Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Re-Winter



Tuesday March 30 2010

Seriously?

The flowers had started to emerge.

We had one wicked round of buffalo gnats already.

Mac already cast off his winter coat.

We could have used a few more conditioning rides before our first spring endurance ride on Saturday. (Of course, the rain/wet snow/ice balls/gusty winds/20's wind chill would not stop some intrepid riders, but I am not one of those).

Winter has returned.

Wave after wave of snow, ice balls, rain, sleet, then sun, pass through. The Owyhee mountains disappear, then emerge with another new coating of snow, then disappear again. All of it accompanied by strong winds, providing for a shivery re-winter bite.

The horses can't get out of the wind-driven snow, even under the hay barn roof.


They turn their ice-covered butts to the wind,




heads low to the ground.






They walk funny into the wind, cocking their heads sideways to keep the stinging cold flakes out of their eyes and ears.

The new Texas horse appears to be rather stunned by the weather - he's probably never seen snow.


One wave of winter passes through, and the horses drip and thaw, until the next surge howls through and drops another load of ice on them.

Winter doesn't want to give up.

Of course, I'm not complaining : )

9 comments:

  1. Even if you're not complaining, I'll bet the horses are! Seriously, this weather seems like it doesn't want to quit this year.

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  2. So with you...we are having snow now too..my mare is almost shed out!
    Hang in!
    KK

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  3. We got crazy blowing snow today too, but it's so warm here it melted as soon as it touched anything. At least our horses aren't as frosted as yours!

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  4. Well it's about time! lol! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm so done with winter, though. BUt I know it's not done with us. I won't be lulled into thinking that a few warm days means winter is over. We've gotten snow and hail on Memorial Day weekend and even hard freezes into June.

    Old Man Winter is probably thinking up evil surprises for us at this very moment.

    Batten down the hatches....and good luck on the Endurance Ride this weekend!


    ~Lisa

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  5. You did provide great pictures, but Ooooh your ponies look cold and miserable...and to think they've already shedded...mean Mister Winter !! And, Spring promises to be a really wet one, so prepare for lots of water and MUD !!
    Here in Virginia, we are to have a stretch of lovely weather...shedding has really just begun in earnest.

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  6. No, of course you are not complaining - of COURSE not!!!!
    But I agree with GHM, I bet your horses are...
    Mr Winter gets so desperate every spring.
    As if he is asked to leave the party, and does his best to ruin the house first.
    Get out, you're not wanted here!

    It's been raining the entire day here. Which almost makes me think of snow with affection.

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  7. It's just Indian winter.

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  8. Oh dear what a way to think spring has sprung! Horses look good regardless of the winter circumstances! :) Stay dry and warm.

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  9. I'd be snivelling. And feeling sorry for the horses as well!

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