Good Fences #91

On Friday J and I sorted the calves that we recently weaned, cutting out the smaller end and the replacement heifers. 

 That left 85 head  to make a load to send out west to the feedlot.

 We ran these through the chute to give 3 sets of vaccines.

 Now they are turned out behind the house getting started on eating grain.

For more Good Fences click HERE.

Wrangler's Still Here

I've gotten tired of waiting for Wrangler to get totally sound so I called an equine vet friend to come out and give me a second opinion.  After watching him lunge, doing flexion tests, nerve blocks and x-rays, she determined the abscess area was still bothering him.   It's nice to have official conformation of what I already suspected, but really, when is this thing going to heal up.  She recommended a bar shoe, filing out the abscess crack and unloading the lateral side of the hoof.  I called the potential buyer and explained the situation.  I told her I was just turning him back out with the other horses and we'll see what happens when we reset the shoes again.  I am not doing a bar shoe at this time.  Amazingly, she is still interested but obviously still looking for something else. 

So what better way to spend some quality time with a lame horse than painting.  

V says I'm getting better at the color selections.  My boss has decided to buy two of Wrangler's paintings for a niece and niece-in-law that both are riders and horse lovers.  So I guess I at least have his next set of shoes paid for.  I haven't had time to set up the Etsy store yet.  The pictures I have to advertise aren't as good as I would like and I haven't had a chance during good daylight to take more.  Just add that to my "To Do" list.

Foggy Morning Feeding

We sorted out the calves that will be going to the feedlot next month and J has been getting them started on eating grain. 

 They learn pretty quickly that the truck is bringing breakfast.

 Sometimes they get a little rambunctious and scoot the troughs around.

 The fist few days J would have to go around and herd them up to the feed.

Now they come running.
It's been unseasonably warm so far which has lead to some foggy mornings too.

Glorious Morning

What a beautiful sunrise to wake up to.  Wonderful weather to sort and work the recently weaned calves this morning.

Wish V and E were home to help.

Then shopping for the next party tonight for which I don't have a gift to exchange yet.

Last nights party netted us $10, a $10 gift certificate to a local restaurant we love, and a party bag of M&Ms!

More On The Painting Horse

Wrangler has several more pieces of paper in his current watercolor book so we've been working hard to use them up.

 I was having an equine vet come to do a lameness exam and x-ray his hoof to make sure he is good to go to his new home in a few weeks but she had an emergency and had to reschedule for Friday.

 This is what he's been doing while we wait.

 I'm also thinking about starting an Etsy store to sell some of his artwork.

 I'm sure as soon as I do that he'll get famous and be gone.

I think he is contemplating his next painting.

After

Here's the after for yesterday's before.

Saddle Club Chinese Santa

Our local Saddle Club had their annual Christmas dinner last night.  As part of the party we do a Chinese gift exchange which on occasion can get quite devious.  The price limit is $10.  Here is what I took.

The star with barb wire which I made more festive with tinsel.

A pet bed J picked out.

And this nice card,

with this taped to the back.  The pet bed and money were very popular trading items.

And this is what we came home with.

A lariat wreath that I might have to gussy up a bit more,

that came with this battery lantern.

A portable handsaw and light.

And 3 horse shoe hooks similar to this one.  V ended up with these and took them home before I could take a picture.  They were even on her Christmas list this year.  

We have another party this Thursday, so 3 more gifts to round up.

Party on.