July 31st brought a much anticipated break in the heat and humidity, along with Fred, who worked his usual magic on the horses’ feet. He also always provides laughter and news of the wider horse world, which is fun.
With fresh shoes, we all took advantage of cooler weather to enjoy some pleasant August riding (a fairly rare treat in Missouri)… This activity makes our already busy days even more full, but no complaints about that, except I haven’t found time to blog.
Bart got hind shoes, just in case he decides to show in September. The other horses are making do with front shoes only.
Bart is getting legged up and staying flexible by scratching itches. Every evening, he and Oisin share scratches, though poor Oisin wears a fly sheet for his sweet itch (an actual allergic medical condition), so his scratches from Bart are not as effective. The poor fly sheet is beginning to look like it’s been through a war. Meanwhile, Bart is also perfecting his escape tactics and runs off every other day as I am untacking.
Harry has been hard at work this summer, and was delighted to travel to downtown St. Louis when Vlad called to say the Vietnam Memorial for Jefferson County was ready for patina. Here are some pictures.
Harry is plagued by bugs, much more than I am, but the pleasant, cooler weather made outdoor relaxation possible. Alas, warmer weather has returned today, but it is August, after all…
The cats are not bothered by much.
The pleasant weather also brought this year’s first confirmed sighting of a Monarch butterfly. I only had a camera phone, so no good picture, but it IS a Monarch…
Other sightings recently…
The second clutch of bluebirds successfully fledged! The world now has four more bluebirds of happiness, which we certainly need these days.
And that is all from here for now…
Be safe, be well, be grateful. Treasure this magical planet and its creatures. Slava Ukraini! Peace…
Galloping Through 
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