with all that is going on with family and friends, livestock preparations for Christmas were underway yonks ago in expectation of ice and snow lock down here at Clay Meadow. So all Hay, Straw and feed deliveries were long ago scheduled and stored safely in the dry. however, I have not done a single thing about Christmas here in terms of pressies etc yet … best get on it BUT I did see some beautiful trees and we did get the colt foal a horse ball – does that count – coincidentally it was Christmas red?

and we did go to M & S and see the copious amounts of mince pies for sale…

and to Dobbies and see some Christmas trees…

but I like this one best of all…

Well many of you will recall that I was kicked earlier this year by someone elses Draught Colt requiring stitches and a cast on my ankle – net result a friend of mine helped out with essential Alpaca work until the leg recovered. Well, I have to say I was delighted with her comments when visiting Kensmyth recently about the livestock superb condition and most importantly the stunning fleeces, here are a few shots we took last week…

humble apologies for them being totally natural, no diamond rings and painted nails OR photoshopping LOL

Everything is still growing here at Kensmyth despite the inclement weather – by this I mean the youngstock weaned or due for weaning and the expectant mums to be in 2019 of which there are rather a lot I must say – all species!

However, I was asked the other day what “croup high” and “bum high” meant in the horse world and to be honest, it is quite difficult to explain that an equine grows up one side then the other and levels out then does it all over again at the same time as lengthening in the body and maturing in the mind – so as I am forever with a camera of one description or another – here is one of Kensmyths rapidly growing Draught horse fillies who if you look closely has a raised rear end then levels out then raises again… and this is just over this past year AND they are not the fastest of growers. Don’t be fooled, she is 16.2hh now and will make a good 17.1hh plus. Bring them in for food – great time to get them used to noise etc even in the Summer.

so above in Summer – we have a clear height distinction between the wither and rump (if you like) despite lowered head eating…

and in the Autumn the rump is even higher clearly seen with head lowered and rug on it…

and here above just a few weeks ago you can see although resting a leg, levelled out again… ready for another growth spurt shortly – rug sizes also a great indicator as they go up in size too!

and if your youngsters don’t stand as quietly as this with their entire rugs on their heads  for a photo moment – they haven’t been trained by me BUT please don’t try it yourself as most youngstock would not necessarily be so calm as mine are – it took time to get them like this!

Regular readers will know that I am a stickler for ensuring that all livestock are fed the right amount of food regularly and that each individual has “space” to feed.  If you do not give space then the weaker will suffer at the hands of the stronger in line – whilst this might be appropriate in the wild as survival of the fittest, it is not acceptable at Kensmyth and everyone is fed regularly and overseen to ensure they all eat well!

of course it does help having a super hubby who makes portable troughs for me LOL

I have been absent and I apologise but its crazy times here and unfortunately several friends and close persons are extremely unwell at the moment so bear with us as we catch up on Kensmyth. Meantime, I have been asked “what happened to your film recommendations you used to do?” well – I haven’t watched or read much lately other than biological or veterinary BUT I can tell you that :

The Little Drummer Girl was a good watch on BBC 1

The Informer was clever but you have to concentrate

Mamma Mia 2 – was not what I expected and you definitely need to concentrate…

Les Miserables – yes I finally got round to seeing it – is marvellous and wish I had seen it long ago when told to!

Jurassic World was totally different to how I expected and…

Mowgli on Netflix – my opinion but DO NOT let younger children watch it even though it says you can – nightmare!

AND

I STILL haven’t been brave enough to watch War Horse.

back to you on that one!

well the cold snap did not last and the rains back again this time with a vengeance… hat time ladies

but some stunning sunsets in the darkening skies too – very biblical

what better way to welcome December than with Blue skies and Black spotty botties – this years foal massive now!