A Country Snow

A Country Snow

The first winter in our new town brought us a beautiful mantle of snow. How fun! Trying to capture the stunning moments with the snow still in descent, I grabbed the camera and stepped outside to snap some scenes of country and home. 











COUNTRY

The fresh falling snow blankets the past in our quaint country town..

 

 

but the proud heritage and 

its natural beauty still shines through.

HOME


Our home held its own showing of nature's impressive views.

The genuine sense one experiences of freshly fallen, unaltered snow is pure and natural.

As the conditions change with the passing of time and flurries almost come to a stop, the scenes of home capture the splendor and tranquility of the occasion.

 

The cloud cover giving way to the bright blue sky brings forth just another exhibit of nature at its finest.

The Progress Outside...The Grapevine

The Progress Outside…The Grapevine

The main mission around the property during the summer of 2010 was a big clear out. The home had been vacant for several years, and everywhere you looked there was overgrowth and items that were either useless or in a severe state of disrepair. However, one of the delights the property bestowed upon us was a grapevine, and since we had not had the experience of caring for one before, it became important to us to preserve it. Our plan of action at first had been to observe and learn for a season. But the vine was sparse and faded, and the arbor which had done its duty of supporting it over the years was now a mixture of old pipe and decaying wood. The time was fast approaching when the arbor would be unable to do the job and would need replacement. We decided that some problems required immediate attention, but the entire project was going to take a few years. The urgent as well as the long range issues in the preservation effort triggered us to set a schedule for what steps would come next in an extended plan.

 

The grapevine was in the vicinity of the front pasture and tennis court. The front pasture was the smallest of the 3 on the property and adjacent to it was a sight of extensive growth around what was once a tennis court. A 12’ chain link fence covered with dense trees and weeds separated this area from the front pasture. The high powered lights on telephone poles were still in place, but not operational. These issues did not stop the vision to turn this area into a ring and incorporate it with the existing front pasture.



We cleared out a lot of brush from the entire property over the summer and fall. Keeping an eye on the grapevine, the fall season of 2010 showed no big harvest of grapes, but a few did emerge allowing us to give name to the type of grapes showing their faces. Normally, when you think of grapes you envision tight clusters; but these little gems were hanging somewhat independently of each other and matured into what are called muscadine grapes. These large, thick-skinned, seeded grapes grow in small, loose clusters and are often harvested as individual berries. They can be bronze or black in color and ours are a deep, dark red appearing almost black. Soon our first winter on the farm was upon us. Grapevines will lie dormant in the winter and during this season is when it should be pruned. We took the next two winters to trim it back, each time in the month of December.


The spring of 2011 took us back outside to finish the new fence lines and the new arbor for the grapevine. Even after the massive clean up the previous fall and winter, there were still a lot of tree stumps and old fence to remove before we could continue with setting a new fence. But when the pathway was cleared, the new lumber for the fence and arbor was delivered and construction was underway. Soon, this project became known as "Phase One". We changed the fence layout integrating the two areas of front pasture and tennis court, allowing a larger open area for the horses. This enlarged area had three sides of new fence. The horses were quite pleased with their new pasture. Removal of the asphalt, the construction of a new ring and the light renovations are projects for another time. Winter showed up again and in December the grapevine was pruned back for the second time.
 
A New Fence Line with the Old Arbor

Before the onslaught of colder weather, we were able to complete the new fence lines and arbor. In the spring of 2012, when everything was all up and painted, we started training the pruned vine to its new support system.  The designs for these projects were established early on and the guys executed the plan perfectly.We consider "Phase One" a success, and the horses and the grapevine appear to be pleased with the results as well. 






 

With its recovery now underway, the grapevine will get its first application of a fertilizer next March and June. The usual fertilizer is a 10-10-10 mixture, but I am considering trying a tobacco fertilizer of 6-6-18, which has also shown positive results. In addition to N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium), it also contains many micro-nutrients, which appear to have contributed to successful outcomes. In addition, an application of calcium nitrate should be given in mid-May. Calcium nitrate does not leave the soil salty, and because it dissolves quickly in water, it allows plants to easily absorb their calcium requirements. 









 

Go Green Tips:

After all These Years, It's Still Growing

On Roanoke Island in 1584, two explorers sent by Sir Walter Raleigh wrote about the grape vines they witnessed encasing the land. 

"In all the world the like abundance is not to be found.”

From that point forward, several groups tried to settle the north end of Roanoke Island island and establish an English colony. One common thread that carried throughout these early settlement attempts was how the grapes that inhabited the island helped sustain them. However, these groups were overwhelmed by many problems in the new wilderness and all of them returned to their homeland in failure. In 1587, another group of settlers dared the odds and tried to populate Roanoke Island. Over the next several years, due in large measure to the threat from the Spanish Armada, England was unsuccessful in providing more men and fresh supplies to the island settlement. Finally in 1590, England triumphed over the challenges of completing a return voyage, but when this expedition landed on the island, they found it deserted. 

