2. When the weather is this hot and miserable we bring the horses into the barn during the day and turn them out at night. Additionally, Brett's friend Richard has been visiting all week and they have been working on replacing another section of fence in the girl's pasture. So, at night, Lucy, Jackson, Pistol and the donkeys are all together in the donkey pasture. Tex is getting lots of practice being haltered and led back and forth -- and he excels at this so is feeling pretty good about himself. He was very good for the farrier, and soft and friendly with Brett who held him while he got his shiny new shoes.
3. Monday night, after putting the horses back in the pasture and mucking out the stalls and run-outs, I apparently did not latch Tex's back gate. I think I the latch was slid into its hole, but I didn't clip the chain closed. I say I think the gate was latched because Tuesday morning I was in Tex's turnout combing his mane and I didn't notice the gate being open. Of course, I also had not had any coffee yet so it is possible that I just didn't notice; not likely. I left for work and Brett got busy setting things up in the pasture for the fence. He looked up from his pile of lumber, and there was Tex, standing close by and watching him. Brett didn't want to fuss with the halter -- he puts it on differently than I do and Tex worries when things are different -- so he got a bucket with some grain instead. He let Tex take a sniff and then walked back into the stall with Tex following, willingly, behind.
4. Tuffy had his little feet trimmed by the farrier as well. The donkeys usually wear down their hooves enough that they don't require require regular trims. Tuffy, who is a very active little donkey, only needs a trim once a year or so. Finessa is quieter so she needs a trim more often. She is very good for the farrier, standing quietly and eating treats while she gets her pedicure. Maybe its a girl thing because Tuffy HATES getting his feet done. He's the braver, more outgoing donkey, so we find this surprising. True to form, he pulled Brett back and forth before being cornered in the run in shed. When he couldn't run or kick, he tried laying down. As soon as all four feet were done, he turned from Mr. Hyde back to Dr. Jeckyll -- accepting love and attention from the farrier like they were old friends. Here he is with Camille a few weeks ago. I can count on Camille to visit and take pictures of all the animals when she comes to visit.
5. Brett and his friend, Richard, have made amazing progress on the fence in the oak pasture. Brett's goal was to replace a section, measured by nine fence posts, extending the existing new fence further along the stream bed. I made Brett promise to drink gallons of Gatorade while he worked in the 100 degree heat -- and to make sure that Richard did as well. The two of them worked their tails off; setting 19 new posts. Thursday, they took a break and went up to Wrights Lake with the kayaks for a well-deserved rest. Brett can manage the cross-rails on his own once Richard returns home. Honestly, I don't know how they did it. I tied to help with the chores after work but couldn't handle the sun beating down and had to retreat to the house. The boys didn't want to wait until sundown to do the chores (they were hungry and wanted dinner) so they powered through while I wilted.
My vet hung up my halter funny and it took me a moment to realize he'd unclipped the cheek strap rather than unbuckle it (I've never met a German who unbuckles halters, they all do the cheek clip thing.) So when he was here next I said, "Show me how you do it --- with my donkey" and sure enough, he flipped it over her ears like a bridle, despite the size of her ears. He says it's much easier. I said I'd rather not have to fold her ears back or forward. I didn't mention that many halters in America do not even have a cheek clip. But interestingly (to me), many German halters' buckles are not meant to be used, just set to adjust the size and then ignored for the rest of its life. So I wonder if Brett does it like people around here.
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with the method you describe and I like it -- use it with Jackson who has a cheek latch. Normally, though, (and with Tex) I use the standard American way of buckling it over the neck. Brett also buckles it over the neck but how we get there is different. I hold the halter like a bridle around his neck and then drop it down for his nose. Brett puts it over the nose and then up to his neck. Its a small difference, but enough to worry Tex.
DeleteThat is hot. It's been really hot and humid here too- up 38 with the humidex. Today it will be around 33.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Tex is doing much better! Good for him (and you)
I think if it was humid here, in addition to the heat, I would just curl up in a ball and die.
DeleteI can't believe they got the fence done in that heat. I hate this weather we've had it in the 90's too but with high humidity so it feels like it's over 100 some days. Our horses spend most of their days in the run in sheds under the ceiling fans.
ReplyDeleteYour horses have ceiling fans? They are SO lucky!
DeleteHorses here spend hot days happily inside the barn too - even without ceiling fans it's pretty nice in there, & the bonus upside is no flies to bother them as they sleep away the daylight hours.
ReplyDeleteThe humidity is what kills me here; if I can't get it done early in the morning, then it'll likely have to wait until after supper.
Mr Shoes, however, is insanely focused - if he says he's hauling hay, then no common sense in the world will stop him. A couple of weeks ago he & his brothers planned to fence 1000' feet; it started pouring & they didn't even slow down until it was too dark to see. The next day it was, in turn, pouring rain or hot as Hades & 86% humidity, but the fence got finished anyways.
That's a really pretty picture of Camille & her 4 legged friend!
The heat here in Kansas has been getting to us, too... we had a week's respite and are about to descend into the cooker again tomorrow. We commisserate!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo above!!
ReplyDeleteIt's very hot and humid here in the summer, so I am thinking about putting off my riding lessons until autumn arrives...ha ha!!