Spring Trimming

The air is cold... a moist cold that penetrates your clothes.
The sky is grey... thick, moisture-laden clouds loom.
There's barely a sound.
A few bird chirps break the silence.
It's the calm before the storm.


Thus was our first day of spring.

Yesterday's big event was an early morning visit from the farrier.
He comes every 8 weeks and trims 7 sets of hooves.


While he works on feet,


I work on manes and tails... brushing, brushing, brushing.


I've always wondered what causes horses to shed their winter coats.


Is it the rising temperatures?
Is it the length of day?


I came to the conclusion that it must be the length of day...
because it has not warmed up yet, but the horses are shedding like crazy!
A little research showed that indeed that is the cause.
The horse's pituitary gland recognizes
the lengthening day and produces a hormone that causes shedding.


After the horses were finished, we moved out to the donkeys.


The donkeys get trimmed in their dry lot.
They stand perfectly still and allow the farrier to work.


You might notice that whichever one is not being trimmed
is very helpful (nosey)!


Comments

daisy g said…
Your critters are so well-behaved! Is it their nature or the promise of Ritz? ;0D
That's fascinating about the shedding. Never thought of that.

Enjoy your peaceful day!
Louise Stopford said…
Sounded very peaceful indeed and everyone looked very contented. Hope you don't get too much snow (again) your way. We are all ready for Spring and we need no more of the white stuff.
Unknown said…
Looks like the dogs were waiting for some trimmings? Imagine farriers are harder to find these days, but your guy looks young. Every eight weeks.....is it very expensive? Imagine that not much of the farm life comes cheap anymore, but farriers and vets must top the list.
Love readng about your farm...thank you for taking the time to write and take photos. Hope hubs is doing well. Lisa G in TN
jaz@octoberfarm said…
it is snowing here!!! we have about 8 inches this morning with more coming! i'm so excited!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing your animals and life. It truly makes me smile and gives me hope in this troubled world.
Kaye
Park City, UT
Country Gal said…
Lovely video and photos , I had to laugh at Sam cause that's what our Miggs loves to do at our friends farm, eat the horse poop lol ! Yes I knew that about the horses shedding when the days become longer , fascinating nature is isn't it?! Hope you get some sunshine and spring weather soon . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
Marilyn F. said…
You take such great care of your animals!! WOW. They truly must be in heaven on earth with you watching over them.
This N That said…
Everybody is all beautified!! Lot's of snow here..beautiful!! Hope you are OK up there..Looks like the roads are pretty clear.81 anyway is slushy..Poor Mollies belly hits the snow..she has learned to walk behind me in my tracks..Strange because she is always out in front of me!! Didn't mean to turn this in to an email..Oh well..xxoo
Lynne said…
“Nose to Nose” . . . all about caring . . .
Sweet animals, well mannered . . . it seems to me . . .
Oh how I enjoy my visits on the farm. Your voice is so calming. Must be why your sweet horses are so well behaved, as all your critters are. Thank you for sharing, dear friend.
blessings,
Penny