This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Everyone-
So in case you're hanging on to the edge of your seats waiting for the next episode of "The Perils of Brigid" as Marsha Jo Hannah dubbed my life, here it is.
During the summer, I thought the ranch where I live and work was hell. I was wrong, because it was heaven compared to how it is in winter. It's like a live version of a how not to manage your horse property pamphlet. The horses are standing knee deep in a slurry of mud, manure, and urine in overcrowded paddocks (up to 6 horses in each). The smell is unbearable, because mucking is a rare event. The horses, even the Fjords, have visibly lost weight and are low energy. Some of them look downright sick, and our vet is concerned about the possibility of salmonella. I've had a lingering cough which I'm sure was caused/aggravated by the filth and fumes.
The good news is, I made good friends with one of the boarders and she wants me and my many animals to be her roommates. She is shopping for a horse property, so this could take a while, but at least it's a plan. In the meantime, I've scoped out a place in Livermore which isn't exactly convenient (we live probably 40 miles away) but is clean and well managed by knowledgeable people. AND, very important for crazy horse ladies, they give a substantial multi-horse discount.
So my question about winter riding is: how common is it for horses to be tender footed at this time? My situation is extreme, as the horses' feet are wet all the time and when you want to ride the road is sharp gravel. If the horses are kept in better conditions, will their feet stay tough? If horses have iron shoes (mine are barefoot) does this enable them to walk on rough surfaces, or do the rocks still get them in the frog and sole area? Fjord Knute is pretty tough, even now, but Rafael has to wear boots which is a bit of a challenge in the mud.
Oh yes, I almost forgot the best part of my story... Drivers, hang on to your hats. The ranch manager who knows nothing about horses and is uninterested in learning recently purchased a Percheron. The horse seems nice, but I have no idea what he plans to do with him as he has seven others he neglects. Today I found out, and just about fell over. The ranch hand said he plans to "get a wagon and give hay rides!" Jus a couple small problems, like, the horse isn't trained to drive, and his owner has never driven. *Covering eyes with hands while shaking head*
Keep cheering for me, Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA
