Owner: MidWestHorse URL:www.midwesthorse.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:33:09 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A blog written by two women who own and love horses for others who own and love their horses reguardless of discipline. Site statistics:Click here
What???!!!! 2007-07-26 18:20:00 The irony in this picture is beyond words. It just epitomizes it all doesn't it. I took this pic this evening walking about the yard. We have a variety of nature and domestic here at this little farm, but this to me was ridiculous. I have to laugh..........I think.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Pasture vs. Dust Bowl? 2007-07-31 08:34:00 What is the state of your pasture? My pasture is small, however, I keep it open during the summer so the girls have running room. Last year I was able to keep in good standing with always something to nibble on. This year, mainly due to lack of rain, it has become a virtual dust bowl or dry lot. I always supplement with hay regardless. We did get a little rain last week and I've had a squeegee of new grass growth since but mainly enough to keep the dust down. I know I've heard of people flooding their pastures. How do you maintain your pasture? I'm curious to know.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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How Do Your Horses zzzzzzzz ? 2007-08-07 16:29:00 How do your horses sleep? Have you ever noticed? I know that Kola definitely lies down. I've seen her laying down and in such a deep sleep that she's in REM. Hooves twitching, eyes twitching, totally dreaming. Misty on the other hand, in the five years that I've had her, I've only caught laying down to sleep once and that was this spring after they had their vaccinations and were completely wiped out from them. Other than that I've never witnessed Misty laying down to sleep, unless she does late at night out in the pasture. With Kola, it took me awhile to get comfortable with it and realize that she wasn't collicking. When I had Dakota, he often would lay flat to sleep as well. To see Kola laying and dreaming is something else. It makes me wonder, what do horses dream about? Are they weird distorted dreams like most of us have from time to time? Or are they primitive dreams of freedom or of predators chasing them? Or are they dreams of us, feeding and caring for them? What do you Read more:Horses
Derelict Cat 2007-08-07 16:10:00 We have a new home invader. Near as I can figure, he looks a bit like this. About 2-3 years ago when we finished the ground floor which really acts like a basement because this place is a converted barn, we installed a cat flap for our kitties to use and it has worked well. Our kitties go out and potty or catch mice and come back in through it. However, recently over the past 2-3 weeks, we've been woken at 3am to horrendous cat fights. All unusual for our kitties. And when I've burst out of the bedroom to end the fight, I've caught a glimpse of a large stray tabby. I've been wondering why they've been going through the cat food so quickly. He's getting quite bold more recently as well. I've seen him mid evening chowing down at the cat food on the counter while we've been upstairs watching television. Our cats no longer fight with him either. I've witnessed them just laying about the kitchen with rather confused looks on their little faces while he's eating their chow. Spot, t
Mineral and Salt Blocks 2007-08-11 09:11:00 Do you use mineral and salt blocks for your horses? I do. They come in a wide variety. Anywhere from under a dozen added minerals to twice that. But which one to choose? Well that depends on your horse's needs. The hay and grain that you feed. The work that your horse does. I use a generic hard mineral block for horses for mine. They have decent hay, little grain, and they don't so alot of work. And I keep a salt block for them as well. I find that they like that and it evokes them to drink alot more water. I've tried the softer mineral blocks and I find that they eat it up too fast. I think purely out of boredom. I'd rather my girls work at it a bit more. I think I've got the right mix for my girls now as they act and appear quite healthy. I'm always adjusting their hay amounts according to their weight. Right now Kola is good but Misty is just a bit overweight. You really have to determine your horse's needs, read the labels and perhaps consult your vet for what may be best.Pl Read more:Blocks
Thinking About Bringing A Horse To Your Property? 2007-08-13 21:18:00 This post is being created for Anonymous who posted a comment and asked for advice on bringing a horse onto their one and a half acres. This is simply what I've learned over the years by starting from scratch. I invite all to comment with your advice too!1) Zoning. Are you zoned Agriculture2) Shelter. Your horse will need some shelter. I have just two acres and I chose a fairly large lean-to in which I'm able to convert to two box stalls if needed. I also eventually evened the floor and put down heavy rubber stall mats for easier cleaning.3) Fence. I've used a combo of electric tape, PVC rail fence, wire horse fence with capped t-post and an electric braid wire around the top of the wire horse fence. Keeping in mind that electric tape does periodically need replacing as the sun and elements wear it down. I've also used corral panels for combined training pen and paddock. I've separated the largest area for pasture and kept my shelter in the smaller paddock area with two gates to p Read more:Horse
Oh to take a bath in peace. It'll never happen...... 2007-08-21 15:00:00 Oh to take a bath in peace. It'll never happen.........Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Almost Weaning Time 2007-08-27 00:15:00 EMMA ROXANNE I've decided not to wean the girls yet. Emma is 4 1/2 months old and Roxanne is about 3 1/2 months old. Both of their mothers are holding their weight and truly adore the girls. The boys are the same ages as these two. They have older mothers who seem to let them be more independent and they are really dropping in weight. I have them on double grain, I think it is because they are older. I usually wean between 5 and 6 months. I take into consideration how the foal is doing, the mares weight and some mares make it easy for me by starting to push the babies away a little bit as they get further along in their pregnancies. I have to get more batteries then I can get pictures of the boys. I plan on weaning Cash and Coakco Labor Day weekend. I wanted to call him Loakco, my friend Sue wants to buy him so now he is Coakco. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse sto Read more:Almost
