Actually it’s the first snowfall for four of our six horses, three of our four dogs, and our kitty. Okay, okay, I know all you guys who live way on up there in the freezer are laughing your heads off at me calling this snow, but I was like a kid this morning (Kathleen is unfortunately in southern California and missing it all). It was exciting. Fun. And all the critters seemed to agree. I woke up to the photo below and
was certain the horses must all be huddled together inside the barn (their free-choice “run-in”), bundled up together trying to stay warm, wondering what in the world had gone wrong with their world.
Not exactly.
When I got down there they were all up in the far pasture munching away… and rolling in the snow! They came down covered in it with icicles hanging off their ears, manes, and forelocks.
Noelle – all iced up
Cell-Self-Portrait.
(Sorry Sweetie. When you’re not here I have to make do :)
Such a beautiful morning. I was well-bundled so only my toes got cold and that of course made me worry about their toes. How come it is that no matter how much we know we cannot help but project our human-ness onto our horses. They have the barn if they need it but I still have to whap myself to keep from forcing it on them. Or wanting to. But now I have Rick Lamb watching over me and his recent statement that you’ll hear a lot if you hang around here for long: Walk the talk! Which means set ’em up for success and get the heck outta the way :)
Back inside, unbundled, and with a scrumptious cappuccino in hand I was pretty sure the morning just couldn’t be any better (unless my Sweetie was here). Then I sat down at the computer and the first thing to pop up was this email: How do I send a message to Joe and Kathleen about the impact they have made on me & my horses life? I am in awe of the Soul of a Horse book. I have read it and read it over and over again. I would like to relay this to Joe & Kathleen. Thank you. Lauren Johnson and Dollar.
Y’all know I’m a weenie anyway and sure enough the tears came aflowing. That’s what makes it all worthwhile I mumbled to myself. It’s what keeps us going. And I went immediately to work. Thank you so much Lauren, and all of you who keep our juices (and tears) flowing. I wish you snow.
Joe
I discovered just this morning that you have moved to the east side of our country!! Woo Hoo! I live in Upstate NY (near lake Ontario) – cold and snow are already here with us. I always wonder why so many wonderful “natural” horse-people live in the west – making them rather inaccessible to those of us “over here.” I would LOVE to visit so many farms and have conversations with just as many people who “do horses” the way I am choosing to. But, alas, I feel that I am pretty much alone up here (with regard to PP anyway)…or at least that I am aware of.
Reading your book only helped to confirm one change after another: PP and the need for movement, BARE FEET, the bitless bridle, saddle fit, no stalls, keeping an open mind to change, and on and on… Everytime I am met with that blank stare, or (more often) that, “she doesn’t know what she’s doing” look, I remember you and all that you have discovered through research and having an open mind about horses and how THEY prefer to live. Your book and web site often provide me with the comfort of knowing there are others who are seriously interested in having – no, allowing – their horses to simply be horses.
I see a “life” in my horses eyes and movements, that I do not always see at other farms where the horses are kept traditionally. Makes me sad…and sometimes mad.
One of my dreams for years has been to adopt a wild mustang. Brings tears even now just thinking about it. Reading about your experience with your Momma and new baby mustang, again, only serve to keep my dream alive. In fact just yesterday, I spoke to someone about it and thought of you. I have had horse people say to me that mustangs are small ugly horses and why on earth would I want one? I just smile back – not worth my time to try and explain all the reasons why. Your story continues to give me hope – to keep moving in the direction of my dream to own one of those so very special horses one day. If you can do it, I can do it. One day, one day…
Some day, now that you are not 1/2 way around the country – I would love to meet you and your “family.” It would bless me down to my (cold) toes.
Merry Christmas,
Jane
Joe, Great Job on ‘Soul of a Horse’! I’m almost done reading it, and will recommend it to all of my equine enthusiast friends. I think projection of one’s own thoughts, desires, ways, etc., is a human flaw. We do it to our dogs, cats, horses, and even to our fellow humans. I’ve been fortunate to shake that off pretty early in my reacquaintance with horses after 30 years. All my equines (5 horses, 5 donkeys, 1 mule) are barefoot and have NO hoof problems. They’re in their fuzzy coats now as we are in Central Missouri. As you noticed, even in inclement weather they often choose to stay outside, even when shelter is nearby. Thanks for a great book, and a truly worthwhile perspective.
