Monday, February 15, 2010

Caruso must have read my last post!

Caruso completely redeeemed himself yesterday! We finally ventured to the indoor, and it was quite slick and scary in places. Instead of freaking out, he acted like a mature horse and very carefully, quietly and SLOWLY (shocking) placed each foot along the path, never once trying to act silly. The ride was already off to a very positive start! Then he even rode around without noticing the intermittent noise of huge chunks of snow sliding off the roof - what a superstar!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Does anyone else's WB not handle change very well? Or does everyone's WB not handle change very well?

Caruso has many wonderful qualities, but brave is not a word I would use to describe him, especially when he's had to be hand walked for several days with no real turnout! I was determined to get him out of the barn today, and the smallest drifts were going to the paddocks vs. the walls of snow between the barn and arena. So, I put his hay out first so that he would have something to do immediately when he went out instead of worrying about the snow and his buddies in the barn. I wish I had a video of his reaction. First, he didn't know whether to try to walk through or jump over the drifts . . . pretty funny to watch him ponder this . . . but he absolutely lost it when he saw hay on the ground inside the gate (I usually bring hay out after I've turned everyone out). It took a minute or so to stop the jumping from side to side like a cutting horse and get him to go thru the gate. Then he ran around the hay like an idiot for several minutes while I brought out our old thoroughbred to keep him company and show him how real horses behave. Of course Fizzie (the TB) moseyed out, thru the drifts, thru the gate, and immediately started eating, at which point Caruso finally stopped snorting and running and began munching for the next hour. Ah, fancy warmbloods . . .

Thursday, February 11, 2010

It's Official

After the horrible wind yesterday and last night, I officially could not drive to the barn today. I made it halfway down the road in 4wd, only to face a snow drift that went over the hood! This is the first time I have not been able to at least get down the driveway. At least we can see some blue sky today, and the wind is down to 10-15 mph. Spring is coming, right?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

You have to be kidding!

Of course, more snow, but the real kicker is the WIND! 30mph with gusts 50-65 mph. There is so much snow on the roof of the arena, I can't even imagine if we had this weather two years ago. Those who know that scary story understand why! Two big heifer calves born at 3 am - temp with wind chill at -1! Bruce just came in to get his ski goggles so he can make the next round checking cows - where is my camera when I need it! Keep your fingers crossed that the well keeps working - it's gone out twice this past week! On the bright side, we've only had to use the generator once for about an hour, so that's pretty shocking!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Guess What?

Yep- more snow! I'd post pictures, but it's just more of the same. The forecast said we were the edge of the storm and to expect a few inches. We have well exceeded a few inches, and now it is coming down in chunks - not good!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

More SNOW!

They were calling for a wintry mix with maybe an inch of accumulation , but we already have at least 3 inches. Our kids are never going back to school! Crazy delivery this morning - thank you to Dr. Tom Lavelle for coming out to help Bruce deliver twins, both breech, and both alive! This may be too much information, but the cow had passed the placenta when Bruce checked her this morning before either calf was delivered - even Tom couldn't remember ever having that happen, especially with two live calves. Anyway, that is a big success story - those situations don't usually turn out that well.