I am so bad!

I am one of those people who put something off for a day or two... then another day... then I just keep putting it off because the idea of catching up on it is tiring!! So, sorry the blog's a week behind.... ; )

Let's see, catching up on a whole week. After I brought home the four foals from the new farm, Our friend Terri in South Carolina came and picked up 12 foals!! She is brave!! Terri takes the foals to SC and adopts them out there. One of our biggest problems in recent years is that the immediate area is saturated with nurse mare foals from our rescue. The opportunity to move a bunch of them several states away and find them homes is spectacular, and it helps us SO much. She got all of them adopted in a few days!! How awesome. So, if anyone out that way wants a foal, email me and I can get you her information.... Hopefully she'll be able to take more soon.

Little miss 25 became quite the stinker after she went to Pete's and had to go through all that medicating. She was the best foal I've ever seen at *not* swallowing her medication. She went to SC with Terri's group. The other tiny chestnut with the poops went to Pete's for a few days, and now she's back. She did the opposite as a result of her vet trip - she only became sweeter!! She actually tried to jump out of the stall the other day to get AWAY from the other babies and closer to US. How silly.

uniqueygirl was wondering if the new foals are registered. They aren't all registered, but the owner has been giving us a lot of background on them. They are all sired by a big buckskin Quarter Horse she has. There will be one foal coming in that she bought in foal, it is a TWH and has papers. Other than that, there will probably not be papers on them. The reason none of these foals are really registerable, even if their parents were, is that the nurse mare farms don't pay any stud fees or fill out any breeder's certificates. This prohibits their registration because technically there is no proof of any breeding. I know a lot of you are thinking, well heck, why don't they just suck it up and register the darn foals?? Then they would be much more marketable. The answer is, it just isn't worth their time. You have to remember that to them, these foals are pure byproduct. They have no purpose in life other than to be born and die.

Victoria picked up 7 more foals a few days after Terri picked up hers, and then 10 more the next day. They were all young except for one, but they all seem to be doing very well. Everyone is happily drinking and pooping. It's been a fortunate year as far as health issues go, so keep your fingers crossed that it continues. It not only saves us money, but SLEEP, and therefore our own health stays in tact!! There is a lot of color in the recent loads, and the chestnuts we have are all pretty darling. There is a big chestnut TWH that we call Forrest Gump, he kind of appeared to have a head injury when we got him. His eyes are a little crooked when you look at him straight on, and he was sick! He was thrown in for free on a pick-up... when they're thrown in for free, they're expected to die. But he did NOT die, in fact, within a day he went from acting a little confused and drunk to being a perfectly normal baby. He's healthy and friendly, and he is a gaiting fool! He is long-legged and will be a really fantastic big guy when he's done growing.

We have dubbed the little chestnut Appy "Kitty." The other day when we were cleaning the foal barn, he wandered up to Tracy and walked around her, rubbing himself on her like a cat would! So, Kitty it is. We come up with all kinds of silly nicknames for the foals. The big draft foals that are huge, but very young and clumsy, are always "Baby Huey." The ones that look like they will probably die are "Noodles." The ones that pee out of their bellybuttons are "Sprinkles." Spunky chestnuts are "Johnny." We used to put nicknames on the website, but inevitably, the names we "give" them never end up being what we call them! We grab nicknames that invoke some physical feature so we can keep them all straight. "Big Head," "Funky Foot," "Ugly Bay," and "Crooked" are all ones I've used or heard used before... hehehe.

I just realized that the comment about the noodle foals may be a little harsh. With the work we do, we inevitably lose a foal or two every once in a great while. Sometimes, we also lose horses. Every loss here is felt by all of us, and each horse means something special to every employee and volunteer on the farm. With the pain and heartache we encounter regularly, we sometimes end up being flippant and casual about death and illness. It is only when each of us is alone that we deal with these losses in our own ways. I'm not sure I'm explaining this very well, but what I'm getting at is that if we dwelled on every casualty, we would drown in the pessimism and crushing odds. If you are ever at the farm and you hear us being humorous about something like that, please don't be offended or think we don't care. When you face such overwhelming adversity every morning, you have to see the humor and opportunity in everything, even death. It doesn't affect us any less, but we have to put on a brave face for each other, so that we can continue through another day.

Ok, serious explanation over, back to silly business.

