I did it.  I rode a horse again.  After being hurt - physically *and* mentally - in a riding accident a few years ago, I rode one of our horses yeterday!  Not *completely* without fear, but hey it's a step forward.  Thank this gentle old gelding who patiently and forgivingly waits for me to try to get my rear end, legs, hands and brain in gear all at the same time.  Yes, I know I'm just *walking* but hey, it's a start! lol

So we have a mare that's getting ready to foal, very exciting times!  Even moreso when you consider that once she "waxes", dh will be sleeping in the barn with the horse until she gives birth.  Yes, he's a dedicated and loving horse owner, but that's not the only reason.  Last time this horse gave birth, the foal ended up with Equine Neonatal Isoerythrolysis.  For anyone who doesn't know what "NI" is, let me sum it up in one phrase - OMG!  It's rare, it's expensive and it's nothing you ever want to go through twice in one lifetime.  So, as a preventative measure, dh must be present at the birth to keep the foal from drinking the mother's colostrum immediately after the birth, we must feed alternative colostrum that has been screened for the dreaded Aa or Qa antibodies, AND he must milk the mare every two hours for 1-2 days before the foal can nurse from the mother.  Ay-yi-yi!  I'm going to go up into the attic and get the hammock down for dh to sleep in out there. Oh yes, you KNOW I'll post a pic!   We're trying out a new homemade flyspray recipe from the Discussion Forum at Trot.org... it's 1/3 Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/3 Water and 1/3 Pine Sol, Orange Scent.  Much less "chemical" content and smells good.  Can be used on animals and environment.

Let's see what else is happening...

Well, oldest ds got his driver's permit. 'Nuf said.  Gulp.

Youngest ds's allergies are in full swing.  Allergic to horses, how can that POSSIBLY be?!

Dd is having a break from dancing, just a couple of classes and summer "camp" type things going on.  She's excited to have her brother taking a tumbling class with her.  He's thrilled too, he's been anxious to learn how to do a backhandspring for a couple of years now. 

I'll keep you all posted on our progess! lol