A great week of learning at the farm...

We have had a busy week and it has not all been about planting.  May & Lily's previous owner/breeder, Don Roi came to stay for three days at the farm.  Don has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and Michael and I have had a great few days learning from him.

We have learnt how to trim and file the horses feet,  Don has also given us tips on how to develop the girls strength and endurance for the months ahead.  This has involved the forecart, a rather large tire, and several hills! I have spent the last few days getting May and Lily to drag the tire around the paddocks. I have to be very honest Don had to drive the girls down the hill as I lost my nerve as it is rather steep. I did take the girls back up the hill which was great fun.  

Hoof trimming and filing was very interesting, We now have to purchase some horse size files as mine will never do!
Both May and Lily have lovely manicured feet, and we have a great collection of toe nails!

Don has also helped Michael instal our new solar water pump.  This means we are now able to pump water from our spring to all the animals and the garden.  

Water this year is going to be critical if the last month is anything to go by. I think we could be looking at a rather dry summer.  

We have a cistern and a well for the house and as many know I managed to run the well dry last year due to over watering the ducks! Having the pump means we will not have to tanker water in to fill the well as it will come from our own Spring.

Yesterday while we were finishing May's feet we had an unexpected visit from a local teamster Neil Whitton.  It was rather specutacular watching Neil drive over the fields with his stunning pair of Belgium's, who at the ages of 21 & 23 years old are still wining pulling championships across Ontario.  Neil takes all his horses out each day for a 10 mile drive to help build their stamina for competition.