Late summer

August so far has been a changeable month concerning the weather. Those that haven't yet made hay / haylage are a little concerned. Although we have still warm sunny days, they are always interrupted by heavy rain. And although we also have rather windy weather, it's not enough to dry the wet grass in between the short spells of warm sunshine.

From 'Hill Farm' one has far reaching views across the countryside and I often sit and watch and see which farmer has decided to cut their grass. I sometimes wonder if they copy each other, if one goes for it, the other farmer joins in. It's quite a gamble really, every year. And with haylage you never know how it comes out until you unwrap it in winter. Never had I given all this even a single thought but now having a horse to look after I realise it is quite a science to get this right. It also depends on what time of the year haylage is being cut. It will change the nutritional value and can potentially be rocket fuel, causing quite some upset with digestive system of many horses.

The haylage here at 'Hill Farm' we are using now is of course last years but it is good quality. 'Mr F' is managing with it well, no scouring at all so far. I shall be curious to see what this years yield will be like during the winter months.

Despite the still warm days there have been clear signs of a seasonal change approaching. It is very noticeable now that the days are shortening and the nights are getting chillier. I am glad that i bought that summer rug for 'Mr F'. It is a change over rug keeping him warm when the nights drop down to single figures.
And while in the months before I had been greeted by mostly warm sunshine, the sun now makes her appearance later and later. Today I noticed for the first time that as I arrive at my usual time of 6:15am , the sun is only just rising.

As I arrive early in the morning I see these idle gents:

 two of the rams at 'Hill Farm' - first for me, seeing  a sitting sheep.

The shortening days are not the only indicator of the coming change of the season; many of our little fellow beings have disappeared again, until next year. I generally notice the number of insect declining with each year going by but this summer so far was the worst in terms of numbers. It was  difficult finding their hide outs and there are hardly any wild meadows left, while the hay meadows hold very little wildflowers now.

Honeybee on ragwort

Two capsid bugs boring into the back of the heather flower head to get to the delicious nectar.

Soldier beetle no longer in the mood for posing. As I observe these beings it becomes easier to tell when they are about to take-off ... it's just a question of being quick enough on the shutter-release button.

We have news that the stables are delayed, here is hoping that the weather will be gentle on us until the completion of stables and stable training.

Delayed Stables

There has been a delay in the delivery of the stable barn.

So far the weather has been OK-ish with some still quite warm days in between the rain.

Despite the wet ground, 'Mr F's hooves are doing well. The barefoot trimmer lady noticed a clear improvement since we have moved to 'Hill Farm'. The grass up here is certainly of a better quality as the land is managed completely differently to where we had been. 'Mr F' hasn't been exposed to abrasive ground at all apart from our walks along the drive.

The crack on 'Mr F's front right hoof however never quite disappears. But it doesn't seem to bother him. At times it seems as though I got on top of it only to then find it getting worse again. 'Mr F' has been having this crack now for almost 3 years. He is never lame on it though and it isn't a very deep crack nowadays (used to be). 

I am leaning towards the possibility of it having to do with some imbalance in his body overall. He has his feet regularly trimmed and the trimmer is extremely knowledgeable on the matter. Even our equine vet commented in how great a shape his hooves are. 

As with many health matters that concern human or non-human animals, sometimes we just have to go along with bumps and aches. I call it the privilege of getting old. Our bodies are marvelous pieces, ever-changing, repairing, correcting, coping and there is bound to be some wear and tear.

I spend much time with 'Mr F' and 'Polly' in their field. 'Mr F' is improving and becoming more and more mobile. I have even seen him chase 'Polly' around, both galloping up and down the field. There is not much I can do to stop him gallop around, it's up to him. He isn't on any painkillers so if it would hurt too much he wouldn't do it. His choice.