RicelandMeadows

April 23, 2026

It’s still a bit muddy, but we turned out the horses for the first time this year. We stuffed them full of hay, then sent them out on the lush spring grass. Man did they ever love it! The grass is just starting to grow and their grazing time will be limited, but the spring green up is underway.

We have thankfully been getting lots of rain. Rain makes grass, but it also makes mud. Our field work is a bit delayed, but it is nice to see the green and all the flowering trees. Our hay fields are doing well and pastures are looking great. The mud season will pass too. I just need to be patient.

Abby and Grace were all set to haul manure yesterday. I took an empty wagon out to the field to test the ground. The horses sunk in over their hooves in places just pulling the empty wagon. Manure spreading will wait a few more days.

Grace, on my right, worked on the right side for the first time yesterday. She is taking her mom Amee’s place. Amee is now on maternity leave. Her foal is due soon.

The girls did real well yesterday. Grace is turning out to be a very good workhorse. 5 years ago, when she was a weanling, she fell butt first down an abandoned well we didn’t know was there. The skidsteer and a half dozen firefighters lifted her out of the hole. She has recovered well and is now an important part of our herd. She has a forever home here.

April is winding down and May is coming fast. Soon planting time will be here. AHHHH, spring and all the work that comes with it, but first the green up that reassures us that a new season is coming.