Patriot was unloaded from the trailer yesterday afternoon then walked to the drive.
His arrival caused quite a stir.
Buttercup thought maybe he’d like to play, and she did that clumsy, goofy dancing that heifers like to do. Patriot didn’t pay any attention to her.
Poky didn’t mind him too much.
But Jack was real upset.
There was a lot of loud donkey braying involved. But Jack isn’t really that brave. And neither is Buttercup. Patriot wasn’t actually paying attention to either one of them, but when he bothered to look up at them, they RAN.
Morgan, trying to make Jack feel better. (The donkeys look SO TINY next to Patriot!)
Morgan decided to not try to ride him right away. She’s making friends first.
Today:
I’ve still got Buttercup, the donkeys, and Patriot in the yard mowing. Patriot mows as much as the other three combined! He’s a fabulous mower! He seems to be settling in–he’s pretty relaxed. The other animals have calmed down, too. I just love to look at him. He’s beautiful. Morgan’s spring break starts Friday (with Friday off also) so she will have a week with lots of time to get to know him–and to start riding him. Can’t wait.
This is the best spring EVER.
angiemay says:
What a beautiful sight. I love seeing all the animals together. Morgan will have a wonderful Sprink break 🙂
It is a fantastic Spring!
On April 3, 2012 at 1:55 pm
stacylee says:
He is beautiful! I am so happy for you and Morgan! Jack will just have to get over it and stop being so controlling! Maybe he needs counseling.
On April 3, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Merino Mama says:
Congratulations to everyone! I’m so happy Patriot will have a wonderful life now. :snoopy:
On April 3, 2012 at 2:00 pm
NancyL says:
I am so happy for all of you! I am sure that Jack will very quickly settle down and be happy to have a big brother around.
And – duh – I just realized what I did wrong yesterday when I claimed that I couldn’t leave a comment!!! Nancy, you’ve got to scroll down to get to the comment box! After how many years of following your blog?! Senior moment, I say!!! 😉
On April 3, 2012 at 2:02 pm
angiemay says:
LOL – Just reread my post – Meant Spring instead of Sprink 🙂
On April 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Bev in CA says:
Suzanne, read up on Foundering (or laminitis.) Patriot looks great and has picked up on his weight. There are lots of factors. One is lush pasture from spring growth. In the spring we can only leave our mare on pasture for so many hours at a time. There are signs to watch for. Once the green grass has headed out and starts to cure is it safe to leave them on the pasture full time. Foundering affects their feet, etc. Horses that have foundered are not ridable. You can tell a horse that has foundered. They have ridges on their hooves. They go lame and cough, etc. Lots to know about having horses, but once you know what to watch out for things go great. I’m sorry, I always seem to be telling you something, you must be tired of me. Through the years we were blessed to have friends that clued us in. We are down to one horse now. Sassy is 33 yr.s old, we were there when she foaled. She looks exactly like Patriot. Have a great week!
On April 3, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Bev, I checked with the people who had Patriot before he came, and again. He has been on grass and is accustomed, so he is fine.
On April 3, 2012 at 3:51 pm
SarahGrace says:
Patriot is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations again to Morgan! What wonderful memories are in store for her!
On April 3, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Jen says:
Wouldn’t this make the best children’s picture book! ‘The Day Patriot Came to Sassafras Farm’ by Suzanne McMinn. :o) I could see a lot the animal adventures as picture books & I think they’d be so fun to read. – A whole series featuring each one – with all the things going on it could last forever.
Something else to add to your long list of dreams.
On April 3, 2012 at 3:07 pm
bonita says:
Things look so good, Patriot will soon realize that HE won the lottery last week! I just feel bad for Coco. She missing out on all this joy, and she’ll be stunned when she comes home…still hoping that’s soon.
On April 3, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Joell says:
:happybutterfly:
This has been a wondeful Spring for you and your family, it has been like Christmas for the last week, Patiot has found a wondeful loving forever home.
On April 3, 2012 at 3:16 pm
shirley T says:
I had to laugh at the statement~~~When he looked up, they all ran away. I noticed even the chickens were on the run. Patriot looked right at home there. He sure enhances the beauty of the landscape~~ I’m lovin it~~
On April 3, 2012 at 3:43 pm
beforethedawn says:
So glad Patriot is basically ignoring the others, sounds like he is going to fit in just fine! Love the one where they are running away from him! LOL. Hopefully in time they will just think of him as part of the herd.
On April 3, 2012 at 4:15 pm
liz2 says:
Patriot’s coat is so glossy & his body has filled out it seems. He’s just beautiful! Love the photo of the other animals running away because he’s looking at them! And I can just see Buttercup doing a goofy dance. Maybe she wanted to play. I’m sure all will soon be best friends. So happy for Patriot, Morgan & you.
