Posts Tagged With: Honey

Wistful Thinking

The winds of change sweep through the farm.

Chickens have disappeared. Swiftie and Buster are MIA. As of this morning, so is Lucy.

Luckily, Gladiator, the rooster; our two guineas, and Nugget, the Americana, are alive and well.

We own six new(ish) chicks; three Barred Rocks and three Australorps.

If Melody hadn’t miscarried, last year, we’d have 11 horses at Firefly Farm.

Sage left a while ago. Her owner found a wonderful home with young children to ride the lovely Standardbred mare and give her all the attention she deserves.

Lexi is now at Silver Fox Stable, owned by a Vet, Dr. Esterline’s, wife. I hear wonderful things about their facility and wish them all the best.

Lexi left on Sunday.

We’re down to 10 horses.

We’d have 11 if Melody hadn’t miscarried last year.

Yet..

This morning I recieved a phone call from my friend Sandy. She’s looking to have me train her horse, Cappy.

We’re down to 10 horses.

I wish, oh, how I wish Melody’s foal were here. I’d be training her or him and working her or him every spare moment.

I can handle training a new horse. It’s what I wish I were doing at this very moment.

Training–oh, training!

I love to train. I love the young ‘uns. I adore teaching them how to behave, how to respect others, and how to be a proper citizen.

I love the way they’re defiant at first, and then calm, then ask “What would you like, Ma’am?”

Then, when I tell them what to do, they give me a great, big, “Yes, Ma’am!”

Spring sweeps over our farm.

Cappy’s adventure begins sometime next week.

I hope Lucy comes home.

I can’t wait until Honey is bred.

Last year’s worries tumble and flow away with the wind. The future is bright.

But oh, how I miss the foal that should have been mine this spring.

Categories: Chickens, Horses, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Coin Toss

Silver gleams as it flips again and again, whistling through the air until it hits a surface.

Dare I look?

Heads. Tails.

It doesn’t matter.

According to the MSU Equine Reproductive Laboratory, Melody has a 20-50% chance of carrying a foal to term in her current state.

Gambling is for fools.

I can’t fall in love again with a foal who may die the second it begins to live.

I can’t bear the odds.

Tuffs Frosted Image 3 - Copy

I’m fortunate to be working with a wonderful stallion and owner at Autumn Breeze Acres in Howell. They’re online at http://www.autumnbreezeacres.weebly.com.

Tuffs Frosted Image is still our boy.

However, another mare must stand in for Melody.

They’re best friends and rivals.

They love each other and love to tease.

They’re both mine.

Little Honey Bear will be a mommy.

The chances of Honey conceiving are far better than Melody. We’re checking her sometime in the next few days to make sure she’s ready to take the first steps into motherhood.

No coins necessary. The odds are in her favor.

DSCF3252

Categories: Horses | Tags: , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Comfortable Cadence

The tattoo of hoofbeats pounded along the barn. A sharp, youthful whinny exploded from the small horse in the field as she pranced back and forth; her frantic pacing broken only by moments to listen–to find out if, indeed, she’s truly alone.

My neighbor, Katie, asked me to board her pony, Cadence, this weekend. Katie’s riding her other horse at a clinic, and she shipped her mare to Wisconsin this morning. Cadence would’ve been alone at Katie’s barn until Sunday night unless she stayed with me. The young filly’s herdbound to Katie’s other horse. Unfortunately that makes life difficult when there’s no choice but to separate the two for shows or riding clinics.

Cadence arrived at the farm this morning. Even before Katie officially unloaded her passenger, Cadence’s panicked screams echoed from within the metal trailer. She fought to remain with her buddy–but to no avail.

We covered basic rules, and Katie filled out a boarding contract. We discussed niceties and a variety of situations all the way to Veterinary calls. Before she departed, Katie spoke adamantly about not allowing other horses in with Cadence, as she worried about her pony kicking.

I locked the pony in a stall with hay for most of the morning, and then gave her time this afternoon in the RAMM pasture. Poor Cadence ran the fenceline for 30 minutes, calling for any horse within hearing range. The whites of her eyes bulged as she bugled,  and her coat shone with sweat. Her throaty whinnies drove daggers into my heart.

I caught Honey and moved her into the pasture. Cadence’s demeanor changed instantly. She relaxed, grazed, and sniffed. I gave them 45 minutes of pasture time together–all directly supervised. I stayed within a 20 foot radius, ready to separate them in case of trouble.

Trouble never came.

