2015!

Wow! It's February already and I'm just now putting up a new farm blog post?  Oops!!  So here's a quick rundown on where we are and where we hope to go this year -- both as individuals and well as a farm:



1) Shows - we will once again be hosting 2 shows this year so mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, September 26. Both shows will offer DLSC dressage classes as well as classes available for any other regular dressage, eventing dressage or western dressage test.  In addition, we'll be doing Combined Training from ground poles through Training level (3'3"), Prix Caprilli tests, and jumper classes from 2' to 3'3". We'll also be doing a Gambler's Choice (2' to 3"3") payback class and a Six Bar class.  Also, for those who braved last October's weather with us, you'll be happy to know that our regular R&B Concessions will be at both shows!!  Please see website for details.



2) Farm Progress -- Let's see... we have 6 stalls in the existing barn that were created and look wonderful (Thank You First Class Home Solutions as well as a number of other folks who helped out!).  1 large pasture is being used and materials have been purchased to put in a 2nd pasture as soon as the weather and other obligations cooperate.  We've started getting bids for the new barn which will open up boarding opportunities as well as the indoor arena which will open up on-farm show and training/clinic opportunities. 


As our dream of this facility becomes more and more real, we're honing in on our goals of what we truly want it to be -- an Equestrian Education and Training Center. We feel there is definitely a place for this kind of facility in our area and it is truly what we hope to offer as the facility takes shape.  Goals include:

1. Hosting fun, educational and low-stress schooling shows similar to the ones we offer now.  Personally I would love to see us be able to eventually have something like a jumper series during the summer offered under lights.
2. Host riding and non-riding educational clinics with accomplished and knowledgeable professionals.
3. Offer the facility for local riders, trainers or organizations (ie: Pony Club, 4H, etc.) for schooling purposes. Our plans include the indoor arena, an outdoor arena and eventually cross country jumps in the fields which could be used for simple training or even rented for specific clinics, camps or shows. 
4. Offer a few quality boarding opportunities. We don't plan to have very many boarders but there will be stalls available as the facility takes shape.

There are a couple other ideas that we have floated amongst ourselves that we are interested in that would fit in with our core goals for the farm. As we investigate further into their feasibility and they begin to take shape, we'll be sharing more and more.



3) Personal -- on some personal notes, 2014 ended nicely with everyone - horse and human - healthy and happy.  Several DLSC Year End Awards were brought home to Serenity Valley Farm and while we are more about doing well for ourselves, it's always a bonus to earn a Year End Award.

• Ashley & Skye = 4th place Green Horse (hunter), 4th place Green Horse EQ (hunter)
• Ella & Bo = Reserve Champion Beginner Horse (hunter), Reserve Champion Intro Level Junior (dressage)
• Lilly & Rambo = Champion Intermediate Horse (hunter), Reserve Champion Training Level Junior (dressage)
• Tammy & Shirley = 4th place Training Level Senior (dressage), Reserve Champion USEF Rider Tests (dressage)
• Ella & Thumper = 3rd place 1st Thru 4th Level (dressage)

Looking towards this year, we're not sure what we'll be doing necessarily (other than working on the farm of course), but we all really feel this is going to be a great year!  Stay tuned for the details!

Greenstone Dressage Recap & SVF June Show Update

Things are happening fast and furious around here it seems.

Greenstone Dressage Show - June 14

Took Shirley to the dressage show.  It was... educational and interesting.  We entered Training Level Test 1 and the USEF Rider Test (Training Level).  Arrived in plenty of time to have a nice LONG warm up with lots of reward breaks.  I think that worked but she was still "up" when we walked over to the other side of the trees and went in the ring.  We've been trying to work on keeping her in front of my leg... and thus soft, forward and straight.  Yeah... that didn't work very well initially.  I'm sure people who watched us enter the ring for our T1 test thought for sure I'd started drinking really early that day!!  "Not straight" doesn't even BEGIN to describe our entrance... or the trot from the halt at X up to C.  It was really funny.  Even funnier was the judge's comment which simply said "haunches left" or something mild like that. 

We did have some nice moments.  And our final centerline and halt were wonderful (scoring our only 7).  But we still have a LOT of work to do.  The second test wasn't even as nice.  She really fell behind my leg and would go hollow.  I was told it was almost like she simply didn't want to try.  Like she was saying "I already did this and now I'm not sure what you want!"  Frustrating but we'll get there I guess.  Finished with both scores just a hair below 60% (that dreaded 40 that I try so hard to break) and a 4th and 2nd ribbon.  Just don't ask how many were in the class!

Training Level Test 1 - the final centerline

After the final halt - Training Level Test 1

SVF Show - June 28

The show is rapidly approaching.  There was still room in the schedule when the closing date for the dressage and CT entries came so we extended closing date to Wednesday (today).  Yikes!!  Probably shouldn't have done that as between Saturday and Monday's mail delivery we received over 25 entries!  It will be a VERY full day!  Entries are officially closed for non-jumper classes today and no late entries will be accepted.  Of course pre-entries and day-of entries for jumper classes are still being and will be accepted.

We are so excited about the show.  We're currently working on not only the Ride Times schedule but lining up plenty of volunteers (if you can help, we'd REALLY appreciate it!), getting all the paperwork in order, and looking at ways to make the show really nice for all participants.  We'll be at the park Friday afternoon/evening to set up the rings and of course all day Saturday, including tearing down after the show and putting the dressage rings and jumps away.  Please help if you can!

Farm Update

We currently have a contract for the purchase of the farm!  I'm so excited about the change.  The process itself is amazingly convoluted and difficult, but really looking forward to a fresh start.  I don't yet have a purchase contract on the new farm so that's yet to be announced.  Closing date for the contract is currently set for July 25th.

Upcoming Events

In addition to the whole packing and moving, Shirley and I will be at Red Tail Ridge in Johnstown this weekend for a Jimmy Wofford clinic (Ella and Thumper will be there on Saturday as well).  And July 5th is the Leg-Up Horse Trials in Indiana.  Cannot wait!!  Also it looks like the farrier was able to locate Spider's recent abscess so she'll be going back to work.. which is exciting as usual!  Things are definitely looking good around here.