Bird Seed 2007-08-26 20:50:00 Stephen loves to feed the birds from our deck. He has many bird feeders, some with wild bird seed, some for hummingbirds and orioles. So often we end up with quite a few sunflowers and various corn stalks growing along side the garage as a result. Not to mention the variety of birds that come to visit. We've got hummingbirds, orioles, cardinals, robins, bluejays, yellow finches, house finches, barnswallows, sparrows, red finches, cowbirds, mourning doves, and we even had bluebirds last year. There's probably more if I think really hard. Oh yeah, starlings too. And grackles.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Late Night Snack 2007-08-26 20:45:00 I went out late to give the girls a treat and try out my new camara in the dark. Their looking at me.......wondering why there are no more treats. Only two bisquits each, girls.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Night
, Snack
, Late Night
Seems Like Yesterday 2007-08-25 12:55:00 Yesterday Gerald and I were talking about the ages of my horses and I realized they are mostly teenagers now with one in her 20's. I bought Stacy when she was 9 and find it hard to believe that she is 16 now. It seems only yesterday that we went to the World together. Callie had a post with Zoe's graduation picture. Last week her "little girl" went off to college. This picture was taken at Lincoln Park Zoo when she was about 2. At least I think it was that zoo. Now comes the point of this post today. I realized I'm not taking enough time for myself to ride and just enjoy my horses. Time goes by so quickly. From now on I will ride first then worry about the stalls, cleaning the barn or trailer, or any other part of owning horses that takes up my time. Before you know it your horse is slowing down and I admit so am I. It is hard to face up to your new limitations, but defining your priorities makes it a little easier. I'm going to go out and ride my horse, then clean stalls! Please Read more:Yesterday
Busy Day 2007-08-25 07:26:00 Today will be a busy day as it is supposed to become and drop in dew point. I must mow the lawn, the mosquistoes are diabolical and the weeds have gone mad. I have to de-burr the horses as last night I went out to take their fly-masks off and Kola's was stuck to her mane with burrs. I have no idea where she got the burrs and she was upset with as I was attempting to release the mask from her and she was fighting off the skeeters as well as I. So today I must bathe her and de-burr.She won't be too bad as she has a thinner more silky hair. I didn't get a good look at Misty. I dread to think if she has burrs. Her mane is thick and curly and she often gets dread locks.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
2007-08-24 19:18:00 Ok, I've just figured out how to download video thru blogger and I've added it to my non-peaceful bath post. I hope it shows up out there. It just cracks me up.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Horsey Art 2007-08-24 17:21:00 Not sure if I've ever posted this up on this blog before, but this a 4 foot by 3 foot stained glass art piece that Steve and I had commissioned for us a few years ago to complete the extension in the house. It is a Dakota, the gelding that I had for several years and I do love it. You see as you walk into the house.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Horsey
Rain, Rain Go Away! 2007-08-24 01:53:00 Well, we no longer have a "dust" bowl. It has now turned into a mud pit. It has been raining here for a week straight. Nearly ten inches in one night. Thankfully we're on high enough ground that we're not flooded, which I cannot say for a lot of Wisconsin folk right now. It has helped my pasture, though. There is a little more grass out there for grazing. Now it's just convincing the girls that they will survive their diet and can live with a little less hay. Poor sopping wet horses. "Oh, this rain plays havoc on my mane!"Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
More Fair Pics 2007-09-02 20:59:00 Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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The Boys 2007-09-01 23:53:00 I managed to take a couple pictures today. Cash is the dun colt with the attitude. When it comes to food he is definitely an "Oak" He looks so much like his dad, he has the extra chrome on the legs. The bay colt is no longer mine, my friend Sue owns him. She owns his full brother too. He is my favorite baby this year. I think he is the best colt that I have had so far. It was a hard for me to trade him, now he will reach his full potential. I am not the rider to take him there and I do not have the money to train one on cattle. I'm happy when they get to the show pen and win. I'm like a proud Mom watching their child compete. I always say, "my name will always be on the papers". That could be a double edged sword, that is why I try to breed for good attitudes, confirmation, as well as athletics. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Walworth County Fair Pics 2007-09-01 21:46:00 Click to play Make your own Smilebox Here are some pics of one of my many trips to the Walworth County
Fair. I thought I got a few good action shots. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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2007-08-30 22:46:00 I have got to get me one of these. Talk about your most valuable farm hand. I can't decide...........truck or skid loader or wheel barrel or pitch fork or........................Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Inspection! 2007-08-30 20:57:00 Hope I passed, I finally got the lean-to completely cleared and the rubber mats layed down over the barn lime. YES! It was hard labor though even with the skid-loader. And I still need a smaller corner mat. Here are the girls coming in to inspect the job. I think they approved.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Harvest Moon 2007-09-27 20:01:00 I watched the most beautiful harvest moon rise tonight. Unfortunately, I was riding in the car on our way home from dinner and did not have my camera with me. So as soon as I got home I tried to get some pics, of course with the horses in them. And it took a while for them to settle down while I was there in the pasture with them that by the time they decided to stop nudging me and poking at the camera that the moon wasn't as orange as it was when I first went out there.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Harvest