I caught Honey to move her back into Suzie Q’s pasture (her regular digs) for the night, and as soon as Honey stepped out of the paddock, Cadence began calling. She screamed and squealed, devastated that her new friend left.  Honey settled back in with Suzie Q, but called out for Cadence. A cacophony of little-pony-girl screams developed from both sides, since Honey also developed an attachment to the adorable bay filly. I moved Cadence into Phoenix’s stall, since she’s an indoor boarder overnight. This quieted both girls down. They’re contemporaries, so it makes sense that they love each other.

The girls sniff through their stalls. They nicker at each other and nod. Whatever confidences they share remain between them alone. These gentle, bashful little girls are having a slumber party over the weekend. Katie won’t have to worry about separating her horses for a few days. Cadence has a new best friend–and she no longer feels alone.

Categories: Ponies | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spread a Little Sunshine

Yes, that line’s from the musical Pippin, and it’s sung by a villain–but it’s a nice phrase.

No matter what evidence I present to the contrary, Diva firmly believes I am a tree.

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Poor Twist. He had his first bath yesterday since arriving at Firefly Farm, and he had to wear Honey’s blanket to stay warm. I could almost feel the scathing heat from his eyes as he shouted “Oh, the humanity! To be wearing a blanket embroidered in pink?! You bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!” (I don’t know how Twist is able to quote Shakespeare in my head, but that’s his quirky side coming out.)

Girls have cooties, Mom! Why do I have to wear a girl's blanket?

The cold weather would’ve made him freeze if not for this “girly blankie.”

He’s very white now. It’s amazing to see the difference.

Sidney sported a delightfully masculine maroon blanket last night.

Braveheart braved the cold with a lush “au natural” coat of palomino and dazzling white.

The kitties also got in on the Fall Fashion Show.

The girls also decided to stay nude in the pasture. Melody, of course, being the exception.

Categories: Firefly Farm, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Honey’s First Show

Honey needed a bridle. She had an equi-leather bridle, but she needed one made of real leather. In preparation for her first show last Saturday, we ordered one from Dover Saddlery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honey had a bath on Friday night, and afterward I braided her mane and tail and put a sleezy on her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to a benefit show in Marshall, MI courtesy of Sara Heaton, owner of Sandalwood Ranch. She was kind enough to trailer Honey and I, along with one of her horses, Maddie.

Honey and I went for a bareback ride through the fairgrounds before showing. We were tromping around, exploring the various aspects of the fairground, when we were stopped in our tracks by a call from the judging booth. The announcer said that the first horse to reach the booth and show off a trick would win a prize. We couldn’t resist. She showed off “yes” and “no” and a step of Spanish Walk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honey was calm, cool, and collected. She performed beyond any of my expectations of a horse at her first show.

She was also very good, considering I had two different lengths of stirrup. I checked my stirrups three or four times because I could swear they were off. I counted the holes over and over, and both were on hole 8. Hole 8! Too bad they weren’t even. She was a good sport.

We ended up with Seventh Place, two different times, out of 10 horses total. Not bad for her first show. Her head bobbed up and down a lot, and she stopped once in a corner, but otherwise she was terrific. Unfortunately we didn’t get ribbons. We were given plastic cups as keepsakes. Perhaps cups are more useful than ribbons, but not as exciting.

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New Digs

Scatter, weave and dodge. Hooves drum in rhythm, seeking out the delicious foliage at the edge of the paddock. Each day, the T-posts are moved further into the meadow, allowing the horses more room to frolic, roam, and munch.

Categories: Horses, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Aftermath

I love April Fools Day.

Here are Firefly Farm’s jokes from April 1:

Prank #1–Successful–TWICE!: Dr. Tavernier came over today to give Melody an injection. As she was leaving, the husband came to the barn and was understandably concerned as to why the vet was here. I informed him that one of our old (male) boarders had impregnated a mare at Sandhill, and that when the Doctor checked Honey, she was pregnant as well. I played this joke on my best friend later in the day.

Prank #2–Successful:I convinced the kids the best way to make horse markings white was to use a crayon. I have lovely photos of all the kids “coloring” horse markings on each horse.

It was a lovely day.

Categories: Firefly Farm, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Secrets and Lies at Firefly Farm

I can’t keep it a secret any longer.

Bribery, Blackmail, Secret Photographs–none of these were necessary to make me cave. My name is Savannah. I’m a whistle blower who can’t actually blow a whistle. Instead, I’m going to let you in on a massive secret.

