Tag Archives: handmade sheep

A Weird Day

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Today started strangely with a duck first thing on my porch roof.  I’ve never seen one there before.  Pretty but not the usual occurrence.

I don’t know if he flew there by accident or on purpose, though he is definitely one of mine.

Then a potential album cover.  My band will obviously be called “The Black Sheep”.

Flossie and I had set this morning aside for the farrier and I managed to get all the sheep into their day-time field, all except Lambie who was busy finding himself somewhere else (he went out later to join the others or wander about unloved by himself).

Stephen got to work trimming those that needed it, along with his BFF, Pepper who of course “helped”.

She even did a spot of “riding” too, although she is not nearly as proficient as my previous Patterdale terrier, BeAnne, who could actually sit to walk, trot and even a little canter.

Kolka had her feet done….

As did Iacs and I was just beginning to think this was going to be an expensive morning if everyone needed a trim….

But luck would have it, it was just Albie in the other field, out of five, and we were finished.  Everyone was looked at and deemed to be fine.  No laminitis or anything, so I am hugely relieved as this time of year is when things start going wrong.

Lunch and into my shed to make a sheep.

I heard yowling.

I let in the yowling, gave him a bed, told him to shut up and to stop prodding me with his claws.  I had work to do.

(the black marks on Monster’s head and tips of ears are car/van oil.  I think he has been busy cutting brakes – I told you this was a weird sort of day)

Anyway, today’s creation.

 

My Winter Horse Keeping Method

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The old folk – that is Haakon, Kolka, Iacs, Vitamin and Fivla – are doing well.  They live at the bottom of a rather steep and slippery hill in the field that is inside the track.

This field hasn’t been grazed for two years and is a naturally sheltered valley too, so they can get out of the wind if they want.

Everyone is wearing a rug and the difference has been huge in so many ways.

No one is miserable, shivering or cold.  They just eat, most of the time or rest.

So far, they have kept their weight on and I am very pleased about that – weight maintenance in winter is a constant worry.  The field is holding up well too and hopefully we will get a few more weeks out of it before I move them again.  I don’t want to over-graze as I think it will be useful again next winter.

Keeping everyone outside as much as possible has meant the old horses and ponies are much healthier and “normal”, if you know what I mean. Yes, there is the routine of breakfast but no one is hanging around after looking miserable and wanting to come inside (unless it is beyond vile and then obviously they’re in).  When it rains, I don’t worry.  Their state-of-the-art high neck rugs (and am buying for the old ladies and Tiddles too) are doing the job perfectly and mentally, I think I can see a huge positive change because no one is struggling.

I have decided that this is the best way to keep them in the winter.  Loads of food and good rugs, preferably with high necks (that makes such a difference). The minute anyone can’t cope with this regimen and just wants to be inside all the time, then I will just have to think again.  But, for the time being, it is working.

Anywho, today’s ouvrage!

To join les autres.