Happy Summer!

3-Day Eventing thoughts... and plans!

I spent the first day of June announcing the Show Jumping phase at the IEA Horse Trials.  This is a job that I look forward to every year.  Saturday I started in dressage then moved to Show Jumping, with making the announcements and raffle drawings Saturday night at the Competitors/Volunteers Party... and did Final Inspection wrangling first thing in the morning and then did SJ the rest of the day Sunday.  It's a fantastic event with a wonderful organization. Even better, IEA Horse Trials also hosts one of a handful of Classic Format Training and Novice Three-Day Events.  If you've never heard my rant about the FEI and what they did to eventing when they nixed the classic format, or how much the classic format is important for horses and rider... be prepared... it's coming up next.

Eventing, for those who don't know, evolved from the cavalry. Dressage = parade grounds, obedient, relaxed, etc.  Cross Country = battlefield, endurance, speed, bravery, etc.  Show Jumping = soundness after the battle, obedient, responsive, etc. Cross Country day in the Classic Format used to entail 4 phases -- Phase A Roads & Tracks (a warm up), Phase B Steeplechase (speed), Phase C Roads & Tracks (cool down + added endurance) and Phase D Cross Country (test of endurance, bravery, etc.).  A decade ago, for what I'm sure are entirely monetary reasons, the international governing body of the sport, the F.E.I., dropped the speed and endurance portion of day 2 (phases A, B and C) and left just a longer Cross Country track (to distinguish between a 3 day and a horse trial which has always only had cross country). They decided it would no longer be part of the championship events - WEG, Olympics, etc.  Then those changes trickled down... they no longer became part of the events used to qualify for the top events.  That is the only part that makes sense.  It's silly to qualify over a different type of event than you are competing.  However, that change spelled doom for the classic format.  Soon it was no longer even an option to use a classic format event as a qualifier.

There are currently no longer ANY Advanced or Intermediate classic events anywhere in the country (I'd guess the world, but I don't know for sure).  And in the US there is only 1 Preliminary Classic 3-Day.  Thankfully that is close by in Kentucky and has a fantastic organizer who understands the value of the classic format. 

A classic format 3-day horse is, in my opinion, the epitome of the equine athlete.  They are very much akin to the Ironman triathlete... extremely fit and capable of doing a variety of work. They aren't always "easy" but to me, there's nothing like them.

I have participated in 4 classic format events, all of them with Char.  My first was a Training Level 3-day in Canada before they existed in the US.  Unfortunately, lameness issues meant we drove north of Toronto and were unable to compete.  The following year (2000) we made the trek north again and were able to complete the event!  In 2001, we were entered in the Preliminary (CCI*) event in Kentucky. I even borrowed a top hat and tail coat to wear in dressage (the ONLY time I've ridden a horse without a helmet since an accident in 1993). 

Lameness issues plagued us again leading up to the event and we made it a little over halfway around the course before calling it a day.  In 2003, we completed the Training 3-day at Mayfest in Kentucky.

Events that host Classic 3-Day Events should be praised and helped as much as possible.  To have 2 such events in my "backyard", IEA hosting Novice and Training and MSEDA hosting Training and the country's (world's?) only Preliminary, is amazing to me! I hope those organizers (IEA and Lee Ann Zobbe, and MSEDA and Mary Fike) know how much their continued commitment means to me and to the sport - even if the sport doesn't always recognize it!

I'm not sure I have the energy to compete at the Preliminary level again.  It's quite a time commitment, but I haven't ruled it out either. What I do know is that I have a 10 year old extremely talented mare who is quite capable of that level. It may take us a few years to figure out if we can do it again, but we'll figure it out.  In the meantime, I KNOW she can go Novice and Training... and so can I.  So we've developed a plan...

2014 - get her going smoothly at Beginner Novice. Part of the reason for not pushing is because the farm is still for sale (I've been told I will be receiving an official offer THIS WEEK!) and will need time to set up at a new farm AND get used to what that entails, both financially and effort-wise.

2015 - renew my USEA membership so I can get her to some recognized Novice horse trials. We need to have numerical results (aka "finish") 4 Novice horse trials in order to qualify for....

2016 - forgo my beloved announcing job at IEA and COMPETE in the Novice 3-Day Event.  Shirley will only be 12 at that point and I have no doubt she can do it!

Plans?

Wow, aren't I the complete and total slacker for not posting here in the last several months! Bad me! I may not post every day during 2014, but this is my pledge to do better. So how did 2013 end? Not half bad I suppose. Shirley competed at the "Very Not Scary" mini trial in September at Beginner Novice. We had a couple stops on cross country but all in all, she was a superstar! She got braver and braver as the round went on. She did a FANTASTIC job in show jumping, even saved my butt once. And her dressage was not at all half bad for where we were. Both girls competed at the Encore OTTB Show at Majestic Farm in October. Shirley did the Beginner Novice CT -- decent dressage given we had 15 minutes total to not only tack up but warm up (yep, arrived LATE), with a clean albeit FAST Show Jumping. Spider did a Training Level dressage test with Anita (scored close to 65% if I remember correctly) and a couple VERY nice jumper rounds with Ella later in the day. Overall the day was HORRIBLE weather-wise, but they both settled and we're VERY proud of them. Anita and Ella have continued to work on Spider's education and she's doing wonderfully. Still a bit of a diva, but she's schooling first level with Anita and doing wonderfully over fences with Ella. Shirley and I have continued to build our partnership and our respective educations. We've continued our monthly lessons with Emily Abbate (though no lessons through the winter), and have started picking up jumping lessons from Rob at Celebration Farm. She's coming along fantastically and I'm really looking forward to this show season. I think she's on the verge of being quite the show horse. For me, I'm just trying to keep up with her... getting in better shape to give her the kind of rides she deserves, staying positive and patient, and giving our time my best. As for plans... well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans, right? Sometimes I think that's even more true with horses. That said, we're looking to get a couple lessons/clinic day with Dorothy Crowell in April (as a get to know you session before scheduling my WINNING prize weekend at her farm in Kentucky)... possibly a Nad Noon XC clinic in early June... and we've put down a deposit on a Jimmy Wofford clinic later in June. As for shows, the only one I know of at the moment is IEA's Leg Up Horse Trials in July. There is so much on the calendar to choose from though, I'm sure our summer will fill quickly ... or as quickly as the bank account will allow. Other current plans include attending Jimmy Wofford's sessions at Equine Affaire on April 10th and going to Rolex for the first time in a few years at the end of April. I'll be down there Thursday-Saturday and will be working the Vet Box sometime on Saturday. I'm extremely excited to be able to volunteer in the vet box. I'll be announcing this year (so far) at Greater Dayton (May 17-18), IEA (May 31-June 1) and Hunter's Run (August 9-10). And of course Serenity Valley will be hosting 2 shows again this year: Saturday June 28th and Saturday, October 4th. Both will consist of DLSC dressage classes, Combined Test classes from ground pole through Preliminary level, Jumper classes from 2' and up, all 3 Prix Caprilli classes, and 2 Gambler's Choice payback classes. Stay tuned to the website for a complete class list and information for the June show to be posted soon! Yep, it's a busy season... but there's still room for more. Speaking of which, part of the reason the season isn't all planned out yet is because of the farm. I have an INCREDIBLE opportunity to purchase a farm that seems to be tailor made for me: more land, more stalls (which means more company/boarders), riding ring and a nice but smaller house. I'm really trying to make this deal work out. We have a contingent agreement in place, just need to sell the current farm and have the new place appraised. With any luck, come spring if not sooner, Serenity Valley Farm will be relocating! 2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. Sounds appropriate to me!

