Eyes On

Never assume.

We’ve had colder nights this winter. We’ve had wetter nights this winter. We’ve definitely had windier nights. And through it all, Josh was as happy in his natural winter woolies as he would have been on a quiet day in May.

This morning, however, Josh was shivering during the breakfast service, perfectly illustrating the need to set eyes on each and every horse several times each and every day. What was taken for granted last week – or even yesterday - may not be the case today.

Not to worry, though. A little warm mash, a bucket of warm water, a dry though somewhat dirty Weatherbeeta, and Josh is happily quidding his hay as if today is no different than any other day at TREES.

Winter's Last Gasp

The temperature hovered around forty degrees last night but, with sustained 30mph winds and a horizontal rain, it felt like a winter storm was in progress. Weather lore in Virginia says to wait for Mother's Day to set out plants in the garden. Its a mark on the calendar saying "Spring is here." This year, Mother Nature wanted to heave one last winter gasp before Mother's Day passed.

Even though the horses all had access to cozy sheds, and were dry and sheltered from the wind, some were shivering as breakfast was served. Jeb, Emma, and Betty are now comfortably munching hay with their winter "jammies" on once again.

Last week we were preparing to have a huge pile of blankets sent out for cleaning and repair after a colder than normal winter. This time, it seems that procrastination was a good thing!