What did you & your horses love about summer?

[Marty]

For someone that hates the heat I did have a few things I liked about summer with the Prancers.

First, I love being able to feed in the mornings and walk out to the barn in my nightshirt and flip flops without spending 20 minutes dressing in layers.

We all loved playing in the kiddie pool.

They liked the lush green grass.

We all enjoyed numerous baths and I liked getting soaked in the hose giving the baths.

We liked coming into the cool barn to avoid the heat of the day and stand under the fans. I began a daily lunch regimine of beet pulp soaked in cool red Gatorade that helped keep everyone cooled down.

We did not appreciate the flys one bit. My fly masks helped a lot and so did Solitude Fly Spray. I'm glad we did not have mosquitoes up here again this year and we did have a lot of bats that were eating insects. Now if I can just get rid of the frogs that took over my tack room!

What did you guys like this summer?

 

[Jill]

I loved being so proud of my three show boys, DunIT, Bacardi & Sunny, at the Virginia Miniature Horse Club show. It was the first time H and I did it "all" ourselves with our horses. Our first Supreme (Bacardi) and something like a 19th Grand on Sunny...

My horses, I think, loved their leisurly lazy days in the shade.

The show boys didn't really like their lunging workouts, but they did enjoy their Powerade bucket after they were done...

It worked out good for me and our horses this summer to find new homes for some that weren't cut out for the new goals and bring home some that are great matches.

I loved being able to get a trailer this summer that's as nice as my horses :bgrin I feel they will be really comfortable and safe traveling in it.

As blazing hot hot hot (115 indexes some days), I think both my herd, Harvey and I are glad that fall is on the way.

 

[Black Magic]

:saludando: This is sort of a long post, so I apologize up front. When I started riding as a teen, I wanted to learn how to drive, and that wasn't part of the program. When I worked in a barn where they did pony rides and had draft horses that pulled carriages, I wanted to learn to drive. For 35 years I have wanted to learn to drive. I drove for six hours to learn to drive and had no idea the people had changed locations... and that was a one way drive... I really really wanted to learn to drive. Well, this summer, we had two horses trained to drive... and I FINALLY DROVE! Our two minis went to a draft horse trainer and I got to drive them both. (I get my cart next week!)

Magic took three days to be driving, and he has done four mile trails, lots of rural roads, and was obvioulsy born to drive. I can't tell you how happy it made me to reach a life long goal. You know how people make a check list in life, things they want to do... this has been on mine for a very long time, and finally it's checked off the list.

Magic LOVES to drive. He was going down a raod and passed a fenced area where there was a foxtrotter that drives too. The foxtrotter was totally freaked out, looking, going.. what the heck is that thing.. Magic was so happy that he was the center of attention, he was puffing his tail and raising his legs higher, he was just so proud of himself. No matter how much he was sweating, he wanted to keep going. He did obsticles without a problem, with only TWO weeks of driving. I really believe he's a one in a million horse and it was so wonderful to share the driving experience with him, and I hope to share many more.

We moved into our new house this summer, and the horses are very happy to find out, I keep the feed in the garage (no cars there.. and the truck doesn't fit.. to high)... and that often a kidlet will leave a door open . (We keep lids on the feed). Magic has been on a tour of the inside of the house, and we all got a giggle out of that. We have french doors all over the place, now covered with horse nose prints. It's a joy to wake up in bed at night just to hear the babies all munching on the new sod outside the french doors. Lol..

The summer has had it's trials and tribulations... but I have much to be grateful for.

God Bless,

Lynn W

 

[GREENWOODMINIS]

Marty,

heres a summer time story for you :lol: :lol:

I feed early morning so, I too walk out in my nightshirt like you do to feed everyone...I figure hey...who is gonna see me?? And, its quick and easy...just head outside.

