A Big Surprise

I left for the Berean office after just 1 round of the walk not knowing exactly what we were going to do today as last week the main computer crashed. To read about our day there click HERE. That wasn't the surprise though, that will come later. I needed to leave there by 1:00 pm so I could drive home, load horses, drive to Middle Grove and meet Karin by 2:30 pm. Well that didn't happen, I was so worried about being late I accidentally made it 25 minutes early. Yep, my watch stopped working. The gate was unlocked and the truck driven into the summer pasture then Oksana let out of the trailer.

 When Karin arrived we drove up to where the horses usually are and sure enough there was Oksana standing with Galena. But no other horses were in sight. We drove to the top then got out and started hiking and hiking and hiking but no sign of the herd. After about 45 minutes Karin discovered the upper gate wide open to the winter pasture. We decided to load up Galena and Oksana and take them over in the trailer. We were able to drive about half way then unloaded and before long the herd found us.

 Karin and I haltered Sheena, Star, Zalena and Lola and walked them back to the trailer with their foals following. Today was weaning day. The mares were put into the trailer and when the foal followed the mares were taken out of the trailer but the foals left in and by the time we finished we had only 4 foals in the trailer. The mares took off for the herd and we drove back out to the road and locked the gate. That went easier than expected. When I arrived back at the farm each foal was haltered then Jessica helped lead them into the stalls. We had 4 foals in one stall all calling for their moms. By this time Mark arrived home for dinner. After dinner I felt I MUST go back to pick up Jewel, her filly, Sangria, Her filly and Rosalie. Jewel and Sangria have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday morning and Rosalie is now 30 days from her due date. For this trip out Indy and her filly were loaded into the front of the trailer, Ayanna's colt was put in with the other 4 weanlings and Ayanna put in the back of the trailer. When I arrived at Middle Grove the herd was all milling around. I snapped this picture of Galena first.

 Then went to halter Sangria but stopped to take the picture below of Joanna, Lily's filly by Valiant for her owner Jamie Stone.

I started looking for Rosalie before going to get Jewel. I found what I thought was Rosalie but she didn't look pregnant, then I happened to notice something black laying in the grass next to her and thought, "oh know, Rosalie aborted." I walked up and was shocked to see a live beautiful sound asleep little filly. What a BIG surprise! She was born a month early.  I checked her over and watched her stand and nurse while haltering Rosalie. At that point all my plans changed. The filly was brand new, her cord was still white and wet and there was the remnants of the sack around her ears where Rosalie didn't wash her off very well. She was getting confused by all the horses milling around and following the wrong mare which was making Rosalie very worried.

Sangria was let loose and the filly was hauled all the way to the trailer with Rosalie and a bunch of horses all following. They had all become attached to this new little part of the herd and did not want to see me taking her away. The trailer was probably a half mile from where the horses were and the trip was long and tiring for such a young foal. By the time she was loaded into the trailer, she and I were both exhausted. They were taken home and stalled next to the 5 foals being weaned. Rosalie is being a great mom. I am SO very thankful I made that second trip out to Middle Grove tonight. Rain is moving in for the next couple days, heavy rain which would have put a lot of stress on a young foal and more than likely killed her. She is now in a dry safe stall. We will just have to pick up the other mares sometime before Monday morning even if it is raining or muddy.

Best Buddies

Eliza and Ayanna were put out together in the big field with their two colts. This was the first time these boys have been together. They were tentative at first getting to know each other but less than 10 minutes later they were playing together and soon grazing together like best buddies. Ayanna's colt is 6 weeks older than Eliza's colt.

Above left is Caspian, Ayanna's colt by Evan, Eliza then Caesar, Eliza's colt by Valiant. These two boys are what we consider right proper colts. They have movement, hair and presence to be true fantasy Friesian stallions. 

 They had such a good time running around the field racing, bucking and kicking while their mamas grazed together. 

