Monday, December 05, 2011

Quick update

It's definitely feeling like winter here - the wind has died down to be replaced by near freezing temperatures. For us whimpy Northern California types that's darn cold! 

We're happy to announce, Leelee (Las Doradas Blazing Beauty), one of Little Kings Bay Ablaze daughters, will be off to her new home in the next week.  

Honeybun, (Las Doradas Buckeroos Honeybun) will be leaving this week as well to her new home as well.


Both mares are bred for 2012, Leelee to Buckeye WCF Dance All Night and Honeybun to Little Kings Dream Demon. I'll be looking forward to seeing what they produce for their new families!


Thursday, December 01, 2011

Off to Oz!

What's with this wind?  OMG!

It tore the tarp off one shelter into shreds - one of those can withstand mega wind type tarps!  Apparently it never was meant for the winds of Winters! LOL!

It also destroyed a rubbermaid storage building - lost the roof and a door - what a waste, then a stand of decorative pots went flying and shattered across the deck.  Bleah!

Hopefully this will pass by tonight, I think I wore more hay then the horses got to eat sadly this morning too.


On a brighter note:

The grass is growing, horses are healthy and it's sunny if not warm!

Our newest puppy,  Pup-Pup (yea we're so creative with names at times), is doing great.  She's already wanting to be a watcher with Auntie Noomi.  Pup-pup is a 3/4 Pyrenees 1/4 Maremma sweetie.  Here she is with my daughter Anya.  She's 12+ weeks old and loves to be outside.  A bit skeptical about the horses though as she's been chased by a couple and bit by one.  But she has a nice bark on her already.


Mini News:

I hope everyone read the news on AMHR half-price for hard-shipping from AMHA in 2012!  I know I have a couple that will finally get done!

We did reprice some of the horses on our sales list, and will be working on updating our website this month and adding more.  I finally came to the conclusion if I only want 25-30, ALL the rest need to go on the sales list then!





Monday, November 28, 2011

Happy Holidays

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, it's been a rough 2011 for many, but I remind myself - we that live in the USA are still better off than a high percentage of the rest of the world.

I'm thankful for all I have, even though I may whine a blue streak and have some random pity parties, I'm sincerely thankful for what I have in my life.

Heading towards the New Year, we're still working on reducing the herd, but in this economy I'm not pushing the sales very hard.  Too many people are in financial predicaments, and I hate to see someone take on payments that can easily get away from them.  That and its hard to compete with the number of low quality horses for sale on Craigs List for $200, makes selling registered good quality horses hard.

But considering my life circumstances and the changes coming in the next year. I don't have options but to keep working to find good homes for the ones that need to move along.  My goal is to get under 30, which means half the herd has to leave in the next two years.

It's going to be hard, but that's the goal!  So, I need to get all the horses that are for sale on the sales list - bleah! Not a fun project, but its time.

I've also decided as I want to get to a certain number, I'm not breeding in 2012 and may not in 2013 depending on how life works out.

Fortunately it's been raining so our hills are green - got to love Northern California winters - and the horses are loving the extra pasture.

A couple of the sale colts:

Wesco Farms Bamboozler



Wesco Farms Best Guesstimate

 Wesco Farms Twist of Fate

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Finally weaning the babies

We're finally weaning the 2011 foals - Baily (Wesco Farms TC Ascended Allure), Cricket (Wesco Farms TC Defiantly Different) and Jitters (Wesco Farms TC Up All Night) - much to their annoyance.  


Cricket is pretty much self-weaned, as her dam.  Chiclet (Cricket's grand-dam) has always had very independent babies, and apparently Annie is following suit.


Bailey is still very much a momma's girl, so I think she'll take it the hardest.  But considering she's the oldest at seven months I think it's time.



Jitters falls somewhere in the middle.  He's not dependent on his dam, Val, but does like to go to her when he feels the need.

Callita, and Rose are in their as support - they've been with the foals since birth and Sarah and April are there as well - until I'm sure April is not going to relapse with her colic.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Colic time

It's heading into winter and with the weather change, I always anticipate some mild colic as the horses get upset stomachs.  We have something on our property (we've yet to locate it in 11 years), but something that the horses get into in the Fall that guaranteed a few will come down with a belly ache.

This year it was April, one of our two year olds that I do have to watch at this time of year - she's an acorn 'ho, so we keep her locked up in the Fall.  Being one of our smallest Minis at 26.50" we do keep a careful eye on her.
.
Wesco Farms April Sunshine BB

I saw her up on the hill above the house laying down (wrong time of day - late afternoon/early evening -  for my horses to be napping).  As her and her dam are good buddies and never far from each other, I dragged her and Sarah down the hill and into the backyard.

Sarah - Wesco Farms Tricked Me Tina

Checked April and I could tell she wasn't feeling great so started treating her. She was insistent she was going to 'die' so we kept an eye on her and treated her throughout the day.  She was still not a happy camper when I gave her, her last treatment at midnight, but calm and hanging with her dam.

The next morning at 5:30 a.m. in the dark, I go out to check her.  She's of course missing. I  began the search - all the gates are closed, no holes in the fences for her to squeeze through, I even looked in the swimming pool, thought maybe she'd jumped in! No April, so I'm wondering where in the @%@% did you she go?

Finally I look under our deck and see her.  She had rolled/crawled or I don't know what but got herself about 6' under the deck.  Mind you this is not that high of deck, she couldn't stand up straight without bumping her head and I'm not a small person (besides having just the day before been given the okay from hernia surgery to resume life), so my the thought is this should be fun!

So, I crawl under the deck to check her and she's acting miserable.  I can't get her up to walk out, and she to far away to roll like a barrel (yes this occurred to me!), so I grab her by her back legs and start backing out dragging her on her back.  She's really not thrilled, but the options were few.  Move, drag, get kicked in the shins, move, drag, kick... rinse and repeat.

