Just an FYI Passing this along - local showing in Davis California
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Coming Friday, July 15th ~ Playing For One Week Only
Showing posts with label horse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horse. Show all posts
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
It's cold!
It's been cold here, okay not as cold as other areas in the country/world, but for the valley in Northern California it seems colder than normal! I'm wrapped up like I'm in Siberia most of the time. I think I'm starting to get the 'snow-birds' idea of heading to warmer climates in the winter - lol!
Monday was extremely bitter cold hovering right at freezing, so had to snap a few pics. The first is a saw I'd left out overnight (sawing down some very aggressive vines) the other is Fraiser one of our Aussies. I tried to catch the sun coming up against all the frosted everything, and one of our dogs Sabrina, she actually had frost on her back (she was on coyote duty), but nothing came out well, so delete!
The horses seem to be bearing up well in the cold, and fortunately the buckets aren't freezing solid every day. Today I caught Binks and Bambam right after they were done playing having a nap - they're so darn cute, although I'd gladly pass on every having Fall foals again. Now to get my mares and stallions to read this little FYI!!!
Over the weekend I did have a surprise. I was out feeding and as I'm walking along talking to the mares and giving the visual once over as I head towards the hay barn, I notice Cookie has developed a white star. Surpise! Not Cookie. Somehow Una managed to get into another pasture and we still don't know how. No holes in the fences or gates and Una is a good 37", so how she managed is beyond me. Since she hasn't weaned her now two year old daughter, Blessings, so I think good idea a bit of separation. Apparently that's what I thought...
Surprise! Guess who's in with mom Monday morning? However they achieved this, it was a one way deal as they haven't left yet and we really can't figure out how.
IMHO, I think Una is trying for a repeat with her true love Ringo. She's staring at him in this photo. Tomorrow is eviction day. I've explained to Una that all the 'plan' is to re-breed her to Ringo in May and we don't want anymore winter foals. I hope she was listening.
Monday was extremely bitter cold hovering right at freezing, so had to snap a few pics. The first is a saw I'd left out overnight (sawing down some very aggressive vines) the other is Fraiser one of our Aussies. I tried to catch the sun coming up against all the frosted everything, and one of our dogs Sabrina, she actually had frost on her back (she was on coyote duty), but nothing came out well, so delete!
The horses seem to be bearing up well in the cold, and fortunately the buckets aren't freezing solid every day. Today I caught Binks and Bambam right after they were done playing having a nap - they're so darn cute, although I'd gladly pass on every having Fall foals again. Now to get my mares and stallions to read this little FYI!!!
Over the weekend I did have a surprise. I was out feeding and as I'm walking along talking to the mares and giving the visual once over as I head towards the hay barn, I notice Cookie has developed a white star. Surpise! Not Cookie. Somehow Una managed to get into another pasture and we still don't know how. No holes in the fences or gates and Una is a good 37", so how she managed is beyond me. Since she hasn't weaned her now two year old daughter, Blessings, so I think good idea a bit of separation. Apparently that's what I thought...
Surprise! Guess who's in with mom Monday morning? However they achieved this, it was a one way deal as they haven't left yet and we really can't figure out how.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Random photo's today
Took the camera out to "try" to take photos with the results most are of nostrils, noses, horses chewing or butts! A few not headed directly for delete follow.
View from one of the pastures. It would make a wonderful backdrop to the posed photos if we ever get those taken. Las Doradas Calypso Queen (left) and her daughter Wesco Farms Jamaica Me Crazy (right). Two of the under 28" Minis here.
West Coast Buena Callita, 22 years young. We retired her, but she's still cycling and in good body condition so .... maybe a date with WCR Top Cop this year. If she's guarantee a filly I'd happily breed her! She's always been fairly heavy producing colts, though. I only have Baybee here, who is expecting in the next few weeks.
Wesco Farms ET's Secret Affair aka Keiga (top). His blue roan is showing through his rubbed spots. Two months old and thinks he owns the world. Bruiser's roan isn't showing yet but he's not into using everything including humans as scratching posts. I'm leaning towards Bruiser's registered name Wesco Farms Twist of Fate, as if Ringo wasn't a jumper he wouldn't be here!