We had such bright sunshine it was hard to get decent pictures. Once they were put away I drove to Sam's Club, we were almost out of dog food and of course one must get groceries at the same time. Why waste a trip. Gertie arrived as the groceries were being put away. We had a nice visit until Mark came home for supper. The weather is still really nice outside. Mark is out grading the driveways. I just came in from teasing mares and getting Roxanne covered by Valiant.

She is standing well. The stallions have been so well behaved these last few months. They know their jobs and are waiting until we give the ok. What a difference from a few years ago. The vaulting pictures from Saturday's show were finally posted. Unfortunately I had a problem with the camera card and only captured about half of them.

The summer vaulting team is family, well there is Megan who technically is not related but since Emily lives here we consider her family too. Below is a picture that was taken by Erst Photography. They were there taking pictures and posted this one on Facebook.

Dinner At the Unsickers

We had another wonderful day in our Peoria church. Tim Funk had the morning service. Gabe and Molly served lunch. Mike Rieker had the afternoon service.
After church the mares were checked over and fed. Indy and Roxanne covered but this was probably Indy's last day in, she didn't stand well.
We only had a couple hours home before leaving for dinner at Gary and Marie Unsicker's house. They had a full house feeding 22 people. The meal was delicious and the fellowship amazing.
Here at the farm most of my family came for volleyball. David and Stephanie brought their new baby girl Elisabet out to meet great grandma for the first time. She is currently the youngest great grand child. That seems to change quite often though so we will see how long Elisabet holds that title.
Rhoda worked with Evan this afternoon. We are thrilled with how well he behaves.
Both Mark and I are exhausted from our long hard day yesterday. Mark is already in bed and I will be following shortly. That is as soon as the coffee is made for tomorrow.
We had a nice update on Whitney's 2015 filly by Valiant. The owner sent a short video tape of her lunging. She is huge and so well behaved. They wrote, "she is so gentle. "
Happy customers make us happy too.

CIRTS Benefit at Weaver Farms

Today was the big show and polo match at Weaver farms but during the night a storm came in and dumped about an inch and a half of rain.Then during the day more rain fell as we were bathing horses, grooming horses, and cleaning tack. The man coming to get Prissy arrived just before 1:00 pm as we were getting finishing up the last horse. Prissy left about the same time Karin got the call that the polo match was called off but would we please still come and bring the horses as we would now be the entertainment. Well that is us and a few other horse owners. They decided the show would start an hour later to give the field time to dry off wanting us all there by 4:00 pm. We had 8 horses all bathed and looking great and didn't want to keep them in stalls or tied so decided to turn them out in the big field in hopes they would just graze. WELL that didn't happen. Each horse found a good muddy spot to roll. We had planned on pulling out at 3:00 pm but by 3:15 pm we were still frantically hosing down horses and throwing them in the trailer as soon as they were clean. We arrived to find that the field was still quite wet and 4 wheel drive was required to get into the parking area. We were some of the lucky ones that didn't get stuck. We noticed when the horses were pulled out of the trailer there was still mud showing in spots but...we forgot all the grooming tools. Karin  pulled out baby wipes and told the riders to get busy washing down their horse with baby wipes. A man came by and in all serious asked her, "is that how you clean your horses?"  The horses all did great, the show went on and was well attended. To see just a few pictures click HERE. The vaulting pictures are not yet up and posted. Karin just kept commenting on how wonderful the mares all were. They really were excellent. The vaulters were the star of the show. There is something about watching little girls on a HUGE horse that is just so impressive.  We were on our way home at 6:00 pm. Emily and Mitchel helped unload the 8 horses, Karin unloaded the tack and I cleaned out the truck. We work together like a well oiled machine. Pictures are downloading but won't finish until after 10:00 pm so those will be worked on tomorrow and hopefully posted then. Great Day and surely to be a good night.

