Around the Farm

We did it, bought some property. We've been clearing brush and picking up trash, getting things ready for the horses.  The addition of 5 acres is such a blessing.  We have all been coming together as a family; humans and horses to raise the funds to develope the land.  Our first goal was a survey which is done. We are going to have the water put in.  Oh, a fence first, we have had trespassers. The fence posts and gates are in. Now the draining and the excavation of the pond so it will once again be beautiful.  The site has been chosen for the barn, right in the middle of the most treed and grown over part of the property.  A good high and dry location with protection from the elements and privacy. An arena is in our future. There is a mama coyote living behind the property. I'm grateful for the donkey that guards the mares. Last night we saw the biggest tree frog, about 8 inches long and 5 inches wide, huge.  Draining the pond and clearing brush has caused alot of snake activity as well as other creatures as I witnessed when I saw the frog.   The only fish we have found so far was a large alligator gar.  A few mailboxes and tires have been found in the pond also. I'm still hoping for catfish. The port a potty is in place which I was grateful for. The property used to be the community park, for 30 years.  It has been neglected for more than 10 years. Each week it looks better than it did the week before. It will be awhile before I can set a date to move horses but we have the property and the right day will surely come. This 5 acres is the beginning of a dream that started many years ago.

John Henry Magee IV

He's a little older now.  Henry is always faithfully waiting at the front door for me whenever I return. He's quiet most of the time, When we take him somewhere with other equine (mostly horses, we don't know any other mule people) he must always bray/nicker his own unique sound, I don't get to here that sound often enough.  The kids ride him everyday. He is very headstrong, literally and will pull the reins right out of your hand if your not ready for it.  Not a better mount for the kids exists.  He would protect them, teaches them, and is very aware of where his people are.  Henry is losing his eyesight and he has a little more grey than last year. I've already decided that when Henry has his final days, he will get a Big Mac and a Chocolate Shake plus all the alfalfa he wants,soaked of course! My friend John Henry, if only I would have known him his whole life. I worry now that his sight is going, he doesn't have a specific buddy. He has been with every equine on the place,he gets to go where he pleases, but not one friend does he seem to have that hangs out with just Henry.  John Henry likes all he meets, even if they don't like him.  We have to talk to him now when we are behind him,as he is always ready to get out of the way or kick out at one of those minis that are always picking on him. Even though they are a group of mostly seniors, they still move pretty quick and feel they should boss Henry around.  I have added the younger donkeys to the group hoping he would pick a pal amongst them but he seems to stay with each of them equally.  Maybe that's it, he has many pairs of extra eyes.  My mare Mariah has had vision problems for a while and she stays with her best pal Dreamer most of the time.  Henry hangs out with whoever is doing what he would like to be at the time. I couldn't take enough pictures of my beautiful mule, who was once unwanted and definitely not appreciated!  I am honored to know him and look forward to many more years together.  If the kids let me I hope to still get in a few more trailrides with my favorite pal before he peacefully retires, as is Henry's style, peaceful.

Parade with 4-H
I will never know why silly horses spook at Henry,
he is only 12.3 hands tall and is very docile.