We live down a very long drive and woods surround us -its very private (or so I thought) HA...so, just a couple of weeks ago I went out to feed early and, like I always do I turn Dickens out to feed him breakfast in our big corral right beside the barn...also called the veranda in the summer lol...I ask him - Dickens...how about breakfast on the veranda lol!!

well, on that morning as, I was returning back to the barn...a truck pulls up...I must of looked looked like a crazy woman with my eyes as big as pancakes ...because on that morning...I was wearing my super girl panties...yup, they make them. so, here I am wearing super girl panties...and a tee...and, my muck boots (that are yellow with lady bugs on them) and, just crazy bed hair(kinda pee wee herman-esk)...it was a sight...lord it was a sight

well,the panties must of given me special powers cause I became like super girl because I soared through the air into my horse trailer...well, on the way in I cut my head open on the door frame...so, there I stood in a dark horse trailer bleeding(ok, so maybe the panties don't have all that special powers) :no: ...searching around for some dirty show cloths that perhaps I had left in the trailer...the only thing I found was my roadster shirt and hat...know that would be another great look

: maybe I should consider that for my next roadster class...that will make the judges laugh out loud for sure

:

well...the guy in the truck just sat in it with his truck running...no doubt laughing his buns off...then to make matters worth...I here running hooves right beside the trailer...yup....Dickens was loose...and, putting on quite a show...at this point I am sure I must of done something bad - and, I was being punished lol...because, now I had to make the decision to go out in my super girl panties and just embarrass the hec out of myself or, stay in the trailer and go by the old saying...every man for himself lol!!!!

OK...self preservation over took me and, I waited the man out in the truck...however, I did have my eyes glued on the window watching my crazy horse...I swear that horse is human and loved every minute of me squirming in the trailer

: because as, soon as I climbed out of the trailer to get Dickens - he walked right up to me and I swear he smiled :bgrin

Marty I hope my crazy woman story made you smile...and, just remember - you too could get caught one day too

: better get you some of those super girl panties

: they can be handy

:

p.s

I also love playing the pastures with the girls...I often sit up on the hill and watch them...its the most peaceful place I know - they come up to me and the little ones play with my shoe laces and kiss my face...it makes my soul smile!!!

I also love the late summer nights as, they start to cool down...the horse seem to love these nights the best!!

lis

 

[hairicane]

Well as someone born and raised in Florida I have to say there is a whole lot about summer I dont like. We gave up trying to drive our stallions as its soo stinking hot and we trail (neighborhood) drive them. Seems like any time its cool enough to go for a drive we get a couple miles from home and here comes massive lightening and thunder, not fun or safe.

I do love watching and playing with our beautiful 2006 foals. The appy ones are getting more color and just turning out great and the overos are just dolls. Nothing like looking out the window to see a pasture full of lovely spotted foals. We also let our yearling and 2 year old girls out in the yard all summer to eat the fast growing grass and that means they are underfoot and generally acting like puppies following us around. In fact both our yearling Slate daughters have already been in the house in the shower of our new bathroom! Its under construction and I designed a big shower with sliding glass doors out to a little garden area that will be privacy fenced. But its not fenced yet and soon as anyone works in there here come the girls to "help", such nosey horsies.

If u would ask our stallions they will tell u they love summer because they get to have girlfriends! So I know they LOVE summer, LOL.

 

[Irish Hills Farm]

How my horses and I spent our first summer in Tennessee.......

70 degress New Years Day.....SWEET!

Taking Jinx swimming in the creek :lol:

First year solo foaling :bgrin

Taking care of my horses

Ucky things......

BUGS :new_shocked:

SNAKES - which two of my horses had been bitten by. (STOOPID SNAKES!

: )

More BUGS :new_shocked:

 

[Soggy Bottom Ranch]

Having just gotten into minis, our experiences are still fairly new. We've had minis for maybe just a month now, and they've made the transition from alpacas to minis very easy and pleasant. One of my favorite things is how affectionate they are!!

: I could love on my minis all day long. They follow us around, and all they want is a big old hug, and a little love to make them happy! (Well, food too! LOL! :lol: )

I also love how they have brought my husband and I together. We just hooked our driving geldings up on Sunday for the very first time, just to make a couple rounds around the yard, to get the harnesses adjusted. I wondered how my husband would do since he's only driven once before. He has ridden full size horses in the past, but has a fear since a bad experience. I was so proud of him! He stepped up, and took right over as if he'd been doing this his whole life! He had a blast, and although we know we made some mistakes with our first hitching, we did it together, and it was so fun. We are really looking forward to a couple overnight camping trips we have planned. We are learning so much together, and it has been pretty fun so far.

