Once again I find myself looking out the window enjoying the social drama that goes on in my large herd of horses.  With 10 horses (3 boys, the rest girls!) all running in the same pen, eating the same food, drinking the same water, there is always some drama unfolding!  In the middle of January, on a cold Sunday morning, we had a neighbor stop by and say those dreaded words:  Your horses are loose!!  As we run to throw on warm clothes and hope they haven't gotten too far, we debate our plan of attack.  In this case, it was easier then we anticipated!  When horses get out in the warm days of summer, they have lots to choose from when it comes to food.  As the saying goes, the grass in greener on the other side!  When they walk over a fence that the snow pulled down in the middle of winter, there is NO food to be found other than the food we provide.  One look at the grain bucket containing a little shell corn and they come a'runn'n, follow you into the gate and give you the "I'm starving and it's all your fault" look!  The horses are back in and they, as well as us, are able to enjoy a nice warm breakfast and smile.  I like to think they are enjoying the same song I hear in my head:  "There's no place like home!"

Well, I was able place a few obstacles to begin my extreme ride. As you might guess my horse did very well. I started with tires and logs. They are placed  at random distances apart, next will be the bridge. I figure to use two 4x4s about 8ft long. I will nail 2x8s cross ways to similate a bridge. I think I will stand my hay feeder on end and see about going thru that. I'll let you know how it goes.

I heard on the news today that the Lippizan Stallions are coming to Eau Claire on the 13th of September. I might see if I can get tickets. I have seen them in the past but I think that they put on a pretty nice show, worth seeing again.

We are enjoying the cooler weather, but boy are the flies bitting,not the horse flies, but the regular house fly. We put out the fly predator and that seems to help. Maybe we need to increase the numbers??!!

Look for me on the trails and hope to see everyone out there this fall  MIKE  

Here on Northern Gaits, we have our first "maintained" horse.  One of our brood mares aborted a foal, foundered and then became pregnant again.  She delivered a beautiful palomino colt in December but now we have to contend with the founder issue.  She doesn't know when to stop eating!!!  In order to have her out in the pasture with her mates as well as to give her foal a chance to roam the open pasture, we have started using a grazing muzzle.  We bought a nylon/stainless steel/velcro muzzle but it just isn't holding up.  So far she has broken it twice.  Once she stepped on it and the other time she used the other horses in the pasture to rub/eat it off.  We keep getting it fixed because it is just the right solution for her.  She gets to socialize as well as letting her colt run free.  I just wished they made the muzzles better!!   Karie

Boy do we need the rain....   sure is good to see,also helps the pasture. I have been checking out those articles on pasture and I think they have something. I think the best thing I can do is ..as they say...plant fence post, divide my pasture and control it. Mow it, drag it, and do a good job of managing it!!

 I love to ride but these back roads around home are getting pretty boring. I watched the RFD channel and there is a show called Extreme Cowboy Race.  Well I'm going to try and set something up like that here.  Cross a bridge or ride under or over an obstacle... might be kinda fun!!   I'll let you know how I do!   Anyone with any ideas, let me know.   As alwyas, Stay Straight in the Saddle!  MIKE

Winter is just around the corner and lots of things to get done before the snow flies. 

We set the poles for the syrup cook shack today.  It has been out in the open long enough!  Its only four months until syrup season and I know that will be here in a snap! 

I will start Banjo next week.  I'm hoping he will be in the harness before Thanksgiving.  That leaves me three months of driving before maple syrup season.

I received my Rural Heritage magazine today.  They advertised for drving school; I wonder what that would be like?!

We have one more mare to foal!  I predicted by Sunday the 26th but now I don't know.  The foals are coming along real nice.  Karie has been out to work with them everyday - That makes a big difference as they grow.  They all need to be started on a worming program, so I guess we need to get at that!

I have gone back to riding.  It sure brings on a few new muscle aches.  It sure is nice to be back up on horseback again though.  Hope to see you on the trail so,

Stay Straight in the Saddle

Mike

Frosty Morning - Filly

Dawn's Sienna - Filly

NG Dixie's Sparrow - Filly

Ginger's Sage - Filly

We are about ready to wean our foals!!  Yes, it will be a nervous time for us all.  We have four to separate but with the new barn and paddocks, we should be in good shape.  Doing it now will give those mares time to put on a few extra pounds for winter.

I have lots of plans for the winter.  I have a gelding that I intend to work in the harness. He has been handled some but most of his life has been on open pasture.... should be interesting!  My pulling mares are both bred and by spring will be heavy with foal.  So, I need replacements!  I also need wood so I will be out there all winter long.  My health is coming along real nice, so that means by midwinter, I should be back in the swing of things.

I talked with a lady the other day and she was telling me that her and her friends plan a ride each week, all Fall long.  Boy, that sure sounded nice.  Not to let it happen by chance, but to make out a plan and then do it. I'm a great one to let all the other stuff get in the way.  Like hauling hay or building this last stretch of fence, etc, etc

So let's do it!  Plan a ride!

Stay Straight in the Saddle

Mike

Fall riding is just around the corner.  Our cool nights seem to re-energize our systems as well as our horses!  It has been one of the nicest summers we have had for a few years.

It seems like I can't get out from under the doctor's care.  I ended up with back surgery in August.  I was pretty much well on my way from surgery in '07 and then this thing with my back.  Well anyway, I'm working my way through recovery.  No lifting any more than 20lbs.  I'm a little afraid to say anything about horse back riding just yet.  I have read that just brushing your horse is good therapy -- I can say, it really works!  I have brushed and walked my horse these last few weeks and it really does give me a calming feeling.  I'm on the mend, so 'till then, stay straight in the saddle! - Mike