If It Fits, I Sits

(Chicken Edition)

You give warmth and protection to those you love. Your presence is pure comfort.

— Heebeejeebees, who likes to sit on ALL the eggs

---

Here’s What’s Happening At Good Spirits Farm

Last Saturday, I did a hard thing: I sent Moe, my favorite horse, off to a new home. I have to start being very pragmatic about how things will run on this farm as I carry a brand new farm mortgage (at a ridiculous interest rate, woof) forward.

The horses are the whole reason I wanted the farm, but they’re also the most expensive part of the whole enterprise. And: In the last few months, I have found they mostly bring my anxiety. If horses can hurt themselves on something, they’ll do it. I wake up every morning worrying I’ll find a horse in crisis and an incoming thousand-dollar vet bill.

So: I have made the really hard decision to no longer keep horses on the farm—at least for now. I’ve put the word out to horsey friends that I am looking for good homes for Gin and Moe. Ghost, who has an uncurable neurological condition that makes him unsafe to be around, will eventually be put down. I cannot, in good faith, pawn a horse that sees demons off on someone else, and horses like him tend to end up in slaughterhouses. Euthanasia is truly the kinder choice, even if I’ll sob like a baby as it happens.

Moe, a 22-year-old quarter horse who has done everything and isn’t afraid of anything, was the first to find a perfect match. A 79-year-old woman in Georgia who lost her horse to colic was looking for a super steady trail mount. On Saturday, she and a friend drove their trailer over and Moe loaded right up. Technically, she is only leasing him from me—if it’s not a fit, he can come back here. But I hope the two gel and have years of riding together. Maybe someday he can retire back here on the farm.

Horses are a luxury item. They need their feet trimmed every 4-6 weeks and premium hay and worming, and dentist visits and vet care. I have always believed that if you can’t take care of a horse well, you shouldn’t have a horse at all. Moe came to me very underweight and in need of dental work and a good hoof trim.

This was Moe on the day he arrived.

This was Moe last summer—fat and glossy and happy to go for a ride.

I never want to be the owner that lets his condition slip for lack of funds. As sad as it was to watch Moe pull out of the driveway, I know he’ll be well cared for. The right choice isn’t always the easy one. That adage seems even more true on a farm.

---

Here’s What I Loved This Week

The first asparagus spear has popped up! I love that the most common variety of asparagus (which is what I grow) is called “Mary Washington” which also happens to be my alma mater.

One last thing! A couple of readers reached out last week after I plugged “Under The Henfluence” to mention they, too, have written books! I would love to do a book thread promoting your books. Send me an email (ac.shilton@gmail.com) and I will make sure your book gets a mention!