Ides of March

Spring temperatures keep popping up here and there and make me believe spring really is on the way. 

Another indication?  The horses are shedding like crazy!  Seriously... one cannot wear fleece anywhere around them at the moment for fear of walking away looking like a wookie.

It's actually been nice enough recently to have 2 rides in the outdoor arena at iTolt.  This past Sunday was one of them.  Grand plans to do a jumping session outside were more or less nixed.  With everything being completely mud-covered (another Spring indication), no one has gotten their usual turnout time.  First ride outside?  Breezy and overcast?  Coming off little turnout?  Fit Thoroughbreds?  Yeah... quite the volital mix!  Spider kind of lost her cookies.  Not in a hateful way just in her way of telling us, VERY loudly, that she NEEDED to GO!  Go where?  Who cares... just GO!  Both Ella and Anita did a good job of getting her fairly focused.  I had another ride on her yesterday outside and she was still quite convinced that it was go time but she settled even better.  Afterwards I turned her loose in the indoor and she rolled then proceeded to run/buck for several minutes.  Silly girl.  Shirley did really well on Sunday.  Well enough to end with a couple jumps (though we left the grid as poles on the ground).  She's living at iTolt full time for the moment and is making good progress with the additional workouts.  Both girls had a couple lessons with Emily Abbate last week.  They did great and both Anita and I are anxious to see them continue to grow and learn.

Side note, Shirley is LOVING the extra work.  She's becoming more and more a pocket pony.  I'm really having fun with both of them and the attitude change (from disinterest to enthusiastic curiosity) is really great to experience.

Yet another indication of Spring?  All the show bills and clinics that are popping up!  To have the time and finances to do them all would be amazing.  There's an upcoming schooling jumper show, a fun "eventing show", plus opening dates for the first few events of the season are rapidly approaching.  It's fun to look at everything going on in the area, if not a bit overwhelming to make a decision on what to attend and what skip this year.  This is an amazing area to live in as there is so much to choose from.  And even if there isn't something specific going on, there's always trail riding.  Cannot wait for the trails to be less muddy and take the girls out.

Only one new update with the SVF shows... Emily Abbate has agreed to be one of our dressage judges for the June 29th show!

Still happy... but we have a lot of work to do

I'm still on cloud 9 from Noble's performance at the Come Again Farm Fall Horse Trial & Dressage Show.  He has made amazing progress with everything since Anita and I have been working with him.  He's a great horse.

My bubble of happiness was only slightly burst when I saw the pictures the professional photographer had taken of us.  Unfortunately, due to when I rode, there are no dressage pictures... so no evidence of the buck or of the overall lovely test.  And I wish there were more cross country pictures.  Our XC ride felt lovely and forward and definitely more solid than SJ had been.  More pictures showing proof of that would have balanced out the overall icky pictures from SJ that proved just how rocky that phase had been.

See for yourself at RacingPaparazzi.SmugMug.com

Yes, folks, we have a LOT of work to do.... and most of it on me.  Time to start working as hard on me and HOW I'm riding as working on how Noble is going.  To be fair, as some people have told me, I'm VERY happy that despite my inexpicable lack of staying with him over the fences, I was NOT coming down on his back or catching him in the mouth.  I do pride myself in having decent hands over fences and this does prove that.  I also love his expression.  He never balked, never refuses to jump... so I must be doing something right.  But time to get more right.  There are a couple pictures that I do like but I think this one is my favorite:

Through the water

The next entry is filled out and will go in the mail later today.  Walnut Creek Pony Club Mini Trial on November 4th.  Moving up to Beginner Novice!  I was initially hesitant about it, but I know he is more than capable and is currently working on some bigger fences at home.  I'll continue to work on the me part as well and I'm sure we'll have a great time.

In other news, the girls are doing great.  Shirley had her first ground driving session with Anita last night and did REALLY well.  She'd make a GORGEOUS carriage horse!  Spi did a bit more with me under saddle.  Working on getting her to relax a bit more, but she's coming along very nicely.

Me however... I'm sick.  Literally.  Stuffy head, sneezing.  Am signed up to do the Ghosts & Goblins 5K tonight downtown and am still hoping to make it.  If I do, there will definitely be more walking than running, but we'll see how I feel come that time.  Too much going on to be sick.  I also think I found a butcher for the turkeys.  YAY!!

Bluegrass Pony Club "Not Very Scary" Mini Trial

I can't believe I forgot to post about this! 

