Winter in Virginia isn’t much like home but the temperature often stays below freezing and there is sometimes snow on the ground. Even though many of the horses are not in heavy work, there is plenty to do. The retired horses live out unless the weather is really bad, but the others come in during the day — for meals and riding.
Most days, I help Nikki with the riding. We each ride 2 horses and often do some conditioning work in the neighboring fields. Nikita the dog usually comes along and can be counted on to chase some deer. One time, we lost her in the woods but when we got back to the farm, there she was lounging in the sun by the house.
Every night, we head out to check on the retired horses that live out in the “back 40”. We change blankets if needed and make sure they have plenty to eat. We use the “Mule” to transport everything — hay bales and blankets, plus the dog. Nikita could care less about the horses, but she loves riding in the Mule!
