Hello again! We've had a great stretch of warm weather, but fall is on the way. All the hay for the winter has been delivered, the horses are getting fuzzy, and the leaves are starting to turn.
Things are great at the barn! The Hytyme Drum horses did very well at the Oregon State Fair last month, and we're looking forward to the arrival of Alex's horse as a new boarder. Jim's been working hard on the area behind the arena. It was filled with weeds, chunks of concrete, and dirt left over from the arena's construction. Now it looks like this:
Despite the small signs that fall is on the way, it's been extremely hot and dusty for the past few weeks. We're not complaining just yet--the mud will be back before we know it! There are also several fires around the northwest contributing to our hazy skies. Here are some scenes from Hytyme over the past few days. Lots of horses, lots of dust!
Dust dust dust! A video of the arena sprinklers and Hytyme residents in action.
And here is Coal, who is sharing his old horse mush with some friends.
We had a really nice gift this week! Michelle's brother brought out a bunch of apples from his place just down the road from us. The horses were so happy!
It sure has been hot and dusty out at the barn (which is preferable to mud and rain!), but our new volunteer Trina has done a lovely job of clearing out the walkways between the barn and arena. The blackberries and weeds were getting out of control! Thanks, Trina!
And last, here is a video of Alex riding Peanut Butter Boy. What a good team!
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/HYTYME/6-1-2010/?action=view¤t=20120807164320.mp4
It was a sad day at Hytyme today. We lost one of our original rescue residents, the very sweet and elegant Juliet.
Those of you who have been to the rescue might know the story of Juliet and Tempest. If not, here's a memorial for Juliet written by Jim:
"Here lies Juliet. Became very ill on August 1st 2012 and had to be relieved of her misery. Juliet's best friend was Tempest who has been with her since both were picked up at a feed lot over six years ago. Have no idea if they were together before the feed lot. Tempest was almost blind then and can just see shadows now. Juliet was not only Tempest's eyes, but she was also her body guard. Up until about two years ago they were both in the big pasture with 20 to 40 horses. Heaven help any horse who got close to Tempest. Juliet was like a mare protecting her foal. We will all miss her. She was a good, a very good horse and friend."
It's been one of our concerns for some time--what will happen to Tempest when Juliet is gone? As her seeing-eye horse, Juliet kept Tempest safe. Tempest was very dependent on Juliet.
Jim put Tempest in with Braveheart, and all seems well tonight. We hope these two can have an equally rewarding friendship.
So rest in peace, Juliet. We will miss you very much.
It's Coal!!!
Coal has been at Hytyme for a long time. In his former life, he was a hunter/jumper pony. In the last few months, Coal seemed on the decline. However, with careful feeding from Katie, Sam, and Kassi; Bowen therapy from Katherine; and regular grooming by Vickie, Coal is feeling (and looking!) better than ever.
