HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY      

           Yesterday, November 10th, Sammy celebrated his 6th birthday.  We are blessed that he is still with us.  Delilah, had she lived, would also have been 6.  We miss her.  Many happy returns Sammy!  (By the way - Sammy was a little disappointed that his extended family did not send him any treats - I tried to explain to him that humans try to forget birthdays as they get older but he didn't seem to get it :))

BABE IS A STAR!

      Saturday November 7th Babe and Sharon appeared in their first ever horse show.  Sure, it was only a "Fun Show" (translated - no big deal...) but everyone has to start somewhere.  We competed in 6 classes and walked away with 2 ribbons - one 2nd place in a field of 8 and one 4th place in a field of 25.   By the end of the day both horse and rider were exhausted.  Babe couldn't wait to get back home where she could do what she does best - nothing. 

      It was a great learning experience since I had no idea what to expect and even less of an idea of what I was supposed to do.  Basically I just observed and followed.  Fortunately, Babe had a better idea of what needed to be done and she did it beautifully.

       Dee served as my "groom" and trainer, and did an admirable job making sure I stayed clean.  If it had not been for Dee - I wouldn't have a horse at all much less be competing. Dee provided a custom dressing room for me in her horse trailer.  Actually it was one of the horse stalls without manure in it.  It worked - dry and private.  Dee promises to put up curtains for future events :)  

The one problem I experienced multiple times (besides being clueless in the ring) was that my hat kept flying off!  I think this was because my hair is still shorter than it was when I had the hat fitted.  I worried more about a horse stomping my hat to death than I did about winning!  Here are a few photos from the show.  

BREEDING STORIES

         Breeding season is well under way.  I noticed, however, that Gideon is having a bit of a scheduling problem.  It seems that his services are very much in demand and he can't keep up.  They are literally lined up (I'm not kidding) - he's having trouble completing one task when another ewe is kicking him in the butt telling him to hurry up.  Not one to shrink from a challenge, Gideon is making a heroic effort to keep up his end of the bargain (oh that was awful - sorry).   If he keeps up this pace, all the lambs will be born within a day of each other!  Let's see - 15 ewes lambing in two days - time to book a vacation I think.  

        Not one to be left out of the fun - I observed Golda attempting to mount one of the ewe.  A case of monkey see - monkey do?  They say it has to do with the hormones which ooze out of every pore of the ewes when cycling.   I'm not sure that's it with Golda - just think she liked the game Gideon was playing with the girls and decided to get in on the action.  

BUILDING AN ARK

         As I write this, it is pouring rain and has been all night.  I'm not looking forward to going down to the barn this morning.  First of all, when it rains - everyone uses their stalls as a latrine - it gets a bit messy.  Second - at least in one of the ewe barns - there is a problem with water collecting in the stall due to - well I guess do to the fact that water follows the path of least resistance and I have not bothered to alter its course in this case.  I keep thinking about it though.  In any case, I know I'll have to clean out all of the wet bedding and replace it. 

        Most of the animals actually like the rain.  Especially the donkeys.  I do worry about the sheep getting wool rot (yes there is such a thing).  But I refuse to put coats on them if they do stink to high heaven when wet.

        The house dogs - fluffies to the end (translated - spoiled & pampered) - are loathe to go out in the rain to take care of business.  Might get their tootsies wet.  They'd rather hold it until they burst.  Since it is supposed to rain for the next 24 hours I'll have to kick their lazy tails out the door.  You should see the looks I get from Bailey when he realizes that he is about to walk on wet ground - you' d think I was sending him off to be executed.  

         Hope this blog finds you and yours well.  Take care.