Good times at Firefly Ranch

Things are going well with all the critters. Arwen and Saffron continue to be more friendly and approachable. They all come to the fence to see if I have treats when I see them. Gwyn, of course, vocally greets me, either with a whinny or a hungry whicker and nicker. She will cross the pasture to see if I have anything, and seems content when all I've got to offer is a nose rub.

We've added to the orchard that's just north of the house. I purchased a pear tree and got that planted last week. So now we've got pears and several varieties of apples!  I also uprooted a dying Japanese maple from the garden in the center of the driveway circle. I put in a sugar maple there! My hope is to one day make my own maple sugar. I do have a silver maple in one of the pastures that I can tap next season, but the sugar maple we will have to wait and let grow big and strong!

We've added two solar powered floodlights to the arena and tonight I hopped on bareback to see how well the space is lit. Tonight was either full moon or pretty darn close so things were lit nicely anyway. The football field across the street was also in full swing for a game and of course the floodlight from the barn helped. I'm going to test again on a cloudy or new moon night. We may purchase a few more lights for optimum night riding!

Pic Spam

Gwyn likes to nuzzle the farrier when she gets her toes trimmed

Saffron was a really good, Arwen was a bit more of a firecracker

I had the door open for airflow. Gwyn decided this meant the buffet was open for business

I'm making my own standards!! I had to cut each foot twice because my saw didn't go all the way through the board. 

But I made sure to wear proper PPE

Propped feet.

I will have two pairs when I'm done!

Not completely finished, but it gives you an idea of what it will look like. I still need to assemble, drill holes and paint.

I discovered 2 garter snakes living under the front left pasture water trough. I lifted it to dump and scrub and they scattered. One went over my foot. However, I am not afraid. I just watched. They were pretty! I also saw a skin shed in the grass as well. I bet the eating is good if they like frogs.

Sunset last night. It had just downpoured and the sky was gorgeous.

A baby mourning dove in the back pasture.

I got three hammocks through a kickstarter and I tried t his out to see if it would fit in my horse trailer for endurance rides and camping. Sure enough... ! Sitting in it is like  being in a recliner. Pretty comfy.

I'd probably hook it up on the non horse side when I do put it to use.

Farrier Day!

The farrier who had previously been working on Arwen and Saffron came out today to trim all 3 critters. He did Gwyn first, she was the easiest. It had been 8 weeks since he last trimmed Gwyn and aside from what little I do with a rasp, she was long, but not terrible! Her feet are probably in the best shape since I've had her. The wetness of living in Washington did not do her hooves any favors. I could probably be more aggressive in my trimming in between farrier appointments and she'd still be fine.

Next up was Arwen, who was starting to have some curve to her hoof. You can see where the new hoof started growing from when I got her. Her nutrition has improved and the farrier commented that he was so glad to see how nice they looked. That made me feel good. Arwen was spicy with her feet, but she did settle and everything was trimmed.

Saffron was much more reserved. She knew the drill more than Arwen did.She did get spicy toward the end, but all said and done no one was hurt and their feet looked much better! I released them into the pasture again with a pat each and paid the farrier. I really like him, he's a nice guy and does a good job. We're booked for October 1st again in the evening since I have lights in the barn and can guarantee my presence in the evening (I'm still working out school for Kaylee)