, Harvest Moon
2007-09-24 21:28:00 Neener, neener,neener!Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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2007-09-23 19:04:00 Usually out in the pasture by evening, they are both in and Misty keeps looking out towards the pasture. Maybe too many loud motorcycles going past.............Odd behavior tonight.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Colic Season 2007-09-23 16:25:00 This seems to be the time of year. Kola suffered a bout with gas colic Friday morning and I called the vet. She got a few drugs, a quick tube and some oil. Had to fast for the rest of the day which she didn't like but that's what happens. She did this the same time last year. She recovers quickly and does well. The vet balled me out for not having the heaters in my tank yet, but my horses don't like warm water and it's been down to the high 40's and 50's at night and up the high 70's and low 80's during the day. I think it's a bit early for the heater and they both are still drinking allot of water. I fill the trough every other day. I don't know why she does it but you could set a seasonal clock by it. It's just her. Needless to say she's well now, however, I don't think she appreciated the twitch the vet popped on her that I had to hold her with. I think he was light on the sedation simply because it was a pretty hot day on Friday. She seems to have forgiven me today.Ple Read more:Season
Back Home 2007-09-18 23:56:00 Mia has come "back home" for a little R&R. She is Spider's highest earning cutting horse so far. I sold her to my friends and they trained and are showing her. She came up with a mysterious bump on her leg so the vet said to give her a month off. She isn't lame and it appears to be mainly cosmetic. It wasn't worth taking a chance of it turning into something so she is on vacation at my place. My friends call my farm the "fat farm", it's the local horse spa. She was born here, it's nice to look out of the barn and see her enjoying herself and just being a horse. Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
"Fru, Fru, HA!" 2007-09-11 10:46:00 Says Misty. I took this pic after I had spent nearly three hours bathing and grooming these girls, which, by the way included more than any one's fair share of burr removal. Especially on Misty as her tail and mane are thick and curly, whereas Kola has a silkier mane and tail which are much easier to maintain. Misty was a bit bent at me as I thought, "Well, hay, if I braid her mane, I won't have such an issue with burrs next time." but Misty grew impatient after a long session of burr removal and was not happy with the braids. In a few short minutes, she had already shook out the one in her bangs. And the look on her face.......Oh if looks could kill....I have to laugh....That a horse could be so humiliated by the "fru,fru" look of braids.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
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Miss Kola 2007-09-11 10:34:00 A whole year with Kola.........And I don't regret getting her. She is a good girl and I couldn't be happier. I only wish I have had more riding time this year. Barely any at all. Anyway, she has been a great horse with lots of personality. And a suitable bud for Misty. A pair of great mares.Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources.
Kitty Soup 2007-09-09 09:09:00 Here is my little Lilyput, who often sleeps in the dry extra water bowl for the dogs. She loves the empty water bowl. I don't know........Please visit http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/index.html
for more horse stories, information and resources. Read more:Kitty
Get Ready For Winter 2007-09-05 13:49:00 Now that Labor Day is over and I don't know about you, but signaling the end of summer, I find it a bit depressing, although I always enjoy Autumn. Anyway, it's time to get ready for the upcoming Winter. Here are some of the things that I've done to get ready. What about you?1) Thoroughly cleaned out horse shelter and goat pen.2) Also cleaned out my hay shed and organized it and replaced pallets and stacked hay.3) Checked fence and repaired anything needing it.4) Cleaned and serviced my truck, as I only use for the farm work.5) Although I sold my trailer to get last kid into college, I would have silicone sprayed all working parts on trailer and cleaned it out.6) Since I live in a converted barn, I inspected the foundation and tuck-pointed the areas needing it.7) Ordered my hay with delivery.8) Horses, worming again and autumn immunizations.9) Not to mention, clearing everywhere around farm of weeds and such.10) Check heaters for troughs and make sure they work.Please visit http://m
To Sum Up The Fair 2007-09-05 12:21:00 I have to say that this county fair has to be one of the best fairs around. It's always held Labor Day weekend. And it's huge. They've added more horse barns over the years. There are 3 regular horse barns, 1 draft horse barn and a race horse barn and three arenas for horses. And the horse shows, speed, western pleasure, english, halter, driving, walking horse show and standard bred cart racing on the race course. The livestock barns include pigs, 2 goats, sheep, and at least 3 cattle barns. Not to mention the entertainment of which is included in the price of admission. This year was the Beach Boys, Mel Tillis, Leanne Rimes, Phil Vasser and of course truck and tractor pulls, and it ends with the demolition derby. There are many commercial buildings, and all the judging of crafts, photos and what not. A kiddie land and plenty of food. What makes it the best is that it is a dry fair, No booze, so it very family oriented and fun. Oh and the midway , of course.Please visit http://midwe
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