If It Fits, I Sits
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!
I cannot imagine how hard it was to let Moe ride off. It sounds like the woman is a dream person to care for and love on the him. I am so amazed at how much care you put into raising every animal and am honored to have read this story about him today. I look forward to Affirmation Chickens each week!
This post contains good writing, in plain and simple terms, about being an adult and making hard decisions. It struck me as both about your dear horse and about just about everything that comes up when a person is trying to see reality and make the best choice about what to do next. Maybe being on a farm trains people in that kind of accountability?