Wilbur Hoerr's visitation

Right after our walk this morning I took off for Pekin, IL to visit Big R for grain and fly spray and Aldi for groceries. By the time I got back to the farm and was unloading the grain Rachel drove up to let Princess Lia (Jessica's pug puppy) out. HA she is baby sitting now! Just her 'grandchildren' all seem to look like dogs, cute dogs, make that adorable dogs but still dogs.
We are very concerned with Eliza, she is just not gaining weight. She was hosed off twice today as it was really hot and left loose all morning to graze in the big field. Then stalled when the weather became too hot.  She is eating well but evidently not enough to maintain her weight much less gain weight. We cannot wean her colt for 3 more weeks.
When Emily got home we pulled Indy out, teased her and when she showed covered her with Evan. If she has a normal cycle I believe she will be out on or before Sunday so tomorrow may be the last day she shows. Roxanne was next, she is still in and covered by Valiant. Once that was done her leg was hosed off, the cut iodined and sprayed with Wonder Dust.
Karin and Jaclyn came today to take Anna and Ribbon on a trail ride. Jaclyn came dressed properly!

 Below Ribbon and Anna are patiently waiting for their riders. 

 Studly is always thrilled to go on these trail rides. He runs along in front or behind chasing rabbits and squirrels away watching for bear and cougars. He just wants to do his job by protecting his owner. Not that we have ever seen bears and cougars around here. 

Mark arrived just as they left for the 'death trails' we picked up mom and headed in town for Wilbur Hoerr's visitation. This really was a celebration of his life.
We had not taken time to eat before leaving for the visitation so Mark took mom and I out to eat at that very fancy restaurant HyVee. It was delicious and really was very nice. We all got the salad bar which had lots of fresh vegies and fruit. We got home before dark giving Mark about an hour to mow. Eliza and her colt were put back outside. I was pleased to see she ate some of her grain then went into the pond pasture to graze. Karin said the trail ride went great. Anna needed a little help crossing the first creek but after that did all the water crossings without hesitation. They cantered up the steep hills and also in the fields.

Introducing Elisabet

Rachel posted some pictures of our newest grand daughter Elisabet. As a gift  my sister who owns and operates www.momentscapturedbyrachel.com drives over and takes newborn pictures for the parents. ENJOY these, I KNOW I sure am.

Rachel is SO good at capturing every expression. What a wonderful gift, THANKS RACHEL.
I only had time for half a walk this morning as I needed to stop at TEMCO to pick up the Berean mail. We had a very easy day there but not for a good reason. To see why click HERE.
When I got home Emily was here working with Oksana and Indy. Both were groomed and ridden bareback but it was just so hot she didn't want to work them hard. Oksana was put away and Indy was taken to the breeding stand to be covered by Evan. She is a hard one to tell, she doesn't show until he mounts but today stood well. Once Indy and Evan were put away Roxanne was brought out and covered by Valiant. She too stood better than yesterday. Praying these two conceive.
We decided that Indy and her filly could go in the paddock with Eliza and her colt but tonight that just wasn't working well so Indy and her filly were moved back into the middle paddock. Eliza has lost a lot of weight nursing her big colt and is too thin. We do not want any horse eating her grain but she eats so slow the other horses finish way before her then go eat hers. Tonight she and her colt are again separated from the rest. We have probably over 40 horses and all are in good flesh or fat but Eliza. Yes her teeth have been checked, yes she has been de-wormed and she has good pasture for grazing and is given the best of hay 24/7 and yet when she is nursing the weight just drops like a stone. Her foals are so spectacular it is worth the extra work of feeding her separate.

Mark spent the evening grading the driveways. The owner of Sunny sent a picture and said this:
Here is a picture of Sunny taken this summer. Thought you might like to see how he looks now. He is still gorgeous! We adore him! He is learning Dressage now. We even did a little shoulder in at our last lesson. A nice British lady with British Horse Society instructor certification and 40 years of teaching experience is our trainer. He sure has stolen our hearts too! Everyone adores him. My husband especially is very fond of him, though he does not ride.

