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Well I shod be a shoe in for the funniest.
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I bet some of the others are wondering : what the He!! are they talking about. :lol:
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You mean "What the hay are they talking about" :lol:
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Heeehaw...heeehaw...eeehaw....I laughed so hard I'm a little horse.
:? no...really...that's just how I laugh....why? :P http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...mile_often.jpg |
This must be why you DON"T look a gift horse in the mouth. :shock:
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Congrat's on the new colt ShyyKatt... Don't ya just love the babies... They're just so adorable, and funny, watching them play... :lol: :wink:
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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!
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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... :lol: 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... :lol: 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... :lol: 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?... |
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. |
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... :lol: 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... |
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.
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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... :D 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... :D :wink: |
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... :lol: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...mileyhorse.gif Well, I was a "real cowgirl", there for a while, just didn't have the horse to go along with the job... :lol: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...leyCowgirl.gif |
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. |
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: :lol: 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... :lol: :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: |
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!) http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...kesplasher.jpg |
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. :lol:
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She's a beauty, ShyyKatt... :wink: She looks like she's having fun playing in the water... :lol:
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. :lol: 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.. :D |
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... :lol: 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... |
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... |
Neat pics raven. OMG, I collected those model horses too- called "Breyers" right? I just sold my entire collection (600+) over the internet, a woman in Oklahoma bought most of them. I was so obsessed w/them growing up; I made little saddles and bridles for them, blankets, halters, etc. My dad made me a barn for them, I used to photograph them too, and people would say that they looked like real horses in the pics! I even showed them- it was crazy. Well, they can be expensive to buy, so I had to choose between the real horses or the fake ones.....cant ride the fake ones (but at least ya dont have to clean up after them lol)so I sold them all, broke my heart, but im over it. Yeah, Ive seen 'Cloud'- pretty neat. The only part that disturbed me a bit was when that one stallion killed that foal by shaking it to death; it had to be done b/c the foal was sick, but that was violent to watch! Its a shame that mustang herds are nearly gone now- I had a chance to see them when I was Medora, North dakota a couple years ago, but all I saw were Buffalo! My neighbors up the street adopted 2 mustangs last year from South Dakota- boy are they ever pretty! I have thought about doing that too one day. I love to ride hard, and I guess they are tough and smart and very surefooted.
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Heres one of that wonderful stud colt we lost in 05'; his name was "Majestic Witez" aka "Blake"- this was taken shortly before he died.
('Witez' comes from his sire-line, a famous stallion rescued during WWII, "Witez II" was his name- was brought to the US and sired so many champions, cant count them all) http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...estofBlake.jpg |
I think horses are the number one most beautiful animal on earth... They just take your breathe away sometimes...
