Merry Christmas

Since the last update...

We are the proud owners of Blu, a draft cross, half percheron, half quarter horse. He is about 16 hands and has a wonderful disposition.  We have a great trainer working with us so we can learn Blu while Blu also learns us.  I had my first lesson the other day.  The riding part was wonderful, it's the getting on and getting down that proves to be the challenge.  I stood on a mounting block but it still felt very high, I placed my left foot in the stirrup and with a lot of time and hesitation I tried to throw my foot over and decided it wasn't going to work. My trainer said, "This is a big horse, you aren't going to throw your leg over like a cowboy in a movie! Jump to your stomach and then put your leg over."  That was much more doable.  Now, I wasn't graceful, or cute. I was a clumsy, clamoring, definite first timer trying to grab anything I could hold onto to ensure I wouldn't crash to the ground, and I did it! We turned left, and turned right, we stopped, and we walked. And then it was time to get down.  Getting on was easier!  I again just as clumsy attempted to move in ways that I have only seen Gumby move to get off this horse. I went to my belly, but I didn't estimate this right and the horn of the saddle went right into my stomach (ouch!) and then my shirt got completely caught on the horn as I jumped off and flashed anyone who was witnessing my first ride. But when we were done, we had gotten a little closer, and I felt a lot more like the Country Momma that I'm becoming.

We are also the proud FUTURE owners of a new foal that we have purchased in utero.  Another draft horse that in expected to join this world in late March.  Both the parents are absolutely gorgeous and we are excited and anxious all at the same time.  A lot of work and energy comes with caring and training a foal, but we are up for the challenge.  The dam for the foal is 18.1 hands and the sire is 16.2 hands, so the foal is estimated to be around 17 hands, one big horse.  We like the draft horses that have the percheron in them.  Their feet are so big and do not require shoes, less maintenance.  We like that.  We still have to have feet trimmed and shaped but it's not near as expensive as keeping up with horseshoes.  So, the baby is a new exciting addition, expected in March and I can't wait to post pictures!

In the process of getting to the ranch we also have to pack.  Have you ever packed 16 people?  The last time we moved there was only nine of us, and now with 16 it's going to be different!  We are purchasing a semi trailer.  My DH is going to look at one today, and if it's the first of a few that we are going to purchase then I can start packing as soon as it's here.  I am hoping that we get this trailer soon so I can take this packing on in shifts and not feel completely overwhelmed by packing everything in a short period of time.  I am trying to come up with a very detailed list of what is in each trailer and a number system for boxes, things like that to make it easier if we need to find something in a hurry.

The quonset hut is nearly taken down.  Only one day of work left and it will be completely ready for it's ride to the ranch.  This has been quite the process to get the hut down and we have been blessed to have several family members to help take this monster down. Now we will haul it up to the property and start getting the permits to put it back up. 

This time next year we will hopefully be living at the ranch.  We will hopefully have the horses there, and have the four goats and three of them will be pregnant.  The kids will be in school, getting ready for Christmas break that will be spent riding quads, watching for frostbite, and riding Blu.  We will probably have a lot of hot cocoa and have had a few dealings with the weather that cause us to be snowed in or rained in because of the dirt roads.  It will definitely be an adventure.

I wanted to give you an update before the holidays! We are very blessed by all that God has given us, and very blessed from all that He has also withheld.  I am amazed daily by His blessings.  May His blessings also pour out on you especially during this Holiday Season!  Merry Christmas!

Country Momma