I'VE BEEN ADOPTED!!

I am so excited! I am going to my new home this week. John, the man who adopted Tonka, is going to take me home as well.

I have been hearing so many wonderful things about my new place. It's near the ocean (like here, only closer) and I have a brand new barn with my very own personal stall. Lots of grass, lots of hay and lots of personal attention.

I've enjoyed my time with both Audrey and Andrea - but they and I knew, it was only temporary. Just to get me squared away and to help me find a more permanent home. So now, with a feeling of truly "belonging" to and with someone again, I will hop on the trailer and travel just a few miles to my new digs!

I want to thank everyone - and there were SO MANY - who helped me out of the "dark barn," got me my vaccinations, gave me food to eat, trimmed my feet, brushed my coat, gave me treats, loved me and had faith in me. My eyes might not be the best, but I can still carry a rider and follow along. I love going out on the trails. It is so nice to know that so many people cared enough. Even though my faith of some humans has been tested, there are obviously many people out there who know that good horses wind up in bad places sometimes. I hope that people continue to help more horses like me. Just one at a time, that's all it takes to make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my hooves!

Zip and Me - True Love!

I have a new boyfriend! His name is Zippos Top Cat. I call him Zip because that's easier to say! He's a little shy, but I have been persistent. It's been paying off. We spend our days in a pasture with Tonka just hanging out and grazing.

We share the same birthday month - March, 1990 - Isn't that cool? Though I was born 20 days before him, he doesn't seem to mind hanging out with "an older woman!"

Tonka is cool too, but he makes faces at me if I get too close, so I am going to stick with Zip! Anyway, the vet told Andrea that Tonka was closer to 18, so I think I am too old for him..

My new place!

A few days ago, Andrea came with a trailer to move me to my new home. Audrey has been so kind to me, and I will miss everyone at Lil' Bit Aud Farm. Audrey had to make room for hay storage - so my stall was no longer available. So, Andrea brought me to First Light Farm Equine Shelter. I am very brave and hopped right in the trailer. I don't really like backing out though, as I can't see well behind me. So Andrea let me turn around and walk out. It was very interesting to see my new home.

I have so many new friends. I especially like Zippy, though he runs away from me when I try to get close. At night, though we are side by side in our pens. I think he's CUTE! Andrea says she will take a picture of us together soon. He's getting a little more used to me now. I think he thinks I am going to hurt him, but I don't want to hurt him. I just want to hang out! I get turned out on a big pasture with Zip and Tonka - we all get along great.

The vet was out to check out my sore leg the other day. He said it might be due to an allergic reaction to the flies. All I know is that it hurt bad, but it feels much better now. Dr. Bill is a good guy!

Another nice person in my life is Tammy. She comes to trim my feet. They look and feel so good since she's been taking care of them. Thanks Tammy!

Andrea says she's still looking for a new home for me. I really like trail riding and I am very brave. I am very fat now - not like when Audrey and Andrea took me out of the "dark barn." I really don't need a lot of grain. Just give me some good grass or hay and a handful of grain for my vitamins and I am good to go. Andrea says I'm an "easy keeper."

Ok, daylight is wasting and there's a bunch of grass out there that's calling me! More later. ~H~

I wonder if they sell Wheat Thins at Bake Sales?

Hey, the kids are having a bake sale for me.

The saddle club's youth group will be at MARDEN'S on June 27 at 9AM with a table load of goodies to sell. Proceeds to benefit ME!

Do you bake stuff? Do you bake Wheat Thins? If so, you can drop them off right here with me... if you bake other stuff, you could bring them to Marden's on the 27th and Andrea, Grace, Ginger and Sarah will sell them. Andrea is thinking that some of the money might go toward bringing me to an Equine Eye Care specialist.... maybe, if she can work out the details and it's not too expensive. That would be cool if they could help me to see better. Then I would be an even GREATER trail horse than I already am!

WOO HOO - We went for a RIDE TODAY!!!

What a great day I had. We went for a trail ride! Do you like my pink bridle? I think it's beautiful, just like me!

Even though it was a little rainy, that didn't stop us. No sir! Audrey rode Skoran, her beautiful chestnut arab gelding. I pretend to not like Skoran, but actually, I think he's kind of cute. I kept my eyes on his cute bum the whole time! Andrea rode me. I took very good care of her, because I could tell she was a bit nervous, due to my failing vision. She did very well and didn't fall off or anything! Behind us was Susie and Bud - he lives in the stall next to me and I always steal his food through the missing board at the bottom of my stall (tee hee) - I am very grumpy to him in the barn, but on the trail, I know my job and I was all business. No grumpiness here!