:

I'm also excited for what is yet to come. I finally found my leopard appy, and he will be home hopefully within the next week or two. Sounds like transport is going to happen soon! :new_multi:

 

[Miniequine]

I cannot believe the summer is over.

The best part of my summer this year:

Driving my minis in the early morning mist before work.. I loved it, not sure they did...

Mowing my grass... I just love the smell and the way fresh cut pastures look..

Sitting around in lawn chairs after showing all day, just talking and laughing

and getting to know some really wonderful mini people.

and BEST of all this summer...

playing with my precious foals. They have brought so much joy

Sandy

 

[hobbyhorse23]

I adore the long lazy days of summer and so do my horses. I love seeing my mini look long-legged and elegant without his winter fuzz, and my old man enjoys sunbathing every morning in the corner of his pasture. Everything is drenched in sunshine which around here is more often balm than bane and the daylight drags on long into the evening hours so that we can play as long as we want to.

Summer is dappled sunlight on the trees and a wind through the branches cooling us off. Summer is sitting on the lawn while the horses graze around me contentedly. Summer is apple drool and sweet carrot breath and being sneezed on in your Sunday best. Summer is quiet time with my soul friends.

We bond in the summer. In June I scratch all their itchies and help them shed their winter coats, I toss apples over the fence in August and watch the horses chase them down. July is spent quietly drowsing in the heat and September we try to squeeze in a few last rides and a trip to the beach while the air is still only chilly at night.

Summer is renaissance faires and horse shows and good times with friends. Kody gets in shape and Spyder shows him how it's done and they both stick to me like glue but somehow never fight over me. I go to the young one for excitement and new things and my old partner for the comfort of a worn path to somewhere special.

Summer is daylight and driving and no rain even when you need it. Whoopee!

Leia

 

[nootka]

Summer: Walking ON the ground, not IN it. Horses and myself both appreciate this.

Not slipping in the mud!

Very few flies/bugs and the occasional garter snake is nothing to be concerned about.

Shows and ribbons for Mouse for him to preen over. Oh and lots of time to get him lookin' good for his "glam photo shoot" coming up weekend after this one.

Walking out and the weather's just fine for sitting down in the grass and visiting with the foals and the barn kitties, even in the evening it's great to sit out there under the stars with just myself and the horses or a friend and watch them and their antics.

Gramma Pony likes napping in the sun and I like seeing her enjoy her days like this, or standing in the shade hiding from the evil weanies.

I am NOT ready for Summer to be over...glad we have a month or more of "good" weather, as a rule....

Liz M.

 

[Southern_Heart]

What did you & your horses love about summer?

The fact that Fall comes right after it!! :lol:

Joyce

 

[Cronewolf]

:new_shocked: I HATE SUMMER. I'm allergic to everything in the Summer, as opposed to almost everything the rest of the year.

 

[Leeana]

I really enjoyed showing and spending time with kay and fran at the shows. The horses didnt like the heat that we had there for a week or two but other then that it was cold most of the summer.

I loved being able to slip on flip flops and go outside and not having to slip on bundles of clothes and layers. It was nice.

I'm looking forward to winter though, NO SNAKES! I'm deathly afriad of snakes and Royal has this snake radar! We have a creek right behind our barn/fence and there are always snakes (

laying back on the creek bank. If royal stands looking at one spot in the creek to long there is a snake there, never failed once this summer.

 

[Shari]

Good things about summer....

Riding in a 10 acre pasture full and I do mean full of butterflys. Sitting on my Icelandic and having them dance all about us.

Was Magical. Now I can say I am "Dancing with butterflys"! :lol:

Looking out across the pasture to the woods and seeing the shear beauty of this farm and how lucky I am to have it. And of course....having a wonderful time just sitting in a chair and watching the horses eat.

(not getting into the heat or how accident prone I am

: )

 

[MiLo Minis]

What me and my horses enjoy most about summer?

Long, relaxing drives in the shade of the trees along the river

And then a nice cool bath afterwards.