Wesco Farms April Sunshine BB (Bonus Bucks x Sarah) and Wesco Farms While You Were Sleeping FF aka Surprise (Frenchie x Twila). Both are yearlings with close to 7" height difference. April is under 27" while Surpise is taller than her dam Twila and I'm going to hold my breathe she stays under 34". Surprise's color? Silver buckskin? We're still not sure. April will be off to Colorado in June. We're going to miss her. One of those if the deal falls through - it would be a win - ROFL!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Clean up and uncovering stuff
Spent most of the day cleaning up old files on the PC. Good thing to do on a really wet day. I'm so glad the pregnant mares are holding out on foaling. Hate slogging through mud. Bruiser was really put out this morning with the rain and refused to go out. Just screamed at his dam, for being crazy enough to wander around in the rain to eat!
While I've been cleaning up the harddrive (getting ready to reformat this PC), I did uncover some gems that I've had stored away for years! It's amazing what I keep... everything from feeding, to breeding to equine humor, etc. Some of the old e-newsletter I sent out a few years back.
So, I've been redoing, updating some and will posting them on the blog. I am crediting authors if known, and will definitely note those I haven't a clue who wrote them - so if anyone reads something that they can tell me the source I'd be thrilled to now that! I'm also going to start listing just a few of the photos I've had stored for years - I think it's 500+ photos of Minis collected over the years.
Last night had the Kiega and Bruiser in the backyard. They're so adorable together. Fiesty little pair and take after Ringo - constantly dropped, checking out the mares! Kiega is the friendlier of the two, but Bruiser will learn.
Still watching Baybee and Chiclet. I know Baybee is going to be hard to judge when she's due as we don't have a cover date, and she's a maiden. Remy I seesaw - pregnant, fat, pregnant, fat. So we're treating her as pregnant.
I did notice Libbe looks rounder than I she should be, but at this point I think everyone's secretly pregnant.
Everyone is suspect to me!
The most PG looking horse here though is Ray, our gelding. He's the old style mini and overweight as it is. He loves his hay and doesn't miss feeding time ever. He's one of the few that I've ever forced on a diet as he can get so chunky, so quickly.
While I've been cleaning up the harddrive (getting ready to reformat this PC), I did uncover some gems that I've had stored away for years! It's amazing what I keep... everything from feeding, to breeding to equine humor, etc. Some of the old e-newsletter I sent out a few years back.
So, I've been redoing, updating some and will posting them on the blog. I am crediting authors if known, and will definitely note those I haven't a clue who wrote them - so if anyone reads something that they can tell me the source I'd be thrilled to now that! I'm also going to start listing just a few of the photos I've had stored for years - I think it's 500+ photos of Minis collected over the years.
Last night had the Kiega and Bruiser in the backyard. They're so adorable together. Fiesty little pair and take after Ringo - constantly dropped, checking out the mares! Kiega is the friendlier of the two, but Bruiser will learn.
Still watching Baybee and Chiclet. I know Baybee is going to be hard to judge when she's due as we don't have a cover date, and she's a maiden. Remy I seesaw - pregnant, fat, pregnant, fat. So we're treating her as pregnant. I did notice Libbe looks rounder than I she should be, but at this point I think everyone's secretly pregnant.
Everyone is suspect to me!
The most PG looking horse here though is Ray, our gelding. He's the old style mini and overweight as it is. He loves his hay and doesn't miss feeding time ever. He's one of the few that I've ever forced on a diet as he can get so chunky, so quickly.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Breeding - Linebreeding, Inbreeding and Pedigree Matching
As a breeder, I tend to spend a certain amount of time (okay alot of time!) online and reading books researching and educating myself on breeding. I don't stop at Miniature Horses though. Dogs, cattle, rabbits... Google cavies or rabbits (most rodents) with their shorter lifespan, short birthing cycle, there is quite a lot of valuable data out there. Much of which can be extrapolated and used for breeding horses.
IMHO, Miniature Horses are too new of a breed (heck we're still classed as a height registry by AMHR, not even a breed!) so we don't have an established "set" standard of what exactly a Miniature Horse is suppose to be yet. That won't change until AMHR and to a lesser degree AMHA accept that we want this to be a breed not a height registry.