We have a ton of foals with a ton of color and no adopters. Come and get 'em, guys! What are you waiting for! LOL. Every year at Equine Affaire, we typically take several foals and horses and take bids to raise money. This year, we've decided to adopt out everything at a set price at Equine Affaire, and then hopefully we'll get more adopted. We're thinking we'll bring a couple, as soon as they get adopted we'll come get a couple more. All the foals will go for $500 each. We save the nicest babies for Equine Affaire, to show off! The red dun, the black paint, and the roanie Appy went to Stacy's for some socialization time before Equine Affaire. We just never have enough time here to get everything done.

Karen and I rode Mikey and Chop together yesterday. They really seemed to enjoy it! Chop is the kinda guy that is sooo quiet, but if he doesn't want to do something, he likes to give you a hard time about it. Mikey ended up being just fantastic to ride. Mikey will need to learn about a headset and using his back, but he's really easy to work with. Chop carries himself with his head a lot lower anyway, and I think that's why he's gaining his topline back so much quicker. Mikey's put back almost as much weight as Chop, but Mikey has nooooo topline at all, and a big hay belly. I definitely think Chop will be good to go to Equine Affaire, but we'll see.

Oreo is also ready for Equine Affaire, I'd say. He has the nicest little jog. His canter is alright, not western pleasure slow like his jog though. He neck reins really well, and LOVES the trails. He listens very well but he definitely wants to run up those hills, hehehe. He has been overnight camping and trail ridden extensively, according to his old owners. Leah rode Zach again and said he just did so wonderfully. She is actually kind of bored with him, haha! She said he is just so easy to ride... LOL.

We are down to only five horses... Zach, Norell, Zen, Oreo, and Brutus. Stacy rode Brutus again for a few minutes the other day and he did well. She also rode Norell again. Norell is such a nice mare, I hate to see her sitting here and getting no attention. She is sound and could do anything!! Of course it won't be only 5 horses for long, Tracy and Victoria and I are on our way right now to pick up two unhandled stallions. They are 4 and 5 years old, and have been led around, but that's it. Typically they aren't really something we would take in, but they sound like nice horses, pets really, and they should be easy to start. The five year old is a registered Morgan, and the four year old is a Morgan/Saddlebred cross. I'll update you once we get them.

MAYBE.... if we're REALLY lucky.... we MIGHT be able to go to Sugarcreek Friday. MAYBE. ; ) I try not to get too excited but Sugarcreek is my most favorite thing EVER. I'm sure those of you who have been to Sugarcreek are thinking, why the heck would a horse person WANT to go to Sugarcreek??? But the thing of it is, it's where you can really make a difference for the horses. Literally... these are horses that WILL DIE unless we buy them. Of course, it's discouraging to watch 80% be sold to the kill buyers, but for the 4 or 5 we bring home, it's awesome. A true reprieve. Last time we went to Sugarcreek, Stacy and I got there early and got our hands on every single horse we could. We jumped on anything we could catch. The coolest thing about that was that people watched us from the catwalks, and when the sale started, people were really bidding on the horses that we had ridden. So even though we couldn't take them all home, we helped some of them find homes, which is a great feeling. I have put the offer out before and I will again, if anyone is interested in rescuing a horse from Sugarcreek, come with us when we go and we can help you find your way around. It is not a place for a first time horse buyer to purchase a horse, but if you know the ropes, you can really save a horse's life.

We thought about starting a fund for Sugarcreek horse purchases, what do you guys think? We debated having a specific fund for that, as well as one for necessary euthanasia for people who are unable to afford it.

Almost all the candy bars are wrapped, there are 5 more posters to make, the newsletters and coloring books are printed.... we're almost ready for Equine Affaire! We are going to have a coloring contest for Equine Affaire, and Victoria made some really cool posters. I can't wait!! Equine Affaire is SO exhausting but it's so much fun, you get to meet sooo many people. I really enjoy it. Although we do have to explain what a nurse mare foal is about 1 million times. ; )

Enjoy your sunny Tuesday, I'll update with these new stallions as soon as I get the chance!

horses and foals....

Well, I didn't end up going to KY tonight, instead I went this morning. Altogether it was a rather uneventful trip. The dogs had McDonald's for lunch, they enjoyed that. (Double cheeseburger, plain.) The foals I picked up were from a new farm, and this was our first pick up there. Oddly enough, even with all my years at LCC, I have never gone to KY to see the nursemare farms, so I have nothing to compare it to except word of mouth. But, from what I've been told about the other farms, this farm is spectacular. It was CLEAN. That's the biggest thing, it keeps the foals from getting infections and having issues. The people are really nice. All the foals are sired by a buckskin Quarter Horse, and the lady even had some info about each foal. They will be great partners to have in the future. I picked up four today, two buckskins and two chestnuts, all QHs. I'll get pics up later - probably not until tomorrow.