As soon as she was out, she called for her dam and runs off. I'm thinking how sore I'm going to be the following day (and I was!), but I still need to deal with her as she's not 100% yet.

Apparently it did the trick though, as I gave her another colic treatment and she began farting and pooping and was grazing with her dam within 20 minutes.  She's been fine since then for the past two days - the little stinker.

Minis they don't make life boring and OMG can they find the most interesting things to get into.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Week in review

Fairly slow week.  The horses are hairy and settling in for winter.  Tomas (farrier) surprised me this week  - yes I write down our appointments - but look at the calendar ... NO!

So, we got the boys all trimmed and de-wormed.  Stallions are so much easier to trim than the mares.  I was hoping to geld a couple more of the boys, but I don't think the funds are there at the moment sadly.

A recent addition to our family - Noomi's niece (out of her sister Jaz) joined us.  So we're going through puppy-hood again!  We're still trying names on her and haven't settled on one.  She's 3/4 Pyreness and 1/4 Maremma.  She's already bigger than our Mini Aussies.


The other exciting news - Anya passed her DMV test, so I'm officially off taxi duty!  Now I don't have to worry about her driving me, just her driving solo!  She's having a great time and is off on daily runs.  Nice to have someone that can run to the store for milk now - lol!

Monday, November 07, 2011

Testing the new Blogger features

Winter is coming, or should say arrived this weekend.  Okay so it's suppose to be Fall, but it's in the 30's at night so feels very wintery here!

The horses are doing great and don't seem to mind the chilly weather.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to grow a lovely thick coat of insulating hair - lol.

We've been doing maintenance around here (the never-ending job) on fences and gates, as well as looking at setting up a new foaling paddock.

I'm hoping to get back to maintaining this blog a bit more - life's been overly busy the past couple of months, but will hopefully get back on track!



Testing out the new blog features on Blogger and incorporating Google+ - fun stuff!

Thursday, September 08, 2011

September and finally back

Well I've been AWOL for a bit, but it's been a fast and busy few weeks.

I had to deal with the death of my dog.  You know the dog that is your gaga, super-buddy, can't think what you'd do with out pet - yea that one. Sweetie was accidentally ran over in front of our house, and I felt horrible for the worker, as I know it was not intentional.  But still knocked me out of commission for a few days.  I did find out one useful thing, I can't self induce a heart-attack, as I tried - yes I was that upset while burying her.  On top of that we've had my car in/out of the shop, my PC died, house repairs and I finally had surgery to repair an umbilical hernia.  So fun times!

The horses though apparently are thriving on neglect, as other than feeding/watering and checking them they've had zero entertainment or interaction, well other than some scratches.  As I'm still out of commission a few more weeks, hooves are getting long - not too creepy but definitely due for Tomas time!

Other than the personal fun though, the horses are doing well, still chunky, although it looks pretty sparse on the hills they're still waddling down.  Silhouette injured her eye (fully recovered now), so has been in the backyard for a month.  She loves to hang there and has enjoyed her daily browsing on peaches, roses and all the green growing grass.  She know looks oh eight months pregnant and isn't.  

The foals are all old enough to be weaned, but I think I'm going to wait another month or so.  Jitters and Cricket are pretty independent now, but Bailey's still a mommas girl.  I'd rather wait until it's a little bit cooler weather.  Their dams, Val, Annie and Swan are all resembling 'normal' horses as they've trimmed down quite a bit.  I'm not looking forward to weaning, maybe look at the Farmer's Almanac and find the good times for the next couple of months!



AMHR Nationals start today (September 8) and run through the 18th.  Show info available at Horse Show Online's site.  Best of luck to all everyone that is competing.  Just going is a big deal, IMHO, so hope everyone has a wonderful time!  According to the pie chart on Horse Show Online - 12% of the exhibitors are from Texas. 4% from California - go California - lol!


Google+  I still have invites if anyone would like to try it, send me an email wescofarms@gmail.com!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Upcoming Events

There are a few upcoming horse related events that I'm sharing, between life and life, I'm not attending too many live events, but will be watching the online ones!


AMHA Western Championship Show 

The Western Champions Show is streaming live on iEquine.com.  Show Schedule and streaming video available on the IEquine page.  July 21-24th starting at 8 a.m. PST.



Online auction

MiniHorseStreet.com is hosting a one hour dutch auction Wednesday July 20th 9 p.m. EST.  It is one hour only and will have 40 horses for sale in that time frame.  Should be interesting.  MiniHorseStreet does recommend using Mozilla Foxfire to watch the auction, so if you don't use Mozilla (I prefer Chrome but keep both on my PC), get it!  I love Thunderbird too - awesome way to get all your email in one easy to use place.

Preview Auction lots here.


MSU online classes  

Michigan State University has quite a collection of online classes (some free) that are for non-credit education.  One that I'm attending tomorrow is The Advances in Equine Genetics webcast.  It is live Wednesday, July 20 from 1pm–2pm EDT.  You do have to registered with MSU to take the classes, but it's easy and what a great way to add a bit more to the equine care toolbox!


AREA VII California Classic Show

The Area VII AMHR/ASPC California Classic Show is scheduled for July 30-31, Wilton, CA.  Pre-entry closed on the 18th, but there is still time to enter!  There are even a few non-rated (i.e. no registration required) classes on July 30th.  The show is at the Pacific Equestrian Center, Wilton. CA.  Class sponsorships are available too!!

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Real Life Horse Whisperer

Just an FYI Passing this along - local showing in Davis California

================

Coming Friday, July 15th ~ Playing For One Week Only


Buck
Buck, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life “horse-whisperer”, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment.

Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses – and people – with his understanding, compassion and respect. In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life.

A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.


"In some sense it was beauty that saved Mr. Brannaman, that of his conscience and that of horses, which, having been tied to humans long ago, became companions, workers and for some, as this lovely movie shows, saviors." ~Manohla Dargis, New York Times

Click here for the official website.

