Imagine Childhood : Magic & Memories That Last a Lifetime

... barn stories: shoes

Every six weeks one of my favorite people visits the farm and without his visit there would be some four legged friends with very sore feet. Without good feet we are all in trouble.

Dan Craig of On Track has dedicated his life to the hoof of a horse, he is known for his Natural Barefoot Trim, replicating the shape of a wild horse’s hoof. All of my horses are barefoot, Appaloosas are known for hard hooves and shoes are rarely needed. When terrain is difficult I can simply put boots on them.

Rocky, Iggy’s new friend is a Thoroughbred with sloping pasterns - we think his hoof care might have been spotty before he arrived here on the farm - and he is walking on his heels which is hard on his leg ligaments and can cause him to go lame.

We had to shoe Rocky’s front feet to get him off his heels (corrective shoeing). It takes a whole year to grow/replace a hoof.

With Dan’s care Rocky’s feet and ligaments will not get sore during his recovery.

We think Rocky knows something good just happened to him... Thank you Dan!

P.S. Iggy is having lots fun playing with Rocky across the fence line and he is well on his way to enjoying his new adventures!

*Last time in Barn Stories: Mom's Last Day

... first robin

Welcome back dear friend... we're so glad to see you!


What new friends are visiting your neck of the woods these days?


*Last time in Nature: Enjoying the Colors and Patterns of the Season

... giveaway forum: jumping into spring

With the official first day of spring coming up this weekend, we thought it would be the perfect time for a spring gardening giveaway!


Today we are offering to one lucky winner:

One Large Organic Gardening Seedling Kit (seed type of your choice)

One Set of Swedish Children's Metal Gardening Hand Tools (Fork and Spade)

One Hand Woven Palm Hat (size and style of your choice)

One Sweet Spring Chick and

One Pair of Children's Gardening Gloves (style of your choice)

The winner, picked by a random number generator is:

April O. who wrote:

After a beautiful, crisp winter, I love how the sweet, fresh scents of spring seem to surprise the senses. :) Thank you for the opportunity!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated. Your comments have made us even more excited about this wonderful season!!

... barn stories: mom's last day

Iggy is just past nine months old, and with that came the moment that said it's time. Raising children teaches you to feel and find those moments. As I write this, I find myself crying, not with sadness but with the understanding that this part of the journey has reached it's end...

Then I smile, as a new one is starting....  When Abby and Iggy came in that night, each went into their own stall, no longer in one together. I checked on them every couple of hours. Iggy found no sleep without his mom, he whinnied all night and kept everyone up in the barn. Abby was calm, it was the right time....

There was lots of yawing the next day...

... and more yawning...

... and a new look in Iggy's eye... one of sadness...

Sometimes change brings sadness before we understand the adventure and excitement that come with it.


To moms and all the hard work you do!


*Last time in Barn Stories:Rocky

... enjoying the colors and patterns of the season

Get out there and enjoy the colors and patterns where you are for National Wildlife Week!

Happy Exploring!


*Last time in Nature: Floating in the Moment