I think that the Stallion (named "Looking Glass"), in the "Cloud", documentary that attacked, and killed that new born foal, did it for three reasons. One the foal wasn't his, "Looking Glass" sniffed the foal before he attacked, and killed it... It's like a lot of other animals. The males will kill young that are not their own... Second, I think that the band Stallion that was the sire wasn't paying attention, and doing his job to protect his entire band. Third, it also could have been that the band the foal belonged too, realized the foal wouldn't be able to get to it's feet. Abandoned it, leaving it vulnerable to attack by the Stallion that did kill it (doing so because it was not one of his own foals)... I suppose a horse expert would have to explain why he did it... I'm no expert, I've just observed a lot of animal behavior, from those I've worked with in the past, my own pets, and definitely watched plenty of animal nature programs... :wink: I have Breyer model horses too... I did give a few away when I got older, but, I kept my favorites... I have a Palomino Quarter Horse, and I made him a bridle, blanket, and I got him a western saddle... I have an Andalusian, an Appaloosa my father gave me for one birthday when I was a kid, and I actually bought a few years ago a collection of wild Mustang... They were more for decoration, since I have a horse theme going on in my living room... :lol: I may not have the real thing, but, I still surround myself with their presence... Even if they are in photos, and models... :wink: There are plenty of places around here where I can go to see horses, and recently a place not far from here that only taught lessons, has now decided to offer trail rides as well... I've not gone yet... One of these days I will... It's not cheap to rent a horse for an hour ride. They are charging around $35.00 an hour... I think when I was a kid, it cost $15.00 to $20.00 an hour... But, it's been a long time since I've gone riding... When I lived with a former "roommate" who actually owned an old farm house, and had two horses she used in endurance riding... We took both her horses out for a nice trail ride one day... But, she was cruel to her old mare... She kicked this poor horse in the stomach, when she was trying to saddle her, yelling at her. Because she said, she was trying to bloat herself up... I couldn't say anything to her, because I was renting a room in her home. I didn't want there to be a conflict that could cost me the roof over my head... But, really I wanted to give her, what she gave that poor horse... The horse did have an attitude sometimes, but, there was no need to kick the life out of that poor old horse... I believe there are two types of people who deal with animals, those who treat them well, and truly understand them... Then there are those who think that cruelty is the way to control an animal... I prefer love, kindness, and patience... Animals are just honest, and straight forward with you... They know those people they can trust, and who truly are their friends, and they know when someone isn't an animal person... It's like when a dog that is friendly, suddenly growls for no apparent reason at someone... They just know who the good people are, and who the bad people are in this world... Anyway, I went on the trail ride that day... But, I never asked to go again... I didn't want her to beat the tar out of that horse again, just to saddle her up... Even if the same situation didn't happen again. I wasn't going to risk having that poor mare beaten... I really do have a rage well up inside me, whenever I see someone being cruel to any animal... I almost exploded on one of my former bosses at the Dairy Farm... He was one of the owners... Because of his own mistake one day, he took it out on the cows, literally physically beating them, and raging at them, even though they had done nothing, besides the fact that they shouldn't have been beaten in the first place... I saw this out the barn window... I wanted to run down to the corral, and scream at him, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, STOP'!!!!... But, again here was a situation that I was at their mercy, because I was their employee... I swear my blood pressure went through the roof... After work I went out and tried to give some comfort to the cows he had beaten... Just so they would realize that not all humans were cruel, and to be feared... I hated that man after that event... I avoided him as much as possible, and rarely spoke to him after that... Before this happened I liked the guy. But, after this happened I hated him... Unfortunately he turned out to be an abusive man with people as well... He made a comment to me one day, that I was about to walk out the door, and quit... But, his brother talked me out of it... He was verbally abusive to his own kids too, when they would come down to the barn sometimes to help out (usually when someone went on vacation)... People like that don't deserve to exist.. How any human being can be cruel to animals is beyond me... WE, are the ones who bring them into our lives, and WE are the ones who take on that responsibility... It is a choice... If you can't deal with animals, then don't get them... Then again there are people who are cruel to their own children as well... At least these days though, if you beat your kids you will hopefully go to jail for a long time... What bothers me is, that the animals can't speak for themselves, and there isn't anyone around to protect them from that cruelty... What happened to your stud colt?... I may have missed you mentioning him... I saw that race with Barbaro, and it ripped my heart out to see that horse get injured, and eventually be euthanized... Like years ago when that famous Filly "Ruffian" had her match race... I think they are over breeding these race horses, allowing for legs that are just to thin, and to fragile... Several horses have been euthanized during, and since Barbaro's passing... It's just cruel... It turned me away from horse racing... Well, I'll look forward to more of your photos, and any more recent ones of your new colt... He is adorable... :wink: |
Found this article on line about horse behavior...
