We also found a nice, FREE, 2-seater easy-entry jog cart to both pleasure drive Sassy Anna and start Isaac in harness, should we go that route! We pick it up when we pick up Rosie and Lexie in a few weeks.
Here at the farm, Don and Will replaced the windows in our dining room with ones considerably larger - I'm lovin' all the natural light coming into this room now! This is the room in which we spend the most time. It's going to look wonderful once we get the trim up and paint.
It's been really dry and kinda hot up here, so we've been watering our little garden to keep it going. Despite the challenges, our herbs and veggie plants are still growing well ....
And, so is our little stowaway! Stowaway. That may just become his registered name.... Afterall, that's exactly what he is, right?
He's six weeks old now, and quite full of himself, so we decided it was time to begin his basic training. And, that means halter-breaking. We're of the mind set that training doesn't have to be distressing or rushed or overly-forceful in any way. Basically, we just "talk horse" in our rudimentary, "human" way to show him that humans (well, some humans, at least!) are worthy leaders, and it is in his best interest to submit to this partnership. We want his relationships with humans to be positive ones! Only then will he put his heart into whatever we ask of him down the road.
This is his first response to simply having the halter on:
DSCN7977 from Jennifer Westbrook on Vimeo.
Don worked with him, patiently, in 3 short sessions throughout the day yesterday:
While in PA, I had the pleasure of spending a morning with John, previous owner of Sassy Anna and owner of Isaac's sire, High Tech. He shared stories with me and Rosie of harness races, his time as a driver and trainer, as well as his many years as a breeder and owner. He shared advice and words of wisdom, which I so appreciate. He admitted, things have changed quite a bit since he began in 1968...particularly in the last 20 years. He encouraged us to find a balance, use common sense, and just have fun with it! That's how we try to approach things here at Westbrook Farm.
Balance. Common sense. Enjoy!
So, that's how we're approaching this new little adventure, and we'll see how far those principals take us!
This little video shows what he's learned so far :
DSCN7987 from Jennifer Westbrook on Vimeo.
He will take a few steps forward with Don, but I didn't catch that part on video. He's growing up so darned fast!
We still have plenty of our delicious 2016 maple syrup, so please come see us or contact us! Our daughters' work schedules have prevented us from setting up at the Homer Farmers' Market this summer, but we've had a number of new customers stop by the farm lately, for which we are grateful.
We've also had some cool opportunities to simply bless a few folks with the tasty gift of maple syrup, which is always terrific!
Hope you are enjoying your summer, and stay tuned for more on the happenings at Westbrook Farm!
