January 13th, 2011

Apologies for the delay in blog posts! Things have been busy out in Eagle Creek. Jim is also the treasurer for another organization, so he spent the last few days balancing out the checkbook, which was no fun for him. Luckily, someone else will be taking over that job in the future!

As far as our horses, everyone is doing just fine. Dallas has lost a little weight, so she has been moved indoors for more attention and special feedings. She's walking just fine, so we are happy to see her improvement!

Juliet and Tempest are a special pair of horses at Hytyme. Both were rescued from the Yakima feedlot. If Hytyme didn't intervene, these sweet girls would have shipped to slaughter in Canada. This week, they somehow managed to break through their electric tape and wandered into Lilly's paddock. Everyone was returned safely, and Lilly didn't seem to mind her neighbors coming over for a visit.

Juliet is a chestnut Quarter Horse, and although she is probably in her twenties, it's obvious that she was once a perfectly well-trained horse in her prime. She has a bad hip and sometimes walks with a limp. Perhaps she got into an accident and had a bad fall, so that's why her owners got rid of her.

Tempest is a white Appaloosa, and she is blind. While she may be able to see some shadows, she certainly does not see much, and relies on Juliet as her seeing-eye-horse. The two are rarely far apart (although sometimes Juliet likes a bit of a break and "hides" from Tempest. Usually they will find each other soon after!). Juliet used to wear a bell, so when she moved, Tempest would be able to find her in the pasture. However, since both horses are in the main barn, residing in a big stall and paddock, they are able to stay close.


Tempest (in the flymask) and Juliet (wearing her bell), Summer, 2008

 Katie and Sam were out this week. Sam hurt her back, but was back out mucking stalls within a few days. She sure is tough, and an excellent friend to have around the barn. She loves her horse very much! Becca and her mother were out at the barn on Monday to see Buddy and Hope. Hope did really well--and she is looking great this winter. Her new blanket makes a difference in how she is faring in the cold, wet weather. Buddy has a good trick he can do--he can smile on command. Although it's not the most flattering shot, here is Buddy doing his favorite trick:


Smile, Buddy!

Kassi was out this weekend. She is quite dedicated--driving all the way up from Corvallis. She worked with the horses very early in the morning and gave lessons. We also have some new volunteers! Sasha and Dani were out this weekend as well. Sasha has been out to the barn to help three times already in her 1975 Ford pickup truck she rebuilt herself!

Michelle, everyone's favorite Carrot Lady was here as well, doing what she loves to do: delivering snacks to our rescued horses. Thanks so much Michelle, for bringing all those delicious carrots as well as six bags of much-needed Strategy! Alisha, another new volunteer was out to clean stalls. She's been coming after school. Kim, her daughters, and husband Andy were also out to do some mucking. We sure do appreciate all the help! Without the volunteers, life would be much harder. So, thank you, Hytyme volunteers! We couldn't do it without you.

More soon!