And so, as the seasons change, so does my work. Today I had a day off - first in a long time. Much of it was spent repairing parts of a nearby bridle-path and general maintenance around 'Buttercup Farm'.
In between working on the Bridle path I went to 'Buttercup Farm' for a quick tea break. Although very breezy, the sun was out and the colours were beautiful. I took my big mug of tea out into the fields to the boys.
The camera on my phone isn't great but it will do.
But it doesn't take long before the crew join, 'Luke' was the first to come and say hello ...
,,, followed by 'Little Sam' who is the furthest away ...
.... and of course 'Mr F' ...
His coat in this season is simply stunning! Being a dark bay, his coat shimmers in gold, brown, and almost red ... and is very very shiny. Everyone is commenting on it, including strangers that we meet on our walks. I do use natural hair brushes which do spread the natural oil of the coat rather than taking it off as some synthetic brushes do. I use a rubber curry comb which is great to take off the dry mud and because of its soft edges, it doesn't hurt the skin as many of the plastic curry combs can do if the ends are split (often not visible to our eye).
But 'Mr F' is also back on Thunderbrook food now, for about 4 months and I am now beginning to see first changes in his hooves, and even his hair seems to be a little fuller. In his hooves it is especially noticeable because that crack he's been having for nearly 2 years has almost grown out! I am curious to see if we will get rid of it at last. I thought so once before ... and then for some reason I just cannot remember, I took 'Mr F' off Thunderbrook base mix and now looking back and collected data (my notes) this is connected with feed changes.
I have also managed to keep the biting lice at bay ... with 'Coopers Fly Spray Plus'. Worked perfectly well. I have to re-apply it every 2 weeks or when signs of their return are manifesting.
'Mr F' also had a routine check up - I asked the vet to examine his sheath and clean it and remove the 'bean' if there was one. Although I can do it myself, I wanted the vet to check his sheath for possible tumors. But nothing to worry here, all was fine although there was a build up of smeg which we removed. Then I had a blood test done, as a general check up. Due to 'Mr F's advanced age I want to make sure that the basic things are in order. His blood test result according to the vet: "There is absolutely nothing to worry about!"
Going back to food: there is a new chaff out by Thunderbrook, a 'Muesli'. It is herbal chaff but with specifically selected, seasonal herbes. Matter that they would graze for if they'd be out in the wild with access to any plant they fancy. It is rather pricey but his runny back end business has cleared up within 3 days! I must say that 'Muesli' does smell very very nice, very seasonal ... wintery. It's tempting to keep a bowl full in the house as I like the scent.
Talking about food: 'Little Sam' has got his very own food dispenser in shape of 'Luke' ...
... 'Luke' is semi trying to pretend that he is boss over 'Little Sam' but it only works because 'Little Sam' just generally stays out of the way until an opportunity arrives ...
One of the many reasons why I enjoy eating my breakfast with the crew are moments like this here above; 'Luke' - although somewhat unwilling - is sharing mouthfulls of haylage with 'Little Sam', who is pulling it out of 'Luke's mouth!
The funniest part was that 'Luke' seemed to tease him at times, moving his head away just as 'little Sam' is trying to grab some of the strands of haylage ... it was most amusing to observe.
And as I am working from home tomorrow ... I am planning to sneak away for a ride in the afternoon, perhaps even trying out the new treeless saddle.
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