Yes, both registries have a "standard" but when you think "Miniature Horse" as to general conformation, you will get a variety of opinions on what the ideal is suppose to be!(assuming no conformation flaws). It can vary widely from the dishy arab head with a flatter croup to the high moving, short backed AMHR/ASPC dual registered Shetlands and about everything in between.
This is versus all the established equine breeds. If someone were to mention - Arabian or Quarterhorse or Clydesdale. Immediately a very clear picture forms in your mind.
A definite type is set in those breeds. Minis are not quite there... yet!
Honestly I've said this before (I've said it often in the past 10 years!), I'd love to see Miniature Horse embrace a variety of the large breeds and have breeders specifically breed for miniaturized Arabians, drafts, stock, riding type horses. That would be really amazing. BTW, I 'd be breeding the Mini Fresians.... maybe a few typie black & grey Arabs... ROFL!
It would be hard to judge at a Miniature show, but the diversity and genetic selection necessary to breed for specific large horse characteristics - back to genetics!! lol!!
Off my soapbox.
Studying the successful lines in Miniature Horses is another fascinating project, especially when you apply the knowledge used in other breeds/species on linebreeding, inbreeding and pedigree matching.
It's not surprising to see the same names crop up repeatedly when you research lineage. And I'm not talking just Rowdy or Buckeroo! There are a number of lines that are prevalent in Miniature Horses (some are more regionalized than others), that have contributed over the decades.
If you are a breeder or plan to become one, I'm of the very strong opinion that both AMHA & AMHR studbooks are necessary tools in breeding. Not that every horse's pedigree pre-DNA/PQ testing is correct (we've all heard the rumors!), but to be able to check the successful crosses, to your horses siblings, parents, grand-parents, etc., is valuable.
Or if you're a color breeder to check the recorded colors (the phenotype) in both registries versus the genotype. The fees are money well spent, again in my humble opinion!
If you are a breeder or plan to become one, I'm of the very strong opinion that both AMHA & AMHR studbooks are necessary tools in breeding. Not that every horse's pedigree pre-DNA/PQ testing is correct (we've all heard the rumors!), but to be able to check the successful crosses, to your horses siblings, parents, grand-parents, etc., is valuable.
Or if you're a color breeder to check the recorded colors (the phenotype) in both registries versus the genotype. The fees are money well spent, again in my humble opinion!
What I've found interesting when I'm looking through someone's herd or a new buyer is out here how often the eye goes to certain horses that prove to be from the same genetic lines. I just find it fascinating how we can find something pleasing to our eye and the horses are closely related. I noticed this again in the recent AMHA Stallion Showcase. I'm particularly personally loving the Buckeroo x Redi or Not crosses!
Genetics, breeding theory, coat color, all totally fascinate me, so I thought I'd start sharing some of the articles and books I've uncovered over time this year.
Most of this is dry and boring - if you're not into factual and theoretical breeding practices that is! But, if you are a breeder you should have the basics of genetics down. If you want to get into linebreeding or even pedigree matching (I love this term and have practiced it long before I knew what it was), you really better know your stock and the risks involved. It's one of those wonderful when it goes right, oh noes when it goes wrong!
Most of this is dry and boring - if you're not into factual and theoretical breeding practices that is! But, if you are a breeder you should have the basics of genetics down. If you want to get into linebreeding or even pedigree matching (I love this term and have practiced it long before I knew what it was), you really better know your stock and the risks involved. It's one of those wonderful when it goes right, oh noes when it goes wrong!
Horse Gquine Genetics & Selection Procedures, Equine Research Inc., Research Staff
David Cavill on Genetic Health (he has a series on Line Breeding too) in Dog breeds. Some of this is very applicable to horses too! He's very educated, a bit opinionate but knows his stuff!
Good resources on breeding (Google has pages of others too)
A few of the books I own and refer to:
Arabian Horse photo - World of Horses USA
Clydesdale photo - Farmschool.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
August recap
So much for the daily blogging!
I know I could, but to write 'we fed the horses' or 'we trimmed the horses today', seems a bit boring and not worth anyone's time to read!
I've been looking at some different article type posts that I may add as my taxi service (driving a teenager) will keep me on the laptop at Starbucks for a few hours a day. The price of living in the country didn't include Starbucks stops and hours away from home 'waiting'! rofl
August -
It's been hot and dry. The horses have turned the pastures into dirt pretty much as we've had no rain in months. Fortunately alfalfa is under $10 a bale and grass hays hovering around $12..50, so we're saving a few hundred dollars a month on just hay cost alone.