On Friday, September 21st, a group of us from the barn drove down to Paris, Kentucky, to compete on Saturday in the title mini trial.  We ended up with 5 competitors, 5 horses, 1 little brother, 5 parents, 1 car, 2 truck-trailers, 1 truck-camper, 1 tent and 1 trainer.  Not sure if it was planned or not, but we were kind of stuck in the back of the barn.  Actually that makes it sound worse that it was.  It was fantastic.  They mostly had competitors either from that barn or ship in so there weren't many overnight stalls and I think we had a fantastic spot.  Nothing was very far away.

I'll spare the boring details and just say that the farm is gorgeous, we couldn't have asked for better weather and the competition went wonderfully!  I'm so glad we went and I was able to feel useful and help out quite a bit since Jen was still hobbling around. 

To recap the results:

• Noah and Remi competed in the 18" division.  This is their first horse trial and they handled it beautifully.  Finished in 3rd.
• Ashlyn and Star competed in the other 18" division.  Also their first event and they did great.  Star threw a couple things at Ashlyn and she made wonderful decisions.  Finished 5th.
• Ella and Thumper were in the 2' division.  I wasn't able to watch their cross country but did warm them up.  They were VERY ready and from what I understand, got several compliments on her riding... though it was a bit faster than she needed to go.  They did great and finished 2nd.
• Shelby and Sunday actually competed in both 2' divisions.  I was a little concerned about their fitness as the cross country measured at over 1800 meters and was a bit hilly, but they handled it great.  A first time error in stadium (circling between fences like you can on cross country) cost them a few points but didn't move their placing.  They finished 2nd in that division and won the other (by 5 points in front of Ella and Thumper!).

So that leaves how Noble and I did.  Dressage was in a grass ring that wasn't QUITE level.  He handled it fairly well.  A couple of baby moments later in the test and we finished tied for 4th with a 42.5.  Cross country was amazing for him!  I couldn't be happier.  He balked a bit at the first fence, but I kept him going and we hopped over it.  Got a little wiggly at fence 2AB (an x to a very small log) but after that he was straight and answered every question.  I measured the course but forgot to turn on my watch.  Oh well.  The division wasn't timed anyway.  In stadium, he was a superstar again and left all the rails up (again, no timing).  Unfortunately the scores from XC weren't posted before they handed out the final ribbons.  I was a bit shocked to NOT hear them announce us in the placings.  Talked to the TD (the lovely Carolyn Borgert) and it turns out they pinged us for a refusal at fence 1.  I would have argued it had the scores been posted before stadium, but at that point, the final ribbons were given, the fence judges had left, and its not like we needed a qualifying score from it or something so I dropped it.  The issue dropped us to a final score of 62.5 and in 9th place. 

I know I always preach and believe that a good run is a good run and that the order of priority should always be:

1. Safety
2. Fun
3. Learn something
4. Do better
5. Finish
6. Do well

In the strictest sence we did 5 of the 6, but really we did all 6.  I couldn't be happier with his performance.  I still don't believe we had a refusal at fence 1.  I was more disappointed than I should have been that we didn't place.  Yes the ribbons were cool, but really... they're just ribbons.  Anita and I have put in a lot of time with Noble and he's really getting it.  Guess I would have liked to have even a little something to show for it... to give back to Jen to thank her for the wonderful opportunity to work with such a nice pony.

But, that event is over.  It was a FANTASTIC learning experience and I think Noble really gained what he needed to -- experience.  We're going to find out too as I have sent in an entry for the 2'3" Starter Division at the Come Again Farm Fall Horse Trial next weekend.  We'll also be going alone as no one else from the barn can make it.  I debated a LOT about going to this event as there are several other things going on that weekend, including my 25 year high school reunion and a clinic just down the road.  In the end, I want to go to the event and I think doing another this close will give Noble the experience (and hopefully reinforce the good experience) that he needs.  We're eyeing the Walnut Creek Pony Club horse trial as well but it's not til November and if the weather turns bad, that will be it til spring.  So off we go!

PS. I know I keep saying I'll post pictures.  I promise I will.  I don't have many that I take so I have to rely on the generosity of others to take and share pictures so I can post them.  Some just made it up from the last few outtings so I'll try to get them up soon.

A (VERY) late Summer update

I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone.  I also can't believe how long it's been since I updated.  I'll post pictures soon, but I am going to post a basic overview of updates now... and go into detail in the coming days. 

So... what's going on?  A LOT....

• The turkeys are getting HUGE!  I also think the Bourbon Reds taught the BBWhites how to fly as I didn't have this problem last year.  I have turkeys posing at gargoyles on the roof nightly, despite clipping their wings a couple weeks ago.
• Will be having my first home grown chicken dinner tonight as I finished butchering the last of the meat chicks last night.  Not sure I'll do this chicken experiment again, but it was worth doing once.  And I'm sure dinner will be tastey.
• Fencing project will be complete TODAY!  Can't wait to take pictures.  It's VERY nicely done.  Thanks to Eagle Fence & Construction in Lewisburg.  Will be running the electric around the main field so I can turn the cows out ASAP.  They're going to LOVE it!
• No horses at the farm currently.  Teddy and Map both went out for training.  Map came back and is at home (iTolt) and Teddy is in the process of being sold.  My own personal horse search is on hold til spring.
• I do, however, have a new horse I'm riding.  6yo TB/Appendix gelding named Noble Rain.  I've watched him grow up as Jen bred him.  He's out of a mare that was Char's BFF in the pasture.  We did our first XC school on him this past weekend and I'm SO pleased.  There will definitely be more updates on Noble's progress in the coming weeks. 
• New Roommate.  New roommate, Ryan, moved in last week.  Thankfully he'll be taking on some of the feeding chores, along with just plain being at the farm, when I'm out of town so less to worry about.
• Rental house has new tenants and they're in a lease to purchase arrangement (which includes them doing repairs and whatnot as if it were their own) while they improve their credit.  I'm excited about it.  I'm also in the middle of getting the place refinanced -- a process that is NOT going smoothly at all, but will be worth it in the end.
• In the middle of reading "How Good Riders Get Good" by Denny Emerson.  Loving it!
• and last, LOVED the coverage I was able to see (mostly online streaming) of the 3-day Event from London.  Sorry to see the US performance not quite up to our usual standards but happy for those that did medal.

