home again home again

Today we had flies. Of course, I haven't bought any spray, so our ride was very short. Envoy kept stopping to kick at his belly and bite at his chest. I had to take pity, and we stopped. I hosed him off, and he rolled in the dirt. Best fly spray in the world - mud.

Yes it is, elephants use it for that reason too. Also for sunscreen. Poor ponies, the flies are going to be horrendous this summer.

The spray came in the mail, and it works pretty well for riding. I have clean fly sheets ready for after the rain/chilly weather. Right now, the horses are wearing their turnout sheets to keep the chilly rain from soaking them to the skin.

We had 4 days of rain, and it's WET. We went out last night, and it was still warm, so I left the horses out even though it was raining. When we got home, it was 60 rainy degrees and poor Kina was shivering. I felt like such a bad mom. I put a wool cooler on her and fed her some hay. Fortunately, she warmed up after about 15 minutes, and was dry/comfortable this morning when I turned her out. The horses are really happy with the new grass that sprouted from all the rain.

We had another front come through this morning. I had to turn the heat on earlier.

Wet and cold here too. Debating whether to cover my sweet pepper plants or not. Brrrr...what happened to spring? Bet the ponies are thinking the same thing.

My basil bit the dust.

Not too late to plant more basil. Yes, cover the peppers. They like hot weather.

Now, it's getting hot. It's going to be summery for the weekend and then go back to seasonal weather. The horses have been splashing in the water that's flooded the back of the pasture again. They seem to like cooling off that way. Yuck!

At least it's not deep enough for them to go swimming!

I think they'll be under the fans for a day or two. It is supposed to be awfully summery the next couple of days. I had thought of shaving Kina because she isn't shedding quite enough with the Cushings. But, it's going to cool down next week, so she can keep her fur for a while longer.

PHEW! Hot day. It's like July in April. But, it beats the heck out of what Fiff has (cold rain). I rode Envoy early, and he was a champ after a full 2 weeks off. I just hopped on and we went around like I'd been riding every day. Tomorrow, I hope to longe before I ride just so he warms up without my fat rear in the saddle. But, today, we were trying to beat the heat. Maybe tomorrow I can get an earlier start.

And, here's a push for Out Smart fly spray from SmartPak. It's all natural, so it won't hurt bees, but it kept flies off us for almost 45 minutes. They weren't bad, but I don't challenge. When they start to bite the horse in earnest, I get off. No reason to make the poor guy miserable.

I tried to ride after work today. The weather was perfect. It was still light. The gnats were awful. Poor Envoy was trying to hold it together, but he felt like he was going to blow up. I was getting them up my nose, and they were biting my face. We gave up. Looks like daytime or after dark rides are in order for a while.

Oh man! I was thinking it would be a nice riding day of sun, cool temps, and a little breeze. I got up early to have some coffee (because I can't move without coffee). The clouds have rolled in, the wind has picked up, and it looks dreary. Still hoping for a decent riding day, but I have reservations now. Maybe it's a better gardening day.

Sounds like a better day for horse racing.

I need to figure out the best time to ride. The black flies are drinking fly spray for lunch. We got in a few minutes, but then Envoy put on the brakes and kicked his belly. Poor guy. The flies will go away soon, but while they're here, they are a PAIN.

Today was a success. We got in about 45 minutes. I spent another 45 minutes shedding Kina. She has so much hair still coming off. I don't know if it's the Cushing's or if she's just slow because she has SO much winter hair. I'm still trying to decide if I should clip her for summer. I guess I'll ask on Friday when the vet comes for spring shots.

I'd go for the clip.

The birds will have PLENTY of hair for nesting material, won't they?

Oh yeah... They're already hopping around the pasture collecting. I wonder if hummingbirds use hair in their nests.

I think they use moss and spider web....so the nest expands as the babies get bigger.

Could start saving all that Kina hair to stuff a pillow for the barn kitties to lay on. Just an idea.

No barn kitties any more. GK was the last one, and he's on house restriction now. Maybe I could make one (or three) for the shelter.

Kina scared the bejeezus out of me just now. I was refilling coffee, and glanced at the pasture. I saw Envoy standing near her, and she was on the ground. It looked like she was struggling to get up - rocking back and forth. I put on boots and a jacket (it's sprinkling), and ran out. Well... She had been attacked by a nap. She was struggling against the urge to stretch out on the patch of grass. I witnessed her surrender. She is laid flat out and snoring. PHEW!

I will check on her in a little while to see if she got up. It is supposed to be a rainy day, so she won't want to lie there too long. I did put on pony rain coats before the great nap incident, so everyone should be ready. It's that annoying temperature that makes me wonder if rain coats are needed, but with the old girl, I figure dry is better. Last time she got wet, she shivered.

And on recheck, Envoy gave in to the nap attack too. Both are down and snoozing. I guess they feel safe in the pasture.

hehehehehe.....nap attacks are unpredictable and ruthless! They just won't take no for an answer. Is it still sprinkling there?

WHEW!! Glad it was only a nap attack your heart must have stopped when you first saw it.