Welcome to our story!
Over the next few weeks, we will use this space to tell you why we decided to follow this path (it’s been a bit winding). We will also use this space to chronicle the last few pre-launch months before we open up our doors to clients. I hope you will join us on this part of the journey!
Reflections of a stormy day
It’s been a hard winter to be a farmer. I’ve heard these words said this winter by a few friends who have bigger properties than we do. I’ve been feeling it too. Trudging out to the barn a couple of times a day, shovelling the ice and snow away from the doors to get them opened, watching to make sure that the paddock is not slippery for older hooves and their older human caretakers. We have had cold weather for this area of the country, and the customary thaw of midwinter has seemingly forgotten us this year. I’ve taken to wearing old ski pants for the walk to the barn, and I haven’t worn ski pants for walking since my days in Labrador. It has felt like work just to do the chores, leaving us little time to do the programming and other activities we need for to launch our business in the spring.
Late this morning, the freezing rain was starting to get heavy and I figured it was time to put the horses back in the barn for yet another ‘snow day’. I put on my ski pants and Carhartt jacket – an ensemble that seems to have taken the place of my military uniform. I headed out into the freezing rain towards the barn. As I approached the gate, I sang out my customary hello to the critters. Their stall doors open to the paddock, as soon as they heard me, out they came. They both ran toward me in greeting. Stan the Appy gelding lifted then bowed his head, showing a little spring in his step and a beautiful crest in his neck. He looked so handsome! And Susie, the Gypsy Vanner cross mare, always gorgeous, looked today like a war horse, a warrior girl in the icy mist. Flowing mane, slightly feathered hooves, majestic in her movements. It was breathtaking to watch them coming to see me, me – in my striped ski pants handed down from my kids, my oversized Carhartt jacket, and my rubber boots. I felt honoured for this special greeting. They are truly beautiful and we are blessed to have them in our lives. I am grateful to have them with us on this journey.
It Takes the Herd, Ltd 