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10 RESONS WHY FEBRUARY IS THE CRUELLEST MONTH

January 30, 2014

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My cousin summed up the month pretty well.

catherinebwrites's avatarIrish Storyteller and Writer Catherine Brophy

Some people think it’s January but I think it’s February.

BCSpiritBear

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CAZd-Le5GSs

  1. The post-Christmas glow has faded and you’ve used up  the delightfully packaged toiletries you got as presents.
  2. You’ve already back-slid on your New Year Resolutions and it’s eating away at your self-confidence.
  3. All the fresh vegetables and flowers in the shops have been flown a million miles from sunnier climes.
  4. The weather is  getting colder – yes, I saw it on Country File, the coldest weather is not mid-winter it keeps getting colder until Winter is over.
  5. You see the occasional snowdrop, it gives you hope that Spring’s round the corner, next morning it’s blighted by frost.  
  6. The days are not getting shorter quickly enough and  grey clouds are only inches above your nose.
  7. You’re bombarded by ads for summer holidays you can’t afford.
  8. The East wind is slicing the skin off your face.
  9.  Every time you make an effort to get some exercise…

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Winter Write up

January 30, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Activities, Farm Horses , , , , , , 1 Comment

Today I received a request for to answer some questions about this winter for a human interest story for PSU Extension Equine newsletter.  So I figured I would share with you.

Name and location in state: Golden Spike Farm; Quakertown, PA

How many horses are you caring for? 10 horses and 2 mini donkeys

What challenges has the harsh winter conditions in January 2014 caused for you?

  • Frozen water buckets in the stalls
  • Frozen water hose
  • Barn doors frozen shut
  • So cold your hands and feet hurt so you minimize your time outside (horses not receiving as much attention)
  • Horses not being brushed as much so a wound was missed.  I am now dealing with the abscess.  Twice daily wound care plus antibiotics (topical, oral, intramuscular injection)

What changes have you had to make this year that are different from past years to manage and care your farm and/or horses? 

Personal Comment on Winter of 2014: 

Everything takes longer starting with getting ready to go outside.  I usually can be found wearing 3 layers on the bottom and 5 layers on top, hat, gloves, and my Columbia cold weather boots.  Luckily I have help; all my boarders share the work load.  I am originally from Miami, so I have jumped into this the hard way but we are getting through it and I am looking forward to warmer temperatures this weekend.

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Oh Cuervo

January 21, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses 6 Comments

So this weekend while giving a farm tour I notice some puss on Cuervo’s hip.  After the visitors leave I check it out, to find a week old cut that has turned into an abscess. Having a vet tech background I normally have a very strong stomach for these things. This one smelled so bad, I had to walk away for a break.  Finally after pulling away the crusties and the gunk that had built up I get to the sore.  It sure was painful for the old man but he took it like a trooper, enjoying the treats that kept him distracted.

WP_20140119_15_10_34_Pro WP_20140119_14_51_05_ProI put him on oral antibiotics right away and flushed out the sore with betadine solution and water.  We have been keeping up this regimen twice daily and it is starting to look better.  Talked to the vet today who suggested upping the antibiotics and after flushing packing the wound with a salt paste.

 

Nash – Back in the Saddle

January 21, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses, Horseback riding , , 2 Comments

So this weekend I decided that it was time to ride Nash again.  His first time out and I decided to use him in a lesson.  So I got on him first and we rode around a bit to see how he was feeling.

He seemed to be fine and happy so we got on with our lesson.  About half way through the lesson Nash decides to roll.  The student on his back got her foot stuck as she was trying to get off of him as he was going down to the ground.  So Rachael and I ran to help her.  Well the process of us running up to Nash spooked him.  He jumped up too fast and off went his student, landing right on her bum.  Then Nash proceeded to run around like a nut cause everything was exciting then.  We calmed him down and got the girls back on him for some pony rides.  After the lesson I ran him around a bit.

WP_20140118_12_34_39_Pro WP_20140118_12_34_45_ProThen he got tired and posed for some pictures.

Home and Back in to the Swing of Things

January 3, 2014

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Since being back from vacation things have been a whirl wind (hence the absence of posts).  Cuervo’s half mom said she keeps checking there is nothing new, so here I am finally having time to write a little bit and catch you all up.

The Saturday I got back it was like a normal farm day. Trial ride followed by lessons.

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This is Apple headed our for the road ride with Cuervo.  Things change and happen so quickly. On the way back we are passed by a large noisy truck.  Cuervo’s 1/2 mom looses her balance and is unable to stay on.  Long story short we were very fortunate to have 2 good Samaritans stop to help us out and the emergency services arrive take her away with a broken arm.   As I start to walk the horses back home Cuervo sends out a loud Whinny.  There were no horses around for him to talk to,  I am sure the whinny was for his 1/2 mom as he noticed she was missing.  So this post is for you and for a speedy recovery!  Cant wait till you get back out to see your old man (Cuervo) and eventually back in the saddle. He misses you too.   Makes you realize no matter how good of a rider you are horses are still animals and accidents happen.

I get back to the farm 1/2 late for the next lesson. Luckily Rachael was there to fill in for me.

WP_20131228_12_08_21_Pro WP_20131228_12_08_36_ProA few days later another snow storm hits.  It sure is pretty but such a pain to deal with on the farm.

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Snow Daze

December 19, 2013

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It is not even officially winter and  we had several winter storms in a week. Snow, freezing rain, ice, makes a frozen wonderland.

Farm Family Christmas Brunch

December 15, 2013

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Before I left for vacation we had a farm family gathering.  It was a great day where everyone brought a pot luck style dish and we all had some down time to enjoy each other’s company.

New Lesson Pricing

December 12, 2013

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Starting January 1st, 2014 the price for

 horseback riding lessons will be increasing.

 

Private lessons: 1 instructor per student

$40 per hour

 

Semi private lessons: More than one student per instructor

$35 per hour

 

Lesson packages are available: Save $10 for 4 lessons

4 Private lessons:  $150

4 Semi private lessons: $130

All lessons in the package must be used within 4 months.

A blanket of snow

December 10, 2013

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses , , , , 1 Comment

A blanket of snow

Today’s view of the barn.

Nash Home Coming

December 9, 2013

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It really is great to have Nash home.  He is much brighter and happier. We are keeping him calm and confined so that he does not loosen the surgical mesh from the stomach wall.

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So he is getting a couple of hand walks a day.  Everytime I take him out to walk him around every one comes to the fence to say HI!

The suture site is totally healed and there is some swelling around the mesh site.  Dr P. explained there would always be a bump there but at least now we know it is not a hernia.

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I walk Nash in circles around the riding ring.  Not exciting but at least it is even, not muddy and we is getting out to stretch is legs.  We are not the only ones walking in circles.  Piper and Shadow bring up the rear.  Sorry kinda fuzzy due to walking and taking pics.

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