Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: change, pandemic, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch
April 28, 2020
As this pandemic continues and we get used to a new “normal”, I feel about like the foal in the picture. I am staying put , but I don’t have to like it!
Bree our new foal, is learning new things. This first lesson was all about being tied up. She needs to learn to accept this. She will learn to lead soon too. Once we have mastered these things, she will be able to accompany mom while we work. Bree will be tied to her mom at a safe distance where she can walk alongside, but not get behind or in front where she could get hurt. Social distancing at its finest.
All of us here on the farm are learning new life lessons. It is best to find the positives, look toward the future and make plans. Continue to live! This will pass, things may change, but we will adapt. We can do all things through God who strengthens us!
Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: Small Farming, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch
April 26, 2020
Our stallion prospect “Hank” had his first birthday last week. He is growing very well. He continues to learn manners and all things “workhorse”. The lessons are short but daily. I handle him often and consistently. He is a quick learner. We are very hopeful that he will be a good fit to our farm and breeding plan.
I stood him beside our 16 hand mare Amee. He is catching up to her height quickly. He eats much like a teenage boy…constantly. He is shedding out his baby hair and looks ragged at times, but under all that mud, manure and hair there is a handsome young boy!
Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: baby horse, family time, filly, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch
April 25, 2020
Our filly is now one week old. She is growing very well. It is so much fun to have a baby horse here again. She is an independent little girl! Strong willed for sure.
We are seeing many good traits from her breeding.
Once she grows up, I am sure that she will make a great work horse.
In the meantime, we will just enjoy watching her grow up. To see her run and frolic makes us smile. This is a good distraction these days…and unlike our children and grandchildren…we can get our hands on her!
April 18, 2020
Our Suffolk Punch filly was born at 10:30 pm on April 17, 2020. In the photo above she was about a half hour old. She was just finding her feet and standing up. Both mother and daughter are doing well.
It is a nice distraction to watch the baby!
Today she was walking and bouncing all around the stall. She is full of energy. Momma has settled in to putting up with her antics and ever increasing appetite.
On a side note, our Percheron mare “Abby” has been sold. We found her a wonderful home. It has been a roller coaster ride, as we transition from Percheron horses to Suffolk horses, to power our farm, but it is exciting too. Knowing that all three of my old pals got great homes is just icing on the cake!
Now, we can really focus on our future with these wonderful, rare, calm horses.
April 17, 2020
Late spring snows are always a shocker. The bright green grass lays just below the covering of white. It is much like the silver lining in every cloud.
The pandemic is waning, summer is coming and bright sunshine will soon rule the skies.
Look for the good is every situation and all people and you will find it. Spring may seem a bit late, but it is here. Fear not.
Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: fit and finish, knife from a rasp, Knife making
April 12, 2020
As we work through this whole pandemic and the policies in place for us to stay home, I have been completing projects. Yesterday, I finally got the handle on this knife made from a farrier’s rasp.
I don’t like this part of knife making. I enjoy the design and forge stage, by felt uncomfortable putting on the handles and finishing the knives. I finally just did it! After three days in the forge, I have completed three. Two have wood handles and one is from deer antler. I am no expert, but feel much better. I simply followed “Nike’s” advice and “Just did it”
I am making several trips back and forth to the barn. Our pregnant mare is nearing her due date. I pace like an expectant father. She just eats and walks around wondering why I spend so much time just looking at her. We still have a few days to go, but my patience is being tested.
We celebrate our Risen Lord today. We sent well wishes to friends and family, Soon we can all gather…what a great day that will be!
Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: farm babies, foals, Lambs, pandemic, social distancing, Suffolk draft horses
April 8, 2020
This pandemic is unlike anything I have ever lived through. I am cautiously optimistic about it being less of a threat soon. I, like many, can’t wait to hug my family again! Let’s all do our part so that when we can all gather again…all of us will be there.
The horses and I continue their lessons. They are doing very well, just learning the routine here and I am learning their quirks and dislikes. We are bonding now. This feels very good. They have accepted me as the “leader” and like to be petted and fussed over.
They are doing so well, I feel humbled by their willingness to please. Abby’s due date is coming fast. It is tentatively April 15th. That date is an estimate. Foals come when they are ready. I am keeping Abby comfortable. She gets a big roomy stall at night and a nice slow walk every day.
Spending time with the animals, especially the horses, keeps me somewhat satisfied during the long days with no family. Sure we talk on the phone, wave from the windows and even “Facetime” with some, but nothing beats loving on them. This too shall pass!
Spring is making her presence known. The warm sun and green grass is wonderful. Families are getting out and enjoying nature. That is a wonderful thing. The horses and I are liking the warmer weather. The work year is about to bust open, but for now we will idle our time, wait patiently on the foal and watch the lambs play in the sheep pasture. This is social distancing the Farm way!
April 3, 2020
Hank spent part of yesterday running, romping and strutting! He is a proud little boy. He is growing nicely. I like the way he fills out his chest. He has his first birthday coming soon.
He is getting his summer coat and finally shedding his baby coat and thick winter hair.
He will grow a bigger foot, but I sure like the way it looks so far.
He continues to please me with his manners and personality. As we pass these spring days here on the farm, he makes me smile.
RicelandMeadows 