Overdue Update

Happy Spring!  Granted, there's been frost on the ground the last 2 days, but the tulips and lilacs have been blooming for a couple weeks and it IS the middle of April.  Another tell tale sign of spring?  The animals are shedding like fiends.  Thankfully the sign of "mud everywhere" hasn't struck yet, but the "I'd rather be outside doing yard projects than inside cleaning" certainly has.

A lot has been going on so here's a very quick run down:

• FINALLY!!  There are 2 boarder horses at SVF now: Map is a 6yo Arabian/Trakehner cross stallion and Teddy is a 6 year old Percheron/Morgan cross gelding.  Both came from iTolt Training Center and are doing wonderfully.  Of course they'd much rather be out on the grass ALL the time, but they're slowly getting more and more grass.  Shortly after they arrived, I was able to purchase mats for the cross tie area and we've used it a few times when I decide they need to be brushed.  Both have long manes and I end up telling them that while we like Bob Marley, no one at SVF is to LOOK like Bob Marley -- no dreds!  Seriously, it's a lot of fun to watch them from the kitchen window.
• BRING ON THE BEEF.  Last year's experiment with raising a beef steer went really well and I've signed up to raise 2 more this year.  They should be arriving in 2 weeks.  They'll be limited to sharing the chicken room and having a separate grazing area from the horses until everyone gets used to one another.  Several friends are joining in and "purchasing" shares in the steers.  I believe there is at least one 1/4 share left if anyone is interested -- cost is $250 with at least half payable up front and butchering fees are not included.  Should work out to roughly just over $3/pound overall.  Expected delivery date is January 2013.
• TALKING TURKEY.  Now taking orders on this year's crop of turkeys.  The plan is to raise both the Broad Breasted Whites like last year as well as some Bourbon Reds, a heritage breed that I've heard a lot of good things about.  The BBWs should end up larger than the Bourbon Reds as they are a larger bird (last year's purchase weights ranged from 11.5 pounds to 16 pounds).  They do not get as large as they would in their typical commercial environments, but I'd rather lose some possible pounds than have a bird that isn't able to get out and eat grass and chase bugs.  Bourbon Reds average 23 pounds for toms and 14 pounds for young hens, live weight.  Here's a link to a wonderful review and amateur taste test conducted last fall.  The Bourbon Reds and Midget Whites for this test were raised by an online friend of mine:  Lets Put Turkeys to the Test  Turkeys will be ordered next month, so if you want to guarantee yourself a wonderful turkey, whether a BBW or a Bourbon Red, contact me by May 1st.  $10 deposit is due up front (to help pay for the chicks).  BBWs will be sold at $3/pound dressed weight (same as last year).  Bourbon Reds will be $3.50/pound.
• SPRING MEANS GARDEN.  Finally getting the garden started.  Moving it closer to the house to make it more accessible and to be able to use the old area as a new paddock for the animals.  Currently only have lettuce and spinach planted, but hope to soon have peas and broccoli as well.  Trying a new technique this year -- the lettuce and spinach are being planted using rain gutters attached to a fence, like this:

The ends of the gutters are a double layer of landscape fabric... keeping the soil in but allowing any excess water to drain out.  Cheaper than gutter end caps and easier than drilling drain holes in the gutters.  With any luck it will work.

I think that's about it for now.  Have been dealing with mechanical issues all over -- 2 wheel bearings and new tires for the Explorer, scooter is in the shop now dealing with a "won't start" issue, just dropped off the weed eater for service and the push mower at the rental won't start.  Maybe I need to take a class in automotive repair?  Also have several projects coming up -- finishing the garden, getting water to the barn, fencing in the new paddock, etc.  One thing at a time though, right?  or at least no more than what will drive me crazy. 

In the meantime, heading to Equine Affaire on Saturday for the first time in a few years.  Looking forward to it and hope to run into some friends.

5 Things... Update

So I missed a day.  Life's been "weird" lately.  Please don't hold it against me. :)

1) Looks like the first horses will set foot at the farm sometime in the next week.  Still up in the air as to who exactly it will be (depends a little on who gets along with whom in turnout since they'll be out together).  So more updates as it happens.

2) As a result of #1, there will obviously need to be more work done in the barn.  More rock put down, possibly another stall built, and then there's the running of water to the barn.  The latter will need to be looked into asap, especially now that we're coming out of winter.  I may start by installing a hand pump on the outdoor well.

3) Looking at the garden possibilities for this year.  Going to downsize and kind of refocus (a running theme in life right now I think).  Found some wonderful ideas on Pinterest -- like growing greens in extra rain gutters that are just attached to a wall/fence.  Also a fun idea about growing plants from a pallet or using old tires that are painted BRIGHT colors as pots.  Too many fun ideas!

4)  Speaking of ideas, I've been putzing with a couple.  The first is to pour concrete in the "shed" off the attached garage, run electric so I can have lights, etc., have a couple windows installed and possibly the exterior door changed... and basically turn it into a nice room.  The idea is to make it into an exercise room.  I don't have enough $$ at the moment to refurbish the entire garage, but that one small room might be doable to start.

5) The other putzing idea is to pull out the hot tub and instead of putting it in the barn, put it on the back patio -- the idea of which also entails a patio makeover.  I guess the idea is more about the patio makeover and the hot tub is an extension of that.  Ideas abound on this one!  But a nice patio with plants, maybe a fountain, different flooring (I have never liked the brick that's there) to make it a lovely extension of the mudroom, which when clean is a really nice space, would be fun.  Plus I think I'm moving the garden closer to teh house so that could be incorporated a little.

