work smarter, not harder

I'm always looking for ways to work more efficiently, save money and spend more quality time with the horses.

Round bales are my current answer! Was fortunate to find a supplier of good quality rounds for a good price-about 50 miles away but worth it. Got a sample bale for the 4 boys and Maya living together to see if they liked it before I purchased a months worth. They looked at me this morning like, "I'm stuffed!"

If it works out like I plan where all three groups of horses can be served a free choice round bale, then I may cut my hay bill in half. That's significant. It's a win win situation since they'll be able to eat all day during the cold weather we're coming into now. May have some plump ponies by the end of the winter but that's okay since we get 5 months of cold, wet, windy weather. I'll not have to worry about them as much. There is always something I'm worried about with them though!

Destiny will most likely use the hay for a nest. If Shy allows her too. Shy rules that roost although I was spying on them the other day and noticed them standing very close to each other napping. Once Shy saw me, she glared at Destiny who took orders and moved over about 15 feet!

A friend in VA has had good luck with a large bale hay net for her Spanish Mustangs. Wasted hay is not an issue any longer for her since she's used the nets. They are pricey but in the long run would save even more money. Maybe Santa will bring one for the ponies?!

Watching Eliza (all 70 lbs of her) and I pushing a 700 lb round bale out of the back of the truck must have given the horses a giggle. It almost got away and rolled down the hill. She went chasing after it, with me hoping it wouldn't crush her flat. hehehehe like in the cartoons!!!!!!!!! I had to laugh out loud. oh, right, that's lol.

Always an adventure at The Center. The next one is probably unloading 10 bales off a flatbead. A tractor is on our wish list, too!

Get your Holiday Greeting cards

A beautiful Holiday card has been designed by Wingspan arts, Intl. www.wingspanartsintl.com to benefit the Center. The photo used is of Iktinike, the Choctaw stallion belonging to Dr. Sponenberg, who spent two years at Red Road Farm when I was working with that preservation program. I took the photo on a wintery day and the photo has been digitally enhanced to look just magical. You can view it on The Center's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Americas-First-Horse/10150104999335094 My apologies for not being able to upload it here. Until I get high speed internet, I'm limited.

Cards are available for $15 for 6, or $3 each. We will have them in our e-store on our site next week. A limited number has been printed and they are going fast. We may have time to print more before the Holidays.

All proceeds from the sale of the card go directly to The Center. Thank you for your support!

New Website is up!

If you haven't heard...our newly designed website is up and running and it's just FANTASTIC!!! ! www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org

Many many thanks to MaryAnne the webmistress, and Elsie as the assistant and note taker. To Brie Hoblin for her technical assistance, and Brenda for helping out when needed.

We still have a few minor things to work on but Paypal is ready, links work, and we're rollin'! This is really exciting for all of us.

THANK YOU for visiting our site!

Wha'sup with this weather? Sunny this morning, down to one layer on while trimming feet, then a snow squall came through and everything is white and slippery. How many more days till the indoor arena will be up?!

The bulldozer got fired up this morning and when I left there was already a huge topsoil pile. The indoor arena could be up by late Dec. - early January. Another great reason why a fabric covered truss arch building is the way to go...they go up quick and excavation work is minimal. Oh yay, I can't wait. The next month will be all about hauling hay and water through snow till we are moved into the indoor. Can't wait Can't wait Can't wait.

Looking for donation of free to inexpensive building lumber to construct 10'x12' run in shed. Utility poles, beams, framing, siding, roofing materials needed. Thanks!

Giving thanks.

That's such a cliche' but it works. There are many things to be thankful for. The obvious ones are my family, good health and the blessing of friends. Then there are the horses and all that surrounds them.

Hoping everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Steph and the ponies

The Center is now on Twitter. Tweet, Tweet! Look for us @ America1sthorse.

Not only that, our renovated website will be up and running very soon. Hundreds of combined hours between us all to create an amazing site! I'll post AS SOON AS it's live and ready for the world!

Big news is there are two excavating machines in the field waiting to move dirt around for the new building. Woo-hoo! I am getting a little excited now in comparison the immense overwhelming feeling that I've been plagued with. Pretty much walking around glazed over lately. It's lifting.

Monday morning is our ribbon cutting publicity photo. It's supposed to rain but it rarely slows us down around here.

check list

New winter pasture fencing up and ready. Check.
Rearranged barn to make two run in sheds for half the horses. Check.
Last revisions to new website. Check.
Confirmation of Dancing with Horses Workshop in March. Check.
FINANCING APPROVED FOR INDOOR ARENA!!!! Check.

We're moving forward! Couldn't have done it without all The Center fairies tending to their tasks!