riding horse was an issue! Enter Sophie, who I have yet to ride but we are making progress and I expect to be riding her as soon as we get a break in the weather. 

I have lots of plans for 2022, if the Good Lord is willing and the creek don't rise....

Breeding Sophie to a lovely Grullo stallion , hitting the trails on her with a group of friends, as long as we don't go into another draconian lock down. Once I get her a little better broke, maybe even do a little cattle sorting or roping on her. 

So much depends on what measures the government hands down. And that brings me to my key word for 2022. 

Mercy. 

I have a sinking feeling that we will need a lot of Mercy this year. 

Meanwhile, I will try to go on with life as planned, including getting excited about Jayne's new Beamer baby.

Baby bump!