Tomas was out once, we had to cancel twice due to unexpected events, so everyone's getting long toed again. He's coming this Friday, now the choice the boys or the babies? Both are in need and he can't do all of them at one time. /sigh
I know I've been posting to Twitter, but Vanna managed to go for a double eye injury. Her and mom, Jamaica are in the backyard (my recovery room) as Woody, Rohan and Ringo have claimed the other small paddocks. Vanna is doing well after a few days of treatment. The right eye looks like it will heal completely and she has good sight in it. The left...I'm hoping she won't need it to be removed. It's improved, but she really nailed it. We're giving it a few more days to see if it continues to improve.
Her aunt (Jamaica's half sister), Missy was my first eye injury to deal with. We treated her around the clock for 10 days and her eye got worse and she went in for a removal. Missy was only three days old when she lost her eye, so she's always got on well without it. (BTW - Missy lives at Jenn Davis and is due with her first foal this month.)
Sooooo, we're going to continue to monitor the mighty munchkin that is Vanna and hope/pray she doesn't need to lose her eye.
Woody
Woody has lost maybe 5 lbs., lol! He looks a bit thinner and he's definitely alot more comfortable walking, and still hating his grass hay diet. (I've cheated and give him a couple handfuls of alfalfat sprinked around his paddock) He'll get trimmed Friday so hopefully Tomas sees lots of improvement in his hooves. He really hates being locked up, as Rohan through the fence is absolutely no companionship.
When we went through the boys pasture, Krissy at first was interested in one of the blacks - Raider (blaze, one blue eye) or McLuvin (ultra friendly no white), but while she was checking all the boys - Thunder Bluff (we've changed his name a gazillion times as nothing seems to stick, but it's Little and Libbe's 2008 colt) kept following her, poking his nose in her face - basically giving her the 'what about me' going over!
Finally she did, which made him really want more, so she decided he was the one for her! He loaded well into her trailer - considering it was his first time - and we caught Miss Peanut who gracefully belly flopped her way into the trailer - hey the back of the trailer step up is above her leg height! So off they went to I'm sure a fantastic home.
I know I could, but to write 'we fed the horses' or 'we trimmed the horses today', seems a bit boring and not worth anyone's time to read!
I've been looking at some different article type posts that I may add as my taxi service (driving a teenager) will keep me on the laptop at Starbucks for a few hours a day. The price of living in the country didn't include Starbucks stops and hours away from home 'waiting'! rofl
August -
It's been hot and dry. The horses have turned the pastures into dirt pretty much as we've had no rain in months. Fortunately alfalfa is under $10 a bale and grass hays hovering around $12..50, so we're saving a few hundred dollars a month on just hay cost alone.
Tomas was out once, we had to cancel twice due to unexpected events, so everyone's getting long toed again. He's coming this Friday, now the choice the boys or the babies? Both are in need and he can't do all of them at one time. /sigh
Vanna
I know I've been posting to Twitter, but Vanna managed to go for a double eye injury. Her and mom, Jamaica are in the backyard (my recovery room) as Woody, Rohan and Ringo have claimed the other small paddocks. Vanna is doing well after a few days of treatment. The right eye looks like it will heal completely and she has good sight in it. The left...I'm hoping she won't need it to be removed. It's improved, but she really nailed it. We're giving it a few more days to see if it continues to improve.Her aunt (Jamaica's half sister), Missy was my first eye injury to deal with. We treated her around the clock for 10 days and her eye got worse and she went in for a removal. Missy was only three days old when she lost her eye, so she's always got on well without it. (BTW - Missy lives at Jenn Davis and is due with her first foal this month.)
Sooooo, we're going to continue to monitor the mighty munchkin that is Vanna and hope/pray she doesn't need to lose her eye.
Woody
Woody has lost maybe 5 lbs., lol! He looks a bit thinner and he's definitely alot more comfortable walking, and still hating his grass hay diet. (I've cheated and give him a couple handfuls of alfalfat sprinked around his paddock) He'll get trimmed Friday so hopefully Tomas sees lots of improvement in his hooves. He really hates being locked up, as Rohan through the fence is absolutely no companionship.