So... I think this post is probably less "update" and more "hey ya'll... I have tons of projects in the queue.  If you're ever bored, come on out... even if it's just to keep me company while I work. "  :)

5 Things... or more

So the original intent of 5 Things was to keep me blogging every week about the farm and updates.  Obviously the holidays and first of the year had some kind of wrench to throw into those plans.  All is good though, as I thoroughly plan to keep up again.  So... in light of that... here are some current and semi-current 5 Things:

1) I've been enjoying the mild winter.  A little muddy here and there, but its nice to WANT to go outside occasionally.  It's also nice on the wallet when it comes to heating the house.  I'm a little concerned about the bug population this coming spring/summer.  That may be the trade-off for this week's temps being in the 50s and having rain instead of snow.  Still not sure I'd choose any differently however.

2) Stewie is gone.  He left last month.  In return I have a freezer full of 196 pounds of edible beef (including soup bones, but not including miscellaneous "other" organs and such).  My record keeping was only ok but by my calculations, I from fairly well with the price of the ground beef to amazing with the price of some of the steaks.  Am currently investigating picking up 2 or maybe even 3 calves this spring.  Would need buyers (hint hint).

3) Projects:  The project list is yet again rather large.  Some keep changing, some change their priority, some stay the same.  Still sorting out the list at the moment to see what to do next, but a couple weeks ago I painted the living room/dining room.  Instead of a yellow-ish tan color throughout, it is now Covered Wagon and Amaretto (a tan and a brick-ish color).  Actually ties in really well with the window treatments that were already there and I really like it overall a LOT better.

4) Back in November I enrolled in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University being presented by Wright-Patt Credit Union.  Tomorrow is my last class (it's actually only a 12 week course, but due to holidays and what I assume are room scheduling conflicts, ours was really extended).  I've thoroughly enjoyed the class and while it means that many projects at the farm won't be done in the timeframe I'd like, they'll get done on the timeframe they need to be done and without throwing me into a financial tailspin... so that's even better.  If you come across a class in your area, I would recommend it.

5) There are no boarders at the farm (yet), but I wanted to share a couple horse pictures.  First is Suzie Harrison and Frankie.  The picture was taken on cross country during their recent competition at Intermediate level at an event in Georgia. 

I purchased Frankie at the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Mixed Fall Sale in October 2004 for $500.  Due to life happening over that next year, I sold her... to Suzie, who's been the best thing for Frankie and taken her so far.  This coming weekend they're running their first Advanced level horse trail at the same farm in Georgia.  I'm so proud of them.

The next pic is me... at this past weekend's Game Day at iTolt Training Center in Miamisburg.  I used to board there (both Char and Frankie) and still go and ride.  The pony in the picture is Copper.  Such a good boy to just stand there and let me be the fool.

5 Things Post Christmas

1) Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  Mine was good.  A little quiet at times, which was nice.  NOT white, which was also nice.  Spent a good portion of it not doing a whole lot of anything.... again, nice.  Now there's a to do list a mile long and I'm sure it will get longer as winter trudges on and spring gets closer.

2) Movies:  I love movies.  I'm the type of person who can watch some movies repeatedly and not get tired of them.  Needless to say, this was a weekend full of movies.  Along with "The Black Stallion" and "Secretariat" which I'd seen before, I also saw several that were new (or new to me)... including:

• War Horse -- B rating from me at best.  It's a combination of Steven Speilberg's epicness.... Disney... war... and a PG-13 rating.  Somewhere in trying to combine all of that, something gets lost.  It's essentially Black Beauty at war, but I think the editing is a little choppy.  Just when I started to get REALLY engrossed in what the horse was going through, BAM... editing takes me away from that.  And the war part was boiled down (a little to a LOT depending on the scene) so you didn't even get the "war is hell" aspect like what I got from a movie like "Saving Private Ryan".  I'd have to say one of the best scenes in the movie was the no-man's land rescue.  I won't say more than that about specifics, but I can completely see that happening (other than the outcome for the horse which was very Disney'd).  Oh, and the ending, while nice and sappy, was over the top -- got the feeling I was transported into a viewing of Gone with the Wind.  Glad I saw it, but also glad it was at matinee prices
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows -- A- from me.  Very entertaining.  Almost as good as the original.  The plot was a LITTLE thin in places, but still... quality entertainment.  I'm a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan and now that he's clean there simply is almost no one better in Hollywood in my opinion.  The man is amazing to watch.  I'm not big on Jude Law, but he does make a good sidekick to Holmes' outrageousness.  Definitely worth seeing.
• The Hangover -- B++ from me.  I hesitate to give it an A- rating only because I guess I'm stingy.  Yes, I know this came out a while ago, so I'll spare you the amateur analysis of the movie. It was very funny and I enjoyed it a lot.  Probably one of the best fratboy humor movies I've seen and definitely one of the few that I would see again.  I'm looking forward to seeing The Hangover II as I've been told it's just as, if not more funny.

3) Drew up plans to fence in the front acreage.  Also did a ballpark cost estimate on it -- putting no climb fencing around it as well as nice looking board fencing along the road, plus gates.  Ouch.  Time to start saving now.  But it will be worth it to get it done.  Between being able to use it for horses as well as if I want to keep the turkeys in that area, it should look nice and be very functional when all is said and done.

4) Finally took down the turkey fencing.  The t-posts are still up but moved the fence itself over to the pasture to help try to keep the chickens in the pasture.  Did this on Sunday afternoon and the sun was out (a little weird feeling given that it's rained so much lately).  Need to get more temp posts (not going to drive in regular t-posts for that) but part of it is up and I think it might be starting to help.

5) a picture to share.  They came out to help "supervise" the fencing mentioned above.

The picture that was missed was before this when Reilly & I went for a walk around the outside of the pasture.  Buff Puff followed us and Stewie came out to the middle of the pasture to watch us.  About 3/4 the way around, Buff Puff decided to cut through the pasture to catch up to us.  Boy did she ever!!  Stewie decided to chase her and you've never seen a cat move as fast as Buff Puff did when she was being chased by a 15 month old steer!  Girl has some speed!!

5 Things - 2 weeks

1) Nothing major has happened really (although one may argue based on Thing #2), but life at the farm has been fun lately.  A lot has to do with the people that have been around as much as what's been happening.  There have been a few adventures, some reconnecting, long talks, fun games, laughter and hugs... sounds good to me!

