Filed under: April 2022 | Tags: farm work, foals, shedding, Spring, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch horses, Suffolk stallion
April 25, 2022
It was such a nice day yesterday, that I simply had to let the horses out for a run, romp and roll. They did all of the above! They managed to find a very muddy spot to roll. They enjoyed the sun and the fresh green grass. Hank {our stallion) had to watch from the feedlot. He would very much like to be with his ladies, but we will wait a few more weeks. The plan is to have foals born in April or May….not March.
He is a good boy. He is very attentive and doesn’t miss much. He watched the girls playing for the entire afternoon. He too enjoyed some time out on the small jump lot where the grass is growing. He too found a muddy spot to roll, but he kicked up his heels and enjoyed the day. The pastures are drying up fairly well. Amee and Maggee are in the big pasture out front. It too is a bit soft, but the two of them shouldn’t hurt it too bad. Mom needs the fresh grass and the baby needs room to run!
Our yearling Grace got her first bath too. Her baby fuzz is slow to shed, but is finally giving up. Soon her coat will be the shiny chestnut that the Suffolk Punch are known for. She took it very well after the first squirt. I think it was the hissing noise more than the water itself that gave her pause. She eventually just stood quiet as I washed her with the warm water.
Farm work is idle for right now, but the coming week looks good. We shall see what the future holds. In the meantime, we will continue with training and brushing…lots of brushing. The shedding is in full swing as all the horses start putting on their summer coats. This grooming time allows for lots of personal contact and bonding for us all. Spring has sprung!
Filed under: April 2022 | Tags: baby horse, family, foals, maple syrup, Small Farming, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch foal
April 4, 2022
We welcome our farm’s newest addition, Riceland Meadows Miss Magee. I pronounce it like (Maggie) She was born on April 1 at 11:15 pm. Momma and baby are doing great. She came after a few short nights for me as she and her mom teased me with her arrival time. The sleepless nights were worth it!
In this photo, Magee is about 2 hours old. She is a strong little gal. We like her very much. It pleases us that we are helping to preserve this endangered breed of draft horse. Miss Magee will hopefully help us continue to farm with, breed and raise Suffolk Punch horses. What a blessing to have another little girl.
Magee’s mom and our Abby, helping in the maple woods last month. Mom is now on maternity leave. Her job is to take care of Magee. Magee’s mom is named Amee and she is a honey too!
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!
RicelandMeadows 