evidence

Every turnout day is different for Cierra and Hope. So far between weekends/holidays/staycation days/our daughters help, we have managed to turn them out every morning. Brad frequently comes home from work mid-day (when he can) to help bring the duo inside. It is tempting for one person to lead them together, but we prefer to be cautious. Everything is going super well with Hope, and we want to keep it that way.

The day will come when morning turnout doesn't work and they will need to stay inside. We are in a stretch of horrid hot weather, with no rain. Afternoon turnout is just not an option.

Thankfully mornings are still cool-ish. By the time the sun is baking, they are ready and asking to come inside. It is refreshing to walk into the cool breeze of the barn.

Remember that lush pasture? One word = yellow. Our hay fields are spindly at best, and new planted hay fields cannot even begin to grow. The few rain chances we had/have do not materialize. Well, except for the three drops that fell yesterday. Just a tease. I swear the sparse rain drops dried up before they hit the ground.

On days we have a little more time, they get to stretch their legs twice. Outside and inside. The activity level is very different. Although both turnouts wear Hope out. Hope inside = run, act like a nut and get in trouble for eating sand. Hope outside = munch/sleep on fresh grass, put up with pesky flies and knicker to her humans to make sure we didn't forget about her.

Who could forget about Hope?! She has completely stolen our hearts!!

Hope has become even sweeter. Cierra's demeanor seems to have passed onto her. Hope never wants us to stop interacting with her or leave. She appears to be very smart and catches on quickly. Mimicking her mama. Even the not so good stuff. Hope also watches our every move. She is very curious and trusting. I think Hope is going to continue to be a fun horse to teach new experiences :)

Some outside images:

Hope wakes up like I do
5/21/23

the sticky spot
5/28/23

evidence that I do work with Hope
5/26/23

Side note: I had no idea Brad was taking video of us. Also, Cierra did not spook she tripped over the shifting terrain (concrete lip). I told my kids I have eyes in the back of my head, but I really don't. Shhh!

We switched to me doing all the haltering & leading with Hope. Brad really wants me to connect with her, me too. However, she is a baby learning when it is okay to let go of energy. I can barely hold Hope when she pulls. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. See video below. Unfortunately, I am wired with morning grogginess. Not a good combo for leading Hope at 6-7am, with a torn rotator cuff. Lately Brad leads Hope outside and I take the easier (and awake!) lead inside.

getting walked around after being rushy
5/28/23

Some indoor images of a second afternoon turnout:

5/23/23

Sorry Hope, indoor turnout is for more than zoomies
5/23/23

Hope at 6 weeks (and one day)
5/23/23