Dusty:

Is ACTUALLY the 90′s Rocker known as Diesel Dust! Here he is, attempting to hide from the paparazzi.

Once I figured this out, he attempted to conceal himself behind a cool set of shades–but I saw right through this flimsy disguise.

He tried to sneak out at dusk, but once he’d been discovered, Diesel Dust (Dusty) was quickly surrounded by fans eager to get his hoofprint.

Though rumors abound, this gorgeous stud has been known to canoodle with a particularly leggy brunette. One anonymous source has identified her as “Lexi,” though this hasn’t been confirmed.

Though part of a “big hair” group of the ’90′s, Diesel Dust has since blown his money on ladies and expensive hoof treatments. Furthermore, his lengthy addiction to tail-growth hormone has been well documented.

“He’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy,” Honey Bear told me on a recent morning, sobbing her eyes out as she came to terms with the fact that the tall, dark, handsome stud would never call her ‘Mrs. Dust.’ “I’d pictured us in a big stable together, surrounded by a white picket fence. Just the two of us and Diesel Dust junior.”

One recent incident under active investigation is that Diesel Dust (Dusty) is running an underground mud-wrestling ring behind the barn. Photos confirming this report remain inconclusive.

It is to be noted that there are many involved in this scam. Not only are most of those living here aware of what’s going on, some are sentries for these activities. It is believed that this one gives “Tips” about infiltration and snitches.

Though it was assumed at the beginning of my investigation that these…animals…were innocent until proven guilty, it can be assumed that nobody’s clean. Everyone I’ve discussed this with has said that Dusty has spies everywhere, and knows if someone isn’t holding up their end of the bargain. They hide in plain sight, and tend to be easily overlooked.

Worst of all, his assassins have no problem “taking people out.” They even keep waterproof “blankets” nearby to wrap you in, should they need to keep the area clean.

There are acres and acres of land behind the pastures where nobody would ever hear a whinny.

This freshly dug “garden” was “created” after a recent “transaction” between Tip and her boss:

Innocent pile of freshly turned earth, or something more sinister? You decide.

Beware next time you’re on your way to Firefly Farm. You may find yourself in the middle of Espionage, Treason, and Blackmail–or at least up to your eyeballs in manure.

Happy April Fool’s Day!

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Another Perfect Day

Radiant white paint reflects sunshine from each post. Giggles and exclamations of “Hey! You got me!” and “Honey, stop eating my hair!” are shared between friends. The constant swish of brushes keeps time with horse-focused conversation.

Today is Dusty’s birthday. I hope you had a great one, Diesel Dust!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is some sad news on the boarder front. Glory’s potential owner was advised by our vet not to buy her. It was a sad moment. We’ll miss her. She was a lovely horse to ride, and she had an excellent temperament. The owners are not at fault, and neither is the potential owner. Some things just aren’t meant to be. The previous owners took her back this morning.  Though we didn’t know them and do not expect to have future contact with these owners, we wish them all the best in their search for a suitable new owner.

The horses are shedding like crazy. Honey has lost at least 1 1/2 mini-Honeys out of fur.

The farm is perfect in spring. Enjoy some lovely photos of the glorious property and those who live here.

Categories: Horses, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seeing Double

Cuts and abrasions and swelling, Oh My.

Savannah, for well over a month and a half, has had a great deal of swelling in her leg. She’s had her leg cold-hosed twice a day at around 20 minutes per day and poultice afterward.

Honey, for the past week, had swelling in her leg. She had seven or eight kick lines on the upper part of her left hind leg. Poor baby. She’s at 20 minutes cold hosing, also, and she needs poultice, too.

Last night, Lexi was running out to the pasture when she got a little too close to the front of a horse stall. She scraped off all the hair and skin in about an 1/8 inch wide about 6″ long  on her flank.

Last night was Glory’s first night at the barn. Wouldn’t you know it? She found a stick and rubbed part of her leg hair off. It’s nothing serious, but it swelled up a little and we’ve been poulticing it to push the swelling down.

The two girls are so incredibly beautiful together. They absolutely love each other, and it’s amusing to say, “Is that Glory? No, that’s Honey, and that one over there is Glory… Right?”

I’ve been very grateful nobody else decided to take the plunge and buy the lovely Miss Glory. This horse is vibrant, and she just needs to know she’s safe and loved. Her owner is the perfect person to have her. Then Glory will relax. I do hope, however, we can ALL stay away from injuries in the future.

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