I was SO HAPPY to be out doing my job again. I walked through water, past dark scary shapes, I followed Skoran the whole way. I can trot very nicely and will do so if I lag behind a little. But if you ask me to stop, I will. I love my pink hackamore bridle!

Audrey says I am ready to find a forever home. I really like it here, but I know Audrey has so many others to care for. I would love to be someone's special horse. If you don't mind that I can't see so well anymore, and you have a nice calm horse that I could follow behind, maybe we could meet and have a test ride? Audrey said that you could come and visit me a bunch of times so we can get to know one another. I don't cost any money. Audrey just needs to know I will go to a place who will love and care for me forever. I love going on trails, but I can ride in a ring too. Just give me a chance? (and I hope you like Wheat Thins, because I really like them too).

Hey, I remember you!

Look, here are some pictures from my past. A nice lady who reads the MR board recognized me and said her daughter used to ride me. She sent some pictures. Look!! It's ME!!!
I remember this little girl. We used to go trail riding together. But then, my vision started to fail and I got scared when small children came into my stall. I would do my best to scare them away with teeth and hooves - I didn't mean to be scary. In reality I was scared of them, because I couldn't see them very well. The people that owned me, loved me, but felt I wasnt the best match for their little girl. They gave me to a rescue, because it was not safe for little children to be in my stall. They trusted that the rescue place would take good care of me and make sure I was safe. But I didn't get rescued at all, and ended up back at Hemphill's, failing sight, injured leg and all!

I am not scared of little children in my stall anymore. In fact I LOVE all visitors. Especially if they have Wheat Thins.

I am looking good!

Sorry, it's been a while since I checked in last. I 've been busy getting fat and shedding out my coat. All except two stubborn tufts on my side... I am going to ask Audrey to give me a hair cut there!
My own personal paddock is complete. I can see the other horses, but I feel safer being by myself. I still don't trust the other horses and let them know they should stay away.

Audrey takes awesome care of me, but I know it's tough on her with so many others. She said she'd like to find me a forever home where I can be pampered and fussed over. I love people! And now that I have gained a good amount of weight back, I don't need much grain. If you would like to come and visit me, please call Andrea at 853-9453 or 952-0325 or e-mail barstow853@gmail.com I like kids so maybe I could have a job working with kids...

What the vet said & other stuff

Hello again! Today was a beautiful day, I enjoyed the warm weather lounging and eating, while Audrey, Gerard, and Andrea worked on my big turnout. I can't wait to get out there and stretch my legs!

Look how fat I am getting!

Audrey put something on my head. I realize you cannot see my beautiful face, but this mask cuts down the glare from the sun, which really bothers my eyes.


I had a visit the other day from another vet. This one was Dr. Reynolds. She was very nice and I liked her very much. Dr. Reynolds said that chiropractically speaking, (that's a big word for a horse, you know!) I am in good shape! I could have told her that... she did say that I had had some trauma to my back leg, near my butt. I wish I could tell you what happened but it's something I can't explain. It doesn't hurt me, but it does make me walk a little funny. Dr. Reynolds thinks there was a major damage to a muscle or tendon.




She also agreed with the other doctor that my eyesight is pretty bad. But I do see somethings, really! I know where my hay and water bucket is!

I am feeling and looking better every day. I am just happy to be here instead of "up north."

I really want to thank everyone who has given me food, water, veterinary care and hoof care. I haven't felt this good in a long time.


Andrea brought me some awesome treats. She called them Wheat Thins - I love Wheat Thins. If you have any Wheat Thins, would you please come and visit me and don't forget to bring them with you? They're healthy you know!

I'm going to lose my turnout!

I am feeling sad.... Audrey says the person who owns the fence panels used for my turnout is not going to let me use them anymore. That means I will have to stay in my stall until Audrey, Brenda and Andrea get my paddock built.

Audrey says that will happen on Sunday.

I know Audrey has been working really hard taking care of all the other horses here, and spending a lot of special time with me. She has to go away for many hours a day to work a "job." Then she comes back at night and brushes me and cleans my stall and all the other stalls and feed all of us. She is tired and she is not feeling very well. But she comes and takes care of us anyway! Audrey is my personal angel.

