The View Through My Lens

Let me start out by saying, I am by no means a photographer. Now that we've got that cleared up; I wanted to share a few photos from around the farm. There are some days that I actually remember to take my camera along with me. Then there are other days when I might grab my phone out of my pocket and snap a photo.

"cowbird" as the kids call them

Goat hangout

A few Mallard ducks stopped for a visit in our pond

Turtle family?

heifer calf

Love the curiosity of the one peeking over the back of the one in front

They appear to be trying to figure out what that lady is doing

First-Timer

I was so fortunate a while back, to be able to witness two calves being born within a couple of minutes of each other. It just so happened that I went to check on the cows at just the right time. I knew a couple were getting close. Believe it or not, it's not very often that we actually get to see one born.....many times we come around seconds after it hits the ground, but hardly ever see the birth. If we know that a cow is close to calving, we keep an eye on her. Although, we do not bring her into a different area than the rest of the herd. So many trips are made to the pasture, but we have a philosophy not to intervene unless the animals lives are in danger.  Granted we have had to pull calves, but if we see one that is in active labor, we give them their space and leave them be and come back to check on them.  Most often they will have already delivered the calf somewhere in between visits.

I noticed that this particular heifer had the sac protruding with 2 hooves inside, so I decided to stick around for a bit.  I paid more attention to her than the other cow due to this particular one was a "first-timer". 

Hello world

There is nothing more amazing than seeing a new life enter the world and that mothering instinct kick in.  I tried to stay my distance and get some photos to share with my blog readers.  I was so glad that I remembered my camera on this day.  

attempting to try out her legs

I just love those first attempts to stand

Sweet moment between the two

This is the other that was born just a few minutes later.  It never gets old seeing a new baby.  We are so lucky to have the opportunity to live and work on the farm!

Update On Ginger

Has it really been a month since I've posted on the blog?! Time sure does fly. I wanted to share an update on Ginger the horse we rescued back in December. You can read about that by clicking here. These are photos I had taken of her as soon as we unloaded her from the trailer. She was so pitiful; just about starved to death. 

The photo below is the most recent one.  She sure has come a long way.  It's amazing what a little TLC can do.  She got plenty of feed for the first month along with hay.  Then she was turned out to the pasture with the other horses and could have all of the forage her heart desired.

so healthy and shiny

We didn't have a clue as to what breed she was.  We noticed the white markings on the left side of her neck, and suspected it to be a freeze brand.  We're thinking that she is a mustang that had been adopted.  She's very skittish and flighty. We've both worked with her a little and are able to lead her on a rope.  It doesn't cause her to jump out of her skin when I raise my hand to scratch my ear now either (she was very flighty with any sudden movement). 

checking out the saddle

One thing I have noticed is that she is a very quick learner.  Everything frightens her at first, but with us working with her, she gets a little easier with it.  Yesterday, Shane decided to get her introduced to the saddle.  The day before he was able to get her to take a bit.  He put on all of the head gear too.  She did very well, considering.

still not sure about it

It took a few tries for the saddle.  She really thought it was a monster in the beginning!  Finally she was able to handle it coming towards her  and then being placed on her back without flipping out.  

finally calming down with the saddle on her back

Then Shane decided to try stepping up on the stirrup.  She didn't like that too much either, but eventually calmed down.  Hopefully she will come around.  It does look like a long road ahead.  We are really thinking that she is going to be a "rodeo" for someone to break completely.  It may have to be left up to the trainers.  A friend of ours that has been injured before told Shane " No horse is worth a $20,000 new knee.  There are too many other good ones out there."  I must say that as wild as she is, I still really like her and want to keep her.  Who knows what we will end up having to do.....

It's a shame that someone adopted her and who knows how many times she was passed around.  Shane found this website showing how to read the freeze brand.  We just may try to decode it and contact the BLM to see a little of her history.  I think that will be very interesting. 

Hope y'all have a great weekend!