The Horse Pasture

I decided today was as good as any day to move the sheep into the horse's pasture.  Actually, I got sick of rotating their fences, pulling out the ground rod (not an easy feat) and hammering it back in at it's new location, trying to find nearby outlets, running extension cords, etc., etc.  The whining could go on.

So I figured there was enough pasture grass to go around until at least I set up a larger portable fencing in the backyard so they could come back and mow it for me.  The other reason was I noticed a definite decline in weight in my ewes.  Not my original ewes but rather the new older replacement ewes.  And since I'm hoping for October babies, they needed to fatten up and get some decent nutrients in them.  So it was into the horse's pasture they went.

However, today was perhaps not the best day as it was sweltering out and I had to herd them to a location they were not familiar with, and yes they have snuck into the horse's pasture before many, many times however they had never gone threw the gate!!  On top of that, they were being herded by a novice stock dog.  Ivy has been iffy to say the least.  When she's good, she good.  But when she is bad, she is bad.  I know I need to spend more time on her and the sheep but finding the time is hard and I need a more secure pen for the sheep when working her because they simply jump the netting when I place them in their to work her.  So she ran them around and around and around until finally I got the last of them into the pasture.  The original's went easily and swiftly via their own route (aka under the fence) but the larger, newer ewes didn't fit.  By the time they got it figured out and was safely behind the gate inside the horse's pasture and away from that dog, they were a huffing and puffing.  I thought they would keel over and die.

Thankfully they didn't.  I tried to help by filling up two huge barrels of water but it wasn't water they wanted.  I headed across the pasture to the far back at the top of the hill.  I didn't think they would follow as following me earlier didn't seem appealing to them or else it would have saved them alot of running around.  But no, I looked back and was surprised to see them on my heel.

Down the hill they followed, across the pasture floor.

And then back up the other side.

I didn't think they would keep following, particularly considering the distance we were going and the terrain we were dealing with.  After all, these gals were exhausted and about to keel over, I didn't think they could go on.

But on they did.  It was if they had complete trust in me.

Not knowing where I was going or taking them, they trusted and followed their shepherd wherever she shall lead.  Until at last I led them to where they needed to be.

Shade.

Blistful, beautiful, cooling shade.  You see, having had my girls nearby for a long time now, I have been able to watch and study them and knew what their favourite thing was to do if not grazing.  It was lounging under a maple tree.

And like the good shepherdess I am, I led them to a haven of maple trees to lounge under.

They were in sheep heaven.  So I left my girls grazing beneath the shade of century old maple trees and headed back to the house.  Admittedly I was a bit nervous leaving them there.  The fence is not sheep proof and though the pasture has plenty of yummy morsels for a hungry sheep, the other side of the fence looked far more appealing.

Nevertheless, I left them alone up there and headed home.

It was while I was nearing the house that I was struck with the idea of adding goats to the pasture.

And while I was out there photographing the goats grazing on the horse pasture, something caught my eye.

Them those teets looked mighty big.

And appears to have some waxy substance on them.

I am by far no expert on expected momma-to-be's in the animal kingdom, but from my few experiences, a waxy substance was always present.  So we shall see...

Meanwhile my horse pasture is becoming a diverse gathering place.  We have horses.

Horses and miniature horses.

Miniature horses and sheep.

Sheep and goats.

Goats and horses.

Horses and sheep.

 Sheep and miniature horses and....little boys. :)

Heck, I even have the ram and the billy goat in there amongst them all.

And for now it's working.  Everyone is co-habiting nicely.  My only complaint.  Contrary to how the photos make it look, there really isn't enough room for them all.