It's time for introductions. After all, what would a small farm be without its animals? They are the ones who provide us with organic meat, farm fresh eggs, milk, and hours of entertainment. And here they are:
The horses:
The first horses to arrive on our farm were Belle and Dasani. They belong to Stacey and Mom. They are registered Spanish Mustangs, a rather rare breed that nearly died out when the army rounded up all of the Native American's horses in the early days of America's "civilization". They are hardy, efficient, and very intelligent horses. We barely have to supplement their pasture...even in the winter! Now that's what I call a low-maintenance horse!
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Shortly after they arrived, they were joined by Remi, a rescued quarter horse from Bear Valley Horse Rescue. She belongs to Brendyn. We think it is valuable to rescue your horse if you're not intending to breed them, just like going to the humane society to pick out a dog or a cat. People breed too many unwanted, quality horses, just because they can and are hoping to make a buck. But the fate of a horse is worse than an unwanted dog or cat. They may sit in a shelter for years, or be euthanized, but a horse is sold for slaughter, and the methods are never humane. So look up horse rescues in your own area, or check the ads for someone who needs to rehome a good horse before it ends up on a plate somewhere across the world or in dog food. (Which reminds me I need to talk to you about dog food, but that's for another time and place)
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Once we'd heard about the rescue, Dad, Kendra and I went there too, and the herd grew with Nevada, Indie, and Domino. We all now have a horse, and when the boys grow up, they will too!
The Donkey:
She doesn't count as a horse, not really! This fall, I adopted Hazel (former name Cardamom). She has such a sweet face, and has taken it upon herself to guard the steers she is living with right now!
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The Goats:
It all started with Hosanna. Stacey bought her two years ago, and she was pregnant with twins! Ebony and Ivory are her daughters from last year. And she had another black-and-white pair this year, Piper and Merrylegs! Ebony also had twin doelings, and Ivory had a little buck named Steve, who no longer lives with us.
Those are our milking herd. It's been a lot of fun learning to milk the three nanny goats this year, and we are definitely hoping that when Merry gets bred and has her kids, that we can stop milking Ebony, who is - shall we say - difficult.