This explains why Stallions kill foals... Not sure if it is the only explanation, but, it was all I could find for now, online... Breeding ... In addition to the flight or fight behavior of horses, the breeding behaviors come in second to the regulatory behavior. All mutual groomings, play, fighting among the herd members - all thee behaviors arise from the horse's instinctual need to survive as a species. Every behavior has an innuendo that is clearly understood by another equine whether it be threatening or friendly. It is important that humans who keep horses understand these behaviors especially when working around and with an uncut stallion. The stallion lives for one reason only ... to breed and carry on the species. So strong is this instinct that the stallion will kill his own get if he perceives the foal is a threat to the survival of his herd. It is viewed by humans as a vicious, violent behavior when it is actually simply a behavior displaying the need for "survival of the fittest". A foal that is sick or injured will hold the herd back in the face of threats thus putting the entire herd at risk. The stallion instinctually cannot allow this to happen. Though this article explains the behavior, it leaves me with the question, why didn't the band stallion that sired the foal, kill his own foal, instead of ignoring it?... The program in some respects leaves you with more questions, than answers... :? |
Well, that foal was sick from birth, and 'Looking Glass' knew it; he basically put the foal out of its misery; seems harsh to us, but in nature that was the best thing for that foal.
Some people simply just dont know better when it comes to animals; they think 'I have 5 acres, I'll get a horse". I get customers like that calling me all the time; they thought it would be so simple.....throw it some food, let it eat snow in the winter, and maybe ride it once in a while. Then there are those who DO know better but chose to be cruel- I've seen a lot of that too. "Blake" was the colt that died from bleeding-out (a fungal infection in his sinuses). Our baby-colt right now, "Edge", hurt himself yesterday- hes now lame on his right foreleg, I have no idea why; I seen him fall (which is normal for him lol) but he must have pulled a ligament or something, poor little guy. I've been massaging his leg gently, I'm sure he will be ok. |
Originally Posted by shyykatt
Well, that foal was sick from birth, and 'Looking Glass' knew it; he basically put the foal out of its misery; seems harsh to us, but in nature that was the best thing for that foal.
Some people simply just dont know better when it comes to animals; they think 'I have 5 acres, I'll get a horse". I get customers like that calling me all the time; they thought it would be so simple.....throw it some food, let it eat snow in the winter, and maybe ride it once in a while. Then there are those who DO know better but chose to be cruel- I've seen a lot of that too. "Blake" was the colt that died from bleeding-out (a fungal infection in his sinuses). Our baby-colt right now, "Edge", hurt himself yesterday- hes now lame on his right foreleg, I have no idea why; I seen him fall (which is normal for him lol) but he must have pulled a ligament or something, poor little guy. I've been massaging his leg gently, I'm sure he will be ok. Yeah, it's sad that people just don't realize all that is required of them when they get a horse, or any other pet... Ah, now I recall you mentioning that stud colt, so sorry that had to happen, I know how painful it is to lose an animal you care deeply about... Hopefully your new colt Edge will be back to his old self, in no time... Maybe "Edge" isn't such a good name for him after all... :lol: He seems to be living on the "edge", trying to be a little dare devil... :wink: Well, I'm sure he'll be fine, he's got you to care for him... :D |
lol; yeah, hes much more careful now when hes tearin' around the paddock; not limping as bad anymore either. Wanted to tell ya that I am gonna try n' take a pic of that bull I was tellin you about; he is still there and I have to go get hay tonight or tomorrow night- his name is "Junior" :D
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Well, I'll look forward to seeing his photo... Do you know what breed of Cattle "Junior" is?...
Glad to hear that "Edge" is doing better today... You'll never guess what's going to be on television!... I just saw a commercial that the story of "Ruffian", is going to be on television this weekend... The famous filly that lost her life, in a match race with Foolish Pleasure in 1975 at the Belmont race track, when she shattered her right front ankle... It will be airing at 9 PM, this Saturday night, on ABC... I watched that race, and it broke my heart... I loved that horse, she was big, powerful, and considered a superstar in horse racing... She was the fastest female race horse to ever race... It is amazing to think that her last race was 32 years ago... I was so angry when they had to put her down that same day... She is buried at the New York Belmont Race Track... I was only 13 yrs. old when she had her last race... It should be an interesting story, even though we already know how it ends... Well, I'll be looking for those photos of your hay suppliers Bull... :D |
Here he is! (the guy thought I was a bit goofy wanting to take pix of his steer! :lol: ) I guess he has one more week before... :shock: He took grass from my hand too, which isnt like him b/c he is very spooky. :wink:
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...x/DSCN1626.jpg |
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Is he a Holstein?