On April 3, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
I’m glad Bev in CA mentioned foundering. I personally know diddly squat about horses, but my sister-in-law’s horse foundered last year and it was touch and go as to whether he was going to survive. And he was just on a normal pasture but it had some clover in it. He couldn’t handle the clover. So, so read up and keep a close eye on Patriot, expecially with all the lush growth.
Have fun, Morgan.
On April 3, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Turtle Mom says:
Dreams do come true! First your farm, then your commercial kitchen, and now Morgan’s horse! Indeed it is a Happy Spring! It’s wonderful to see great things happen to such terrific people! I’m hoping that you have new baby goats to share with us soon!
On April 3, 2012 at 6:48 pm
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
He’s beautiful! Suzanne, I’m so happy for you and for Morgan. Looking forward to seeing him at the retreat party!
The way your life is coming together now is your reward for all of the stress you’ve encountered the last few years and I’m tickled pink for you! :pinkbunny:
On April 3, 2012 at 6:51 pm
kdubbs says:
Hooray! How fabulous that he settled right in with the other critters–I’ve had horses who tried to leave the county when a cow showed up!
One thing to be aware of: I see some t-posts, which work fine for horses with modifications. If I were putting my horses behind t-posts, I’d invest in the heavy rounded plastic caps for them. Horses have a tendency to run first and think later–even the sensible ones like Patriot! This can result in some truly hideous wounds when horses impale themselves on the sharp tops of the t-posts. Caps are a few dollars apiece–not much to pay for peace of mind (and avoiding a whopping vet bill).
When does your horse arrive?
On April 3, 2012 at 7:38 pm
holstein woman says:
Well, I think the last thing you need is more advice even though I’m sure it is heart felt. I would hate to see anything happen to any of the animals or you two, not to mention the guys. Looks like a “Real Farm” now. For some reason Patriot seems to finish the look of the farm. Now I wish I was coming to the farm this Sept. Love you and enjoy!
On April 3, 2012 at 8:03 pm
dmcfarland says:
Having a terrible time with my post, but was concerned about foundering when the donkeys started eating the new grass but couldn’t rememeber the word for it…..didn’t pay attention growing up when my parents were discussing it in regards to our animals. But I remembered it was bad and centered around the new Spring grass. So Patriot is fine but what about the donkeys? Are other grass eaters unaffected? Inquiring minds need to know:-)
Loving all the good things coming your way, couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
On April 3, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Well, thank you for all the foundering advice, but I am doing for Patriot what I have been advised by the knowledgeable horse people who have had Patriot and know him best, so please don’t worry. The donkeys have been gradually transitioning from hay to grass for some time now. Jack was foundered a long time ago, by the way, before I ever got him. I really do appreciate the concern.
On April 3, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Bev in CA says:
kdubbs is correct. It happened to Sassy. Didn’t know they now have caps. I’m always learning something new.
On April 3, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Tinia at Lucas Farm says:
Congrats again to Suzanne on her adoption of one of our rescue horses: Patriot.
Please realize, folks, we’ve handled over 80 placements of rescue horses to date and are a group of life long equine owners before becoming one of the only non-profit equine rescue groups in the state, and we have advised Suzanne on what we know is the best and happiest way to care for Patriot. Remember, equine care must be tailored to the individual horse, and what works for one, will often never work for the next. We recommend care based on the individual horse. She has him on pasture at our recommendation, and as a bit of research will show, it is an a-typical horse which cannot be on pasture full time. The most healthy and natural way for horses to live, as they always historically have, is typically on pasture 24/7/365. There are exception, but Patriot is not among those. Most ponies and minis must have controlled access to grass, especially early grass; however, this is not typical of most horses.
Patriot has been on full pasture access for quite some time, and most of the horses in our rescue are, as well. We have never, despite the large amount of equines we handle, both personal and rescue, had a founder case as a result, though we have had founder cases that came to us having foundered in the past.
Suzanne’s care is a continuation of the care Patriot received during his many months of rehab with the group, his recover shows this has been the care he needed, and we always work closely with adopters: No need to worry 🙂
On April 3, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Glenda says:
It is good to see how happy you all are!
This will be a spring break Morgan will never forget!
On April 4, 2012 at 6:01 am
Rose H says:
Oh wow! Patriot is right at home. So funny the others ran when he looked at them 😆
On April 4, 2012 at 6:37 am
KarenAnne says:
Certainly the best spring ever. How beautiful everything looks; It looked great before, but with everything greening up and flowering it looks wonderful. The kids must think it’s paradise. And they’d be right 🙂
On April 4, 2012 at 7:48 am
Snapper119 says:
Poor Jack! Weener envy is no laughing matter…. :bugeyed: 😉
On April 4, 2012 at 8:17 am