So excited!

[Ridge Runner]

Well I shod be a shoe in for the funniest.

[Ridge Runner]

I bet some of the others are wondering : what the He!! are they talking about.

[shyykatt]

You mean "What the hay are they talking about"

[Roadhog]

Heeehaw...heeehaw...eeehaw....I laughed so hard I'm a little horse.

:? no...really...that's just how I laugh....why? :P

[Ridge Runner]

This must be why you DON"T look a gift horse in the mouth. :shock:

[RedRaven]

Congrat's on the new colt ShyyKatt... Don't ya just love the babies... They're just so adorable, and funny, watching them play... :wink:

[shyykatt]

Thnx! He's learning how to eat grain now out of my hand- now every time I go out there he's sniffin' around for treats!

[RedRaven]

I first rode a horse at age 2, and they've always been a passion of mine. When I was younger, I worked with horses, caring for 13 school horses at a riding academy, that also had boarders, and sold horses. They had a few foals, they were a lot of fun to watch out in the pastures. Unfortunately, I had to leave working with horses, simply because I had to make a living. But, when you work with animals, your not going to make a lot of money...

If your fortunate to be in a position that can afford you a living working with animals. I think it is one of the best careers you can have in life. If your an animal lover of course...

Your very lucky to own horses, and breed them... It is a very expensive endeavor...

I did get to work with Dairy Cattle several years ago. I bought a bull calf from the owner, and raised him to be a breeding bull.

The reason I did it, was that he not only looked like his "Daddy" (sire), but, because his "Daddy", was a great bull, and had not only a good physical conformaton, but, a personality that would be wanted by any Dairy Farmer, and he never missed a cow... He was a great Holstein breeding bull. It may sound silly to some, but, he was a very intelligent animal. He was more like a big dog, in his behavior. He understood everything you wanted him to do. I had him well trained...

I've delivered literally thousands of calves. I even brought calves that were born not breathing back to life... I've pulled a lot of calves, had many difficult births to deal with, and sadly, you do lose a calf once in a while. Especially when the calving process exceeds it's first hour. That's when things get very serious... Sadly, some farmers breed a cow to a bull that is to large a breed for their first pregnancy, and they struggle to give birth to a calf that is simply to large for them to deliver on their own.

In Dairy Cattle anyway, it is best to breed a Holstein Heifer to a Jersey Bull, for her first pregnancy. They call it calving ease... Once she's had her first calf, the next time she is bred, you can then breed her to a purebred Holstein bull. Because by then she has grown larger herself, and without all the details, it is simply easier for her to pass her calf.

I read you lost some mares, I'm sorry for your loss, I know it must have been a terrible heartbreak for you. I know it is probably a painful subject for you, and you don't have to tell me... But, I was just curious what happened to the mares when they were foaling?...

It bothered me a lot when we lost a calf. Sometimes you had to deal with a prolapsed uturus as well, when a cow was bred to bull that simply produced very large calves. But, we did all of our own doctoring of the cattle. Rarely we would have the vet come out to the farm. Since it was a large operation, you had medications on hand to treat sick animals. I've been there when the vet came out to do surgery on a cow with a twisted stomach. It is amazing to watch a vet operate on an animal that is standing right there in front of you, and has only been given a local anesthetic. I got so good at diagnosing the cattle that I could tell the temperature of a cow, just by touching her. The boss was always amazed at my abilities.

The only reason I don't work cattle anymore, is because of a very bad car accident I was in, while I was on my way to feed my calf. I had taken the day off from work, since it was my birthday, to buy my calf some things, and then that evening go to a birthday celebration a friend of mine was giving me... I left home 5 minutes early with a 10 minute drive to get to the farm. I was one minute from getting to the farm to feed my calf his dinner. When I was stopped in traffic, and ended up being rear ended by a woman who wasn't paying attention, and then sandwiched me into the back of a vehicle in front of me...

Needless to say, that evening put an end to my career with cattle, and eventually I had to sell my calf to the farm owner... It was a very traumatic event. Changed my life completely.

I still miss the farm to this day, the animals, the smell of hay, and just being outdoors with the animals most of the day. On the farm there weren't just the cattle. But, wildlife as well... Wild ducks that would escort their baby ducklings across the main pasture to a nearby pond every May. The wood chucks, muskrats, Chipmunks, deer, turkey vultures, song birds, and coyotes. Coyotes gets a bad rap unfortunately. But, for the farm, they often were the clean up crew. Taking away the after birth from cows that had calved out in the calving pasture. They would also take away any calves that were still born. While some people might find that awful, frankly, I looked at it as natures way of cleaning up, and keeping the pasture healthy, and part of natures lifecyle. Coyotes will never attack a healthy cow, or calf... Many people have a lot of misunderstandings about coyotes.

