Hay!

Hay is the story of our lives, these days.  Dancer is not an easy keeper and goes through more in one day during the winter months than most average horses go through in a week.  Maybe being a thoroughbred has something to do with it? Wink! Wink!  We made the trek New Year's Eve to our local supplier, Kevin Diehl of Springbrook Farm, (who has amazing quality timothy by the way,) and thought it would be fun to document our travels. We piled into the van, laughing as we pulled the seats down knowing that we would be picking hay out from every crevice for weeks to come.  Our preferred method of hauling is not in the family car, of course, however, this is our only means at the moment.  (I've often thought of slapping on a bumper sticker I saw at a tack shop recently that says "My other car is a dually." Hey, wishful thinking doesn't hurt, right?)

We headed west on Route 234 through snow covered orchards and mountains and took in the spectacular views of a crisp, blue sky dotted with wispy clouds.

As we winded our way, I thought to myself how blessed I am to have my girls with me (they are 13 and 16) and we all have a common passion which is spelled H-O-R-S-E-S.  The only boys in their lives are geldings and cats, (and one hermit crab with a hairy claw which I'm told is a pretty good sign of the male gender.)   I am so proud of how devoted they are to their school work and chores.  They are growing into such beautiful, strong and smart young women.   Our family has faced many struggles as all families do, but they are always amazing me with their wisdom and focus on what is important.

 

The view was spectacular as we winded our way over hills and valleys, coming up on the Round Barn. 

A short jaunt over Route 30, and we arrived in Cashtown, which is such a quaint little town, if you can call it that.  Blink and you are pretty much through it.  But if you enjoy history there is a lovely little Inn there that is supposedly haunted and it is definitely worth the trip- The restaurant offers a New American menu and the food is four stars.

It was so windy, the snow was drifting over the road, making it a bit challenging both in visibility and driving. 

But as you can see, we made it!  When we were done loading, there was barely enough room for the girls to sit-but we made it work.  Some will appreciate this gorgeous timothy hay in beautiful, dense bales.  The horses love it.

          Heading back up the mountain....

I always enjoy the picturesque homes and barns along the way-it's such a peaceful drive....

And there's usually not a soul on the road but us!  You can see why I don't yearn for life in the city anymore.

As we pull into the drive, the wind picks up and we watch the snow swirl from the roof.  The ponies are all tucked inside the barn, protected from the harsh wind.

As I'm unloading the hay, the kids decide to let everyone out to stretch their legs for a while.  Dancer is the first one to be let out and she eagerly dashes outside to make a snow angel.  Being stall bound is not one of her favorite things.  Most of the gang doesn't enjoy it, although there are a few who don't mind happily munching on hay keeping nice and warm.  

You can see who would rather be outside!  They ran in circles for fifteen minutes.  And yes, that's my youngest riding a mini in the middle of it all.  I would have given my right arm to be able to do that when I was thirteen years old! 

When I start feeling bad that I can't give my kids alot of things that we see other kids get, like new ipads, designer clothes or trips abroad, I realize we have something really special and I stop myself from feeling this way.  All in all, I'd say we managed to turn an ordinary trip to get hay into what was  hopefully a memorable experience that we will  look back on and chuckle to ourselves about one day.  

Of course, that will be as we're still picking chaff out of the car seats and our hair.