January Hay Drive

All FOBs know what January means, and we are steeling ourselves for the 29th, when our hearts were broken and we felt such disappointment and pain. The pain has faded a bit, but Barbaro's influence on all of us is still so very evident. Many of us are reading these words only because of Barbaro. Barbaro was a true athlete and an inspiration to us all. We still run for Barbaro!

Thanks to the generous donations of several FOBs, the theme for this month's drawing is

MHR: Our Tribute to Barbaro Memorial Hay Wagon Ride

See the MHR Hay Drive page for more details.

Monday morning

Good morning,

Have been up since 4:00 am, heard the pitter patter of rain. Went outside and we were getting a light rain. It has since stopped. Once it became lighter outside, you could see the football team rolling around in the dirt making themselves beautimous before breakfast. It is cool outside but not bad. It is the type of weather that makes for frisky horses. The team is out running and bucking, and playing with one another. It is mostly Rosie, Grace, Casper, Dancer, Sinatra and Trooper raising the most ruckus. Kids will be kids. The older generation just stood back watching and shaking their heads.

You know each horse has its own personality, but it is quite comical between Brassy and Jonah on a daily basis. They bicker before each meal, squealing at each other, rearing up and in general raising cain. Funny thing though, once meal time is over, they stand next to each other throughout the rest of the day as if they were the bestest friends ever. Our Leaguer is a comic, so excited about his food, talking and shaking his head up and down. You can only imagine him saying..."Oh yes, food again, gimmie, gimmie" Whereas CB is a true lady, she will stand by her feeder and give you a very demure wuffle waiting patiently.

I will post more this evening, as the entire day normally has a bit more spice than the early morning.

Everyone keep safe and I hope each of you has a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Saturday morning

Good Morning,

Everything here at MHR is doing well. We have been busy doing our daily routine plus some additional duties. All of the horses are doing quite well. Allison (volunteer) who comes on Fridays spent time with Phred. She has a soft spot in her heart for him. We recently found out some interesting information regarding him (Phred). He has had several homes, and at one time was called Rusty. I think Phred fits him though. He was quite the trail horse in his earlier days according to the information we received. He has filled out so very nicely. He loves to be groomed, but is still wary about his head being touched. Once he realizes you are just going to brush his face he relaxes and enjoys it.

Rocky the TB who is being fostered by my parents (last three years) turned 39. I was there with Rob while he was having his feet done. Out of curiosity I lifted his upper lip to see if he had a tattoo. He does but it is very difficult to read as it has faded. Wish I knew an easy way to read it. He is such a sweet horse and keeps little old Cocoa (mini-mule) company. Cocoa is doing well, he is 40+ yrs old. He had his feet done as well. He still has an ornery streak in him though when it comes to feet trimming time. It is truly amazing though, he is blind and moves around his area with no problem and will even kick out at Rocky if he sniffs him too much.

We introduced Levi to the football team on 1/4. We did this after they all finished their morning meal, as we wanted to reduce the aggression factor. He was excited as was the rest of the team and they all ran around bucking and kicking. He did challenge Wally but that lasted only a moment, as Wally let Levi know this was his herd. Levi accepted this, but not so graciously at first. All is well though . Rosie of course has her own fan club, and it appears Trooper is the President of this Club. He will allow the other fans near her when he wants to, otherwise it is backoff! Misty is doing great, she is such an easy going girl, so sweet and charming. Always the lady. Dumplin and Tubby what a pair. Dumplin was grooming Tubby's back, and of course I did not have my camera, but Tubby looked like he was in heaven with the expression on his face. Buttercup has had no breathing problems since she has arrived at MHR and has put on a great deal of weight since her arrival. She is kinda of a bossy mare but not mean. Just a mare.

Have a wonderful day all

Stephanie

Friday update

I spoke with Ron this morning at Shadow Mountain Feed.

We are in need of 8 more 12' panels and the Doc Wilbur Maternity Ward is complete.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!

Stephanie

Panels

ROB AND I JUST RETURNED FROM SHADOW MOUNTAIN FEED. RON WAS ABLE TO GIVE US AN ACCURATE UPDATE.

WE NEED ONLY 9 MORE 12' PANELS AND THE MATERNITY WING IS COMPLETE!

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH TO EVERYONE!!!

Stephanie

Good morning

The New Year brought a busy day. Several horses had their scheduled pedicures done, so there was shuffling back and forth. I worked with Baby B and Spirit for a bit. Baby B is growing up and finally is understanding the program. Spirit on the other hand always has to do something that sparks a little more reinforcement of what not to do, and that is cow kicking at grammie when she is grooming his hind quarters. He may have those big beautiful doe eyes and appears to be very sweet but there is a stinker hiding under the surface. We managed after being corrected to get through he grooming session without further incident.

Rosie is doing very well. She loves the space and I think the attention of the boys. Her fav guy is our crooked legged little Trooper. Very fickle young woman she is. The water barrels have been a challenge, with at least a half inch of ice every morning on top. I am not complaining as I know that there are many other places much worse off. Just a pain. I can always count on Glory to break her own ice off though. She watches me and then has to help by taking her big foot and just doing a huge Kerplop right into it. Splash Splash Splash, see what I am doing, while in the meantime you're avoiding the back splash.

Carolyn was here, she worked Silky (her sponsored horse), Glory and Shania. Her talents are wonderful and much appreciated. She has a real knack with the horses. She took Dumplin out for a stroll and he is doing very very well.

Bob has been unable to come over, but I wanted to let you know that he is on the road to recovery which is going to be a slow process, but I thank all of you for prayers and support.

All the horses are doing well and I have compiled a list of horses seeking 2008 sponsors

General (TB) 21y/o, blind
Shiloh (Appy) 24 y/o, blind
Misty (QH) 27 y/o
Acey (Appy) 39 y/o, blind
Old Man (Mustang) 26+???
Half Moon (Mustang) 11y/o, split personalities.. :)
Dumplin (QH) 15 y/o
Buttercup (QH) 26 y/o
Baby (QH) 23 y/o
Trooper (QH) 5 y/o
Jocori (Mustang) 16 y/o ???

Any and all support is greatly appreciated and is TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Stephanie

Happy New Year 2008!

MHR, Rob, our family, and I wish each of you a wonderful year to come.

2007 brought sorrow over the loss of a great athlete

BARBARO

He gave each of us a message engrained into our hearts to continue his legacy and to fight and speak for all the horses. We have banned together, and by working together our voices have been heard!

We have seen and heard of foals being born safe and free. We have seen many horses saved and going to homes or rescues where they will never, ever have to go hungry, endure fear and should they have to cross the Rainbow Bridge they will not do it alone and they will leave with the dignity they came into the world with.

All of this was made possible by the

FANS OF BARBARO

You have accomplished so much in 2007; FOBs in 2008 will accomplish even more in their efforts.

THANK YOU FOBs FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF HORSES!!


Stephanie