End of July Already?!

It's been 6 weeks now and everyone has settled in nicely.  I can't believe how quickly July flew by!  The weather has been very hot and the flies are ruthless outside.  Even with fly masks and fly spray on, Nox and Diesel can only stand to be in the pasture in the early morning and early evening.  During the heat of the day, they prefer to stand in their shady, fly-free stalls and enjoy the breeze that blows through the barn.  When they are out, their majesties let us know they are ready to come in by standing by their paddock gates and looking annoyed.  If we don't get out there fast enough (in their opinion), they start shaking the chains on the gate to make some noise.  I've told them that at many farms, horses have to stay outside all day no matter how bad the flies are biting, but they just ignore me.

I still love doing chores, especially in the morning.  Even after a late work night, I love walking into the barn just as daylight is starting to break and hearing the soft nickers of Nox and Diesel welcoming me.  It is the perfect start to my day.  Best Husband Ever takes care of afternoon chores, and one or both of us do evening chores.  Basically, the horses are never without hay or water and any poop or pee is cleaned up very quickly.  This is ideal, especially right now in the summer, since a clean barn in a fly-free barn.  I love the warm weather but I will admit that I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures, if only because it means the flies will die.  I grew up in California and Hawaii, where it is summer all year and the bugs enjoy it as much as the people.  But here, between September and June, there are virtually no flies.  It's a wonderful thing if you love horses and I know Nox and Diesel will spend a lot more time outside in the fall.

Diesel is still in charge and Nox has accepted it.  They are buddies now, but sometimes Nox annoys Diesel.  Diesel will shoot Nox a mean look or threaten to kick him, but they haven't has a fight in a few weeks now.  I'm so glad - those first two weeks were a little rough and I had some anxiety.  I don't like to see them get hurt, but I knew I had to let them sort it out.  And of course, they did.

Our niece has been coming out to learn about horses and ride Diesel.  He is so gentle and careful with her and dutifully walks, turns, and whoas when she tells him to.  Coming from the Amish, Diesel is very used to small children and had to learn to be easy and gentle with them.  Amish boys start driving horse wagons really young - I've seen 8 or 9 year old kids handling those big draft horses!  We're just so pleased with Diesel.  He is great with adults, kids, and energetic Thoroughbreds!

So there's my update!  Come and visit anytime, we have lots of apples to feed the horses, Moose would love to play with you, and there is plenty of opportunity for healthy, outdoor exercise/stall cleaning!  =)  Here are a few pics.  Enjoy the rest of summer, it's going by so fast!

5:30 am selfie.  Nox has his grain, I have my pitchfork, and everyone is happy!