The big old barn is scheduled for renovation in the spring and summer of 2008.  Four stalls with attached paddocks will be updated while the remaining stalls will be converted to kennel runs.  A large attached pasture will house a few head of cattle, while the remaining pastures will be on a rotational grazing schedule for the horses and St. Croix sheep.  I plan to add a chicken coop and game bird pen once the barn settles into a routine.

In the meantime, my two horses, Casper and Sunshine, are living happily at my neighbor’s.

Casper is a palomino pinto purchased from a Quarter Horse ranch.  He is unregistered and his background is a mystery - while he has the conformation of a Quarter Horse, he gaits like a Missouri Foxtrotter and has the sparky intelligence and endurance of a Mustang.  Casper is a sweet as candy, in-your-pocket kinda guy who loves attention and gets along with everyone.  In stark contrast, Casper is a power-house under saddle and is always looking for a challenge.  He boogies down the trail with a fast, smooth, and effortless gait and will happily ride all day, in any terrain, and under any condition.  I wish I had the time and wherewithal for endurance riding because he’d love it.  Casper is sometimes too smart for his own good and seeks a sense of purpose and a job.  This summer he will be introduced to cattle to see if his calling lies in ranch work – I sure could use the help around the barn. 

I never thought I’d own a mare until I met the palomino princess.  Straight out of a fairytale, Sunshine is a gorgeous Tennessee Walking Horse with a golden 36-inch mane.  She has a gentle, puppy-dog nature, is always waiting at the pasture gate, and is bombproof on the trail.  She loves to ride and has a smooth running walk and rocking-horse canter.  Unfortunately, Sunshine was diagnosed with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis, a syndrome stressing the ligaments in her rear hocks.  To make matters worse, Sunshine developed mild laminitis in her front while accommodating her weakened rear legs.  Showing the courage and heart only a horse could have, Sunshine has taken her recovery process in stride and lets me know she wants to keep fighting the good fight.  For now, she is always at my side “helping” with the chores while I hold onto the hope that someday, we will ride off into the sunset again.