I was out one night checking on pregnant cows that we kept in a seperate calving pasture, to see who maybe calving, and assist if needed. You don't take a flash light with you, your eyes adjust to the dark, and you can find all the cows easily. Anyway, one night I went out and in the moon light there was a coyote about 50 feet from me... I just stopped and looked at him, and he did the same, looking back at me... He stood there for a little while, then simply turned, and walked off. He was just doing his job searching the pasture for anything he could take home to feed his own young. I knew he'd be back once I left the pasture.

It was just a great experience. I would probably still be at the farm, if it were not for the accident. The injuries I suffered from in the accident have healed as best as they were going too... I could probably go horse back riding again, but, at a relaxed pace. Nothing too jarring... I'm very grateful for all the experiences I've had in my life either owning, or working with animals. Some experiences being once in a lifetime events. I loved it though...

As for horses, I knew a woman who did endurance riding events, and all her ribbons took up every window in her kitchen...

Personally, if I could I'd own a Quarter horse, just for simple pleasure riding (western of course)... I've ridden english, but, I just prefer western...

Well, again congrat's on the new foal. What type of eventing do you participate in with your horses?...

[shyykatt]

I've been an animal lover my whole life too; the only one in my entire family really. Begged and begged my folks for a horse, (we were pretty poor), and got a pony when I was about 12. It was your typical shetland- a mean lil' sucker, and a stud too!- we didnt really know the difference between a stud or a gelding, or even a mare for that matter! Anyway, he wouldn't let me ride him of course, so a year later we traded him for a chestnut grade mare (beileved to be a mix of arab, QH and maybe Morgan)- I still have her, shes almost 30. I got into breeding once I found my first purbred mare, had her bred to a palomino QH, and she went into delivery like normal, when all hell broke loose; baby wasnt coming out, but tons of blood was- blood like I've never seen before. Well, she died, and no baby ever came. I was devestated- swore I'd never do that again, but I did. That mare died in 2001; in 2003 we had our dream colt born(out of the 2nd mare we ever bought)- I've never seen a colt like this- and his intelligence was unreal. Well, while he was growing up, I had found yet another mare to replace the one I lost; had my own stud by then (in addition to the great colt that was born)so I bred them. Well, Jan.of 2005, with only 2 months left to her due date, she colicked, and she had been straining so much that she literally ripped a 20" long hole in her intestines, and basically poisioned herself- she was dying, but we were able to euthanize her before she suffered too much.That foal died inside her. Then, July that same year, when my husband was off w/his trainer for OTR, our colt, who was 2 yrs old by then, I found him one morning, bleeding furiously out of his mouth and nostrils; long story short, he had a RARE (only the rare and freiky things happen to us!) disease- a fungus found its way onto his main artery in his brain/sinus area, and ate through, and he bled-out. We saved him for 2 weeks, but he had another episode (surgery would have run into the thousands), and I just couldnt deal w/it anymore- I said put him down- and they did, and I still cry over him b/c he was so perfect; I know of many people who have bred for 20 and 30+ years to get a horse like that, and we did it in 5. He just wasnt here for very long. I keep saying I want to get out of the breeding thing, and some days I want out of horses all together, but for some reason I can't. Its the only thing I know really, and I am just not ME unless I'm w/them. I guess we all have are own niches, now if I could only start making some good money at this! lol
I mainly trail ride- there is nothing like it. You can go places that nobody else can. I want to do more trips out west- never been to any mountains yet. We've done a lot of showing, but it is VERY political, and expensive. I just love to ride. You would do well with a Tennessee walker or Fox Trotter- they are SMOOTH-would be better for your body. I've never owned one, but I know many folks who have/do.

[RedRaven]

Who knows, maybe one day, I'll have the chance to own my own horse... If I do, I'll consider the horse breeds you mentioned...

I thought I'd share with you a few photos of my Holstein Bull, I owned, and raised. My accident happened when my calf was only 5 months old, and I ended up selling him back to the farm owner when he was 7 months old... I just couldn't care for him after my auto accident. Broke my heart to have to sell him. I had planned on him being on the farm forever. I was going to keep him as the farms breeding bull, and when he got to big, I would have made arrangements to retire him, and just keep him, out to pasture you could say...

But, life happens when your making plans, and things didn't turn out that way... The farm owner kept him another year, then sold him to another Dairy farm. I drove over an hour to visit him there, when I got the chance. He had changed... Unfortunately some farmers dont' treat their bulls like they should, and can be cruel to them. I think they broke his spirit. He barely allowed me to come to him, and pet him... Many farmers don't want the bulls to be friendly, because bulls, and even cows, will tend to head butt you, just playing. That's what they do to each other sometimes. So, it was a depressing visit. I did go see him one more time... But, it made me so upset, I couldn't go see him anymore after that...