Baby 25 is doing well, and everyone except for the little tiny chestnut has NO MORE POOPS! That's awesome. It smells a whole lot better in the foal barn, too. ; ) These things are kind of like the flu - everyone in class gets it, then it's gone. But those few days when they all have it kind of... well, they just aren't very fun. Of course, the biggest one s in the barn - the black and the black paint - both had it, so we were doing some serious foal wrestling. A lot of the foals, especially if they're a little older, aren't particularly friendly while they're here. That's typically no big deal, except when you have to medicate their big, strong butts!!! The black one is hysterical, he is big enough (and muscular enough) that he just drags me along. I've perfected the technique - grab his neck and start running the opposite direction he is, and aim for a corner. LOL. He's only thrown me like four times...

Yesterday Rachel and I went on the hill to show Lucky to a family. He was adopted today! Jane Wayne went with him. How great. They are a 'horsey' family, but wanted to get a horse that their ten year old daughter can help train for herself. I think Jane and Lucky will both fit the bill. And they get to have company their own age! Yay.

Of course, I BEGGED Rachel to hang out for a minute so I could hop on Chop and Mikey... and she obliged! They were wonderful. I adore them both. Chop is my favorite though, he is just super easy-going and chiiilll. Mikey is a bit more nervous. I think with a little time, Mikey will be just as calm. Karen is going to start meeting me up there some days to work with them. I'm excited! I'd like to kind of get them snazzed up for Equine Affaire. It will be great to have the before and after...

I was gone all day today, but I heard it was insane!! A HUGE 4-H group was here to volunteer. It is always great to have volunteers, but once you get above like 10, it is impossible to keep them all busy. Especially when they're all kids! But we are grateful for the help.
Tonight Leah came over and went for a ride with me! How fun. I hate riding by myself. I wouldn't mind if we could ride out in the woods, but even then, I worry about something happening while I'm out there by myself. Leah rode Zach who was wonderful for her. He is a really cool pony. Yeah, he needs "polished," but right now he's a little go pony! Leah did great with him, and he really got on well with her. I took Norell out, and she is a really nice ride. Yes, she was definitely very ancy and up when I first got on her, but we trotted around the ring a few times and she quieted down. I noticed that she really appreciated being ridden off your seat instead of your hand. We went down to the creek and she got nervous on the far side of the road where it drops into the creek bed, she didn't want to go. Poor girl, she would have gone, but every time she was aaaalmost there a car would come and we would have to turn around to get out of the road. It probably messed with her head! So I hopped off and led her down to the creek, and then she let me get back on and we eventually got in the water. We ended by cantering through the water! I love when horses who aren't used to water finally get in and realize they loooove it. Except I'm always worried I'm going to get rolled on!! LOL. Anyway, Norell kept her cool - I think she'd make a nice project horse. She is super sound and very level headed, if 'hot.'

My other goal is to get Oreo in shape for Equine Affaire. He just needs 'tuned up.' I was going to get on him tonight, but figured Norell really needed the work more!
We have all the foal flyers folded and addressed, we are now on to wrapping candy bars and making posters. I tell you, Equine Affaire is a never ending battle to prepare for! ; ) Oh well, it will be worth it! I think my mom may be custom making some very neat coats to sell... we will see... everyone will want one!

I have a good book to finish... good night!

more news.

Tonight I'm heading to KY to pick up some more foals. It's my first KY trip, haha... I'm kind of nervous!! ; ) It'll be fine, I'm sure... I'm taking my dogs, of course, so I certainly won't be lonely. I will drive down tonight and stay at a hotel, then wake up early and head out. It's easier on everyone when we get the foals home earlier. This is a new farm we've never worked with before. They called and asked if we would take their babies because they want them to go to someone who will take care of them. Hopefully they are nice, all their mares are QH so I suppose most of the foals will be Appendix. If they take care of their foals, it could be the start of a great relationship. It is hard because some of the farms really don't care for the foals at all before we pick them up, which means we spend way more on medical bills than we usually would.

