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!