Here are a few photos of my Holstein Bull... I know your probably not interested in Cattle. But, he was my pride, and joy back then... I still have his collar, that I kept on him as a calf, and a small name tag, I keep on my key chain...

Anyway, here are his photos...

This first one is him as a baby, he was 3 days old, and I let him out of his calf hutch, to have some fun, and run in the meadow... It was so funny to watch him... Luckily he came back to me, and I put him in his calf hutch pen... He enjoyed the freedom. I couldn't let him out with the other cows, so, I used to actually put a lunge line on him, and let him run around the meadow for a while each day, once I got done with work, and on my days off...

REMOVED BY ME

This next photo is when he was about a year old, doing his job, and checking out the cows... If you look closely he had a big heart shape of black on the left side of his neck... Meant he was a lover to the cows, not fighter... He really was a great breeding bull... I wanted to raise him with his horns, but, I was talked out of it by my friend I worked with at the farm. He said, that he would be worth more without his horns, should I have to sell him. Little did I know that's what happened...

REMOVED BY ME

This is the last photo I took of him, this is when he was sold to the Dairy Farm he went too, and where I couldn't bare to see him anymore... He was about 1 1/2 yrs. old... Here he was standing up for himself as the proud Bull that he was, letting the other bulls know, he's top Bull, and the cows belong to him... :wink: 8) It's not the greatest photo, and unfortunately the time of year I took this photo didn't allow for a better photo. If I'd been able to go back in a month, or two, they would have been out in pasture, instead of in the free stall barn area...

REMOVED BY ME

I can say it was a once in life time experience for me, and I am very grateful I got the chance to work the farm, and buy, and raise my Holstein Bull...

[shyykatt]

Thats pretty neat raven; I actually like cows a lot- one of my best friends growing up lived on a dairy farm, I loved going over there to help w/chores, pet the cows and play w/the new calves!- theres nothin' cuter than a newborn calf!My neighbors right now had a very small herd, they are mixed- Holstien, Charlois, and herefords I believe- they have about 10 or less. They have 2 little ones over there right now- so cute watching them play! The man I buy my hay from raises cows too, and has a bull right now that is stunning- I know more about horse conformation, but to me he seems nearly flawless. Unfortunatly he wont keep him (going to be butchered), and may not even be there next time I get hay- I should take a pic of him if he is still there.

[RedRaven]

Unfortunately, if your raising cattle as a business, that's the down side, if your an animal lover. That they all eventually go off to the slaughter house.

The only ones that get an extended life, are the cows, and when they don't give milk anymore, or suffer some kind of situation that they don't produce anymore, off they go to auction, and the slaughter house...

The average life of a bull is 2 years, and a Dairy Cow, on average is 4 to 6 years. Considering Cattle can live as long as 30+ years, like a horse, it is sad, that mosts in commercial use, don't get to have a long life. The only bulls that get to live a long life, are those that are high quality purebreds that were bred for AI (artificial insemination) use... They are well cared for, highly valuable bulls, that get to live very long lives...

Though on the farm because it wasn't just a Dairy Farm, but, is a Cattle dealing business. We had cows come in of all ages. We actually had a dark brown Jersey come in that was 8 years old. The poor thing was just worn out, from being a Dairy Cow... So, believe it or not, the owners of the farm felt bad for her, even though she could still produce milk. She wouldn't have brought them much money at auction. So, they decided to let her retire at the farm...

She stayed until she passed away, and was buried on the farm, out in the pasture, where she got to spend many happy days, just grazing, and enjoying her freedom from the milking barn...

Of course that is why it was tragic when I got injured in that auto accident. Because once I had to sell my Bull, I knew he would only get a few years if he was lucky, before he too would be sent off to the slaughter house. The reason they usually slaughter a bull at age 2, or 3 at the most is because that is when the meat is at it's best...

I had wished so much that I could have kept my Bull. But, there just wasn't a way for me to keep him... The only solice I take from that time is, that he went on to breed cows, and produce great off spring, so his legacy still lives on...

Like horses, cows all have their own personalities as well... While I was at the farm, there were cows who's personality stood out. Whether they were just quiet, easy going cows, or those who always wanted you to pet them, or just other reasons they made an impression on you... I named some that stood out... Although I knew that eventually they would all end up being sold to other dairy farms.

