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.