tSquared Appaloosas had a good question the other day. They asked if we are having to turn foals away because of lack of funds or supplies. Last year we had to turn away a LOT of foals. It is not lack of supplies, but lack of money, and most of all, lack of adopters. Our foal barn is designed for 10-15 foals. Last year, we had 41 foals for a few weeks. That is absolutely OVERWHELMING. Several bags of milk a day, plus there are SO MANY foals that it is very difficult to keep track of who is pooping, peeing, and drinking. We have decided that we cannot do that again this year. It will mean foals will be turned away if more adopters don't step up. In the last few years, pretty much everyone in the local area who can and want to adopt a foal, have. With the economy failing, people are not in a position to take on a project foal that will be a several year investment. This year, we have yet to turn away any foals, despite our extremely slow adoptions. It seems that the nursemare farms are getting a slower start, which may mean that the Thoroughbred farms were a little less ambitious in their breeding this year. Who knows. Almost every year, at some point during foal season, we literally run out of money. Typically we have enough milk, hay, and grain to get us through, but we end up "borrowing" gas on at the wonderul local gas station that helps us out - Pete's BP - and the foals are typically also given to us with the promise of future payment. Hopefully we will not reach that point this year. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Another question from MacPhd was when and where is Equine Affaire. DUH, how stupid am I?? That would definitely be a good thing to tell ya'll, haha. Equine Affaire is April 2-5. It is in Columbus, Ohio at the Expo Center. Equine Affaire is a great place to visit whether you are a horse person, or just someone who kinda likes petting horses! They have clinics and demostrations applicable to everyone from the equine professional to the casual equine enthusiast. Our booth at Equine Affaire is in the breed pavilion, which is in the southwest corner of the Expo Center. It is in the Voinovich Building. We are one aisle away from the demo arena, across from the tack store that will be set up there. We have a double booth and two stalls. It will be exciting! We will be selling raffle tickets, candy bars, tshirts, used tack, and OUR COLORING BOOK! DOn't worry, I know you're excited. Contain yourselves! You will be able to purchase the very first LCC coloring book for yourself for $10 - and it comes with a box of crayons!! We will also have foals and horses available for adoption. In previous years, we have taken bids "for the OPPORTUNITY to adopt" the foals and horses we take to Equine Affaire, but this year, we are just going to adopt them out for flat adoption fees. This way, we can hopefully get more animals adopted more quickly and moved on out of there. Best situation for everyone!

Number 25 is still at the vet, and other foals are coming down with the poops. Unfortunately, these guys are so susceptible to stomach bugs that when one gets it, they usually all come down with it. So, we are doing a lot of poopy butt cleaning and medicating. No worries, we'll have them all 100% in no time! Everyone seems to be doing pretty well. The little chestnut Appy isn't drinking a ton, but he'll get it soon. The red dun and the paint who were our first Equine Affaire picks are little hot rods! They love running around with the new big black foal. The four older foals are down in the lower barn and getting no adoption interest at all. Such a shame... they are all just darling.

I rode Ruffie last night for the first time. That horse is incredible. He is literally THREE DAYS off the racetrack, and he walked, trotted, and cantered on the buckle, went across the road, in the creek, up the bank. What a winner!! He is soooo sweet. He is still a TB straight off the track, so he will need a little patience and retraining, but he has a great brain to start with and that's the most important part. This horse has not been off the racetrack in at least 6 or 8 years. He is AMAZING! I love him. ; ) I love them all, who are we kidding.... He is a little low in his front suspensories, but his feet are really oddly shaped... I think with a little rehab he is going to be totally sound. He will make a great project for someone. (I am really proud of him in this pic, can you tell???)

I padded Artie up really thick and hopped on him to see what he'd do. He is UBER quiet. On the buckle, jogjogjog. He has a huuuuge crack in his front foot that will need fixed up, and his feet have obviously been ignored for a while - they're like pancakes. But after that, he'll be nice and sound. He is a little anxious right now, the dogs seem to unnerve him a little bit. But he is big and quiet. A really nice guy.

I also got on Oreo. Rachel said Oreo was really quiet, so I hopped on him bareback. He is really quiet. ; ) He has had some western pleasure training and he jogs and lopes very nicely, he just needs some work on his headset. But he's a fun little ride! He has an Appy brain, he'll test you a little bit and try to dive to the middle or to the gate, but once you straighten him out, he's a gem. Oreo's going to Equine Affaire. He'll be the main attraction, I'm sure... hehehe.