Jack Turner
Just a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate your book and website. I check the blog on a regular basis.
Even before I found your book and website I was a big proponent of a lot of what you do with your horses…my barn has run in stalls for them so they can come and go as they please, I never blanket and keep them barefoot. They are my babies, but they are horses after all! But I have not yet been able to set up a Jamie Jackson “pasture paradise” like you had in CA.
Are you planning on setting one up at your new place?
One more question…why do you keep Noelle in a halter all the time? Every picture I see of her she is wearing a halter. Do you not take it off when she is just hanging out?
Erin – We probably will not do a Pasture Paradise as such here. The primary reason to have one is to enforce movement. Lots of it. We’re in winter now so we’re feeding hay on the pasture. The water pond is at one far end of their pastures and most of the hay goes at the other far end in 30-40 piles. I usually put a bit of their favorite at the other end near the pond. And they like to hang out in the paddocks around the barn. So they’re back and forth and getting lots of movement right now. And because it’s so often muddy and it’s so steep they’re learning to ski pretty well and their lower legs are thickening up quite a bit. It’s amazing how they can race across the muck that I can barely walk across. We’ll see what happens in the Spring after the hay is gone or cut way back. The trick is just finding or figuring out what will keep them moving from one end to the other. From top to bottom. If they do that on their own we’ll just stay out of their way :) If not, we’ll probably add back some properly placed hay to force mileage. Or something.
I don’t “keep” Noelle in a halter. The halter was put on her at the BLM last December before we made the trip back through the mountains to get her home. Just in case something happened. I doubt that a 12-month old knot could be removed at this point without cutting which would be both traumatic and dangerous. She has not yet ever had a lead rope on. I don’t want to set her back. And I do get a an opportunity from time to time to let her experience a bit of pressure on the halter by just gently pulling on the loop with one hand while I have hay in the other, stepping backwards. Have not yet put any emphasis on this, just play with it whenever the time is right. My plan (hopefully) is to have a round pen up by spring, get her used to it, do a full blown join up, and then go for the lead rope. We’ll see. Right now I’m mostly just cementing relationship. She regressed a good bit when we moved to Tennessee but now we’re back to belly rubs, butt rubs, hand down the leg to the hoof, arm around the offside of her neck like a hug, etc. And I just stand leaning on her while she eats, without agenda. She likes bermuda better than orchard (the main pasture hay), so I put out no bermuda until I reach the far end and she’ll follow me in the gator all the way and then accept a rub and a scratch while nibbling bermuda from my hand. This is good because when this mustang accepts something while standing at point A that does not mean she’ll accept it under all the same conditions standing at point B. Everything is different. If I move too fast she still freaks out. Comes right back, but freaks out nonetheless. Even some of the fast moves of the other horses sends her scurrying. Anyway… just still easing through it at her pace, not mine.
Joe
What an adorable picture of Cash! Eddie said to tell you that snow was courtesy of us, we sent it up y’alls way after our dusting! ;) Looks like you and all the critters are doing well in TN!
Hi Joe,
Well, I don’t know what the heck I was waiting for, but I finally read the book. My family has read it and I’ve loaned it to all my friends, but I just finished it yesterday. Cried like a baby through most of it, but it left me filled with a profound appreciation for my horses. After four years with them, I sometimes forgot what incredible gifts they are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me.
Joe,
I don’t know why it took me so long, but I finally read the book. My family has already read it, I’ve loaned it to all my friends, and I just finished it yesterday. Cried like a big baby, but it was a deep, thankful cry, full of joy and gratitude and a profound appreciation for my horses all over again. After four years of being with them every day, sometimes I don’t remember what a gift they are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me.
Hi!
Thanks for sharing this with all of us! I guess I am one of those people who live “up there in the freezer”… :P I’m not laughing though, don’t worry.
I’ve been so inspired by your book “The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd”. So thank you for that. Stewy is now going all natural. (feet included!) :D
~Lydia
Joe I just love all the pictures. Your farm is so pretty covered in white. I really love reading about your new life down on the farm. I know you are having the time of your life.
