Hello to All!!!!
It has been a hectic few days around here, but we have managed to stay on top of everything.
Well, we have found that the Barley Bags had a problem in aiding to keep the water tanks clean and cutting down the amount of times they had to be scrubbed per week, and we attribute it to our extreme heat. It started out well; however a black fungus began growing and we immediately removed the bags. We did not want to risk any health issues for the horses due to this fungus. We would like to extend our gratitude to the "Barley Bag Gang." We were so hoping it would work.
We have been working on making the feeding a bit easier, especially for our guests (FOBs) arriving at the ranch over Labor Day weekend. We have buckets hooked over the feed trailer (Hay Cubes) that are pre-filled. This way it is just grab a bucket and go down the line, and make for happy horses. They can be an impatient lot you know. Just ask Apple. It seems to be working real well, and everyone gets their required amount.
I have a little story to share with all of you. For those who have been here and know JD and Glory (Glory is still seeking her forever home) they are both characters, almost as entertaining as the babies. Anyway, I was looking at one of our little hens and thinking to myself that she sure is scroungy looking compared to the others and thought maybe she is ill. Well, I now know what the problem is and it isn't because she is sick. I witnessed her roosting on JD and Glory's stall and the two of them have been taking turns plucking her tail feathers and the little bird brain allows it. I tried shooing her away but she goes back for more, and the two clowns race over to see who gets the first pluck.
Rio, the Corgi we rescued after the loss of our Ceasar, is doing great. He has fit in so well with rest of the gang and has even lost a bit of weight. He does still have his "Badonka Donk." Rio is a real talker and when we have to leave the property and return he lets everyone know we are home and runs around barking. He is a very happy fella.
Apple's eye is doing great. It has been a challenge to keep her fly mask on, her son AJ is the culprit for removing it, despite all of our efforts to weave it in and out and thinking we have it securely fastened. Ha! That does not work either. Yesterday he and Hope were killing the fly mask, they did not tear it up but they were sure letting it know it did not stand a chance against them. I do hope more of you will watch these precious ones on our Justin.tv cam. We do have a chat and would love to talk with you. There have been some recent issues that Justin TV is trying to resolve and as I write to you they are working on.
Jerri is doing better, but the way we look at it, she is a work in progress. She knows that she will not be hurt, but yet there is still that fear factor of humans. I wish she could tell her story, but I am sure it would just break our hearts. It has been five months since we lost her mother Nellie, but it still feels like yesterday. The PMU industry is cruel and inhumane and the end result for the majority of these mares is horrific, as if their lives were not bad enough. Please keep Nellie and Lil Angel in your hearts and thoughts when you speak to others of this industry, WE TOGETHER can make a difference and speak for these beautiful horses.
All the other horses on the ranch are doing great, despite the disabilities that some have. The cooler mornings bring out the clowns in them and they are a joy to watch. We do not have many horses that you can adopt and train for riding, however we have some wonderful companion horses that maybe someone might consider sponsoring or even adopting as a pet. They love to be loved as well. I know that with the rising costs of feed and everything else going up as well has left a crimp in the pocket book for most of us, however, I do hope that you will consider adopting or even sponsoring a horse.
Our day has already started, but the big chores must get done. Everyone have a wonderful day!!!
Stephanie
MHR PMU horses