 

[Buckskin gal]

And where does one get those panties????

: I so loved ypur story because i too run around in some weird things while enjoying the minis. :bgrin And what did we enjoy about summer? Absolutely everything!

: The minis and I both enjoy all the green and the warmth,,,,,may have complained about the heat a few times but it is still bettter than the bitter cold. The minis and hubby enjoy the summer parades and the drives they take with the Big Sky Harness Club. We also enjoyed going to the fair. We will continue to enjoy autumn andsomehow manage to get through yet another winter!

: Mary

Marty,

heres a summer time story for you :lol: :lol:

I feed early morning so, I too walk out in my nightshirt like you do to feed everyone...I figure hey...who is gonna see me?? And, its quick and easy...just head outside.

We live down a very long drive and woods surround us -its very private (or so I thought) HA...so, just a couple of weeks ago I went out to feed early and, like I always do I turn Dickens out to feed him breakfast in our big corral right beside the barn...also called the veranda in the summer lol...I ask him - Dickens...how about breakfast on the veranda lol!!

well, on that morning as, I was returning back to the barn...a truck pulls up...I must of looked looked like a crazy woman with my eyes as big as pancakes ...because on that morning...I was wearing my super girl panties...yup, they make them. so, here I am wearing super girl panties...and a tee...and, my muck boots (that are yellow with lady bugs on them) and, just crazy bed hair(kinda pee wee herman-esk)...it was a sight...lord it was a sight

well,the panties must of given me special powers cause I became like super girl because I soared through the air into my horse trailer...well, on the way in I cut my head open on the door frame...so, there I stood in a dark horse trailer bleeding(ok, so maybe the panties don't have all that special powers) :no: ...searching around for some dirty show cloths that perhaps I had left in the trailer...the only thing I found was my roadster shirt and hat...know that would be another great look

: maybe I should consider that for my next roadster class...that will make the judges laugh out loud for sure

:

well...the guy in the truck just sat in it with his truck running...no doubt laughing his buns off...then to make matters worth...I here running hooves right beside the trailer...yup....Dickens was loose...and, putting on quite a show...at this point I am sure I must of done something bad - and, I was being punished lol...because, now I had to make the decision to go out in my super girl panties and just embarrass the hec out of myself or, stay in the trailer and go by the old saying...every man for himself lol!!!!

OK...self preservation over took me and, I waited the man out in the truck...however, I did have my eyes glued on the window watching my crazy horse...I swear that horse is human and loved every minute of me squirming in the trailer

: because as, soon as I climbed out of the trailer to get Dickens - he walked right up to me and I swear he smiled :bgrin

Marty I hope my crazy woman story made you smile...and, just remember - you too could get caught one day too

: better get you some of those super girl panties

: they can be handy

:

p.s

I also love playing the pastures with the girls...I often sit up on the hill and watch them...its the most peaceful place I know - they come up to me and the little ones play with my shoe laces and kiss my face...it makes my soul smile!!!

I also love the late summer nights as, they start to cool down...the horse seem to love these nights the best!!

lis

 

[luvmycritters]

[SIZE=10pt]Great post![/SIZE]

Parades!

:

Sitting in the back yard with the mini's and just letting them roam free to graze.

Taking walks down the road with them.

Being able to spend more time with them because of the nice weather ( as apposed to winter ).

Just plain enjoying them!

Lori

 

[backwoodsnanny]

What do my minis and I love about summer? NO FROZEN WATER. NO FROZEN POOP!!!! NO FROZEN PATHWAYS, NO FROZEN FINGERS well you get the idea.

 

[Russ]

I think we both enjoyed the first show in Winona,MN. The second show, Iowa State Fair was even better.

Rose learned trailer rides were ok, clipping won't hurt, baths can bite a little :lol: but they soon get over.

I personally enjoyed the prep time before shows and the friends I made and helpful people at shows that offered advice. The PAVILLION at the state fair, love that building!

 

[Amy]

The thing I loved most was having grandkids here ALL summer long, working & showing the horses.We travelled to shows together, bathed them , clipped them trained them& drove them together all summer. It was fantastic!!