I've gotta go get ready for KY... here is a cute pic Tracy caught of some foals and I..

New horses AND new babies!

All kinds of things have been goin' down the last few days here at the Corral... hehehe.

I drove to Columbus Monday night to pick up two horses up thataways. Artie is a Thoroughbred who was adopted out from our program about eight years ago. His owner had given him to another home, and now that home didn't really need him anymore, so they gave him back. I loaded the poor horse in the trailer all by myself - he did not like that. It took us like an hour! I can't blame him though, it's kind of confusing when you haven't been loaded in a while, and it's a little straight load. Poor guy. Anyway, he is pretty underweight, but he's gonna be darling once he gets fixed up. Victoria said that when he was here before, he was really an anyone-can-ride kind of horse. I groomed all the burrs out of his mane and tail yesterday and he just looooved it! A real sucker for attention.

After I picked up Artie, I headed over to Beulah to pick up another Thoroughbred, straight off the track. Beulah instituted a new rule in the fall, following the example of several other major racetracks. Any trainer who is known to sell his horses to slaughter will no longer be given stall space. This means that those trainers would NOT be able to race horses at Beulah. So, the politics are changing! There is another organization called CANTER who picks up a lot of the Thoroughbreds down there, and New Vocations is another good rescue based out of the Columbus area who takes a lot of them. So, we end up with a lot fewer OTTBs from Beulah than we did ten years ago. But, this trainer had heard of us from a friend of his, and decided to send his horse Ruffie to us. A Ruff Way To Go is a ten year old Thoroughbred. This trainer has had him for six years. Ruffie hasn't been off the racetrack backside in six years. SIX YEARS?! I know. Anyway, he is SOUND - incredibly - and he is just a darling. He was this trainer's best friend, I'd say. Six years is a long relationship. Ruffie started 103 times. Wow. He is about 16 hands, and he could do anything. I think he misses all the attention he got from his 'dad' at the racetrack. He didn't want to get on the trailer, and the trainer said, "It's okay Ruffie, we're just hauling you to your race, you'll still get to work!" And suddenly, Ruffie jumped right on. He went out with other horses today - first time that's happened to him since he was a baby, I'm sure. He loved it! He can't wait to be someone's partner, I can tell.

Also, Oreo arrived on Monday - I can't remember if I mentioned him or not. He is a flashy black leopard Appy with western pleasure training. Rachel hopped on him yesterday and said he's quiet as can be! He will be going to Equine Affaire to find a new home. We are also going to take Chop and Mikey to Equine Affaire. Everyone loves a happy rescue story. ; )

The little Appaloosa baby and the red walker both have the poops something terrible. They are segregated to a stall for the night and they are NOT happy about it! I can see them from the office and they are both staring wistfully into the foal barn. Little miss sassy red dun filly is FULL OF HERSELF tonight.. I have been watching her run around like a little pistol for the last hour! She is learning to rear. It is so fun to watch the babies learn to play, and buck, and kick, and generally just be little demons. Our foal barn has rubber matting under a nice fluffy bed of shavings, but it isn't that large, so inevitably, there are a lot of falls during this learning-to-play time. It never seems to phase them. I have seen a foal run full speed into the foal barn, try to turn and fall, and slide legs-first into the wall... and jump right up and start galloping again. Silly babies. The little pony colt is still here, and he has learned how to defend himself against the big bully colts..... the old back-and-kick-til-you-get-outta-my-way routine!! The little red walker filly is definitely the sweetest of this whole bunch. Every time you walk in the foal barn, she has a deeeep little whicker for you... and then she follows you everywhere!

I got an email the other day with an update on miss Alibi, Skittles, and Polar. They are all doing well. Alibi is being trail ridden all over! She looked all cowboyed up in the photo, and quite pleased about it.

Our coloring book is done, as are our new foal flyers. You should see the foal flyers in the mail sometime next week, as soon as we get them back from the printer's and I figure out how to turn our mailing list database into address labels. Anyone have any ideas? ; )

I can't believe how quickly the temperature dropped! Everyone is in tonight except for Cool and his girlfriend Norell, who get to hang out in the big paddock for the night. Lucky for them! Hehe. Axle is on stall rest for a little bit, his shoulder is bothering him from where he was kicked the other day. The big babies, 7 and 9, lost their "mommy" Valentine the other day, so they are out back by themselves. And of course, Brutus is still on stall rest. And a diet!!! He is getting to be a chunky monkey! Oh, and did I tell you he started back under saddle the other day? Just a five minute walk, but he did stellar.. cheers for him.

