Since this past weekend was our first time traveling with large animals, I thought I would list a few things that may make your experience more enjoyable.

1. Make sure you have a copy of current vaccinations and testing. We had to have a negative Coggins test copy for our horses, all I can say is thank you for fax machines.

2. If your animals take any special suppliments, make sure you take extra. Buffy’s vitamins were mistakenly given to another horse.

3. Remember that your horse or other animal needs to get out and move around, just like we do.

Just a few things I wish I had thought of before we loaded up and left town.

Jacob has now decided that he too needs to make music. I returned from the laundry room to find him pounding away on several pots, pans and plastic bowls. I think now is the time to go purchase those ear plugs I mentioned yesterday! LOL

Cassidy has been wanting to join the band since the beginning of school. Today I decided to let her go for it. Flute seems to be her talent, although at this point in time she is driving me crazy! ha, ha. Tomorrow I think I shall invest in some ear plugs. What is it they say? Practice makes perfect? All kidding aside, she is doing very well for her first time. She may even be a natural.

We had a wonderful time! The place where we stayed was fashioned out of an old cabin and the trails ranged from beginner to experienced. It was enjoyable to not have to much the stalls for a couple of days. We plan on going back in December.

We woke up this morning and an idea appeared. Why not take the horses and go trail riding? So we are loading up and hitting the road. There are several wonderful trails about an hour away. I am sure that I will have a great tip list to add soon.

So far so good, the children love the horses and the horses love them! This is one of the best invests I have ever made. Not only do the children have a FANTASTIC way to enjoy being outside, they are learning so much about responsibility. They weren’t so happy about it this morning when they had to wake before sunrise to go feed and water the horses, but this afternoon when they got to ride all seemed well.

All the hard work pays off today! The horses have arrived and are now getting to know their new home. Cassidy has never asked to stay home from school until today. I told her the horses will be here when she gets home, so she gave in and went to school with a very pouty face. After school we are all going to go on a short trail ride and better aquaint ourselves with our new family members.

Today we are going to a farm near by to learn horse care. While we know some of the basics, there is more to know before the horses arrive Monday. We get to go through the grooming process as well as bathing the horses and cleaning stalls and tack. I, for one, am very excited!

The barn is finished! It is ready for the hay and feed delivery today. Oh, UPS is at the door with the blankets, bruches and tack, got to go!

Well, the barn is done, although we have run into drainage issues that need to be fixed. Which means more cement work. The children are all ready for the horses to get here and shopping for tack!

I think the part about having medical documentation is really important. Not only do you not want your vacation stressful, you don’t want the experience to be any more unpleasant for the sick little one than necessary. (more…)