RicelandMeadows

August 20, 2023

This little girl who has warmed my heart, pleased me often and gave me proud “dad” moments, is headed off to a new address. She will very soon call Tennessee, home. It is a bittersweet time for us. We are going to keep our new filly Joy, so we needed stall room. Bree was born here, but she doesn’t fit our breeding program as well as we would like. The barn is full, plus one, so something had to give.

Bree has been in training since the spring. She has learned much and will make a good work horse. She is getting a good home, but saying goodbye will be a tough day for me. She will have a “Hank” baby next spring. I am confident that she will be a good mother. I wish her and her new owner well.

This is our 2 year old Grace. Some of you faithful readers will remember her, as the little girl who fell down the well. She has started her training now too. This is her in her mother’s (Amee’s) harness on her first day learning to drive. We lead her at first, then slowly back away as she learns to go where the lines tell her. She did very well listening to me and my hands through the lines and the bit. We will hitch her soon, then work her with her mom and Abby through the winter on the wagon and light loads.

Now that breeding season is over, Hank (on the right) is back to work and his training too. Here he is working with Abby. Hank turned 4 years old last April. I can now push him a bit harder because his muscles and joints are maturing well. He will work with the girls on every farm job. We will even harvest a few trees for logs later this year. He is up to the challenge and doing very well.

Hank has even learned to appreciate a break. Here he rests easy with Abby in the shade waiting on my signal to move out. I have had him since he was 5 months old. I do like this dude! He has made babies for us, treats his mares and foals well and comes when I call him. He is the herd leader, turned out with the mares and babies daily. He directs them. When I call they all come, but he is first to the gate.

So there will be a few changes around here. Bree will leave soon, once the veterinarian gives the ok that all is well with her bloodwork and paperwork. Grace will receive more hands on training. Hank will be pushed to learn the finer workings of farm equipment and what is expected of him. Joy will enter the herd of young horses once she gets weaned.

So, I will focus on the future knowing that I gave Bree the best head start that I could. She has learned well. She has a ways to go, but a bright future on a new farm. As we work towards the coming days of fall and push hard during the waning days of summer, I am glad that Hank can help, Grace is learning and Joy is growing. Bree headed for a new address is a new chapter, not the end of the book for her or I. Goodbye girl and best wishes for you!