Common Sense Horse Keeping's Year in Review

I hope that today finds you recovering from Christmas and Boxing Day! We are still in the midst of Hannukah, so Hanukkah Sameach to those celebrating the eight days. As someone who is in a mixed-religious marriage, I have to say that I am glad that my kids are grown and we no longer celebrate eight days, plus Christmas. Not only that, but today is my son’s birthday. I used to joke that my kids grew up thinking that December meant they received a gift every day of the month. I reluctantly put up a tree this year…my Jewish husband is the one who insisted on a tree…but I did decorate the barn before Thanksgiving, so I was somewhat in a festive mood! I had a busy fall, what with Equine Affaire, marketing the book, an Italian wedding of my eldest daughter, a second trip back to New England a week after Equine Affaire, to celebrate the 90th birthday of my mother-in-law, and of course, that damn hurricane. Who had time to put up a tree?

My blog grew by leaps and bounds, my book sales are steady, I have some big events planned for my book next year and people are reaching out to me to speak at their clubs about Fire Prevention and Disaster Planning!

My blogs on Fire Prevention and Disaster Planning were two of my most read blogs this year, followed by Keeping Horses Safe from Thieves, My Annual Water Blog, and Brambell’s Five Freedom’s.

These topics are so important for every horse person, and it makes me happy to see that the discussion is getting out there about the mental state of our equines and how to protect them from harm’s way.

As we head into 2025, I will continue to speak up for horses, helping to educate the horse owner to do what is best for their horse, and to remind them that “it is all about the horse!”

I will also continue to educate myself and strive to continue to do what is right by my own horses as well!

My blog grew by over 200%…..208% to be precise, so for those who are new to Common Sense Horse Keeping, and for those needing a refresher, here is a link to my Winter Preparation blog: Winter Farm and Pasture Maintenance Chores

If you are looking for a good book to read this winter, please check out the Horse Books For Grown Ups page on FaceBook. There are so many good suggestions, you will be reading well into summer! Horse Books for Grown Ups | Facebook

This is the first year that I did not get a group picture of the donkeys and Gabe, my OTTB. That is because Gabe went away for some big boy training and is in Ocala for 2 months. It was strange to wake up Christmas morning and to give everyone their Christmas treats, while Gabe’s stall was noticeably vacant. Fiona, my red donkey, has been sneaking into his stall, and I wonder if the donkeys miss him or think about him. Considering the mental well-being of how the 3 would handle Gabe leaving went into my decision making before sending him off. I really struggled with how they would all handle this mentally. Afterall, they have been friends for over 4 years! I have had horses leave in the past and return months later, with nary a raised head from the rest of the herd, but the friendships picked up immediately. At other times, I have witnessed horses have a very joyous reunion when meeting up with an old friend that they have not seen for months or even years!

The girls seem to be taking his absence in stride and I give them special privileges, such as time in the barnyard. Gabe has taken to his new surroundings much better than I expected, and is thriving with his new friends and his training! I have realized just how much he needs the companionship of another horse, not just donkeys and I am on the hunt for a friend for him! Donkeys can’t reach his itchies and they have no interest in playing rough with him. Again, the mental well-being is being taken into consideration for the overall health of my animals, and it is my hope that more horsemen will give more thought to the mental health of their animals!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that your days will be filled with much time in the barn!

Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!

Don’t forget to hug your horse!

Lori