Victoria is working on the posters for Equine Affaire... I suppose I better get off my butt and go help her! Everyone have a great Wednesday.... one day closer to the weekend, right? ; )

Baby time...

With this lovely weather, all the horses except for Zen and Brutus got to stay outside last night. How lucky for them! Really, how lucky for us... that means only two stalls to clean, plus the paddocks. Sooo, we got a little adventurous this morning, and decided to give the new little Appy baby a bath! Now, baths at this age are always a bit interesting..

The babies aren't exactly broke to lead. Or stand. Or be bathed... Luckily, they're small enough at this age that they're quite controllable!

Little number 25 likes to help with everything... can you tell?

And here he is, all pretty and ready for his photo shoot. Yes, he's going to Equine Affaire..

Speaking of Equine Affaire, we also worked with the little paint and the little red dun today, getting them ready to lead.

By the time these babies head to Columbus, they have to be pretty good at this leading stuff - we have to walk almost the entire length of the fairgrounds to go from our stalls to our booth in the Voinovich Building! The big horses are always scared of our babies - but our babies are always better behaved than most of the big horses, hehehe.

We are working on our coolest fundraiser for Equine Affaire yet. It's a COLORING BOOK! A Last Chance Corral educational coloring book. Can't get any more AWESOME than that. Wait until you see it, you will all be fighting to be the first in line to purchase it!

This morning, a good friend of Victoria's picked up six foals and headed back home to South Carolina. I know, that's a hike, right?! The foals were quite happy to hop on the trailer and head off to their new lives. If you were wondering why the numbers jumped around, that's why! She took 4 from the new load and two from the old load.

Enjoy your Sunday!

What beautiful weather.

It's funny how adoptions always are in sync with the weather. Nice days, lots of adoptions. Crummy weather, no one's interested.

A bunch of foals headed out late this week, so Victoria drove to KY Friday night and came home early this morning with a trailer load of babies. There are some flashy ones in this bunch!! Wait til I get the pictures up. It appears everyone is quite healthy, a miracle! We've had few serious health issues this year. Everyone is even drinking tonight - yay - no late night tube feeding! We have decided to take the little paint, the red dun, and the chestnut with the four socks and blaze to Equine Affaire... and I think the loud Appy who arrived on this load, as well.

The two little matching Walker colts went to a phenomenal home that is going to long-term foster them for a few years. Their foster mommy doesn't ride anymore, but she wanted a buddy for her older horse. She decided to give a huge gift to us by fostering this boys. She intends on having their groundwork perfect by the time they come back here and are ready to start under saddle. How great! Rusty Raindrops and the little palomino went to a home together, as did the older black Walker filly and the older black and white paint. It has been so nice to see so many of the foals go in pairs this year. They do SO well together, and you skip the depression you deal with if they go alone.

The two older fillies, #9 and #7, are hanging with Valentine in the back pasture. They are sweethearts. They have a distinct disadvantage in the adoption world because they aren't as cute and cuddly as the younger babies, but they are both very sociable and kind girls! Hopefully someone will be ready to love them soon.

So, ALL afternoon Stacy and I were showing horses to prospective adopters! Thank goodness the weather was nice, and thank goodness Stacy was here, or I would have been showing horses until after dark. Journey went to a new home as a dressage horse, Jack went to a 10 year old little girl, and Valentine may also be going to a new home with a wonderful riding family, a mom, a daughter, and a very talented young man. Zach was shown to THREE prospective adopters, so hopefully one of them will decide to pick him up tomorrow. I will miss Journey, I adored that horse. Such talent!! It is always a good day when nice horses find the perfect homes. Jack was soooo cute with his little girl, he kept an eye on her every step...

Stacy got on Norell tonight as well. We did find out that Norell had 30 days professional training, but she hasn't been ridden in two years. Well, she did stellar. She was actually pretty quiet and composed, given the fact that she hadn't been ridden in so long. She'll need some tuning up, but she's tall and long-legged and will be a spectacular prospect for someone.

My bad, bad dog chewed through both seat belts in the Dodge yesterday. I tell you, what am I to do with these crazy canines???

