paddock management

LOL!! I TRY to stay out of trouble, honestly!!!

I really don't know if Fanny was unhappy there. The BO told me she was happy, but I'm not sure. I took Fanny out of the paddock today and played some Parelli games with her, and despite wanting to graze (she's in a dry paddock, so having grass all around her is soooo tempting), she responded really well. Way better than she did at the other barn. Maybe it's because I am now more relaxed? She just seems way more calm now.

My friend has very little to do with the horses where Fanny is (but she has a loving heart). She owns the property that the horses are on, but that's it. There are a couple of employees who take care of the horses twice a day (make sure they have enough food and water, clean their hooves regularly, etc.), but otherwise the horses are left alone. Very simple and down-to-earth people, and a non-stressful approach to taking care of the horses. They've been doing it this way for a couple of years already, and the horse and donkey look well, so I don't think Fanny will have any problems.

I met one of the guys who cares for the horses the day Fanny arrived, and today the other fellow who looks after them came over and introduced himself. Nice guy. I asked if Fanny was causing any trouble and he just smiled and said that she's a sweetheart . That made me feel good.

The property that my friend owns is a huge greenhouse operation that has a gift shop and a restaurant attached to it. Her son runs the restaurant...and he used to be a chef for the Prime Minister of Canada, so he's pretty good. Anyway, the barn is behind the restaurant, across a grassy area. Customers at the greenhouse/gift shop/restaurant like to wander over to the horses and pet them. I don't know how many have been over there since Fanny arrived, but I know how much she loves people, so I'm sure she'll be a hit. The friend of mine who trailered Fanny for me has been to the restaurant twice since Fanny's been there, and I think she's gone over to see Fanny.

My friend called me at work the other day and said that Fanny can stay as long as I want. She's welcome to stay till spring, or longer if I want. And she still won't take any money for board!! How can I say no to an offer like that? She says she has enough hay to last till Jesus returns!! LOL Since she won't take money for board, I help out there as much as I can. I clean the barn when I'm there (the barn is small and the horses are allowed into the hallway for shelter), and today I spent an hour pulling weeds out from in front of the barn. It is quite overrun with weeds, so my goal is to get it all cleaned up before the snow flies. I let Fanny graze while I work, because she doesn't stray far from me or her two companions.

I found some supplies to make a temporary picadero, so we'll see how that works out. I'd like to have an enclosed area to work with her. If that goes well, then we may never leave .

Oh, I am so happy things are working out!

And you know without a school to work in, you may just force yourself to do your school work out on a ride!