Top O' The Hill Farm

The weather continues to be the topic of the day ~ We went from several feet of snow to nearly 2 weeks of very hot and dry summer-like climate in the blink of an eye. While none of us wanted to whine too much, it was a shock to the system-- winter clothing to tank tops overnight. Yesterday, rains came along with more seasonal temperatures for April so when the sun does make another showing-- the grass is going to grow like crazy. That makes me happy ! Pasture instead of hay ~~ Last year I spread fertilizer and lime on most of the pasture land so the horses will reap the benefits this year. The last two days were spent putting in water bars on the roadways up and down the mountain across the street. Hoping to prevent the top of the mountain from washing to the bottom.

Two Sundays ago we managed a nice trail ride which was more of a non-stop water obstacle course- as the woods are still running with melting snows and overfull springs. So, in addition to our goal to ride over every imaginable bridge in the area, we are shooting for many water crossings. This trail was more traveling through water rather than crossing.

We rode up the mountain, onto the Silver Disk trail, and headed toward Zoe's house. From here we hook onto Rhonda's Trail toward the old Watkin's Place where we find

someone has placed a telephone pole across- a perfect opportunity to complete one of the obstacles on the Smarter, Braver, Calmer list for April's mini contest of the RAC. We head down Mythical Street, cross over onto the Scott Trail where we find more water and deep snow

where the woods are thick. From here, we come out onto Trebo Road, head past the old cemetery. We used to be able to get on an awesome trail up

behind the cemetery but the people who own the campground at the end have shut off the trail. So we trot down Trebo to the Spoonerville Four Corners- head right, and then left onto the Apple Tree Farm trail.

Near the beginning, is an old snowmobile bridge

that we used to cross-- not anymore ! It's rather rickity now. Another water crossing.. Keri and I are already on the other side-- hurry up Teasel..

Whew-- that water is cold !!

We trot up a very steep path toward the hunting cabin.

And pass by the small beaver pond. Toward the end of the ride, we decide to try and find another passage to the road home. We have tried before but have never quite found the right way to travel. Past logging has deleted the trail we used to use.... the going is rough and unsuccessful again.

During the week, we took various horses down to the brook on my property for some more water practice. Even the horses that are reluctant to step into the brook enjoy it once they are in it. We walk up and down to get them accustomed to it. Here's Winter

Dancer taking a stroll down the brook. I am on Camille- who loves her water experience.

Maya Dobush, who is training Mead's Chocolate Chip, brings him down for a cool water walk after his ring work.

He made quite a splash, but when he got the idea it might be fun to get down and roll in the water-- Maya quickly urged him back onto dry land.

Saving some of the best news for last ~ Sunday, Ptesan-Wi ABC 1635, delivered a beautiful curly filly sired by Classic Dreams

Cherokee Storm. The filly is marked somewhat like her Mom only palomino instead of chestnut. I have named her OYY Aztec. Her dam has a great record of producing super foals who have grown to be wonderful mounts.

Aztec was able to get out for a brief romp before the rains came in force. She'll have to be satisfied in a stall with Mom until it clears up for now.