Today was a very eventful day! (like every day here at the ranch)
My day started off with my daily chores: giving the pregnant mares water, feeding and watering the chickens, and feeding the calves. We added a new chore in: feed Nora (the mare who had Tony) some supplemental feed. After that, Burt and I got the replacement mother cows into the headgate so the calves could drink their milk for an easier transition. Since most cows do not take lightly to orphan cows after they have lost their own, sometimes they need a little encouragement. All seems to be going quite well now.
After that I headed out with Burt to check the cows. I got to tag my first calves today. We found four newborns out in the pasture and I tagged three of the four. Burt did the first one to show me how it's done.... and cause the mother was wanting to charge at him quite a bit. Although I hate needles, I did quite well. The first one went a little shakey, but by the third I was getting much better at it. The key is to go fast and smooth. It's like getting your ears pierced, so I know how the calves feel.
As we drove past the mares' pasture, Burt stopped so I could visit with them. They all came running to us and wanted to be loved on.
After that we ate lunch at Granny's like usual. Hot dogs, cheesy green beans, and hashbrown potatoes. It was absolutely delicious as always.
Jenn and I then went to the barn and started watering it down and brought the saddle horses in. I got to ride both Dino and Chachie today and worked on more of what I did on Wednesday. I could definitely see the improvement from Wednesday. I was going to get on Banjo when Jesse, the farrier, arrived. He trimmed Dino, Chachie, Gumpy, and Banjo's feet since they were growing out way too long. None, if only a few, of the horses are shoed here at The DX Ranch since they get worn down so much out in the pastures anyway.
Once those horses were done, I headed back to feed my calves again before we all headed out to Bob's Steakhouse for dinner. It was quite delicious, but it still can't beat North Woods Inn from back home.
Now it is time for bed so look for another post for ya'll tomorrow!
My day started off with my daily chores: giving the pregnant mares water, feeding and watering the chickens, and feeding the calves. We added a new chore in: feed Nora (the mare who had Tony) some supplemental feed. After that, Burt and I got the replacement mother cows into the headgate so the calves could drink their milk for an easier transition. Since most cows do not take lightly to orphan cows after they have lost their own, sometimes they need a little encouragement. All seems to be going quite well now.
After that I headed out with Burt to check the cows. I got to tag my first calves today. We found four newborns out in the pasture and I tagged three of the four. Burt did the first one to show me how it's done.... and cause the mother was wanting to charge at him quite a bit. Although I hate needles, I did quite well. The first one went a little shakey, but by the third I was getting much better at it. The key is to go fast and smooth. It's like getting your ears pierced, so I know how the calves feel.
As we drove past the mares' pasture, Burt stopped so I could visit with them. They all came running to us and wanted to be loved on.
After that we ate lunch at Granny's like usual. Hot dogs, cheesy green beans, and hashbrown potatoes. It was absolutely delicious as always.
Jenn and I then went to the barn and started watering it down and brought the saddle horses in. I got to ride both Dino and Chachie today and worked on more of what I did on Wednesday. I could definitely see the improvement from Wednesday. I was going to get on Banjo when Jesse, the farrier, arrived. He trimmed Dino, Chachie, Gumpy, and Banjo's feet since they were growing out way too long. None, if only a few, of the horses are shoed here at The DX Ranch since they get worn down so much out in the pastures anyway.
Once those horses were done, I headed back to feed my calves again before we all headed out to Bob's Steakhouse for dinner. It was quite delicious, but it still can't beat North Woods Inn from back home.
Now it is time for bed so look for another post for ya'll tomorrow!