Click here for Varsity Theatre ticket prices. (Davis, CA) ** Great theater, I go there often for movies.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

foal update

We grabbed the foals the other day and took a few photos.  I didn't clip them as with our weather I refuse to remove the foals protection from the sun and bugs.  So, we barely knocked the dirt off just enough to get updated photos.

It was hot, they weren't happy and very resentful for the implements of torture placed on their heads, i.e. halters.

So of the bazillion photo's taken we have a few 'okay' head shots.  We have a number of wonky, had bad can I stand, ears back, scrunched up necks, butt high I hate life photos!  My hat is off to photographers that take good animal photos, I do NOT have that talent.

Topper (WCR Top Cop) did good though with these three. They all have pretty heads, great conformation, his long neck and wonderful movement.  I wish I had used him this year.  Oh well more Topper foals in 2013 hopefully!

Now to get video of these three moving.  I'm very tempted to keep Jitters, as he's going to make an awesome driving/all around horse (likely gelding in my current mode!).  He's naturally curious and not afraid of anything, uses his neck and is willing to give his ears, unlike his sisters.  Bailey and Cricket in some of their photos look earless - lol!  But they both have that same gorgeous movement.  

Yeah Topper. Although credit must be given to Swan (Wesco Farms Rogers Lady Swan Song), Annie (Wesco Farms LM Rowdys Anticipation) and Val (Wesco Farms AToy4Me Brazen Beauty) for their input.  It's thrilling to see what the 'homebred' mares are producing the past few years.

Wesco Farms TC Ascended Allure "Bailey"

Wesco Farms TC Defiantly Different "Cricket"

Wesco Farms TC Up All Night "Jitters"

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Wesco Farms Unique Toy4Me

One of our homebred mares came back last month, Wesco Farms Unique Toy4Me.  She's now seven and has been living with a good friend, Jen Davis of Imperial Acres.  Unique isn't really fitting with where Jen's breeding program is going, but Gemini (Wesco Farms Rowdys Gemini) is, so we traded the two.

Sired by Las Doradas AToy4Me2 out of Les Petites Avril, two horses I've always liked, Unique is a nice addition to our breeding program. Toy is one of those stallions I kind of wish I still had and Avril went to a retirement home last year at the age of 22, leaving me with a couple daughters, grand-daughters and a few great-grands.
Unique is a silver bay pintaloosa, one of the two Toy sired here.

Her two half sisters sired by Toy areWesco Farms Twila Toy4Me (bay roan) and Wesco Farms AToy4Me Brazen Beauty (bay pinto).



Her sisters' by her dam ET (Las Doradas Etiole de Mar) is one of our original mares, and Dresden (Wesco Farms Avrils Dresden Doll) is a Samis Roger Rabbit daughter.  They're both black, although Dresden does carry one dilute gene from Roger.

Wesco Farms Avrils Dresden Doll


Unique was a bit of a handful when she was younger, and when she was born she looked like a pretzel.  She had some serious bad leg issues which we attributed to the way she was laying inside her dam, having seen what both parents produced, we were fairly certain this wasn't a congenital issue.


Corrective trimming and lots of exercise she's almost dead straight in back now.

Unique was pasture bred to Bells Hollywood Heartbreaker, so maybe loud color come Spring 2012!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Farrier day

Today was farrier fun day.

Half the horses scheduled to be trimmed, vetoed by standing on top of the hill watching us, refusing to come down.  My teen age broodmares are hard to trick once they've seen the farrier and with 63 acres to outrun us, we don't play the chase game!

We of course had the volunteer group that love pedicures and for some reason think de-wormer tastes good.  They'll literally follow you around trying to get more - go figure.

Good news, Woody (one of the original three and the W in Wesco) is improving!  Big yeah and made my day!!! He's been foundering on/off for the past year and in early May it looked like he might start rotating, so we thought it might be bye bye Woody time.  He's dropped alot of weight and we're trying to keep him off any new grass (the sugars), but his white line is improving and the new hoof growth is coming in at a better angle.  So, we're hoping to keep him around.  I'm already formulating the 'winter/spring' Woody management, as being so temprate here we don't really stop growing grass even in the winter.  So, I think he'll be in a smaller grass free pen with Silhouette as company.  That's the plan for now at least.

As for hoof issues.  Tomas showed me exactly what we're dealing with so, I thought I'd share the pics.  I know personally I can say he's 'foundering' but exactly what it looked like I wasn't quite sure.  I'm more familiar with colic (when someone says colic, I'm well what kind? Gas, blockage, upset stomach???)  Founder though, I know is metabolic (as Tomas says like a person with diabetes), but I've never had to deal with a horse with these issues.

This is what Tomas removed today off Woody's hoof.

Woody grows very thick hoof very fast but horrible angles (no heel), so Tomas is rasping the front and taking off quite a bit to try to get his angles to improve too.

You can see the reddish part, it has cracks which would have eventually separated the coffin bone from the hoof wall.
The white line on the bottom is dry, crack free and small, what the farrier wants to see.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Equine Dentistry victory Texas

Passing this along....

   >>>>

Horse owners in the state of Texas won the battle over our horse tooth care!!!  Yea for us and for Carl and his practitioners for doing this for us and our horses.  Job well DONE!!!!!!!

 
First and foremost i want to thank everyone for there support in this long fight.
Second i have been appointed to the advisory committee.
I very much thank you.
Carl

Equine Dentistry Bill Signed into Law

Last Friday, the long running battle over who may legally perform equine dental work on the state’s horses was resolved when Governor Rick Perry signed HB 414 into law. Throughout the legislative session, TVMA worked with other stakeholders and members of the legislature to promote and pass legislation to protect the horse and consumer by establishing training and educational requirements for non-veterinarians to perform certain dental procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian. Passage of this important piece of legislation would not have been possible had it not been for the tireless efforts of our equine practitioners who worked to educate members of the legislature that equine dentistry is indeed a complex medical procedure that should only be performed by Doctors of Veterinary Medicine or non-veterinarians working under their supervision.