I really want my turnout because it's nice to be out near the other horses. Andrea said that if anyone wants to help build my paddock, they'd be welcome and appreciated. I would love to meet some of the people who have been helping to feed me. I will show you my new hooves and my lovely coat. You know, I was a beautiful lady in my younger days.... please come and see me, I love people, especially children.

Ahhh - My OWN turnout!

I am in horsey-heaven (ok, I suppose it would be more heavenly if I were up to my knees in apples.... but I don't think that's going to happen!)

Audrey borrowed some fence panels from someone and made me my own turnout. I feel so safe and secure in here. I know my boundaries and I am confident no other horse can kick me. The sunshine is glorious and am I feeling better by the day! I can feel the wind on my face, or roll in the dirt, or listen to things happening around me.

Audrey has been brushing me and she says I am "filling out." My shaggy coat is coming off and my new soft summer coat is coming through. It feels good to be able to roll around and get the loose hairs off my back.

My aching feet!

My feet used to hurt A LOT, but now they are feeling better. The FARRIER came today! Wow, what a nice lady...
She said my heels were longer than my toes... I bet. I felt like I was walking on stilts. The soles of my feet were hitting the ground. OUCH OUCH with every step.

Audrey called the lady Tammy and she was so kind and gentle. I stood very quietly for her, because I knew that she was going to make me feel a whole lot better.

Tammy said a couple more trims and I will be "good to go." I feel ready to go now! I need to get out and stretch my legs!

The "VET" - I wasn't scared at all!

The VET came the today... what's all this stuff about the Vet. I heard he pokes and prods and some other horses don't like this VET. I wasn't scared though, he seemed to want to help me too! All these humans wanting to help me. Reminds me of my younger days when I was treated with respect and dignity. Did you see my baby picture?

The VET was a big fellow, but not scary to me. He flashed a bright light in my eyes. I saw that! He waved his hands in front of my eyes. I saw that sometimes. Most times it was just a dark blur.

I got to come out of my stall and run around in a circle. I have to trust my human at this point. I really can't see where I am going, but I do trust them to make sure I don't walk into anything. So I put tension on the line so that I could feel the human's hands at the other end. Round and round I went. It felt GOOD to be out and moving! But that VET guy. He stood in my way a couple of times. I nearly ran him over because I didn't see him until the last minute. I couldn't really see what it was, but I knew it was him from the scent and the sound of his voice. I didn't want to run him down, so I scooted around him last minute.... sometimes humans aren't too smart. Didn't he just tell these people I can't see so well?

We went back into the cozy barn. I was tired and ready for a rest. The Vet stuck a couple of needles under my skin. It didn't hurt hardly at all. Not nearly as much as those pangs of hunger I used to feel.

He opened my mouth and looked at my teeth. I was not impressed with this, but did comply after a bit. And since he complimented my teeth, I forgave him for this intrusion.

Then the humans talked for a bit. I rested. I leaned my head against the one they call Andrea, while she scratched my face gently. I think I dosed off for a bit....ahhhh. Then Andrea got suddenly sad because the vet told them what she already knew. I don't see very well. Don't be sad. I am fine, really. Audrey told Andrea not to worry - I agree. This place is obviously not the "north" place. It's a good thing.

Wormer?

I remember this stuff! It helps me feel better. I used to get this all the time. But I guess the people who had me last forgot about it. Gee, it only takes a minute and it doesn't cost very much.
"Wormer" makes me feel so much better. I don't really know what it is or why it is.... but if you go HERE, they will tell you why it's so good.

I don't make a fuss at all over Wormer.... it's a good thing.

What's next for me?

The day after I arrived at the cozy barn, lots of people came to see me. I couldn't really see their faces, but I heard their voices, felt their kind touches.
I got brushed all over, boy did that feel good. My shaggy coat is made for the cold, short days. The sun is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, but no one has bothered to help get this long coat off of me, until now.
I am really thirsty. Audrey (she takes care of me now) brings me bucket after bucket of cool, clean water - it's always there whenever I want it. What a treat!
My leg hurts a little. When Audrey asked me to back off the trailer the night before, I couldn't see behind me and I wanted to turn around. I guess I got in my own way and managed to step on myself (I seem to be getting a little clumsy in my old age). So I have a big scratch on my back leg. I don't think it's very serious. Audrey put some blue stuff on my cut and it feels better now.
They give me lots of hay, all I want really. And a little grain. Mmmm, that's good. I want more, but they say not too much at first. They're afraid I will get a belly-ache.