2) Update on the land deal.  Long story short, it's not happening this year.  Opted to put it on hold to see where we all land next year as the proposed purchase wasn't quite right for everyone.  So there's a lot to think about between now and then.  Decisions to be made.  Many things were put on hold in order to try to make this happen and the question now is whether they need to continue on hold or if some of them can be done/created/purchased/etc sooner rather than later (and of course what affect that will have on future land purchases).  It's a LOT to consider, but winter is just starting, so there's time to think and reflect and plan before the busy of spring hits.  I'm sure I'll do some "out loud" thinking here as considerations are made.

3) It doesn't seem a lot like the holidays at the moment.  Temps are in the 40s, no snow on the ground (which fyi is fine by me), gray and dreary skies with plenty of mud.  I can't say that I'd rather have snow than mud because that leads to a whole host of other issues - frozen water buckets, iced in doors, higher heating costs -- but the dreary, gray and muddy isn't ideal either.  Guess we'll see what's in store as the winter progresses.

4) Have several indoor projects that need to be worked on.  In addition to the every needed general cleaning, I want to take the several pint jars of pear butter I put up and split them into these adorable cup jars I found at the store.  This way, I can give more away as gifts!  I also need to sit down and go through my clothing and make a (huge I'm sure) pile for Goodwill or Amvets.

5) Sushi & Movie Day is coming up soon.  This will be the 3rd year of the tradition (going for Sushi on or near Christmas and then hitting a matinee movie).  As of last night, we've picked out the movie (the new Sherlock Holmes) and the sushi place (Thai 9) so plans are a go for Saturday.  Really looking forward to it.  In the meantime, getting started on projects from #4 as well as going to the barn to ride.

Have a wonderul holiday week/weekend!

5 Things post-Thanksgiving

1) Thanks to a friend, I was able to actually eat one of my own turkeys on Thanksgiving.  According to 2 different people who cooked/ate 2 different turkeys, they were a big hit and were both described as "the breast meat just fell off the bone!"  That people thoroughly enjoyed the birds makes me happy!  Plans are to have turkeys next year.  I already have a couple orders.

2) Had a wonderful holiday weekend overall.  Before chowing down on turkey on Thursday, a friend and I participated in the Miamisburg Turkey Trot 5 mile run/walk.  We did it last year and I'm happy to say improved our time in the race this year by over 5 minutes!  I definitely think this is going to become a tradition for us.

3) Although the weather was gorgeous until Sunday, not much got accomplished around the farm.  Cleaned out the garage to make room for storing the hot tub until I can get everything in place to put it in its new home.  Cleaned out part of the chicken room as well, but really that was about it.  Went riding on Spot, walked around downtown for a bit... took it easy and loved it.

4) Of course the weather has been less than stellar since the weekend and is expected to get worse as we're forecasted for our first snow of the season tonight.  Blech!  So not ready for snow!!

5) And last but not least, an update on the land acquisition.  Refinanced the farm last week and am extremely happy with that process.  Still waiting to hear from the seller as to whether or not he's ok with still splitting off some land for me (up to 7 acres) or if he just wants to nix the whole thing.  Didnt' expect to hear anything last week due to the holiday and all, so I'm just in wait mode at this point.  The appraisal on the farm is good for a year... so I can add land up to that point without having to get another appraisal on the farm itself, just the land.  However, I'd really rather we get things finished well before then... perhaps in time to plant pasture/hay on the new acreage in the spring.

Well... that's it for this week.  Things are definitely slowing down and soon I expect to be talking more and more about plans for next year.  Right now they definitely include more turkeys (hopefully Bourbon Reds as well as some Broad Breasted Whites).  Next year may also see a couple new beef steers on the property along with (at long last) horses!!

Interesting Turkey Review

A cyber friend of mine in Virginia raised heritage breed turkeys this year - Midget Whites and Bourbon Reds.  It was an interview with her and the accompanying video that gave me the idea for the turkey building that I built this year.  She just posted this article from HamptonRoads.com titled "Let's put turkeys to the test".  It reviews a taste test they did between your store variety Butterball turkey, a fresh farmers market turkey (breed?), and 2 of the birds from my friend (one of each breed).  The review was very interesting to read and makes me think on the future.

My Broadbrested Whites this year - so far hens are averaging 12 pounds dressed weight.

The original plan really was to raise heritage breeds this year, but with the "busy" of the spring, we just didn't get the order planned in time and thus with only 4 months to go, the commercial Broad Breasted White was it.  Having raised it differently than your normal Butterball though, I'm quite anxious to hear back from customers this year what they thought of the turkey quality.  (Hint to those customers -- PLEASE give me a review!) 

Midget Whites - heritage breed, average 13 pounds for toms, 8 pounds for hens

It also makes me start thinking on what to do next year -- stick with the BB Whites, do heritage only or maybe do a mix to give customers the option.  If you have an opinion, please let me know. 

Flock of Bourbon Red turkeys - heritage breed, up to 23 pounds for toms, 14 pounds for hens

I can tell you that a heritage type bird will take longer to mature (6 months as opposed to 4) so the price will be slightly higher, but beyond that, I would like to hear from you on what you would want. Of course no matter what, we're talking pastured turkey -- no antibiotics, plenty of room to run and eat grass and bugs and lay in the sunshine. No obligation to order at this point. Sometime in the spring I'll start taking orders and I'll probably do more than the dozen that I had this year (although I did start with 15).

Which one would you like to see on your table?

Progress Update

I don't know what step this is in the land purchase process... but one more step down:  The Appraisal.  Had an appraiser out yesterday -- great guy.  Talked about the property itself as well as what I'm hoping to do in terms of a land purchase.  Seems we have to wait 3-4 days before Farm Credit gets that information back and who knows how long til they decide on "a number".  So while we've managed to get 1 step behind us... we're back on the Waiting Game Train for now.

Just for fun, I googled "Waiting".  Not sure which is funnier but wanted to share...

Step 1 taken ... now the waiting begins

Turned in all the financial paperwork this morning to try and get the loan accomplished that will enable the farm to expand up to 20 additional acres.  Thinking positive and trying not to be sick to my stomach with stress as it's now out of my hands.  We should hear back from the bank by the end of next week.