Quick Summary of HB 414

HB 414 provides the necessary authority for the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TSBVME), to adopt rules to ensure that equine dentistry is performed only by a veterinarian OR by a “licensed equine dental provider” (EDP) who works under the general supervision of a veterinarian who has an established veterinary client patient relationship with the owner or caretaker of the animal.

A person may not perform equine dentistry or offer or attempt to act as an EDP unless the person is either a veterinarian or an EDP working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Individuals are also prohibited from representing to the public that they are authorized to perform equine dentistry unless they are licensed and may not use the title “dentist.” Those licensed as Certified Equine Dental Providers may use the title “CEDP” upon licensure or “EDP” if they are licensed under the Grandfather clause before September 2012.

Requirements for Licensure

A person is qualified to be licensed as an EDP if the person:

Submits an application and information to allow the board to conduct a background check, passes a jurisprudence examination,
is not disqualified under this chapter or board rule,
is certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry OR another board-approved certification entity or organization, and
competes 6 hours of annual continuing education.
Scope of Practice and Supervision of Equine Dental Providers

EDP’s will now be held to a standard of care and must leave a copy of the equine dental chart with the person who authorizes the procedure and make it available to the supervising veterinarian upon request.

HB 414 creates an inclusive definition of equine dentistry and breaks out certain procedures that licensed EDPs may perform under the general supervision of a veterinarian. A licensed equine dental provider may perform only the following equine dental procedures:

removing sharp enamel points;
removing small dental overgrowths;
rostral profiling of the first cheek teeth;
reducing incisors;
extracting loose, deciduous teeth;
removing supragingival calculus;
extracting loose, mobile or diseased teeth or dental fragments with minimal periodontal attachments by hand and without the use of an elevator; and
removing erupted, non-displaced wolf teeth.
Unlicensed employees of veterinarians may perform the procedures listed above under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

Equine Dental Provider Advisory Committee

HB 414 sets up a three-member informal equine dental provider advisory committee to advise the TSBVME on rules made in connection with or disciplinary action taken against EDPs. This advisory committee does not have any independent rulemaking authority and the members are appointed by the current President of TSBVME. Two of the advisory committee members must be licensed equine dental providers who have resided in and engaged in the practice of smoothing or filing teeth by floating in this state for the last five years and are of good repute. The other member must be a veterinarian who supervises a licensed EDP. Members of the advisory committee are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement but may hold meetings by conference call.

Grandfather Clause (expires September 1, 2012)

|Before September 1, 2012, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall issue an EDP license to a person who is not certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry or another board-approved entity or organization if the person:

presents proof of graduation from AND completion of 280 hours of course work at a board-approved equine dental school or another board-approved entity or organization; AND
submits, with the application and with two notarized affidavits in which veterinarians who are licensed to practice in this state and are in good standing with TSBVME that they know the person and that the person is competent in the practice of smoothing or filing teeth by floating. 
The TSBVME may waive the education requirement in (1) above if an applicant demonstrates proficiency by submitting:

financial records that show the applicant has earned the majority of the applicant’s income for the two years preceding the effective date of this Act by performing equine dental services; or
sworn affidavits from at least two clients who certify that the applicant has performed satisfactorily in addressing the dental needs of the client's animal.
 HB 414 Does Not …

Change any of the current laws relating to the use of prescription drugs. 
Require that Equine Dental Providers work for veterinarians. They may work as either employees or as independent contractors.
The bill has no impact on any other procedures that may be performed on animals including chiropractic care, farrier work, acupuncture or reproduction. 
You may click here to view TVMA’s press release announcing the passage of this bill. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth Choate, JD, director of government relations/general counsel, at echoate@tvme.org or 512/452-4224.

Donate to VPAC Today!

Copyright © 2011, Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Monday, June 27, 2011

What's with this weather?

It's been so all over the board, you really don't know what to expect. We did hit 102 last week, and now possibly rain tomorrow?  Then hot again?

I seriously believe this is what is 'screwing up' breeding this year and the oddly late foals so many of us have had this year.  Nature seems out of sorts.

Something I noticed which had me wondering is our frogs.  We have an abundance of very loud tiny frogs and this year they've been stuck in the tadpole stage for over a month.  It has to be the odd weather.  That's what I think at least.


Breeding season ended - yeah.  All the horses are back where they normally live and calm prevails again.  We did separate the stallions into two groups, so Ringo, Demon and Miramax are in one, while Jelly (Dance), Topper and the four yearlings are in another.  Everyone is much happier, especially the ones not in with Demon and Miramax.

Hollywood is still visiting for awhile.  The poor guy though is in solitary confinement as he's so thin.  We have him on free choice alfalfa and grain, but it's going to take a bit of time for him to put back on the weight he dropped.  He's not a happy camper, so we're hoping he'll be bored and eat!

We did 'lose' a few horses last week, as Dazzle, Gemini, Baroness and Bre went off to their new homes.  I'm very happy with the places they've gone to, and hope they'll be 'lifers'!  Here's a photo fo Gemini, Baroness and Bre meeting their new herd mates.


I am in the process of moving this Blog to WordPress.  It will be associated directly with our website, and allow more flexibility in the design and maintenance.  I will be copying all the old archived posts, but will leave this one up as well.  Just an FYI!  If you're new to blogging though, I would highly recommend blogger (from Google) as it is very easy to use and set up.


As a warning - the next blog post will be a rant!  The past couple month's I've had to deal with a 'friend' as a buyer.  The 'deal' with this person went south really quickly, of course, of no fault of her own.  I won't mention names, but what a pain this has been.  This woman lost two friends over this (she didn't just screw with me), so I will be posting what I did learn from it and why I won't make the mistake again - I hope!

