Blizzard 2015, January 27th, 3ft or 36" at Bobby's Ranch Westford, Mass

Snowy Nor'Easter today. Theresa took beautiful pictures while she worked at the farm this morning

Friday, 2:30pm out of work go to see Duke at the barn, about 35 degrees

It was nice to arrive at the farm with Theresa, Bobby, Sandy and Bob.  When I got there Bogie was heading it for the night at 3pm.  I checked to see if everyone there would be hanging out for a while so I could get Duke and brush him out a bit.  He looks very nice I guess all the rain and snow has helped keep his coat so nice.  There paddock area looked icey, snow and mud. It was a mixed bag.  When I went to get Duke, the dirt roadway to the dining room.

When I got there, Blue comes over first every time.  I called Duke and he and Domino came to the gate so I could let him out.  Duke sort of got the others away from the gate so I could quickly hook him on the halter and and bring him into the barn for a visit.

Theresa said that he and Hershey were found after a game of halter tag with Duke's halter broken and Hershey's on his head all crocked.  It made me laugh. I have to order a new comfortable halter for him.  He's so cute.  I love that he is with his friends playing.

I grabbed his stuff from the tack barn and then grabbed him from the paddock and then hooked him on the rail.  He was pretty good about the shelf on the rail but he was kinda naught about being lippy. He also needs to stand still when I am working on him.  I need to make sure I can keep him  in a more safe position when I am brushing him out.

Bobby was smiling, I was glad because he wasn't happy last time.  I told him how I had gone to Colorado Springs riding and they charged me 10 for a printed picture of myself on Brian the horse. I thought that Theresa would do so good with some photography at the ranch.  He told me that he's excited about a few things.  He said he is planning a farm wedding.  I was pretty happy to see the look on his face.  He beamed at the idea, and shared a few details.  Wow this sounds amazing.
He also asked me how many pictures I thought I had and we talked about my 5 years of taking tons of pictures around the farm.  You know it is a nice thing to keep track of rides, horses people weather changes . . . Everything.

I did get to give the goats, Pedro and the little lamb a snack too.  I walked on the ice carefully but its worrisome to think how difficult it must be for Bob to walk and not fall.  I hope he is taking care of himself. Today he was in a much better mood.  It was a nice quiet winter day visit to Duke and the farm.

Too icey to ride but I was able to get the stirrups and hobbles on the saddle- high 23 degrees

Duchess, Hershey and Red were ready for work yesterday when I got there at about 2pm.

Here he is coming to the edge to get his giant treat.  Such a sweetie

Domino Duke and Blue, true sweet guys

Duchess wanted a treat

She wanted one bad

Here is my saddle before we put the newer stirrups on

Hope I like the new stirrups

Beautiful boys

Bryce and Shawnie

Bogie admiring himself

The guys wanting snacks

Duke is chewing while the other guys look of a snack

My wonderful growing relationship with Duke

It has been easy to form a loving bond with my horse, he has worked with me, taught me important lessons over time and become a great friend.  He has had patience with me and also kept his fun loving natural horse self that is so beautiful to experience.
I have made so many important relationships for our time together so far,  When we are together it is a continuation of the last time I left him.  I am always wishing I did have to leave for so long.  He continues to amaze me and make me learn new things..
Our time spent together is a valuable experience of growing and learning that keeps me feeling alive and part of the world.  There is so much more for me to learn, I need be be sensitive, and understanding at the same time firm. I need to have to more discipline for myself and my horse. I have felt such joy just knowing him.
 I can't read this enough times.  I feel the same way.

8 Reasons you should love these under appreciated animals.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/10/how-horses-help-humans_n_5634554.html

Visit with Val and Tonto in Metheun Mass Farm

Today was a chilly day.  I have been coordinating with Val to go visit Tonto and hang out with her for weeks.  After Cassie was hurt and then all the holidays its been almost impossible.  We have been working to coordinate the visit.  January 11 we finally pulled it off. Its a Sunday and I had gone over to see Duke yesterday and have a great visit.  Now I have Sunday to see Tonto.  I drove up to Val's house in Nashua and we left from there.  Its cold out.  The ride to Tonto's farm was very nice.  We went in and out of little towns by the Pelham Inn and many more places where people are out on the lakes ice fishing and skating.   Pelham area was very nice, little farms and nice spread out land with people who have horses.

The farm was very near Lindsay's house, Val said.  It has ducks, goose, little minis and was at one time a place for a few beautiful Gypsy horses.  Val said there are 10 that are renting from this nice lady, her daughter and husband.

We walked around and met some of the other horses.  There were many. Val said she can't take pictures, touch any of the horses, and I may need to sign a waiver to be here.  None of that happened. 

I took some pictures and touched a couple of the horses. Petted the sweet Gypsy horse next to Tonto.  He was so cute. I think his name is Beau.  We spent time with Tonto finally and then Val brought him in for the night and some food.  His stall is very nice.  They all got new bedding, fresh.  The area that Tonto has to roam is about the size of 1/2 of my backyard.  He is able to walk around with a nice wood fence and he has a friend next to him, Wrigley, he is Lindsay Hanigan's horse.  

We stayed for a while and then drove back to Val's.  we are going to plan to get together soon for a couple of drinks. Im looking forward to it.

One of the gypsy horses

Another of the horses with long beautiful hair.  He is so cute and also Tonto's next door neighbor in the barn.

Here are the cute geese crossing in the snow behind the car.  So adorable.

Here they are before they crossed

Tonto's color is so beautiful this winter.

Here is Tonto's little gypsy neighbor

Tonto and Wrigley

Wrigley