About this time each year, my mind starts to think about spring flowers and planting.  When we moved to our property last year, so much of what we did was upgrades and improvements that were needed to the tired place.  Now it looks so much more vibrant and needs pops of color!  This year, I get to concentrate on the “pretty” part of it all.  I have that vision in my head of what will look good.  When I close  my eyes and think about it, I can almost smell the flowers now.  I have a little fairy garden my sister gave me a few years ago with a bird bath, white picket fence, etc.  I didn’t know where to put it at the other house.  Even though I’m not big into the fairy garden idea, a little area dedicated to it will be charming as you stroll through what eventually will be the garden walk.

I am so at peace at home.  This will put it over the top!  Not everyone finds their dream home in a log home on 3 acres.  I have.

When I bought my two miniature horses, they were underfed and neglected.  It wasn’t until I got them home I noticed the mare looked pregnant.  The vet confirmed it during her check up of them and a few months later Jumpin Jaxx was born.  He’s now 8 months old and after going back and forth of whether to keep him or not, I made the decision to sell him.  He, as of Sunday, is with a very nice family with three little girls who shower him with attention, all of which he eats up.  There was another horse who was alone until Jaxx arrived and couldn’t have been happier now having someone with him.  He followed Jaxx everywhere which was good for Jaxx to have someone ready to be with him as he transitions.

Upon returning home from delivery, America (the mare) was standing at the gate watching for him.  She whinnied all afternoon and evening.  She stood at the gate waiting halfway through the night when typically she would be in the barn.  Yesterday was better but last night she stood at the gate waiting again.  I know she’ll be okay in time, but in the meantime this is very stressful for her – and me.

Unless Legacy (the previous stallion who is now a gelding) got to her before he went sterile, there will be no more foals to worry about.  On the off chance she were to be pregnant, we’ll work it out to accommodate three versus our current set up which works well for two.  I won’t put her through that again, nor do I want to watch her go through it.  Maybe I’m not the rancher I should be, but each one of my animals are my babies.  I don’t regret my decision.  I made it and I stand by it.  Having said that, there will not be a repeat performance.

With all the subzero temperatures here in Colorado and around the nation, a couple days here finally getting above freezing conditions during the day is spent with horses and donkeys basking in the sun and grazing on winter’s dormant pasture.  The mini donkeys (Ella and Emma) and one of the mini horses (Jaxx) were born last May and June.  They love to lie down and take in the sunshine.  After a nap, they run around and kick their heels up in happiness.  Winter’s not over yet, but a day of sunshine here and there sure helps to build up some solar energy.  I’d have to include myself in that.  Too many cloudy days has a tendency to bring me down. So it’s a great feeling to see them running and grazing and being happy.

When I bought America and Legacy, and rescued them from neglect, it wasn’t until I got them home I realized she was pregnant.  The vet confirmed it and estimated a matter of months.  Two and  a half months later, little Jumpin Jaxx was born.  Such a beautiful experience to go through.

Within 30 minutes of birth – it’s a boy!

Little America and her foal, Jumpin Jaxx.

Now he’s almost eight months old.  The plan was always to do everything in twos.  The set up is perfect for two horses (the donkeys have a separate area – also set up for two).  So after going back and forth in my head and heart, I decided it was best to sell him.  Having said that, it’s my every intention to make sure he goes to a good home.  I’m in the process of getting it all set up to go to a family with three young girls.  The family has a couple quarter horses that are too big for them.  By having the mini (and a pony as well to keep him company), they can get used to taking care of, grooming, walking, etc. a miniature version of the bigger horses.  Jaxx loves attention and is very cuddly.  The girls were petting and scratching him.  He ate up every bit of it too.  It made me feel good.  Will I be sad?  Absolutely.  I know it’s the right decision.  He will have 35 acres to run around on versus our 3.  He loves to run and kick up his heels when he plays. I love him and I’ll miss him.  I will enjoy the remaining time I have with him until he does leave!