Combing the area for clues, the sailors sighted two indications into the mysterious disappearance of the settlers. The word "Croatoan" was carved into a post of the fort and "Cro" carved into a nearby tree. The vanished colony of 1587 left no definite documentation to explain their disappearance, leading to it being referred to since as the "Lost Colony".

Interestingly today, there is a grape vine located in Manteo, NC on the northern end of Roanoke Island that is at least 400 years old. Entitled the “Mother Vine” long ago, it was most likely planted by Croatan Indians or Sir Walter Raleigh's settlers.

The “Mother Vine” produces sweet scuppernong grapes, a variety of muscadine. The grape is named after the Scuppernong River in northeastern NC. The “Mother Vine” is reputed to be the original source of the Scuppernong cultivar and is the oldest known cultivated grapevine in the nation. Cuttings from the vine helped sprout a nation’s wine industry.

As the years passed, the “Mother Vine” became the base of operations for America’s first vine growers. Creating the original American wine called Mother Vineyard Scuppernong in 1835; the wine was produced from ten thousand vines growing in and around the “Mother Vine”. The Mother Vineyard Winery operated in Manteo, NC until 1948, when the Sands Family bought it. In 1951, the family opened Richards Wine Cellars in Petersburg, Virginia which still produces Mother Vineyard Scuppernong wine. Today, the company continues to grow under the name Constellation Brands.

At present, the vine is privately owned by Jack Wilson who has lovingly cared for it for more than half a century. An aged beauty, at the intersection of the tree lined Mother Vineyard Road and Scuppernong Road is the awe-inspiring “Mother Vine”. Local folklore says the “Mother Vine” was planted by native Indians on Roanoke Island and the early settlers of the “Lost Colony” discovered it. No one really knows the true origin of the vine or for that matter the destiny of the “Lost Colony”, but without doubt the “Mother Vine” is an important cultural icon for the locals and for the entire country.

Scuppernong Grape is the official state fruit of North Carolina. 

  Any Go Green Ideas?

Email us: info@agreenhorse.com

  

The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never. 

Yiddish Proverb

What is Natural?

What is Natural?

The dictionary definition of natural for my usage: exists in or derived from nature; not made, caused by, or processed by humankind. From this, it becomes immediately clear that any man made components used for your horse cannot properly or sensibly be termed natural – or can they? Because of the infancy of my blogging, I have just begun to touch on my style of “natural” horse care and for the most part, I have only addressed home remedies. I do not want to stray from the “natural” concept I wish to implement for my horses, so some research was in store.

In addition, I would like to mention that horse people are constantly in need of environmental and economical conservation methods, so we need practical, affordable solutions to all horsekeeping situations. I will try to bring as much of my information to you as possible. By choice, I prefer to use “natural” and good ole’ home remedies and I also try to conserve everything. I am big on the money saving tips too. Most of my supplies come from the local dollar discount stores. Always check these stores for their bargains. A note, Wal-Mart is located next to one of the discount stores in my area and competes with its prices. With Wal-Mart’s very competitive prices on many of the items, “me” the consumer benefits.

I have concluded the definition of a home remedy to be a simple meaning of treatments that make use of certain vegetables, herbs or other common items, to cure a disease or ailment. Of course, the recipes using vegetables, herbs, etc. easily fall in the natural category, but since man processes them are they a natural remedy? With the home remedy recipes listed on my blog, some use common household ingredients, which for the most part have been brought into existence by humans. Therefore, of course, these man made ingredients appear to be the total opposite of “natural” – they are artificial or synthetic.

Now looking at the word natural, is it at all possible for any interaction human has with horse able to be called natural? Of course, it is argued that the use is figurative rather than literal but at face value the name is potentially misleading. Nevertheless, since I have domesticated horses that could not possibly survive in a “natural” wild state, possibly a transformation of the word is in order. So what does “natural” mean when horse meets human? For me “natural” is a style maintaining certain concepts that are not intimidating, intrusive or harsh to a horse’s well being … mentally, physically or emotionally. It is about building a bridge through love, language and leadership connecting our conflicting worlds of nature and human.

This is truly, where we have to make a distinction on the use of the word natural. Humans have interacted with horses for thousands of years and to this day have always processed goods and deeds for the equine world. Farriers, feed, shelter and various products from alcohol to apple cider vinegar are to name a few. I will use apple cider vinegar as my example, it is a common household ingredient, which is one of the most versatile, and beneficial elements I use for my horses – is it processed by man? yes – then, is it natural?, I believe yes. With this, it is evident to me that some but not all processed ingredients can fall within the “natural” concept I am encompassing in my world of horses. This apparent worth or meaning of “natural” may be better than its true worth or meaning pertaining to domesticated horses. This is up to you, the reader and horseperson, to determine for yourself.