Stay cool and dry?  Rain in July - wow!!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Schooling Show July 10

Area VII Shetland & Mini Club (Northern CA) is having a Schooling Show on July 10th.

Judge: Darlene Bingham
Place: Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek
Time: 9:00am
Ribbons to 5th place
Pre-Entry by July 1st
Cost: $4.95 a class /$25.00 all day (same horse/handler)

See the flyer here.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Horse Expo and stuff

So this past weekend was the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento.  It seemed a tad subdued this year, but this could be from the economy or the worry over EHV-1 or both.

The weather was great fortunately, and it was nice to go check out all the new horse stuff, but I was thoroughly disappointed in the lack of Mini anything!

Sierra Ranch was there with a few of the NorCal members representing Miniature Horses, but other than that, NO MINI STUFF!!!

None of the vendors had Mini anything, other than a Mini poop rake.  It bugs me that none of the vendors  even carry a single Mini halter or harness. Anything?  I've been telling people that attend these events we really need to let the Expo know - we may have Minis, but we are darn serious about them as a breed!  We'd like them to share this with their vendors too!

So, I'm encouraging everyone that attended the Expo (or may in the future!) to write them and ask they pass the message along to their Vendors - Minis are horses and we do buy stuff!!!!


On a good note, I've sold a couple more horses (yeah), and met some great people that may or may not buy, but are good to know. I've met some really great people lately, some new to Minis, others that have had them for a number of years.  It's always fantastic to get to know positive, upbeat people!


Knock on wood all the horses are staying healthy!  Woody is holding his own, after being released from solitaire, by Hollywood.  I don't know why Hollywood (stallion) wanted in with Woody, but he broke the fence to get in there, maybe he doesn't like his mares (IDK!)

We finished up what passes for breeding season in 2011 today, and turned all our mares out.  They ran the hills, happy to get away from the boys - at least that's the impression they gave!  We'll see tomorrow when there's a fence between them and they start flirting again!

The foals are doing well, Bailey's new mom came by and visited her.  So, I whipped out the camera and tried to take photos - photos of foals on the side of a hill - not a good idea!  But I did get a few not totally crappy pics -

Wesco Farms TC Ascended Allure "Bailey" 
(I've been warned she is going to be renamed, but she's Bailey for now!)

Wesco Farms TC Defiantly Different "Cricket"
(She may be on the keep list, although she's listed for sale)

Wesco Farms TC Up All Night "Jitters"

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Mini Buckboards

I've been playing email tag with this gentleman, but thought these were so awesome they needed to be shared with all the driving enthusiasts out there.

Monday, June 06, 2011

It's June and normally in Northern California we're experiencing mid 80's to well over 100 degree weather.  This 'continuation' of winter is unusual at best. Considering I'm an anti-sun type (run around with gloves and hat most of the time), I should be in a more jubulient mood, but I was ready for clip and photo time with the horses, which is now postponed.  Now I'm glad it's not 105, but this is so abnormal I'm wondering what the long term effects will be for all of us.  I'm imagining farmers are having a fit as this can't be good for their growing season.

I know when I was at the feed store, I was told they were behind on cutting (he said three cuttings?), but this is going to affect hay prices for sure.  Alfalfa right now is $15-18 a bale, and I was told the dairies are buying up all they can now, as many farmers put in wheat this year.  I love alfalfa and have fed it from day one, but if it climbs up much higher, we will be switching to one of the grass hays.

Fortunately this extended winter has extended the growing season here too, so our hills are still pretty grassy and the horses out on the hills are still well past the pleasingly plump stage!  I still have a 20 acre section closed off, that I was going to open up for them in a few weeks.  Right now they all could go on a 'trim down' feeding program!  That is except for the stallions in with mares.  OMG!  I can't keep weight on Hollywood or Dance - they look awful.  Ringo has started filling out slightly, but those two are thin and won't stop and eat for long.


As breeding season is winding down for me (Twila, Dresden, Remy and Leelee are still in with Dance), I'm wondering about cover rate this year.  All the stallions seemed fairly uninterested in the mares, so is the weather and lack of sun causing this? ACK!  I did pull a bunch of mares a week or so ago, as it just seemed like a good idea to limit breeding.  So, if all are open next year though, I'll be fine with that.  I'm excited to see foals from Dance and Hollywood, but I can wait to 2012 too!


Good note, Honeybun, Baroness, Bre, Gemini and Libbe should all be off to their new homes in the next few weeks.  I'm always pleased when horses are going somewhere they're truly wanted and will be cared for.  I'll miss Libbe the most of that group, and it will be hard to see her leave, but the retirement herd is growing, and I can't retire everyone here.  Well maybe if I'd play and win the lotto!


Buyers have been calling this weekend, another yeah and have a few appointments this week.  A couple sound like ideal homes, retired/older people that want to have Minis.  So, I'm crossing my fingers that will work.  I get worried about some calls that just want a Mini, and then proceed to tell you they can't afford much.  Well that purchase price is the cheapest part!  The long term daily, weekly and monthly expenses will exceed the price of a Mini in a few years.  Well maybe not if you're buying uber-Champion, but the average buyer, if you can't afford to purchase, how can you afford to support it?


The EHV-1 scare seems to have tapered off a bit, although I'd still have concerns taking horses to public venues.  Western States Horse Expo (the 10th-12th Sacramento Cal Expo) is apparently going on as planned. (see statement here).  A friend and I are going by on Saturday, but just to be cautious I'll be viewing horses from a distance and removing all clothing/showering before going near mine!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Happy Memorial Weekend.


So what about this weather?  The middle states are getting hit by wild tornadoes and before that flooding.  Out west we're still getting rain and snow and it's almost June!!!  Did the earth tip and no one mentioned it?  My big concern in NorCal is that we're going to hit a couple of triple digit days, the snow melts, the valley floods.  I hope it doesn't happen, but all those developers that built on the flood plain around Sacramento, what can I say - brilliant...not.

