March/April/May 2009

Hello everyone! Spring has sprung here at the farm and we hope you have had a chance to get outside and enjoy some of the nice weather.  Arriving with spring are some cute foals that were born here at Double R Stables, three to be exact with one more on the way. They are all doing well, exploring their new worlds and stretching those long legs with short bursts of energy before flopping down for another nap! Ah, the life of a foal. Special thanks to Amanda Brantmayer, Cyndy Hetzel, and Dawn Kaufman, all of New Jersey and Sam Korna of Massachusetts for trusting us with their mares during foaling season. They all own super special, well mannered horses that we would love to see again. Actually we are lucky as two of them are staying, Buffy and Abbey. Genie and Stuffy are welcome back anytime they want to visit.

We've had some much needed rain lately too, almost too much for my taste but we can't complain. I'll just be glad when I can get the riding arena disked for all of you to use.  Jennifer is going to be starting a project in the tack room soon. She has decided to use up some of the half cans of paint we have in the basement and paint the lockers. Yes, they will be all various colors....but you know my wife, she likes a little color in her life! If you don't believe me check out her new rope halter, it's tie-dyed.

Actually started this mail a few days ago. Really, Jennifer started it in hopes of motivating me into finishing it. So, consider me motivated.

We have been extremely busy not only with the foaling of Incentive Bred horses but also with the breeding for next year. We will have four horses here that belong to Sam Korna that will be bred for next year. Three of them are complete and one is waiting to foal (any day, I hope)so she can be bred on the foal heat. I give thanks that we have not encountered any problems. There could be others born here next year as we contracted with out of state owners that have Incentive Fund mares this year and may next year. Depends on timing, as Sam has preference.

Please watch your horses feet for thrush. I mentioned it last year but feel the need to remind. It is a fungus that grows on the bottom of the horses hooves. It is quite smelly and unmistakable once you have witnessed it. The weather has been very wet this spring so, watch out for it.

Fly season is once again upon us. I sent out a mail last month so I assume that the ones that have contacted me are the only ones interested in the service. If I missed your call or mail concerning it, please call again and let me know.

We have finished the breezeway project at the barn. Well, almost, I still have the hinged wall to put between stall numbers five and seven. There is another project starting soon. The barn is going to be rewired completely. All lights, outlets, switches are going to be replaced with the wiring incased in conduit. This will be much safer than the open wiring we have. We also plan on installing monitors in the foaling stalls for next year. I am getting to old to spend nights in the barn. Besides, I enjoy the comfort of my bed and the company of my wife much more than any barn.

We lost one boarder, Bill and Dee Dee Malley, the owners of Dora. They have taken Dora to be boarded with Marshall Johnson. He and I are friends with a long history in and around horses. Dora is at a better place to be trained daily for a couple of years. She is a young horse with a lot of spirit and a need for schooling. A training facility is just what she needs.

On a very happy note, Matt had his Eagle Scout board of review last Wednesday and passed. It is official, he is an Eagle Scout. We are very proud of him and his lofty accomplishment. The road began ten years ago and his goal has come to pass. This is an accomplishment that will follow him the rest of his life. We plan a reception at Memorial United Methodist Church around the middle of June. You will all be invited.

Well, that is about all there is to write about. You come and visit your horses when you can. I know they need your contact and a reaffirmation of the love you have for them.

Richard, Jennifer and Matthew,

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