A New Arrival

While we were in Ireland this summer we took regular walks into the town.  Near the post office there was a small field with two small ponies and their foals.

Both mares were obviously pregnant again, the fleabitten looked like she was just days away, and I was hoping that she would foal before I had to leave.  Unfortunately, she didn't not, but a friend was able to snap this picture when the foal was only a few days old.  So cute!

Lets Talk Turkey

Since we moved to our current home, seven years ago, we have been visited by many groups of wild turkeys.  The first year we were here, we had a pair and their 15 chicks visit our field occasionally.  The couple that sold us the house had named the pair Franklin and Eleanor.  When the chicks had grown and moved on we saw Franklin and Eleanor from time to time pecking their way through the field.

In recent years a third had joined them and we called her Anna (Franklin and Eleanor's only daughter).  We had not seen the trio for awhile, then, this spring, Anna showed up with six poults (baby turkeys).

We have watched Anna carefully tend her little flock all summer.  It is quite a feat to be a single mother of six. Every evening I see them parading across the field nibbling seeds and eating bugs.  I watched them make some of their first flights and have seen them improving everyday.  Most nights they roost in one of the trees in the field or by the house and I watch them as the settle in for the night.

Today I saw one of the larger poults on its own.  It was happily pecking its around my garden, then, with a running start, flew right past me into a tree and found a place to roost.   I was very proud of it, being on its own, but, I was also very sad to think that my little turkeys are growing up.  Soon they will all go their separate ways and I will miss them!

My Summer Vacation

I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Ireland at the beginning of the summer.   Down the road from where I stayed was Long's Horse Riding so, I got in a couple of treks during my trip.  They have beautiful Irish Cobs in all sizes and colors.  The Irish Cob is a very compact, stocky and powerful breed that is known for its docile and willing nature.  They have feathered legs, a luxuriant mane and tail and can be any solid color, including greys and roans, as well as pinto.

This guy is a beautiful example of a an Irish Cob.   Don't you just want to squeeze him!?   When the sun shown on him he had the most gorgeous dapples!

My first trek was an a short trip down to the beach for an invigorating gallop down the strand and back.  Unfortunately, during our first pass I was stuck behind a pony and had to keep holding my horse from running up the pony's backside.  (darn those ponies and their short strides!)  When we turned around I was able to get in front of the pony and just let my horse go.  Great fun!  There is nothing like a gallop on the beach!

My second trek was on this guy, King.  What a handsome man!  We went on a mountain ride and had a wonderful canter up the mountain you can see in the back.

What a beautiful view!  I can't wait to go back!