Nearing end of September but we have had good news: the stable builders are expected this week!
'Mr F' and 'Polly' are back up in the top field because little 'Rookie' is now using the small field to get used to the place and so that he can, from a safe distance, meet 'Zac'. It'll soon be time for 'Ester' to leave so that 'Zac' can be weaned.
We have had a few foul rainy days but 'Mr F' bravely stuck it out. It can be really wild up in these fields. If it's sunny it's beautiful but if the weather turns you know all about it. Generally the temperature is a good 3-5 degrees less than in the valley. And if it is stormy with heavy rain it's just not very pleasant. But luckily the heavy rain never lasted more than a day or a night.
'Mr F' and 'Dolly' back in the top field.
And then at last: the stable builders are here! I arrived back at the farm after work and much of the structure was already up! For the first time we get an idea of the size of it all. It'll be such luxury! The compartments are approximately 15 x 15 feet. This will leave them enough space to stretch their legs, should they be in for pro-longed period in heavy snow or rainy weather. No need to ruin the fields. A few hours turnout and perhaps some work out in the menage are ample exercise when the weather is on the wet and damp side. At last his feet can dry out at night. Being barefoot this will make a big difference to the development of his hooves. The stable floor will be covered in straw so there won't be any abrasion as there used to be at the old place where they at will accessed the cow sheds to access their haylage, standing and turning on stone and concrete floor.
View upon return from work, day one of stable build.
Day 2 ...
... and on day 3 the floor is being prepared for concreting.
The concreted floors.
The building (tack/storage room) on the side needs finishing but that's about it.
The stables are ready!
No comments:
Post a Comment