Amy sent an update on her mom's surgery. Clarkie's cancer is back with a vengeance. The surgeon just looked and closed her back up then told Amy to check into hospice care for her mom. Please pray for both.

Indy & Roxanne In

Taunya dropped Jace off at the Berean office this morning. He was very very good. This grandma can't brag enough. He entertained himself while we worked.

 Taunya picked him up just after 12:30 pm. As soon as Jace left the real work started. I was pretty sure Roxanne was in, she was hanging around Evan this morning. She was teased and showed but covered with Valiant as we knew Indy was in and would need to be covered too. Both boys got work today but neither mare stood very well. Both will need to be covered again tomorrow late afternoon.

Hopefully Roxanne will conceive on this season's cover. Valiant is a good fit for her as he will add height on the foal. Roxanne is one of our smaller mares and will probably barely reach 16 hands once full grown.  Indy must be covered by Evan as she is Valiant's sister. Indy is one of our best swimmers. She has been swimming since she was 3 weeks old. Below Mitchel is taking her for a swim across the lake.

As soon as she was covered by Evan she was hosed off to cool her down then taken into the stall for her grain. While she and her filly were eating, the trailer back gate was opened so Sangria and her filly could be loaded. Sangria loaded fine, her filly decided she didn't want to go so a rope was looped around her neck and then she walked right in. I was too lazy to go find a halter that fit her and she didn't fight the rope at all. Next in trailer was Rosaleigh, now that she is confirmed in foal she can go live at Middle Grove. Once Indy was taken back out we were on our way. They were very excited to get out there and right off started neighing for the others.

Only Eliza, Marika, Soul and their 3 foals came up to greet them. Eliza lost weight while she was out there so she was haltered and led over to the trailer. Her colt didn't really want to go but once mom was in and not coming back out he jumped in all by himself. I did not take the time to find the other horses but Monday will need to do this. The owners of Star's filly, Lola's filly, Sheena's colt and Ayanna's colt are all going to want to pick up their babies in September and all need to come in to be weaned and have a coggins drawn. Since Eliza has lost weight she was taken right into the stall for grain while the old bale was moved out of the last paddock shelter and one of the best bales was moved in for her. The other mares were locked off the pond pasture so Eliza and her colt have the best hay and pasture. Tomorrow after work I might try to stop at TSC to see if they have grain with more calories than the 12% sweet feed we are feeding the rest of the herd. 

Diane and Mike left for Gulf Shores, Spark and Rhonda just got home from Pennsylvania bringing Tara and her 5 children. We are thrilled Jay and Tara are moving home and this time hopefully for good. 

Willis Ehnle had tonight's service. He has been preaching the Word for 61 years.  

Rosaleigh PREGNANT

The morning was spent at the Berean office. To read about our day there click HERE. After the mail was dropped off that the post office it was rush back to the farm to meet Dr. Hoerr. Today was the day we were to find out if Rosaleigh settled and Sangria ovulated and thankfully both happened.

 Above Dr. Hoerr is looking for the embryonic vesicle and below is a picture of that. 

 Rosaleigh is due July 7th, 2017 The proud papa is Evan. This is going to be an amazing fantasy Friesian foal for sure to inherit the mega hair and the huge movement of both sire and dam. 

Sangria was sonagrammed next. She was covered by Neo on Friday but then Sunday was out, we just wanted to make sure she really did ovulate. Thankfully Dr. Hoerr saw a bright new CL so the timing was perfect. 

 If she does conceive we know the foal is going to be gray, very sweet and tall. Sangria and Neo are both pushing 17 hands. If the foal is a colt it will be for sale but if Sangria has a filly she will not be sold but be a replacement for Sangria. Now we will just pray she conceived.

We needed Dr. Hoerr to look at a cut on Roxanne's leg. Thankfully it is not deep and just needs to be rinsed out with iodine water a few times a day. 

 Dr. Hoerr was just leaving when Phil and Anna arrived with the girls. They were going down to help Sarah and Nolan put the siding on their house but the girls wanted to come play with grandma. We went to the playground after supper where they played on the trampoline, the swing set and the volley ball court.

