It pleases my wife to no end when I find the time and confidence to ride. My time on a horse per year can probably be measured at $2,000 per hour, much more if you cost out all my labor. The reward of seeing my Sweetheart glow with joy and get my money's worth helps to overcome my fears. My father-in-law, on the other hand, complains about my mother-in-law's horses all the time! It's a precious experience and I try to make the most out of it. I think, "Buck up, suck it up, and get

[quote user="Giant Cheeseball"] I bet it was pretty scary- I [/quote] It was. Fortunately, my Sweetheart and I have worked out a lot of issues while hugging. I propose the path of reason and logic, she brings emotion and passion. While in our embrace, the horrors, terrors, reality and humor of most situations can balance out. This was one situation where logic and reason did not stand much of a chance ... I had to use a light bear hug. It was also a good thing that the barn was north while

We're away for the weekend. Early Sunday morning we get a call from the volunteer 15yo sitter's Mom, "The horses are gone!" "Please walk the fence line and see how they got out." "We did and asked the neighbors." "OK, we're coming back after we make a few phone calls." Called the County Sheriff, ... office closed till Monday (budget cuts y'know) Called the City lost pet line, "Hello, did you loose a dog or a cat?" "I'm afraid

She's very seriously horse crazy, just like my Sweetheart. She's trading rides for chores and does real well. Of course, I'm telling the story on Monday morning. Truth is, there's another version and it starts with, "It's Sunday morning and my wife gets a call..." That version wasn't so funny. To replay, add hysterics to every event. We're sure the pasture is horse safe, the gates are closed, and the fences are strong and mended. But to hear "The horses

Many years ago, as a young programmer at an electronics manufacturing plant, I had to have ESD shoes and a touch a discharger plate before entering the plant to change printer ribbons or fix their computers. Closer to the fab, everyone was required to wear ESD coveralls. ESD was a very serious threat to the fragile boards and circuits that cost many hundred of dollars each. When visitors come, they got to wear ESD straps on their feet and ankles. They could not cross the red lines on the floor. Anyway

Throughout the years of trying to figure out what's best to feed (or what we can afford to feed), the only constant has been lots of good water.

[quote user="Gailforce"]but, this is a good thing, right?[/quote] I believe so. My wonder still is, where did all the horses go? There seems to be a lot fewer horses around being offered for sale or given away. I figure if there are fewer rescues, then most of the equine population is being cared for. That is a good thing. We'd like to see is an uptick in riding, training, shows and even breeding.

Browsed the calender of the local Woodburn Livestock auction to check on steers and hogs. Noticed the following note in bold letters: "As of this time, there are no horse sales .... Please keep on checking." Kind of made me sigh.

[quote user="Jayne-Admin"] It might be worth emailing them - sometimes the web site is the last thing to get updated. [/quote] Could be. But they're pretty active. I like their weekly and even daily market reports. I believe they simply have soured on horses. I remember a year ago, they required security deposits on anyone offering a horse. Now it seems they don't even want to deal with them (or deal with their owners). Without the horse auction, the rescues have come to a trickle

I was looking at pictures of "Snow White and the Huntsman". Photo #5 was interesting as it shows horses constrained on a trolley with cameras, lights, etc. I've seen how they cut up cars to get a clear camera angle/shot. I've never seen this kind of setup with live horses. Kinda interesting. http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/collections/gallery/3643/spotted-on-set-snow-white-and-the-huntsman#photo5