Is it me, or are Holstein bulls, kinda crazy? |
Is he a Bull, or a Steer?... You mentioned before that he was a bull, but now your saying he's a Steer?... You can't tell from the photo, if you know what I mean... :lol: Is he intact?...
You can tell a bull from a steer in another way too... This photo it's tough to tell... But, Bulls tend to be more muscular, and stocky around the neck, and shoulders, compared to a Steer... Can't tell very well from this photo, considering he's mostly black as well... :wink: Well Shyykatt, he looks like he's part Holstein anyway... Looks like two different animals in those two photos, by the shape, and angle of those horns... :? You can tell a bull from a cow by the shape of their heads... Cows, should have what they call a more feminine shape to their head, more angular. The bulls have a more stocky, square shape to their head... Well, at least you'll have a photo to remember him by... :sad: :wink: You said, he was a little spooky, I'll take that as you mean he just doesn't come up to people, and stays away from them... Well, it depends on how he is raised, and treated... If he's handled a lot or, is used to having people around, he'll be more apt to be friendly. If he's not, or has been taught to keep away from people, he'll be stand offish, or even sometimes nervous around people... That's why when I worked cattle, it was very important to make sure you worked with the bulls, as much as the cows... When I was around the bulls, it was important to me to make them friendly... You don't want to be out in a pasture with bulls around, and not have them friendly, or at least accept your presence. Bulls in a pasture of cows only have one thing on their mind, and when you enter their territory (sort of speak), you had better hope that bull coming your way is friendly... :lol: :wink: If they don't like you, they can run you down pretty quick... :wink: Usually though they will warn you by lowering their heads near the ground, pawing the ground, and bellowing at you... You just need to be smart enough to know how to read them, and stand your ground... Most times they are bluffing, but, you never turn away from them... Let them turn away from you... :wink: The people I worked with at the farm, and the owners didn't want freindly bulls. I had to convince them they would be much better off if they were freindly... It took a little time, and showing them why, to convince them otherwise... But, eventually they realized the benefit of having friendly bulls... First you can't sell a dangerous, or mean bull to any farmer. Second you don't want a mean bull chasing you down in a pasture. Third if you have to treat the animal, or load him up for transport, it is much easier if the bull is friendly, or should I say gentled, so you can handle them... My friend told me when I first started working the farm, to stay away from the bulls, and keep an eye on them when you were out in the pasture... While there are some breeds that by nature are more aggressive bulls, like Jersey's... I told him if you don't treat them with kindness, and respect, then you SHOULD keep an eye on them, and watch your back... :lol: I made it a point that every bull that was brought to the farm, would be gentled, if they weren't already... Everyone on the farm called me the "Cattle Whisperer"... :lol: But, it was true, and changing the attitudes of the owners, and workers took more time than it did to gentle the bulls... :lol: But, they did come around eventually, and they actually sold more bulls that way... Some farmers are just raised to believe what previous generations have taught them, or what they've learned from other farmers... But, frankly, if you treat an animal with respect, and kindness, they usually will do what you ask of them... If you fear them, or are cruel to them, your asking for trouble, and you will eventually get hurt by that animal... Doesn't really matter if it's a bull, a dog, a horse, animals will pay you back given the chance, if you've been cruel to them... They are not stupid, that's for sure... Well, thanks for the photos. It was very nice of you to take them... :) |
Yes, hes a Holstien; and he became a steer last fall I guess, and he is 2 1/2 years old. He isnt friendly b/c they raised him to be 'food', and the guy doesnt milk or breed cattle anymore, this steer is the last of about 9 cattle he has left, they too will probably be sold for meat when they are big enough. I just thought he was kinda cool looking- the guy said if he was staying in the business he would likely have kept him a bull.
