At 11:25 AM 7/4/2009, you wrote:

>Well, you know, Bruce is a hoof trimmer so our horses are on
>dry-lot. ....Bruce kinda hates spring because so many horses founder
>on the new grass.

It is heartbreaking to have a horse founder. Old Adhem foundered at
four on grain at a neighbor's place. It was a single episode but
he's paid for it all his life, but still has had a happy and useful
life. My father-in-law had rich fescue pasture for his cattle. When
he became ill and his horses didn't get ridden, all four of his
MFT/Appy horses foundered. Such a sad thing.

> Nephew is 18 - we've had horses for... what? 7 years? It's the
> first time he's shown an interest. I have an idea that his
> girlfriend likes riding ... or something!

Oh yes! Horses are a chick magnet! Our sons were always bringing
girls home from college to ride. That's how poor old Adhem got his
experience with novice riders. He's great unless he is turned toward
home and allowed to trot. Then I needed to be in front to head him
off at the pass.

Judy in SW MO