Keeping an eye out for spring

The signs of spring... I think we all look for those tokens of warmer weather to come more than any other seasonal markers. I watch for them eagerly... where I never enthusiastically yearn for winter or summer signs :)

On the way down the driveway for a quick trot on Saturday, I spotted the silly killdeer. All year I wait for his spring heralding... only to later tire of it during the hot long evenings in July... when he just never quits !

Graders are out in full force on the dirt roads in spring.

Trucks lined up to dump fill to make the dirt roads more passable.

Hair shedding....

Number one rules during shedding season -- while brushing - never wear chapstick and do not try to chew gum !

Daffodil shoots springing up ! These are a bit earlier - I think because of the heat reflected off those rocks.

The phoebe showed himself on Wednesday for the first time this year ! Perching high and flicking his tail... trilling out his name over and over to let us know to pick up our buckets .. sugaring is over.

And of course the true harbinger of spring -- the Robin. There are flocks of them back from their winter vacation pecking for worms... when I spotted this fellow -- I immediately stopped chores and ran for my camera. Pretty neat -- a piebald Robin !!

And---- what are NOT indications of springtime !!!


Having to continue to wear long underwear !!

and ponds still covered in ice --

Keri and Reverie went out for a quick trot on Monday.. and we ran into a few more spring signs.... neighbors out walking. This day was cold but a strong sun -- too nice to stay inside.

Two young men out on a quest with their mom.

Keri loves a quest.... but is wondering -- does the entire neighborhood own a black lab ?

Tom turkey roadside -- puffing his broom and fanning his tail as we approach. Toms are quite impressive so we had to stop and snap more photo's. At this point, Zoe is holding the camera... she's learning !! :) and Reverie stood very still for the close ups... good girl, Rev.

the bristles on his chest are actually called a beard -- but I have always called it a broom... it's so much like a whisk broom - makes more sense to me.

These are an heirloom variety of turkeys - belonging to a neighbor.. but they wander the vicinity wherever... very handsome - and a handy de-sensitising obstacle as you never know where on the road or in the woods they will be.

view of my new jacket... embroidered by Denise Conroy -- it is springtime but still March.. cold today - I feel like I resemble a neon green Michelin man from the rear.... a bit bulky.

Reverie has an awesome sitting trot which she can maintain easily forever. I also tried to get a video of her BIG forward trot.. but so far... my horse has to travel quite fast to keep up and the camera wiggles too much. Reverie (Zoe's Day Dream) is quite a horse !! Always fit -- always cheerful.

With warmer weather, we have been able to advance the saddle training of a few horses recently... and work outside instead of being stuck in the indoor.

Here is OYY Little "Z" ... who has been waiting to prove herself forever. Here is her second time under saddle - walking around in the outer small arena. She's coming along very well -- an eager student who is also quite pretty.

She has had some solid training and exposure on the ground -- now to do it from the saddle.

Here she is being ridden from the indoor into the outer area.

OYY Niobe also has had a chance to get back under saddle -- we saddle trained her a year ago.. she took maternity leave - and now is back in training. A lovely large curly pony mare - she will make a nice English ride but also has an adorable western jog - so we are keeping her in western tack.

Niobe is maternal sister to my outstanding driving pony OYY Nimue.

She is going to make a great little trail horse too. Wonderful, sweet attitude -- willing and forward.

OYY HummingBird is SO pleased to be chosen on a regular basis now for work. She is always standing by the fence and gate --- waiting to be the one. She is smart and quick to teach. I am very fond of this little pony mare - who is full sister to another favorite - OYY Arcus. she sports our senior herd sire's stamp... two hind socks.

Her Mom is an awesome riding pony and also drives (and don't forget her Dad too - Chip - rides and drives beautifully) --

HummingBird is just as talented.

Here she is from last month -- I love this mare !! BUT - she is for sale... I'll be sad to see her go though.

Here's a little view of HummingBird being ridden for the first time.

She will make someone very happy !!

HummingBird is 12.2 hands.. sturdy and sporty.

It's been a fruitful spring week.... with more to come hopefully.

Enjoy ~