When you work for a cattle dealer, it is fun, and sad at the same time... Because you get to see a lot of different breeds come through the door, your delivering calves every day. But, it has it's down side... All the cows, and bulls are eventually sold either at auction for slaughter, or to other dairy farms. Of course they didn't just have dairy cattle come into the farm. They had beef cattle, and even Texas long horn, and once a couple of Brahman cattle... When I saw them, I was amazed... They were purebred, and beautiful...

Sometimes we got cattle that were actually peoples pets. What people who raise cattle as pets don't realize. Is, that when they sell that animal to a cattle dealer that animal is going to be put to work, or go to slaughter... Once you give up cattle to a cattle dealer, they no longer get the privilege of being considered a "PET", any longer... Some of the pet cattle don't do well, because they actually become emotionally home sick, and some eventually do become physically sick because of it. Some just give up on life, and die. They will stop eating, lose weight, and become ill, and there is nothing you can do for them... They can't adjust to a commercial Dairy farm life, and some miss their previous owners, and no matter how much attention, or kindness you try to show them. Your an employee, and you just can't give them the time they need... Some do adjust, and thankfully go on to do well...

There are organizations that take cattle, and horses that have been raised as pets, that will retire them, and simply let them live out their lives in a sanctuary... But, I think many people don't realize giving up livestock that have been pets to any LIVESTOCK "DEALER", isn't a good idea, if they want that animal to remain a pet...

In some respects my time on the cattle dealers farm was a unique experience. Though if I had it to over again, I think I would have preferred to work at a regular dairy... At least you don't have to see a lot of the down side of the business that way...

The fun side though was helping calves to be born, and when it was a successful birth, that made your day... Watching the cows, and even the bulls play in the pastures, running around kicking at the air, head butting, and just being cattle, was fun to watch...

The bull that sired my calf was terrific. I used to spoil him... After work, I would take a curry comb, or brush, and give him a good brush down. He loved it, and would stand still for me, while I brushed him. I used to give him big hugs, putting my arms around his neck... He always liked being scratched behind the ears, and along his neck, and back. He really was like a big dog sometimes...

I try to just remember the good times I had there with the cattle... I don't like to think about the sad times... I think my best week there was when we had over 20 calves born in one week... Wow, I can tell you we were very busy that week. I was responsible for caring for all the calves, and I loved it...

Comparing the two experiences, working with cattle, and working with horses. I'd have to say working with the cattle, there was more excitement, and never a dull moment... Though I never had the opportunity to work at a horse breeding farm (which I'm sure would have been just as exciting as working the cattle farm), I could honestly say, that even on a bad day, there wasn't anything else in the world I would have rather done for a career, or work... :wink:

[RedRaven]

ShyyKatt, do you have photos of all your horses?... Would like to see them if you do...

If I could, I'd probably have a nice beef cattle, or Bison farm, and have horses to work the herd.

But, then again I'd have to live in another area of the country to do so...

There just isn't a need for cutting horses in this area of the country...

Well, I was a "real cowgirl", there for a while, just didn't have the horse to go along with the job...

[shyykatt]

I have a lot of bad days around here, but they are still better than a bad day anywhere else!

I have millions of pics of my herd, will try to post some when I get a chance.

[RedRaven]

The pic's would be nice to see, there's no rush, when ever you have time...

Sorry to hear your having a lot of bad things going on... I know you lost some horses, has there been something more recent?...

Well, at least you have a new foal to bring a little cheer to your day...

I remember when I worked with horses, there was a beautiful White Arabian Gelding that was a boarder... I asked if I could be in charge of him, and caring for him, and cleaning his box stall... They let me, and I loved getting to spend time with him... His owner rode him western pleasure.

Then one day, for some unknown reason, I was cleaning his stall, and I was petting him.

He turned his head, and just suddenly gave me a nip right on the boob... :shock: :sad: It was the first, and last time he ever did that to me... I still don't know what got into him... Maybe he was just having a bad day... :wink: But, wow, did that hurt!... :shock:

There was another horse I cared for, a flea bitten gray horse by the name of Hazel... She was one horse you never turned your back on... She would if she could nip you good, while you were cleaning her stall... To her it was a game... But, I kept her in her place, with a stern voice of course... Most of the others I worked with, were well mannered easy going horses. When I left there for a job that paid more, I made sure to bring a big bag of sliced apples, and carrots, and made sure all the horses I cared for, got the treats...

I missed being with the horses... I know this may sound silly, but, my most favorite smells are the smell of fresh cut hay, the smell of a horse (not when they've been sweating though), and the smell of a western saddle... Along with the sound of a saddle, the crackling of the leather, when your sitting in the seat... It's just one of those sensory things that stick in your brain... Kind of like some people love the smell of fresh baked apple pie...