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Originally Posted by shyykatt
Yes, hes a Holstien; and he became a steer last fall I guess, and he is 2 1/2 years old. He isnt friendly b/c they raised him to be 'food', and the guy doesnt milk or breed cattle anymore, this steer is the last of about 9 cattle he has left, they too will probably be sold for meat when they are big enough. I just thought he was kinda cool looking- the guy said if he was staying in the business he would likely have kept him a bull.
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skycatt,
my wife traines horses in her spare time. we actually have a little business doing it. she trains roughly 4-6 horses thru the summer. Teaches by the "Clinton Anderson" techniques. We're out in East Texas...so she tends to fill up her schedule pretty quick with the other trainers out here...she spots them a percentage when they send someone to her. We've got 14 acres, 5 horses and too many cats that hang out in the barn...however, haven't seen a single mouse in a looooong time! Anyway, hope all goes well with the horses! -Watcher |
Originally Posted by shyykatt
Yes, hes a Holstien; and he became a steer last fall I guess, and he is 2 1/2 years old. He isnt friendly b/c they raised him to be 'food', and the guy doesnt milk or breed cattle anymore, this steer is the last of about 9 cattle he has left, they too will probably be sold for meat when they are big enough. I just thought he was kinda cool looking- the guy said if he was staying in the business he would likely have kept him a bull.
Jackrabbit Well, he would have made some decent money, selling him to a dairy for a sire. Holstein cattle dont exactly have the high quality beef as Angus, or Hereford. A bred heifer back then sold for on average $2,500.00... A good experienced milker could easily go for more money... One thing you have to remember is that an average dairy cow is in use for 4 to 6 years, and to be a dairy cow she obviously has to produce a calf... Now imagine the number of cows on just one farm, and multiply the number of calves that are produced by those cows in their milking lives... You talking 4 to 6 calves per cow. If you have a herd of say 400 milking cows, then consider the number of calves produced... The numbers are high if all the calves survived... Your looking at 1600 to 2400 calves produced by just that one herd, in either a 4 yr., or 6 yr. period... Now imagine the thousands of Dairy farms out there, and all the cattle that are being produced... :shock: This is why first of all only the heifer calves are kept by dairy's as replacement stock, and all the bull calves go to auction. Either to become veal right away (newborns are called "bob veal"), or be raised as veal calves, or go on to be raised as steer for meat slaughter... If a farm uses a bull, and has a purebred herd, using registered purebred genetics they could easily raise their own replacement bull... There just isn't the demand for bulls, and for a dairy cattle dealer the money is with the heifers, and cows... That is why some farmers don't spend the time, or money on medications when newborn calves get ill... Sometimes they just let them die, because they are considered a by-product of the industry, and if it's not a quality calf, that they won't make any money on, they will let them die (sometimes by starvation as well)... I think it is cruel, and inhumane, and shouldn't be allowed by law. But, you have to remember the old business motto, of supply, and demand. If you have more cattle, then is needed, the value, and price drops... One thing to remember as well, even though Angus, and Hereford are raised, and used for human meat comsumption. You also have the pet industry that also uses beef... I'm sure much of the excess cattle that are not quality animals for human consumption, go to the pet industry... Your cat, and dog, could be eating the last Holstein to go to slaughter... But, if a Holstien is beef quality it will go into the human consumption market as well... Look in your local grocery store, Angus, is being sold as a specialty beef product. The marketing being used now all says how special Angus beef is, and if you look at the price, it is expensive... Your average beef in your grocery store, could have come from any breed of cattle... Think about what beef is used for hamburgers, or your favorite fast food burger place... As long as it is quality enough for human consumption, there it will end up. If you think things are bad in the cattle industry, don't even get me started on what happens to a lot of unwanted horses in this country... If they are not fortunate enough to find a home to live out their lives. Then they too are being sold at auction, and shipped off to slaughter houses as well... :x :sad: If a domestic animal can be used as meat, it lives it's life in a delicate balance of survival at the hand of mankind... |
Saturday 6/9/07...