In conclusion, home remedies, natural therapies, training and riding methods that are beneficial and not intimidating, intrusive or harsh to a horse fall within my style of natural equine care. As mentioned in an earlier blog, veterinary medicine, natural therapies and home remedies have boundless areas in which they can and do enhance each other. The use of natural therapies and home remedies can work well in conjunction with modern medicine and I do not believe they should replace veterinary medicine. However, there is room for studies in true etiology of the horse, the study of their social behavior and what is natural to them; therefore, producing healthy proactive programs vs. reactive ones. The model is the wild horse in his natural environment. This is the foundation to approach “natural” for a healthy equine…mentally, physically and emotionally. For me, the horse has ultimate mystical elements that draw the true horseperson in, always seeking.

Finally, perhaps the true mystique of the horse is that, through our relationships with them, we are able to rediscover that precious connection between human and the rest of creation. The connection is a truly mystical oneness that is not forced, bought and sold, and requires neither show nor sheen, but an awful lot of body language, personal temperament and, perhaps most important of all, patience, kindness and a real affection for the horse. This is natural.

Riding bareback without a bit and without shoes on his feet. Connecting, becoming one - it is inspiration, it is our way of life.

THEIR NATURAL BEAUTY

Their beauty presents the embodiment of nobility tall, graceful and majestic capturing our imagination - and our hearts. For centuries, these hoofed creatures have enthralled us generating our interest to form relationships thus making the horse one of our most revered and fascinating animal partners. They have captivated us, a swift and powerful companion yet sensitive to their surroundings, loyal to a fault carrying us from barbarism to present day.
There is no other, the horse, a creature of natural unparalleled beauty.

How Green is Your Horse?

A GREEN HORSE

Let's Talk "GREEN" for HORSES!

How "Green" is Your Horse?

Green? This is not about young inexperienced horses, but healthy ones –

through natural, economical and Eco-friendly ways!..

S 
ome of you may have the same story or maybe not, but after 30 plus years of a hectic career and the demands of raising a family, it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream – over again! I splurged and purchased a majestic beauty – a horse - and then bought another!

When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having a horse. Before the career, the husband and the kids, I worked hard, bought one, and named him Star. He was the best friend a young girl could ever have. With much sorrow, Star was sold over 30 years ago to accommodate my changing life. He is forever carried in my heart and thoughts. I was young, but learned so much from him and the wonderful people that surrounded me. I learned the basic principals of responsibility and the attention needed to sustain a worthy relationship. “Natural, Economical and Eco-friendly” were words not used at that time, but looking back, the farmers around me fundamentally did just that – using many “home remedies, money saving tips and respecting their surroundings". These abilities came from life's experiences and handed down knowledge. Fast forward to now, I have two wonderful horses Tsar and Zapp and I am happy to say both are on their way to “Green”! It is a very slow process, but anything worth having takes time – right?

 So much has changed in the world since the years with Star and I guess I have too - time changes everything right, on the other hand, maybe not - we change from some of that fine-tuning - that maturity thing that comes from lessons learned. Through the years, I have striven to give my family and pets the best possible care, and always tried to weigh the healthiest methods possible. Today, the possibility of achieving better techniques for a healthier lifestyle is easier with the endless information at our fingertips. Applied with integrity, the information allows us to try to do and be the best possible. Now, with the horses on board, I wish to give my horses the same dedication, devotion and care I gave my career and continue to give my many pets and family. With the career over, the children raised and my husband by my side, it is time to slow down and enjoy. Reaching back to my first horse and the “old farmers” that taught me so much, it is back to basics and keeping it simple. This blog will tell the journeys we experience.

Granny's chicken soup does work!!

My quest
to live, learn, search for the best and enjoy ... 

the most natural, economical and Eco-friendly way! 

 I have just started this blog and have a lot to learn with it too! I would like to compile as much information, helpful hints and remedies along with the personal experiences we encounter with our horses and occasionally, just some examples of simple living. By launching this blog, the contents are intended for others to find the conveniences and benefits we have developed or uncovered. In addition, I am working hard to publish web pages that will correlate with this blog. I am not sure of the launch date, but I will keep you informed. 

WEBSITE...www.agreenhorse.com  (first publish date 02/20/2009).

 and another BLOG ...Stable Pals

There are many people I want to thank for their endless efforts and valuable information - somehow it will be done. I am not an expert on these topics, but I am striving to be the best for my horses. With the knowledge I acquire and implement, experience is the result and this is where understanding will be discovered. I am always open for ideas and suggestions concerning the best for all horses and this blog will constantly be updated and offer new experiences and information, so please visit often and let YOUR voice be heard -make a comment, we want to hear from you.

Looking forward to the journey

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