Token and Flash
Token, one of our super sweet geldings, went off to become a 4-H horse and project for a friends son. I think they'll do super together. While Dee was here, we got to talking about Flash (Vegas Views Jumpin Jack Flash) and Dee remarked how much she liked him. So we struck a great deal and Flash was loaded up with Token for the ride up to Auburn. Both seem to be doing well, and Flash is loving the one on one attention Dee can give him that I couldn't. I sent an email to his breeder, she's pleased he's in a good home with a clause that if he can't be kept there first rights go to her or me! A real win-win for Flash!
Peanut and Thunder Bluff
Just today, Krissy from a blacksmithing school came by with the intent of getting two minis. One as a companion to her hard keeper mare and another for her companion, educational tool at the school. Peanut was an immediate yes - this will be a great home for her. As I've always felt Peant was not of the quality (had the color and size) of a good breeding animal, but hesitated to sell her to someone that would try.
When we went through the boys pasture, Krissy at first was interested in one of the blacks - Raider (blaze, one blue eye) or McLuvin (ultra friendly no white), but while she was checking all the boys - Thunder Bluff (we've changed his name a gazillion times as nothing seems to stick, but it's Little and Libbe's 2008 colt) kept following her, poking his nose in her face - basically giving her the 'what about me' going over!
Finally she did, which made him really want more, so she decided he was the one for her! He loaded well into her trailer - considering it was his first time - and we caught Miss Peanut who gracefully belly flopped her way into the trailer - hey the back of the trailer step up is above her leg height! So off they went to I'm sure a fantastic home.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Technology
Technology. In many ways it doesn't affect most of what we do with our horses - they don't care if we blog, tweet, add a photo to a wall, use facebook, myspace, a forum, email, or cell phones. They want food, water, buddies and to be safe above all things. I'm sure at times my horses look at me more as maid service and a complete annoyance (when the farriers truck is driving up or I'm approaching with a syringe!). So they don't give a flying fig about all the new changes that make our life more interesting. I won't say easier as the learning curve and keeping up is a bit of a challenge for aging America!
But these tools that are purely for our own convenience are wonderful ways to market your horses and share the passion and love for your breed(s) of choice. I'm all about making American Miniature Horse #1 breed of choice and would love to have people call them Minis versus minis as in they are Miniature Horses (a breed) versus miniature horses (a height). I won't go off here on that tangent as that is a long rant!
I will share though, there is another side of me that loves all things techie (yes I'm a multi PC, laptop carrying, Iphone loving geek) and I've used the most current innovations for marketing (former realtor with one of the first websites in the area back when people were still cold calling!). So as soon as my 'pet' purchase turned into a business - Wesco Farms was on the web and has been with its current address since I think 2000.
(Another post in the making - bloated/out of date websites - ours is in dismal shape. I've been learning html and css sheets when I can, but life has been busy and things keep stalling out. So
our hard to get around site sits. I've stored way tooooooo much information on our site over the past nine years and I'm going to start deleting all the extas that I don't use.)
I will admit though, I get a kick whenever I meet someone and tell them my name - they're polite but the blank look of non-recognition is there. Then someone invariable tells them the ranch name and I get the "Oh I know you!" I always inwardly smile as, not to be mean but no they don't know ME, they know Wesco Farms website, not me personally. I was segueing into that . . . as I'm tackling - after much resistance - the new frontier: Facebook , Twitter and a few other of the social ways to connect online.
Another admission - I have a hard time believing anyone cares or wants to read some of the things I might write -does someone really want to hear about my yummy protein shake for breakfast? or that what I'm reading? My friends or family maybe, but strangers?
So, I'm stretching my need for privacy muscles and putting bits and pieces out there.
What I've enjoyed so far is Twitter. I've been surprised how much and also surprised at the lack of Mini people on. I know that will change over time, but I've been avoiding it for a good year or so, so thought there would be an established group by now.
Another one that I've been randomly using and have asked Chad the site owner to add a Twitter account to is CattleGrower.com this is aimed at all things rural (which most of us are) so you might want to give it a looksee.
So, what's your favorite? I'd love to hear from some people - Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, other?
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