Rolling In The Hay

Day two and women power gets the job done.

Mister and I had a change of pace from afternoon boat rides at the lake to helping haul hay.

When the bales need to go where the tractor can’t maneuver you literally roll them into place and tip them over by hand.

Here in central Alberta, hay is scarce right now due to bad growing and baling conditions. With many farmers thinking they may not get a second cut, we travelled farther then usual for the daughters winter stock for her horse.

The first of the two day haul was a bit of a episode because of rain issues, a blown hydraulic hose on the tractor, and things just not going to plan. A crew of Mister, The Daughter and myself regrouped and finally waited for reinforcements to arrive (The Daughters Husband, the Daughter-In-Law, and the newest grandson who I’ll refer to as “Little One”.) Forty-five minutes later the job was completed.

Little One had a great time. Grandpa took him for his first quad rides, Auntie took him to park the lawn mower, he sat in a saddle, visited with their dog and cat, and got a swing in a bucket. His smiles and giggles lightened the moods of everyone, especially the three original crew members.

Because of being another work day, it was Mister, The Daughter and myself who hit the road early the next day to get the second and last load.

Once we were back, The Daughter-In-Law and Little One came over again to lend a hand. Things went smoothly with Mister on the tractor bringing bales up from the trailer. The girls rolled them through the barn to the hay shelter. From there we all pushed and pulled them into place and then stood them on end. My main job was taking pictures and watching Little One. It’s great to be grandma. The chore was done in record time.

Maybe it was because of Little One’s good job supervising from his Jolly Jumper.

Do you have great memories from living or visiting a farm?

Country Life

What’s that noise?

Faint rustling followed by squeaks and gurgles of a baby fussing came from the feed and tack stall next to the booth where Mister and I sat at the horse event. Exchanging an knowing glance with my husband I went to investigate.

Pictured above is what I found. Our daughter with this sheepish look sprinkling hay on her little brother who was supposed to be asleep.

Our family often jokes about the saying, “Were you born in a barn.” Although not born in one, our kids spent a good portion of their childhoods in either a barn, an arena, or outside and nearby while we did our chores.

Four legs, manes, tails, and everything horse best describes our daughter’s likes.

For a few years, a spring horse took center-stage in our bay window. She spent endless hours in that saddle, her stare focused outside, and her eyes glazed with little girl daydreams.

The toys that entertained her while indoors were all horse related. My Little Pony’s, Lego stable sets, and the jeep, horse trailer and horses for her Barbie’s. Even the multi story, upright, Barbie house Mister made her, of course, had a floor level barn included.

She was happiest outside, even if just watching the horses eat or roam the pastures. As an adult, she still spends her spare time outside with her horse or in the barn.

She recently posted this picture and description on Instagram. (@candie214)

Pretty sure this is why I like watching people ride, I spent hours on those tires.

If you look close, you’ll see the small child saddle I’m riding in so I could take the edge off “Dr. Pepper” before she rode.

In her I see the younger me. Doing barn or farm chores was, and is, rarely considered work and when given a choice they trump household chores.

To us horses aren’t a hobby, they are a lifestyle. Location has changed this for me since I live at a lake resort now, but it’s still her way of life.

This is “Nugget” Her current, young, Quarter Horse Gelding she’s training.

We were blessed as parents to have children, especially teenagers, whose passions meant they were happy at home.

Our son’s interests changed from horses over time and if you haven’t already, check out my post, “Our Version of a Norman Rockwell” for a glimpse into what makes the male’s of our family tick.

Did you have a childhood passion?

Do you still enjoy it?

Passion or Simple Pleasure (Horses)

 

Passion Started Young

Crossing the threshold into the building I inhale a long, slow breath through my nose. A hint of sweet alfalfa hay greets me first, then it mixes with a scent so unique, I can think of nothing to compare it to. This odor can cause people to crinkle or cover their noses with distaste, it makes my heart flutter with joy though. The smell of horses is refreshing, revitalizing, and overpowers my daily worries.

Moving deeper into the barn I enter the tack room. My nostrils twitch with delight at an added fragrance. Leather, some new but most aged and oiled. A rich homey scent that candle and cologne manufactures try to duplicate but in my opinion they never quite succeed.

The sight of work worn saddles always triggers my admiration but in this room it’s reflection that causes me to pause. I know by experience the number of hours, days, even years it took to get them broke-in to their current comfortable state. A few, I’ve owned for over forty years. Fond memories surface, and I crave another ride.

            I no longer live in the country where I spent hours a day with the horses, yet I’m thankful I can still return for visits. Now though, it’s the youngest daughters new horse “Nugget” that greets us with a soft nicker.

Nothing soothes the soul like the satiny feel of a horse’s coat or the unbiased companionship formed when you show them kindness.

“Nugget” for short

The above paragraphs may seem like a dramatic explanation of a simple scene, but it comes from my heart.

What I feel for these majestic four-legged creatures is, Passion.

Long-lived and Forever Strong.

If you ask a horse owner, “So, do you ride Western or English?” And their answer is, “I have a saddle with the thing in front to hold onto when it gets bumpy.” I think it’s fair to assume they own a horse for simple pleasure, it’s not their passion. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just an observation.

These are 2 of the previous long time family members.

“Bear and Cisco” R.I.P.

Do you enjoy Horses? 

Are you passionate about a hobby?

What is your hobby?

 

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“Saddles to Shorelines and Life as it Come” Blog

      

Read about the world, past and present, seen through the eyes of a retired equestrian. A wife, mother, grandmother, and don’t try to guess my age but a young great-grandmother.

This Blog is where I write and share weekly posts covering, country living, family, friends, lake living, crafting, and life as it comes.

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