Since July we have completed the building of our new home which we had planed for many years for our retirement. We moved in on September the first and are just now starting to get settled. The new home is just a few hundred yard across the road from were we lived before and where Bonnie Blue and Secretes have their stalls. We hope to build them new quarters near the new house next year, but for now we go back to work with them two or more times a day.

The fall has been very pleasant but dry here in south Mississippi this year. Bonnie and Sox have started growing their winter coats. Both are a little fussy with signs of heaver growth to come with longer hair under the chin and on the face. Bonnie has remained her chestnut brown throughout the year. Sox has gone from scruffy brown in the spring, to smooth shiny black in the summer, to dark brown in the early fall, to black thick short hair now. One thing is for sure, Sox is better prepared for winter weather this year than last. His estimated weight is now about 850 lbs. and he is filled out all over. Having a stall that protects from the wind and rain is good too. The 24/7 hay is also a plus.

Recently Dori Thompson sent pictures of Sox from last February when he first entered the rescue program.  

The photo posted below is Sox on November 9, 2013. I am amazed at the resiliency of these wonderful creatures. With food, care and love, they recover quickly and blossom both in body and spirit.

The combination of a strong body, confidence from the stability of his surroundings and the cool fall air can lead a horse to look for opportunities to move up in position within the herd. Bonnie reminds him constantly that she is the mare in charge so he does not challenge her. (After all, she will bit and kick the fool out of any horse that steps out of line.) But the humans are fair game, so we have had to watch Sox closely recently when we are close to him. He starts his challenge by raising his head high and wanting to mouth us. Not a hard bit but wanting to put his mouth and teeth on your hands and hold them. He will also push us with his head. If you raise your hand up in or above his face, he will try to raise his head even higher and may rear up on his hind legs. This is not an acceptable behavior so we are trying to work with him to stop the escalation early in the challenge cycle. The trainer, Vernell Falgout, is helping us with firm actions we can take to help head off a challenge without being harsh. 

A few weeks back, both Bonnie and Sox were found to have a hoof fungus (Thrust) on some of their feet. They are being treated with Copper Napthanate and daily hove cleaning.  The Thrust seems to be gone but we are still cleaning almost every day. This regular handling is good for the feet and helps reinforce the humans dominant position in the herd.

A young lady named Amy has been helping us with both horses every Saturday morning. Amy love horses but she does not have a suitable place for one where she lives currently. We and glad for her help and she seems to enjoy Bonnie and Sox. We are all blessed by her visits and love of horses.

Blessings to all.