Which BTW if you'd like to donate to some of the Mini breeders in Oklahoma that got hit - Davie Kilman is helping to organize it.  Read more at LB.


Just read this on another blog about UC Davis Extension Courses. termed Feducation for Fun + Education.  Check it out.


We dragged Dazzle out of the pasture the other day and gave her a quick groom up.  She has her sire's long long mane and tail, and what a sweetie as far as personality.  I wish she had better conformation (my taste), but she's not horrible, just not 'it'.  (No she's not pregnant, just very fat, which I've discussed below).




Breeding here this year has been, what's the word, odd?  I've never had stallions have such a lack of interest in mares.  Is it the weather or what?  I don't know but I'm about ready to end it.  Across the board the stallion attitude seems to be 'meh' maybe I will, soon, someday, maybe.  So, I may have a very brief breeding season, which I'm totally fine with.  Yes I want to see Dance foals next year, but if I get one or two, I'm fine with that.


Did anyone else follow the online auction at Olympian Ranch that ended yesterday.  I was appalled, shocked and surprised at the truly low prices that showed online for those horses.  Olympian breeds nice quality Minis and I was dumbfounded in this market that more buyers weren't jumping at the opportunity to own horses of that calibre for a fraction of what I've seen them sell for.  Wish I had less to support a few mares and a couple of stallions I would have been bidding on!


Otherwise life is good, the horses are still too fat, and I'm trying to 'thin' them down without them getting sick from their perception that I'm starving them.  But ALL the mares except maybe three could drop 15-50 pounds (a few more than that!).  If I was raising cattle I'd be ecstatic!!  But butcher-fat Minis need to be a bit trimmer.  I'm not going for show ring ready, but OMG not are they all 8 months pregnant look either!


Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial again.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

EHV-1 Virus f

Received this from Loomis Basin Equine Medical Centerspacer.gif
Dear LBEMC clients,
     Please see the following update from the California state veterinarian. Please contact us with your questions or to booster your horse’s vaccine status. We will post daily updates on our Facebook page.


     A recent disease outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus has been traced to horses who attended the National Cutting Horse Associations’ Western National Championships in Odgen, Utah on April 30 – May 8, 2011.  California horses who participated in this event may have been exposed to this EHV-1 virus.

     The California Department of Food and Agriculture encourages owners of horses who participated in the Odgen, Utah event to isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of disease.  A rectal temperature in excess of 102F commonly precedes other clinical signs.  Therefore, we are urging owners to take temperatures on each individual horse(s) twice a day.  If a temperature above 102F is detected contact your private practitioner immediately.  Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation.

Monday, May 16, 2011

So what about this weather?

Here in Northern California its raining with highs of 50-60 during the day and expected tonight into the 40's.  Sorry that is WINTER weather here, not May!!!  Again, glad it's not 105, but What the ???

Fortunately it's not that cold nor raining that consistently, so the horses seem to be bearing it well.  I'm just very surprised at this unseasonable winter-like weather we're having.


On a bright note, some of the extra horse paraphernalia we've had around is selling - yea!  There's still alot left and I haven't even gone through blankets, magazines and a few other boxes in the garage of stuff.  The trickle of $$ is great as the transmission went out on the Mercedes over the weekend.  That's a chunk of change, but cheaper than new!  So, highly motivated right now to get things moving along.


We did start breeding last week, or should say put mares with stallions.  I'm not sure if it's the weather, inexperienced stallions (one his first time the other first time pasture breeding) bitchy mares or a combination, but not much happening out there!  Dance and Hollywood seem to 'prefer' the older cooperative mares, so we've seen them get covered but the younger mares seem to intimidate them a tad.  But we also have Demon in with two experienced broodmares (Dipper and Honeybun) and they're totally not interested in him.  Most of my mares are more of the 'bar fly' easy in general so I'm not sure what is up with all this attitude.  Then again, only a few foals next year is fine with me too!


I went to the feed store today to buy hay, and we're at $17.95 for a bale of alfalfa...bleah on that.  I of course was in such sticker shock forgot to pick up the 50lb salt blocks I meant to buy as well.  Oh well another trip this week.  I can see many trips in the next few weeks until the transmission is completed.


Saturday, May 14, 2011

Week in Review

Busy week of a busy month!

We're done foaling - yeah.  Valentina finally popped day 349 from her last possible, I'll-cover-you-as-you-exit-the-pasture-date.  So we're not sure how long she actually carried him, but it's a first for me in eleven years of foaling.  I think 342 was the longest in the past!

Fortunately she had a beautiful bay colt.  I keep looking and kinda hope he'll grey out, as I've never had a grey foal before, but if he doesn't that will be good to, as we don't know yet how strong Topper's greying gene is, as the two fillies don't appear to have it.


He's very leggy, pretty Topper head and short back.

Definitely all boy from the screaming at one hour old, while running circles around his dam.  I've yet to figure out why colts (in general) are so much more active at birth than the fillies.  But I've had some that are just 'all that'!

So the third and final foal for 2011 foaling - Wesco Farms TC Up All Night OTG.  I'm thoroughly enjoying getting to sleep again too!



His two sisters, Wesco Farms TC Ascended Allure (Bailey) and Wesco Farms TC Defiantly Different (Cricket) are both doing well.  Bailey is already pending for sale, which is good.  The intent is to sell ALL foals this year and likely next too.


Bailey is shyer than Cricket, but they've finally reached the age where they're starting to play together.  Very cute to watch as they're so closely marked.

Friday, May 06, 2011

CMHR Online Horse Show

Reposted from Lil Beginnings - 


Chances Miniature Horse Rescue is excited to present our first online horse show EVER! 