Hopefully tomorrow, Stacy and I will get a chance to go up on the hill and hop on Chop, who has put on enough weight to start walking under saddle. Maybe we'll lunge Mikey and Axle for a minute as well. It would be nice to see them move. Lucky also came back today from his foster home. He has certainly blossomed in her care, now he is just looking for someone who is ready to train him.... He is a sweetheart!!

I can't believe how wonderful this weather is.. I suppose I better not jinx it, knowing Ohio, it will be freezing tomorrow!!!!

I rode more today that I've ridden in the whole two and a half months since I left for Florida.... I'm beat!! Goodnight ya'll... hope for more sun in the morning. ; ) The new load of babies send milk kisses to everyone...

Lauren Returns!

I have returned from the great abyss of Florida!!! ..... OK, not such a great abyss, but you know what I mean. It was like I fell off the face of the Earth!! For those of your who asked, yes, it was great.. a lot of work, a lot of really cool people, and a lot of reeeeaaallly nice horses...

So, how are things at the LCC you ask? Fantastic! As always. :D

The foals are actually doing quite well. We are on foal 24. Last year, foal 24 arrived on February 21st, and on March 3rd, we were on foals 34 and 35! I suppose that kind of puts things in perspective for you, adoption-wise. Adoptions are definitely down. The good news is all foals thus far are quite healthy! The two who arrived yesterday are very young, but they are both drinking well and look quite alert. The little chestnut is a pistol...

We have been debating which foals to take to Equine Affaire. We usually choose early in the season so they can hang out here for a little bit and not be so susceptible when we take them to EA. There are so many strange horses there! We usually end up taking four quite flashy foals, but the last few years we have all wanted to take a very nice bay or chestnut as well. What do you guys think? Do you think a very nicely made bay or chestnut TB or warmblood will bring as much interest (and funds) as a flashy colored foal?
Otis, Polar, Amber, and Alibi were all adopted by a friend of Victoria's who runs a barn where a lot of 4-Her's hang out. She works with them for a while and finds them appropriate homes, usually with 4-H kids who will give them tons of love. They're all doing well, so I hear. Isaac was adopted by another friend of Vic's, to be a safe trail horse. Today, Burly is adopted by a very nice couple, close by in Coolville. They are Parelli fans, and they were so impressed by Burly. They debated all week and finally decided to purchase him. They are even going to donate some western saddles to our store! We are always short on western saddles, the 4-Hers clear us out every year.

The four starving TBs did finally arrive at our farm. They are in sorry condition. They are all starting to gain, and these are just the nicest, sweetest Thoroughbreds. It is so exciting to know they will all get a chance at a real life! Hopefully with someone who drowns them in love DAILY! If you have our recent newsletters, you may remember the story of Moon, a very skinny TB who was adopted to be rehabbed as a therapy horse. Wait until you see them now!! His adopter was here today and she had some photos on her cell phone of him. He looks spectacular. She promised to email them to me so I can share them with you. She brought two of her friends who are looking for a horse in need that they can also rehab and train as therapy horses. How awesome is that!! They looked at all four TBs and I'll keep you updated once I hear what they decide. It would be a wonderful chance for these guys. If they end up looking as good as Moon does, I'll sure be happy!

We are positively overflowing with really high quality horses right now. We have Jack, an 8 year old QH who is picture perfect and quiet as they come; Journey, a big TB with potential oozing out of every pore; Captain, the only known HERDA horse living a normal life (he's a reiner!); Valentine, a stunning little QH who is a fantastic little all-rounder; and then there are two more who arrived today, a TB mare and a nice pony gelding! Plus, there are the TBs, who have to gain weight before we'll know their true status.

Victoria put in another milk order for the babies today... that's $4,000! Ouch. But, anything for the babies, right? If you've never seen us make milk, it's kind of entertaining. We usually make 4-6 5 gallon buckets at a time. It takes one large container of vanilla yogurt per bucket. (Our whole fridge is stuffed to the gills with yogurt!) Then we add Probios and GUT for digestive health, a little baby cereal for bulk, and three scoops of powdered milk product. Wisk it all together with lukewarm water and you're a foal's best friend! Our milk product is specially made for us by Merrill, and it's called LCC Mare's Milk. How about that? Of course, nothing is as fun as making charcoal paste for diarrhea..... as our volunteers from Otterbein can attest!

I will try my best to keep this blog running until I ship out in April! We have to nominate someone else to take it over... hehehe.

Have a happy Monday!