Cocoa is ready for the trail.

Lisa, Puppy and I got a good ride in yesterday on Cocoa and Roger. There is still lots of frost yet to thaw in the ground so the footing wasn't all that great. Hooves would break through, sometimes as much as six inches. We aren't much for galloping, and all I could picture was a broken horse leg if we did. Then the wind kicked up. I still enjoyed the ride and saw a few brown and yellow butterflies. lisa hates the wind and was glad when it was over. Puppy slept well since he had gone out with Danni and Nikki to "the picnic area" aka the old Brown Farm ruins, earlier in the day.

If you look closely, you can see enough fur to make a second horse after brushing Cocoa. Its getting warmer and he is really shedding out.

I think I'll mount the GPS to my horn today.

I've been experimenting with a GPS to mark the trails but the Garmin 305 Edge does so much more than that. Combined with www.motionbased.com software it will keep track of your mileage, the weather, wind, temperature, heart rate (for you or your horse depending where you put the sensor). You can view your trip on a road map or on Google Earth. Here was the ride that Lisa and I took yesterday on Roger and Cocoa:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2339952

Maybe not practical but good for satellite reception.

Garmin Edge 305 mounted on the horn.

Lisa, Puppy and I get ready to go as Sister sends us off.

Lisa and Roger on the trail.

Just as we were coming back, Linda was headed out with Sabrina.

Linda and Danni hanging out before yesterday's ride.

The Danni that we know and LOVE!!!

Dr. Sarah Newton gives Roger the Yearly Shots

"Does my ass look big in these cross ties?

Nikki & Danni ride for "Team Deutschland"

Lisa spreads some hay in the pasture. Chance eats it. Danni looks on.

Got Shavings?

But first I needed to install the new 2" ball & hitch that was stolen while skiing at Wachusett Mtn.

"Mom, Its been a long time since I petted animals."

Good Puppy!

Maya brings a basket of treats!

Lisa Turcotte and Fizz in the round pen...

Linda and Ronda look on...

One of the MSP Lawrence Air Base pilots, and good friend, John J. Hanafin took his first trail ride on Roger at the Domnarski Farm after our monthly unit Safety Meeting at Westover. The 68 degree high temp was unbelieveable. Almost as unbelieveable as the Nor'Easter headed this way tomorrow.

I brought the Garmin Edge 305 GPS with us but didn't have a place to mount it. It worked accurately in my pocket for the first 3 miles or so but didn't register properly ascending Rondeau Road and north on St. John's Road and back via Tavern Road. I might rig a clip to the horn for better satellite acquisition.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2245497

Some terrain was sloppy but we enjoyed a slow deliberate ride. The only part that bothered the horses was breaking through some frost about a half-dozen times and some ice on the first brook crossing. It was satisfying to see them meet the challenge and persevere, thus gaining trust in our direction.

John has a mare named Beth that he keeps near hi home in Burlington, and pledge to return this year for more riding.

Danni & Nikki return from a ride while John and I head out.

John J. Hanafin with The Domnarski Farm behind him.

Climbing the unmaintained portion of Rondeau Road, we met two dirt bikes and a 4 wheeler. It was nice to see trail courtesy extended to us. The horses didn't mind one bit.

Sister aka "Twisted Sister" gets her vintage sign mounted on stall #6.

Lisa Turcotte and Fizz

Henry & Yogi get in a Winter Ride, Feb. 17

The helmet cover wraps right around the bike helmet for warmth, comfort and protection.

 

Pony turns Sweet 16!

The Domnarski Family celebrated Pony's 16th birthday on January 15th. Yogi has been a great addition to the family and we hope for many more happy, healthy years while living here happily ever after!

 

Happy Birthday Pony!!!

 

Pony enjoys his grain/molasses/carrot and apples cake while Henry reads him his Birthday Card. Ben helps sing Happy Birthday to You!

 

Domnarski Farm welcomes Lisa Turcotte and Fizz!

Lisa Turcotte from Ware MA and Fizz, a 12 year old Saddlebred gelding from a rescue in NJ have arrived at the Domnarski Farm, Stall #10. The trailer arrived during the Friday downpours, but everything went well with the move. Currently we are at 10 horses and will have room for two more after some more fencing is completed. Welcome Lisa and Fizz! 

 

 

Fizz eats some hay and then decides to investigate his new pasture companions. 

Sonny checks out the new guy taking a roll.
 

Fizz, Sonny and Sabrina work out the turn out routine.