Now, if you want to talk horses, today was an ironic day... The story of "Ruffian", the famous filly that lost her life in a match race with "Foolish Pleasure" on July, 6, 1975, was on television this evening... I watched it even though I had seen her original match race back then, and it broke my heart, and turned me against professional horse racing... I noticed that Ruffian's spot of white on her forehead always looked like the number 7 to me... Unfortunately the number wasn't lucky for her... It was noted in news day, that it took 5 geldings to portray "Ruffian", in the movie... PHOTOS REMOVED BY ME... What was ironic was that on the same day her story was to air, that another filly by the name of "Rags to Riches", was racing as the only filly in a line up of 7 horses, at the same race track Belmont park, that Ruffian had her last race, all those many years ago... She wore the number 7 as well... Though I did not watch the race today, it turns out that the filly won the race, beating the champion colt by the name of "Curlin", in a neck, and neck race... PHOTOS REMOVED BY ME... It was as though the spirit of Ruffian lived again for just a moment today, and her spirit guided Rags to Riches over the finish line, to win. Rags being the only filly in the race, to beat the colts (in 102 yrs.), at Belmont Park where Ruffian herself is buried near the flag pole there(with her nose facing the direction of the finish line)... Ruffian is the only race horse to be buried at any race track... It somehow is almost magical, or spiritual however you wish to look at it... It was though Rags was finishing the match race, that Ruffian never got the chance too... I heard on the news that the filly stumbled out of the gate, but, regained her composure, to go on and beat Curlin... It sent chills down my spine... I had just watched the story of Ruffian tonight, and crying through much of it, when I heard the news that this filly Rags to Riches had won the Belmont Stakes... It just made me shed another tear, and pulled at my heart with joy... It was like FINALLY a female, a filly had beaten the boys, on equal ground, and brought a sense of pride to females everywhere... :D 8) I happened to look up Ruffian on the internet tonight, and read the tragedy that surrounded her... Both her Dam; "Shenanigans", and her Sire; "Reviewer", died within 2 months of each other... It was ironic as well that her Dam, and sire died on the same day a month apart... Shenanigans was put down on May 21, 1977, cause broken legs, and Reviewer was also put down June 21, 1977, cause broken leg. I happen to notice that Ruffian was fatally injured on 7/6/75... If you add 7, and 6 you get 13... Ruffians entire racing career lasted only 13 months... If your someone who has any belief in the bad luck of the number 13, then you may have been a little un-nerved by it. Ruffian, and both her parents all passed from leg injuries... As a horse lover, and hearing that this filly won today at Belmont Park, I was just glad she won, beat the boys, and didn't suffer the same fate as Ruffian, and did Ruffian proud... :wink: |
Originally Posted by shyykatt
I just thought he was kinda cool looking- the guy said if he was staying in the business he would likely have kept him a bull.
Here are just a few examples of a breed of cattle my friend raises... He raises a variety of cattle, but this breed can produce some striking colors, and markings... They are called Randall's Lineback Cattle... A rare breed, that was developed in Vermont... Oldest cattle breed in the New England area... Here are just a few examples I found online... Now here is a BULL!!!... :shock: Notice how muscular he is around the neck, and shoulders... That's how you can tell a bull, from a steer, without peeking underneath... :lol: PHOTOS REMOVED BY ME... This next photo is a cow, and calf... PHOTOS REMOVED BY ME... This last photo is a cow, with a "red" colored calf... They can come in different colors, shading, and variety of markings... But, traditionally, they came in the color black... They are used for both milk, and beef, and of course they are named "Lineback", because they always have that white stripe down their back, no matter the color that goes with it... :wink: PHOTOS REMOVED BY ME... Pretty cool, huh... :wink: 8) |
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