Shoes off, trim time

Now that our show season is done there is no real reason for me to keep Max's feet maintained as big draft horse feet. It would mean keeping shoes on his feet through the winter, and aside from looks, there is no real function for him to have long feet. He doesn't need it for working in the fields. So Jake, my farrier and the same person who taught me how to drive cart, who helped me at both fairs and lent me his show harness. (well actually his Grandpa's farm lent it to me, but still) came out to pull off Max's shoes and trim his feet. I used the dollar bill for reference, but there is a before and after shot. These picutres are of the same foot! Big difference. To me he no longer looks like a draft horse, but just a big horse.

Riding

My cousin from Madison, Aleena, is here visiting for a few days. She helps me watch the kids and clean the house, and I take her to ride Max.

Playing with Scooby

While both boys love Scooby, Barrett can not get enough of her. He loves to snuggle, climb, just be by her. And she loves them too, well, at least she tolerates them.

Richfield Days Parade

Gee, Mark and I had no idea what we were going to do for fun and relaxation on Sunday. Finally we decided a trip to Toys R Us, Olive Garden and Target would have to do. So we packed up the kids and headed down Holy Hill to the highway. And we were confused as to why there was so much traffic and what the back up was from. Ah ha, I'd totally forgotten about Richfield days and here we would be right on time for the parade. We went to Fireman's park and played a little on the giant slide. And Barrett just confirmed for me he has no fear. He would have walked up that ladder and come down that slide all alone if we would have let him. Brett was a little more cautious and it took a few runs down the slide to settle in. Then we found a spot on the parade route and watched the parade. The kids loved it. Barrett as you can see is nearly ready to fall out of his seat just to see what is coming next.

Catching Up for Fall

Wow, what a delay in posting. And no these are not pictures of a deceased horse, this is Max at State Fair, completely wiped out and sleeping during the day. Perhaps a surprise to some, but yes horses do lay down to sleep. In fact they must be laying down to enter the stage of sleep to dream, and all horses need to dream in order to feel rested. (This is a little information I picked up at the Body Worlds exhibit when I went) State Fair came and went for us, and we did well. Max was on his best behavior and was much better than he was at County Fair. Unfortunately the cows had gone late in the colesium at State Fair, the horse classes were started late, and to catch up the first classes were rushed. Bummer, that meant our class was quick. But we did well in 4th place. And the next day we did well in our halter class, we placed 4th again. I'd say that is our lucky number. Right now Mark is helping me get the vis-a-vis carriage I mentioned last year all ready to go. One thing after another here. Wow, what a delay in posting. And no these are not pictures of a deceased horse, this is Max at State Fair, completely wiped out and sleeping during the day.

Northern Goshawk

This hawk came to visit us today. I believe he is a Northern Goshawk, juvenille. I couldn't believe how big this bird was. Much bigger than Wilbur. I am spending my week at State Fair with my horse, hitch classes are Thursday at 5 pm and I am in the 3rd class.