This show is for every horse and pony no matter if you have a national champion contender or a backyard pet, all are welcome to participate. No registration papers required! No stall fee! No office fee! No judges fee! No gas to get there! AND!!! You also get to be the judge!

All you have to do is take pictures of your horses and ponies and enter the appropriate class. We have 20 classes and a great fun prize will be given to the winner of each class. We will be giving away your choice of DESIGNER HALTERS which we sell on our website for each winner.
A voting poll will be set up so you can also vote for who you want to win in each category.
The show will be held starting on June 6 and will go through June 20 right here on LB over
on the CMHR forum so be sure to tell your friends who are not members to come on over and register and log in. 

As a bonus attraction there will be a
ONLINE DOG SHOW, “MUTTS FOR MINIS” running simultaneously with the horse show, same place, same time. We will be giving away your choice of DESIGNER DOG COLLAR AND LEASH to each winner.

There is a $5.00 entry fee per class for each show. 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Seven Stages of Aging on Horseback......



Stage I:  Fall off pony. Bounce. Laugh. Climb back on. Repeat.

Stage 2:  Fall off horse. Run after horse, cussing. Climb back on by shimmying up horse’s neck. Ride until sundown.


Stage 3:  Fall off horse. Use sleeve of shirt to stanch bleeding. Have friend help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get home. Ride next day.

State 4:  Fall off horse. Refuse advice to call ambulance; drive self to urgent care clinic. Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil stunts on horseback. Back to riding before cast comes off.



Stage 5:  Fall off horse. Temporarily forget name of horse and name of husband. Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in hospital while titanium pins are screwed in place. Start riding again before doctor gives official okay.


Stage 6: Fall off horse. Fail to see any humor when hunky paramedic says, “You again?” Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology thanks to stint in ICU. Convince self that permanent limp isn't that noticeable. Promise husband you’ll give up riding. One week later purchase older, slower, shorter horse.

Stage 7:  Slip off horse. Relieved when artificial joints and implanted medical devices seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are due to gardening accident. Pretend you don’t see husband roll his eyes and mutter as he walks away. Give apple to horse.


Stage 8: Switch to Minis!!! 


Changed this just a little......

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Life has been busy the past few weeks, add to that sleep deprivation waiting on pregnant mares that seem to be crossing their legs... tired!!

Last week we had two boys gelded, Grosshills Littlemans Anticipation and Wesco Farms Shadowstep (McLuvin) with UC Davis out to do the deed.

UC Davis vets and students with Little

It was noted that Little at age 15 we definitely well endowed!  There was a student visiting from Norway that gelded McLuvin and he took a ton of photos - I hope good ones if he's going to share them back home!  Good group of students/teachers.

Little, talk about a handful!

Both are recovering well and Little doesn't seem to notice he's NOT a stallion yet.  Counting the days, weeks until he does!  We're hoping to see if he remembers how to drive, as he was trained years ago.  So, may have a driving gelding!


UCD also examined Callita's eye, and it's still inconclusive without biopsy and testing to determine if it is cancer and what type.  The recommended work up ran from remodeling her eyelid (very $$$) to eye removal ($800).  I told them the remodeling sounds good, but she's 23!  We're hoping the eye meds and topical cream may prove it isn't cancer (white face and no pigment around one eye), if so, then it's a management thing to keep her comfy.  Otherwise, Callita may lose the eye, just not to have the irritation and the constant drippy eye.  We should know in the next couple of weeks, what will be happening with that.


We also finally had Tomas out and are caught up on overdue trimming.  Between the weather and the flu, three missed appointments and some of the mares were getting long toes!  Everyone did well, except Woody who's trying to founder again.  I had UCD exam him when they were out, and they said it didn't appear to be Cushings (we had worried about that) as he was shedding well and everything else looked good and he's only 12.  Unfortunately our 38" gelding has horrible feet.  His heel grows at an angle (I believe a gift from his sire that I found out later had sired a few dwarves), and keeping him trimmed and comfortable is getting harder as he ages.


So Woody is confined again unhappily.  I have him babysitting the two weanlings and McLuvin - they all get along great.  Yes Bambam and Binks are officially weaned.  It's so weird to think they're technically yearlings when they're six and four months old and both think they're babies without their moms. They're such good buddies and sleep almost ontop of each other.  Cookie and Remy have finally given up guarding their boys through the fence which is good.  Both are scheduled to be bred next month and I'd like their minds on the next foal not these two.



The mares haven't foaled and are finally getting bags - yeah.  Valentina and Callita look the closest to go first, but Annie and Swan do not look far behind.  I'm just crossing fingers I have four easy foalings with no losses! Three are Topper babies (WCR Top Cop) and one is Demon's (Little King Dream Demon).

Wesco Farms AToy4Me Brazen Beauty


Kathi Donnell, Wards Creek Ranch, was down for a few days to pick up two mares she had to repossess, and sent another on to a new home in So Cal.  So while she was here she twisted my arm and made me actually be productive doing some much needed projects around here, so we decluttered, picked up junk and piles of 'stuff' and filled the garbage trailer and repaired a couple fences.  Look less junkie out front.  Now to get the trees planted and tame my weeds.  I ordered a new wheel trimmer mower, that should make the task easier. But not getting a full night's sleep on mare-stare the past few weeks, I'm a fairly useless zombie during the day.  So I'm trying to spend a couple hours outside cleaning/repairing/improving !


Other news, Dance (Buckeye WCF Dance All Night) arrived this morning with Wayne from Sharrway.  He apparently travels quite well and was babysitting a scared 2 year old filly.  Now that he's here, he's definitely in the mood for love and has been announcing to the mares (and the unhappy stallions) that he's here!  The little stinker promptly decided his quarantine pen was not to his desire and after an hour of fence testing stuck his head under and moved our portable pen about 4 feet.  So, he's screaming up a storm and had Ringo in a full sweat of annoyance.  For 30" Dance definitely thinks he's a big guy!  He definitely needs to be clipped, his Minnesota hair and he was sweaty today.  So Thursday we'll be doing some cleanup on him.


