Bella Misty Meadows: March 2011

In November we moved to our new location in St. Williams. We had very little time to get things ready before the cold weather hit and many repairs and new fencing had to be put off to the Spring.

I confess, I'm not happy with the holes in our shelters (the horses that previously lived here were wood chewers), or that there are no gates wide enough or accessible enough for me to drive my tractor in to clean out the paddocks (it is impossible to pick up frozen poop with a fork!). And I'm really not happy that the drainage is terrible and causes big ice patches, making me keep the animals in a restricted area to prevent them from hurting themselves. I'm also not happy that we didn't have time to fence an emergency area for rescues coming in, but I cannot deny that the horses look better than they have in years and are happy and healthy. Apparently they don't feel my unhappiness!!

I have to tell you what I am most unhappy about! I can live with the current situation because the animals are so happy, but what hurts and angers me more than anything is the negativity and unkind comments we are receiving from some of the people who drive past our farm. Apparently, we are cruel to leave them out in the winter and I don't feed them! The animals in our care are fed free-choice hay and always have food and water.

We are often guilty of projecting our own feelings and beliefs onto animals. A horse standing outside with his back to driving rain or snow has likely made a choice to stand like that. It doesn't mean he is being abused or neglected! Horses are designed to live outside and in many circumstances, it is more healthy for them. They have wonderful thick coats to keep them warm and they adapt very well.

All animals require food, water and shelter. If you suspect an animal isnt getting these things, look at the condition of the animals. Are they thin? Can you see their ribs? How does their coat look? Is it thick and shiney?

There are often reasons why you might see a horse in an area without a shelter or constant access to hay. We recently took in Skipper who was covered in lice and had a terrible skin condition. He was wormy and thin and also had signs of a neurological problem. We had just moved and due to the winter, we hadn't been able to fence a new area. We made the decision to get the horse out of the situation and put him in our roundpen. It doesn't have a shelter, but is right next to the barn which provides protection from the elements. He has access to heated water and free choice hay, and he is grained 3 times per day. He has a closet of blankets for every weather situation. We have a stall available in an emergency, but as he hitches we didn't want him banging himself up in the stall. Skipper has flourished - gaining weight and his skin is healing, and yet we've had constant complaints and threats from people who see him outside.

So, I ask these people, if you do see something you don't think is right, please check first. You can even approach the owner and ask why - you don't have to accuse them, just ask! The OSPCA get calls all the time and many of them are not founded. Please save your calls for animals who truly need help.