So in 34 days, in horrible muddy, sloppy, sometimes absurdly cold for us, conditions, and with the help of old and new friends, we got the barnyard fenced (a little over an acre) enough to be safe and functional for a very respectful horse, but is not "finished" to its ideal state yet. Everything took three times as long as anticipated due to the amount of rain we have gotten this winter. We got The Little Red Barn set with poles to build stalls as we have time, but functional as a run in, and we also got the ones set to build the actual run in off the side of the barn once stalls are built. We were trying to plan ahead for not having gaping holes where a horse would have access, take advantage of help when it was offered, and get as much done as we could. I had TLRB wired, inspected, and hooked up (complete with the trenching and burying in between the crappy weather). Running water had to wait, so we have lots of hoses connected and use the house. The Little Gray Barn's repairs continued, and will be done as of this morning. I bought metal trash cans and grain, 21 big bales of hay, dug out buckets and supplies from our showing days, and took over the garage. I had trees taken down before the fence was up so that it would be less of a mess and less expensive than working around fences. Tarps became my friend. I undid some of the work the grader did (wheat straw raked up, graded areas that turned to bare muddy areas fenced off within the barnyard with temp fencing). I bought a round pen and used it to extend off of one fence line into another pasture space we didn't have time to fence in yet...it was a contingency plan in case the trenching became a safety issue, etc. I tried to also find time to develop a buddy plan, but I couldn't pull that off. I am picking up more of the hay i found tomorrow. I honestly cannot believe how many people outside my circle of friends came through for me...tree guy, barn guy, grader, inspector, power company folks, hay contact, round pen guy, farm store manager...it's humbling.
So I rolled in with my boy about 10am on Sunday. There are no horses within eye sight. Cows are sometimes visible next door. He has been so good. Not too much running, next to no calling, just lots of walking...so not enough grazing. I started him on Gastroguard on Monday, and started using a bit of Ace now and then yesterday to stop the walking. DH and I got one stall build out on Monday evening but not finished, but my horse seems worried being locked in. When I can pull it off, I put a leadrope on him and just stand with him, and that is usually enough to get some grazing or some napping. He has enjoyed the company of the barn guys and DH and I while we continue construction stuff. The buddy plan has taken center stage, but even that has challenges based on the set up we were able to pull off, borrowing a horse and then having to give it back, etc etc etc. I actually have a great option for a permanent buddy, but just don't have the lay out right for introductions yet.
It is better each day. I am trying to make logical decisions, but emotions make that hard. I am so proud of my boy and how good he is being. I had our massage/body work person work on him Monday and she said he wasn't scared or stressed, but very alert and 'busy'. Like a watchdog. And that goes along with his herd leader, stallion wannabe tendencies. DH and I are absolutely exhausted, but not sleeping well due to busy brains and really sore muscles.
Here are some photos from arrival time. I am making myself take time to be excited. It was not the homecoming complete with rainbows and butterflies and warm fuzzies I had planned for, but he is HOME!
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)