Digits all crossed!!

How time flies!

So much has been going on.  I hope to start posting more regularly again.  Here's a quickie rundown for now...

• Back in January, I was cast in Playhouse South's presentation of "A Piece of My Heart".  The play is based on true stories from a book by the same name and recounts the experiences of 6 women before, during and after serving in Vietnam in the 1960s.  it's an amazing show and if you're reading this before May 21st, you should really go see it!  May 20 and 21st at 8pm.  See the Playhouse South website for more details.  If you're a vet and want to see it and can't make those shows, email me!  Needless to say, preparing for this has taken a LOT of time.
• The weather has been... WET!!  Wettest April on record for almost a full century.  Someone told me that it rained 20 of 30 days in April and I told them they were nuts -- I would swear it rained more than that!  And some days we had over an inch.  Placed the steel water trough under one of the barn intersections one day and it FILLED in 8 hours!
• We have a cow!!  Co-owned by Jennifer Shimp from iTolt Training Center and Anita Mays, "Stewie" seems to be contently spending his days in the pasture.  He's currently there alone (except for the chickens and the occasional visit from Reilly) but I'm still working on that!  Still hoping to get 2-4 horses in for boarding.  Potentially have some additional fencing to put up so there can be rotation in the center field and a separate run for Stewie, but that will depend on the individuals who come.  Looking forward to seeing horses out there soon though!
• We have EGGS!!!  Oh my gosh do we have eggs!  The girls are doing a great job and we've been getting 14-20 eggs per day EVERY day!  If you have a hankerin' for some farm fresh, pasture raised, truly free range eggs... we have them!  $2 per dozen.
• The garden is coming along slowly.  With all the rain as well as the time and energy distractions, it's been hard to get in and do much.  Currently there are 2 small rows of peas coming up, 6 cabbage plants (would have been 8, but the chickens kept digging up 2 of them and they disappeared!), 4 broccoli, 4 cauliflower and 8 pepper plants in the ground.  Have 6 more peppers and a dozen tomato plants ready to go.  Due to the nature of the soil, most of the remaining planting is going to be done via Hay Bale Gardening.  Moved 6 hay bales out to the garden area yesterday and am looking foward to getting the bales conditioned and planted by next weekend... along with a few more that will be located outside the bunny kennel so the squash plants can use teh chain link fence to trellis and climb!  One of my better ideas I thought.  In addition, I have 1 of the raised beds for the back patio halfway completed.  Hoping to finish it by monday and get some spinach, lettuce and herb planted and get started on the 2nd one.

So that's a quick run-down.  Here are a picture for you...

Stewie when he arrived in april

LONG Overdue

Wow, has it really been that long since I updated the farm blog?  I'm such a slacker!  Well, no not really... a lot has been going on at the farm over the past few months.  Plenty of changes and a few new things that I'm sure I'll fill you in on in upcoming blogs.

For now I'll leave you with the following:

• Despite the wicked storms the last few days, the farm is still standing... although a little muddier in some places than others.
• The chickens are doing beautifully!  Turns out that Hawk was a rooster and he now is ruling his own roost at a friend's farm nearby.  The remaining girls are laying consistently about a dozen and a half eggs per day.  So if you're in search of quality raised farm fresh eggs, just let me know!
• We're still working on getting a couple horses in for boarding.  The interior paddock paradise fencing is up and running and I've almost completed 1 of the 2 hay trees I intend to make.
• We're getting a cow!!  Well, half of one anyway.  "Stewie" should make his appearance at SVF in the next week or so.  He will be co-owned by Jennifer Shimp of iTolt Training Center and be boarded at SVF for the remainder of the year, living on the wonderful grass pasture.
• The Shindig is open!  We had a very small opening party for St. Patrick's Day (belated as it was held that Saturday) but it was officially opened.  It is also available for small party/gathering rentals.
• The garden has been started.  We lost a round of radishes to a hard freeze, but the peas and spinach are starting to come up and we've planted some broccoli, cauliflower and 2 different types of cabbage.  Plans include putting in 2 raised beds around the back patio for herbs and such so they'll be close to the kitchen as needed.

Lots to do as usual!  Now that spring is here and some things have been accomplished, I'll do a better job of updating the farm blog.

Until then... if you're in the Dayton area, please check out Playhouse South's presentation of "A Piece of My Heart" -- I'm in it!!  http://www.playhousesouth.org/

Welcome to the New Year

I meant to make a post over the weekend, but obviously didn't get to it. 

Happy New Year!!  From all of us at Serenity Valley Farm, may your 2011 be prosperous, find you in good health and good company and find you and yours happy.

We haven't officially sat down and plotted out what goals and projects we'd like to accomplish around the farm this year yet.  Of course the biggest one is getting everything lined up so we can purchase the additional land for the farm.  We've been dealt a couple hurdles but so far nothing that will be putting a stop to the plans so it's full steam ahead!  We've talked about a lot of other projects... a LOT, but haven't yet officially started any so it's all up in the air at the moment.  We kept saying that new projects need to make us money, save us money or put us in an overall better position for the land purchase.  I think those are still our guiding principles, so in that vein some of the proposed projects include:

• purchasing a feeder calf for our use and possible
• purchase 1-2 feeder pigs for our use and possible sales
• purchase day-old turkeys to raise and sell for next Thanksgiving
• renovate the attached garage into a bedroom and half-bath
• continue improvements to The Shindig (aim improvements towards eventually being able to climate control for year round use)
• add 1-2 hoophouses in the garden area to extend the growing season
• add landscaping around back patio for growing herbs
• add more pine trees and other landscaping

Those are just the top projects that I pulled out of my head quickly.  There are plenty of others if I thought about it for a few minutes.  We're going to be sitting down soon as well to plan out the calendar of events -- from specific work days to certain parties.  I believe The Shindig will be hosting it's first "outside" party in June when the WILC homeschool group reserves the barn for a dance.  We are taking reservations for any if someone wants to have an event at The Shindig.  Just let us know.  We're also still open for pasture horse boarding.

Everyone at the farm is doing well.  Hope you are too!