Other news, I had a delightful day up at the Bell's Miniature Horse Ranch with Jen Davis, from Imperial Acres.  We spent the day looking at all the gorgeous horses Val and Jim Bell have, and Jen finally selected a stallion.  It was down to two (one which I'm seriously considering talking Val out of - lol).  So, Jen's new herd sire is here on a visit too.  Bells Hollywood Heartbreaker, a son of Half Measures GM Mega Bucks by Bells Sienna Sunrise.  I really nice cross. Hollywood is a gorgeous bay and OMG can he move!

Jen's keeping it a secret that he's here, but I'm very thrilled with Hollywood, and have my own plans for him... ; )  and have been going through mares that should cross well with this boy.  Sorry Jen!

Bells Hollywood Heartbreaker, Imperial Acres

Jen and also came to an agreement, and we're trading mares.  She'll be taking Wesco Farms LM Rowdys Gemini (one of my double bred Rowdy mares) and I'll be getting Wesco Farms Unique Toy4Me back (half sister to Brazen Beauty above).  We're both pleased with the deal and both are likely being bred to Hollywood.  Unique is also half sister to ET and Dresden, but has a lot of color/personality from her sire.

Wesco Farms Unique Toy4Me

The plans for this week are clipping horses (so I see another storm is brewing - figures), and getting some more fencing projects completed.  The two new boys, two geldings (that aren't prepared to be geldings yet), two weanlings, two mares that are on a diet and pregnant mares I feel like musical pens here!  Lots of land but not enough holding areas/paddocks/pens. Another 10 or 15 would be perfect!!!

We did get our website up again, I'll still be tinkering with it in the coming months, but it's up!  I'm still adding info and individual horse pages.  I'm finding many of my mares, I don't have decent photos of at all, so add that to the to-do list.  So, the PLAN is to get everyone decent photos, I won't say good, but at least clipped cleaned up decent ones in the coming two-three months.

That and going through all my horse stuff, figuring what is a keep and what is time to sell it. Twelve years of collecting horse equipment, apparel, my daughter's show clothes and years of lots of magazines, books and videos - time to clean house!


I think a few days of sleeping and I'll be ready for that.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Dystocia Chart

This is from an old AMHA pamphlet I've had the pic lying around for ?? years. If you would like a copy email me - michelle@wescofarms.com

Dystocia Chart


Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Missing Horse

We've all been there, well I hope we haven't but I'm sure many of us have... You go out to feed or check your herd and someone is missing.

Having a larger herd (53 + 2 guests), I count noses and check everyone.  When the number doesn't add up I count again and again.

Today started off badly, slept in - hate the time change - to be woken up by UC Davis here to draw blood on a horse for a preg check.  We reschedule our gelding appointment until later this mont because of  rain/mud.

While we're chatting they ask which boys are getting gelded, and I tell them about McLuvin the escape artist and how he's always out in the orchard.  As I'm telling them, I see the little darling out in the orchard again.  Fortunately he's very friendly and will come when you call.  Catch him, lock him up in solitaire for the day and off to go feed the gang.

So, I'm feeding the mare herd, which is the largest group, and counting the gang like I alway do, including the stragglers still coming down the hill when I noticed Sarah (Wesco Farms Tricked Me Tina) wasn't there.

Sarah and April as a foal

April, her daughter, is here but no Sarah.  They're ALWAYS together.  So, I'm counting and looking again.  It's not like one of the 'black mares' as everyone that knows me knows I love black horses and I can tell them apart from 1/4 mile away.but not everyone else can.  It would be easy for anyone else to 'miss' one of them.  Sarah, though, is a silver bay pinto with very distinct markings.  So where the @#$%@ was she?

I'm waiting thinking she's going to appear, but no. Count again.  Check and count again.  Then the mind starts racing.  Broken leg, caught in a fence, dead, WTF? Where is she at?

So, back to the house and get my daughter.  I tell her Sarah's missing, she goes one way up the hills I go the long way around through the main valley, thinking she's slipped in the creek or is in the valley munching on grass.  This time of year we'll randomly have group that decide for whatever reason the long hike to get fed isn't worth it, so we find them in the valley grazing.

There I am slogging though marsh grass, runoff, lots of mud, jumping puddles and creeks, while climbing out hills, slipping a sliding (or as my daughter Anya says mud skiing).  The whole time my mind still racing.

She's dead, it's too wet and muddy to get a backhoe in here?  
How long will it take for us to hand dig a hole?  
OMG what if she's been munched on already?  
At least there is no sign of vultures.  
What if she's badly injured?
Where the @#%@ is she?

Up and down our hills (63 acres of up and down, with seasonal creeks) and I meet Anya at the other end.  No sign of Sarah.  That's good at least she's not dead or hurt, but where is she?  Surely she didn't get out.  No one would have stolen her specifically or if I was a thief I'd have taken more than one, right?

We're scanning everywhere, no big lump on the ground, under a tree or in the creek bed.  The dogs are running around but not 'oh hey look at this'.  So we start going back over the hills a different way thinking we may have missed her.  My mind still wondering, and also a separate track of thinking why do people go to gyms. Fuck that this is real Stairmaster workout!

I'm really getting concerned thinking did we miss a part of the property, as our horses don't wander off my themselves.  I know which ones hang out together, etc., so where can she be?

Anya has ran ahead to where the horses are still munching their morning alfalfa, while I'm checking the tree line along the road thinking maybe we missed something.  Anyay waves me down as I'm having the heart attack coming down the last hill.  She found her.  Sarah was happily munching hay next to her daughter.

ARGGGGGH!

I'm glad Sarah's okay.  Anya makes the remark maybe she thought we needed a good workout - thanks!

So where she was and how we missed her is still a mystery.  But thankfully the missing horse today had a happy ending!