Thank you for your inspiring words that keep all of us going in the right direction. If you haven’t already seen it you may enjoy a movie titled “The Wild Horse Redemption.” It demonstrates the ability of the gift that we have in horses to change our very life. God definitely provided us with an amazing gift and it’s the least we can do to provide it with the best life we can. Your guidance helps so many to do that.
Wow looks like this is where you belong. I bet Kathleen is looking forward to the hoidays so she can spend some time with you, the horses, the dogs and her kids back there in Tennessee. I love the snow and looks like those horses were made for there. Have a great holiday and keep enjoying life.
xoxoxo Susie
Oh yeah- I just learned this: If your horses’ tails come anywhere near the ground this winter, eventually they’ll be “jingling” with ice-mud-poop beads at the ends of their tail hairs. A simple tail bag tied about halfway up their tail prevents that. No braid, just stuff the end in and tie it up with a few tail hairs in the knot to prevent slipping.
Again, Happy Holidays!
Naah… Sorry. Appreciate the info, but I’ve never seen a horse in the wild with a tail bag. They’ll figure it out.
Ah, Joe, thanks so much for the chuckle. Enjoy the snow, I hope you will always be able to see the joy in it. Good job letting the horses be horses! I have to whap myself too, especially when our fellow boarders think we’re being cruel leaving our boys “naked”. Thanks for being a continuing inspiration. :)
Have a wonderful winter and holiday season!
Hi Joe:
Glad you are enjoying your first snowfall out here. I’ve been in Western North Carolina for 4 years now (out from CA) and still get excited about the snow (and glad that it doesn’t stay long)!
Joe, I love what you are sharing with us and thank you! I woke to -3 today, knew the rubber buckets would be frozen in the barn but the heated buckets were still working. Horses are so wonderful to watch. They are ready for winter and the cold long before us humans. There is nothing like a fresh fallen snow to brighten the world for us as all.
Suggestion: buy yourself a pair of Sorel’s, ice fishing boots, snowmobiling boots all meant to keep your feet warm. You will enjoy the winter months even more with warm feet.
Happy holidays to you and yours
Joe
So glad you appreciate the white stuff.
New York got hit too. Actually I enjoy taking my
dog out & walking in the field in the mornings before work.
Hes a choc lab mix & loves to roll in the snow.
My horse always seemed to enjoy it too – rather be turned
out than in his stall.
Have fun in the snow. The pictures of the horses are great.
Thanks
Mag
Looks to me like everyone was having a great time in their first snow! Thanks for sharing.
Happy first snow fall to you and your horses Joe! I saw on the news last night that snow fell from Texas all the way back home to us here in Vermont. My horse loves playing and rolling in the snow. We ride bareback here all winter (it helps to keep us warm) and play out in the snowy fields trying to write our names or make fun designs while on horseback. It’s great exercise for them too.
The horses here are all fuzzy and look like teddy bears already. Think mother nature is telling us that it’s going to be a very cold winter here in ski country.
You may what to check out toe warmers(used by skiiers) for the winter months while outside playing or doing chores. Put them on over your socks and they will keep your toes warm for 4-5 hours. Well worth it now that you are living in a cooler climate.
Enjoy the snow…..stay warm and have fun!
LOL that’s a great picture Joe, I saw the weatherforecast this morning and thought about you in TN. Last year my husband built a snowman in the middle of the pasture then walked back to the barn, we watched as two of the horses walked over to Mr. Snowman, sniffed, walked around it and then promptly stomped it to the ground, it was so funny to watch. Weather Underground predicts some snow for us tonight….will send pics if it does. Enjoy the weekend everyone.
LOVE the photos and blog – all of them.
I no longer have my first two horses but hope to have more in years to come. My Florida sister and her husband bought some retirement property in Tennessee with hopes to have their first horses. I have forwarded your great blog to them.
My girls, especially my young Spotted Saddle horse, Miss Kitty who had spunk anyway, LOVED the snow. She’d run,kick up her heels, and roll in it as well. I do miss that girl.
Enjoy the snow.
Joe: This is a wonderful blog!!! I loved reading every word and that first picture…it shows JOY!!! Thank you for sharing.