Finding light in the darkest part of the year

Winter hit us hard and early in southern Indiana. 

Malhon greeting the girls

Who had icicles in their "beards"

We've had subzero temps more typical of late January and unusually heavy snowfall. Our Decembers are often mild, if a little wet. A "White Christmas" is a rarity, not a given.

I had to bring Missy's blanket home to thaw in our garage. It was one big sheet of ice and could stand on its own. 

Through the worst of this latest storm, I've been very grateful for my co-op barnmates. Sharing the load of breaking ice, checking on horses, chipping snowballs out of hooves, and even sometimes taking on 100% of the load for those of us who couldn't safely get to the stable... it really makes horse ownership less stressful. I'm so blessed to have found this little community that feels like family.

When semis are jack-knifing at your exit and state troopers are telling you to stay home... the 20 minute drive to the stable is... unwise.

Meanwhile I've been dealing with a bad inflammation flare up, because of course. Cue painful, stiff joints, fingernails separating from nail beds, crippling fatigue, and brain fog that leaves me feeling dazed. I'm hoping to get some answers, or even a plan to find answers, at my upcoming first rheumatology appointment, but in the meantime the horses have been getting the bare minimum to be happy and healthy. As I mentioned last post, that includes interaction/mental stimulation for Pyro.

This wonky donkey has no right to be as athletic as he is, but he's rocking the dad bod this winter.

His winter coat makes him look velvety.

He was a surprisingly willing participant in my reindeer games.

He never once tried to shake the gloves off his ears, instead begging for cookies.

"HAI"

"Who are you calling wonky donkey? I'm a MAJESTIC REINDEER. Now what do I have to do to earn a cookie?"

There was one day I was feeling up to a 20 minute walk ride, and he was a very good boy for it.

I broke out my sparkly helmet...

...and he wore his new Black Friday sale bridle (black to match his saddle!) for the first time.

Otherwise, he has mostly gotten extra foraging opportunities in his stall, as well as recess in the indoor arena.

The Treatie Weenie is a favorite...

...and I don't feel bad filling it with a handful of low-sugar treats.

His shenanigans with the ball never fail to make me laugh.

*insert circus noises*

"Mom! Did ya see me?! Did ya see me?!"

Missy and Nova have been well in their cozy little barn.

Sharing a hay net 🥺

While Nova never shivered through the coldest weather, and it's hard to see under her fluff, I do think she lost a tiny bit of weight staying warm. So, her feed is being upped, and I'm starting to blanket her more, even before she shows any signs of being cold. While I certainly don't want her overfed, I also don't want her any thinner than she currently is.

She still has *feelings* about the blanket, but is accepting it better each time. She gets so INDIGNANT, and it's hilarious.

My own little present, all wrapped up in bright red paper.

Jen cared for the girls for me one day, and she gave Nova a gold star for allowing her to knock ice off her coat. She observed that Nova's default reaction to a new person is suspicion, but the filly quickly decided Jen was cool and stood quietly munching hay, moving over on her own to offer Jen her other side for brushing. 

Smart filly

I suspect some of this wariness stems from having to get shots from the vet. She recently received her boosters, and despite my attempt to get her used to his approach beforehand AND provide positive association during with a bucket of her favorite foal grain... she told us screw you, screw your bucket, and DEFINITELY screw poking me with a needle. As I can't safely handle needles/shots due to my phobia, I may have my work cut out for me teaching her to be a good patient. At least she didn't seem to have any reaction to the vaccines themselves.

The mane training is coming along.

For day to day handling though, she is excellent. She understands the routine, is (usually) calm and respectful, and is learning from our small interactions each day. 

She allowed me to dry her off before the rain turned to sleet, rubbing her fleece cooler vigorously. Also, I take great joy in kissing her fuzzy black velvet muzzle. 

As I'm very aware of how this weather can affect sore joints, I'm so happy that Missy seems to be handling it well. The 24/7 turnout truly is the right choice for her right now. 

Cozy with a manger full of hay in front of her. A happy Missy means a happy Leah.

I love watching her interact with Nova. She has just the right balance of nurturing while teaching good herd manners. Although, it's entertaining when I see Nova try a behavior I KNOW she picked up from Missy that's not necessarily one I want her to use with me, like reaching around to nip my leg when I'm being annoying (fixing a mane braid). (Girlfriend got a swift correction that had her scootching out of my space, and I went back to fixing the braid like nothing happened. She sighed and returned to munching hay without protest.) I've seen Missy pull that exact move on her via my security cams. 

"I'm teaching her how to be a horse. It's on you to sort your pecking order out with the filly."

So, even though most of my time around the horses is spent doing chores, and I'm not really working towards any riding goals, these little observations and interactions are helping fill my cup and brighten my days. May your days be brightened by joy as well this season.

Bonus: Downtown lights just as the snow started to fall