Well, I hope your days are better, and more enjoyable... Hopefully you don't have to many bad days... :wink:

[shyykatt]

Yeah, horses have their 'days' just like people. We have a stallion, and although he is VERY well mannered, he is still a stud- they have to deal w/their 'desires', and still behave, so they have moody days too; he likes to bite on those moody days, and definetly doesnt trust anyone but me. With stallions it is all about dominance, and even though I have done all the work w/him and he 'knows' better than to get outta line w/me, he will test the boundries all the time- that is just the way they are. I seldom have problems w/him, but the fact that he is a stud means I can never let my guard down around him, unlike mares and geldings.

Anyway, here is one of my old girl, "Galaxy"; this was actually taken probably 12 yrs ago or so. Swimming in the lake was one of our fav things to do all summer (she did the work tho, I am afraid to actually get off and swim!)

[shyykatt]

No, have not lost any horses recently, thank God; My business is slow, and hubby is gone ALL the time, blah blah blah- you know. I also take care of my folks' stuff too; they live a block or 2 away, so I gotta do all their lawn work, some house work, etc. I have 5+ siblings, do you think any one of them could help?! Oh well, thats life. I really have nothing to complain about- it could always be worse, but I guess its human nature to want better lol.

[RedRaven]

She's a beauty, ShyyKatt... :wink: She looks like she's having fun playing in the water...

I understand what your saying about family... Well, don't let it get you down... You've got those wonderful horses, and living a dream many others may never get to experience.

You must have been very pursuasive to talk your parents into getting you a pony, when you were young...

I actually participated in 4-H, for a little while... I was supposed to have a shetland pony as my project, from a girl who was going to let me use her pony, for pony cart events, in exchange for me helping her clean her barn, stalls, and care for her horses...

I used to ride my bicyle half way across town after school every day to go help her with her horses, and have her teach me how to drive... But, unfortunately, she let me down...

The pony got colic one day and was an older pony, and after he recovered, she simply said, I couldn't use him as my project anymore... I never did get to actually use him in an actual event at the 4-H grounds. I had hand made a long skirt to wear in school, as part of my costume just for these events. I never did get to show...

My 4-H leader said to me, that this girl had used kids before, promising them they would get to ride, or use her horses, in exchange for helping her... But, when the time came, she would tell them no... She basically used kids, and dashed their dreams...

It was a sad experience for me as a kid... I had worked so hard, just to end up being used by her... Broke my heart, and my trust of other people...

The 4-H leader had a shetland pony stallion he was beautiful. But, as you mentioned Stallions can be quite a hand full... Well, he had been making all kinds of noise, because one of her mares was in heat, and he was digging up his paddock, and making a mess of the place. So, she said, if you want him, you can have him... I said, I couldn't afford him, she said, you can have him for free...

I was so excited, he was a beauty. I rode my bicycle home, and told my mother about the offer... I told both my parents, they said, no... It was one of several times in my life, that my family dashed my dreams, and ambitions...

But, looking back, again, I'm just grateful I had the experience no matter how small it was... I used to have several horse models as a kid, and horse posters hung all over my bedroom walls... I was just passionate about horses...

Even today, I still have images of horses hung on the walls in my home, and I still have some of those horse models. Even if I don't own a horse, I still haven't given up that passion for them...

I've got several photos of horses I used to ride when I was younger. I used to go horse back riding every year on my birthday when I was a kid... I told my parents that was the only birthday present I wanted, was to be able to go horseback riding... I only have a couple of horse photos on my computer.

They are when I was a baby, and had my first experience with horses. We had distant relatives who owned 2 horses... I'll post them...

Well, if you have any more photos, I'll look forward to seeing them..

[RedRaven]

These are the two photos I previously mentioned...

This is a photo of me with my relatives two horses in their barn. My mother used to place my stroller in front of the horses, and I would spend most of the day, just watching them. They were sort of like my baby sitters... My mother said, when it was time to go in the house, that I would cry, because I didn't want to leave the horses... Guess that's when you know you've developed a passion for them... :wink: One of the horses was named "Beauty", a riding horse, and the other was a draft horse named "Tony"...

photos removed by me...

This next photo is my first ride aboard their mare named "Beauty", she was a medicine hat... I had a lot of fun spending time with those horses...

photos removed by me...

[RedRaven]

ShyyKatt, did you ever see the television documentary on "CLOUD STALLION OF THE ROCKIES"?...

It was a very good program, that was on PBS... About a band of wild Mustang horses on BLM managed public lands in the Rocky Mountains... It documented this horses life from birth to becoming a band stallion...