 Mom came out with Molly. Of course Kensley has to go see Molly. She thought of kissing her but I think Molly's breath was enough to stop her from getting too close.

 They had an old fashioned stare down.

Molly won as Kensley decided it would be more fun to go down the sliding board with her sisters. Ruth came over to measure the teetertoter board then stayed to visit. We had a nice evening until the mosquitoes came out to play. We don't like playing with them, they are always out for blood.

A Rainy Day

The heavens started sprinkling a fine mist before our walk but none of us wanted to give it up and all of us showed up but Diane did more than show up, she showed up with umbrellas for all. There was no way we were going to get caught in a downpour. Thankfully the downpour didn't happen, just a continual sprinkle. Israel didn't even care that he was getting wet as we were driving the golf cart around. The vet appointment was cancelled, Dr. Hoerr did not make it back from his trip. I think tomorrow they are going to try to fit us in but it will have to be quite a bit later in the afternoon since the Berean work doesn't usually get done until after lunch. Israel was taken home around 3:30 pm and of course I had to stop in and see Elisabet. She was up most of the night and Stephanie was tired but both mom and baby girl are doing great.
I stopped at Sam's to pick up the meal for tomorrow and pulled in our driveway the same time as Mark. We got a bit more than a quarter of an inch of rain even though it rained all day. This type of rain is wonderful as every drop soaks in. The fields are springing up before our eyes. Emily arrived home from her nurses training, we decided we needed to get the electric fence up quickly and get all the mares out grazing on that free grass!

Sunday's Post

This post is about our Sunday, we played way to long into the evening to think about sitting at the computer.
The view waiting for me Sunday morning is one I never want to take for granted. Beautiful mares and sleepy foals all lazing away the morning in the pond pasture across from the house. They stand there and watch the door, if a person comes out they neigh for attention. Theses horses all love to be fussed over by people.

 We had another amazing day in church. The young group had invited kids from all over our churches and it was wonderful to see the entire front filled with these young adults all here to worship our Lord Jesus. David Obgerfel had the service. After both readings he asked us to make a comparison of the two men. One was a king that did a lot of amazing things but became proud toward the end and would not listen to council ending up with leprosy. The other was Saul who became Paul, who persecuted the church until his amazing conversion and his humble heart. The afternoon service was just as good, Craig Stickling spoke and the time was just too short. All of us were disappointed when he sat down. That sermon followed along the lines of Dave's.
After church David brought Israel out so he could help with grandma with chores and then spend the night. Poor Israel is kind of having a hard time adjusting to his baby sister. The first job on the list was to feed the fish. Below he has just thrown a stale cracker into the lake.

 The fish were so hungry they were jumping out of the water to take bites. 

David waded in to catch some for Israel.

 Sarah and Nolan came out with their puppy for the afternoon/evening volley ball games. 

 Rebekah and Brian arrived with their son Jordan and their 11 day old daughter Riley Jane. Below Jordan is playing with the puppy.

 Philip arrived with Braelyn and Kensley who climbed up to the top of the golf cart and jumped off. Below Israel is getting ready to do his jump. 

 Grandpa Mark was willing to give golf cart rides to the 2 boys, Jordan and Israel. 

 Below great grandma Meister is holding Riley who is 11 days old and just 2 days older than David and Stef's daughter Elisabet. 

 It didn't take long for Taegan and Braelyn to join grandpa Mark on the golf cart. These carts are the best babysitters!

 The volleyball games were fun to watch, the volleys are fast and furious. 

 Jordan was playing with the sand toys when Zero the Mutt came over and started dragging them away. Of course instead of us helping Jordan we all laughed. 

What a funny dog. The volleyball games ended around 8:00 pm, Israel was a little distressed when his dad left without him but happy when we headed over to feed the horses. He slept all night, we will see what today will bring. He is usually a happy boy and likes to help.