To run a successful show barn, you best having some running shoes, because there is a lot more than just riding and training to bring it all fruition. Over the weekend, we had the the group from the Middlesex FCA organization out to help us wrap up our fencing project, we are in the final stretches, and it is look’in really good. I think one more day and they will have the painting complete and then we can put up the cross fencing in the back and it will be complete. I can’t wait! Below is a picture of the front that was completed last year.
Look'in Good!
I had an early morning lesson with Fletcher and Glenda. They both are doing wonderfully. Fletcher is a real schoolmaster and allows Glenda to really focus on herself and get the most out of her lessons. We have been slowly increasing Fletcher’s saddle time as he is settling into his new routine since his adventure to NCSU earlier in the week, where he was diagnosed with Summer Pasture Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction (SPA-RAO).
Bail set at $800.
Using the wall to hold up his head!
It was a bit touch and go earlier in the week, but now we have seemed to work out a comfortable arrangement for him to keep him content, including adjustments to his feeding schedule and quantities. He has several “buffet” stations (soaked hay, soaked alfalfa cubes, Likit Tongue Twister, grain, and water buckets), it is really fun to watch him take turns at each. I must take a short video clip of him, it is really cute.
I made a run up to Southern States for more alfalfa cubes and Nafcore bedding. I switched to the Nafcore over the winter due to all the wet weather, and fell in love with it. It is also the best bedding for Mr. Fletcher with his respiratory condition, so that was one change we didn’t have to make. Of course, I was accompanied by my biggest helper, Bayard. I can’t start the truck without him hopping in! 
On the road again!
More barn chores once back at the farm, which I wrapped up a wee early because we had dinner plans in Newport News at the Melting Pot for Mother’s Day celebration with my MIL, SIL and niece. I ate very little all day knowing I would need the extra room, even though we skipped the main course and had cheese, salad and dessert, still plenty to feed a hungry army.
On Mother’s Day, I met my sisters and their families at a local diner for brekkie and then everyone came over for pony rides and let the kids play. I enjoy watching my nephews and niece romp about the farm and take an interest in the horses. I would love it if they want to ride.
With my clients all tied up with Mother’s Day plans, I kept with farm chores, and while Bryan bush hogged the back pasture, I mowed our yard. The pollen and dust was hideous, was happy when I was finished. Hoping for some rain early this week.
I took it a little easy the rest of the day in between barn rounds and chores. I’m working on my power point presentations for ACVIM forum that is the first week of June in Anaheim, CA, preparing for my trip to KHP for the USEF Judge’s Clinic next week and looking forward to hearing back on when the professional renovation of my riding ring will be completed.
A new week is beginning and I’m ready for it!
