Blue Kentucky Morning

This morning, I walked out into one of the many pastures to call in half the mares for breakfast. From somewhere in the dark, my eyes were able to see the outline of these big mamas, bellies swaying and heads bobbing. One by one, the broodmares come in from the dark into stalls full of straw. As the sun begins to rise over the Kentucky countryside, a blue haze filters through the air. There's a sense of serenity with these mares. There's a peaceful quiet as each horse munches quietly on her morning ration of grain. But this stillness doesn't last. Soon, there are tractors driving all over the roads, a hundred stalls to be picked, and various health issues to be addressed. And above all, these mares need to eat. A lot.

Though I've only had two days of work at Taylor Made, specifically the Bona Terra division, I can see where the daily routine fits in. Yet there's enough variation in the day to keep it interesting. Before spring break, we should have 75 foals born, and close to 100 before the breeding season is done. Once the little ones arrive, the work in increase as will the excitement.

There are hundreds of stories to tell right now, and just not enough time to give them all justice! But I want to say one little blip about Oscar: This young man from Mexico has been living in the US for three years, and has been at Taylor Made for a year. His English is patchy, though I think he understands more than he lets on. Without one of the other interns to translate, we spend a lot of time repeating words and using hand gestures. But it's still fun. He laughs at me for not having the tractor driving skills he has. His character is great and very patient. He still can't understand why I don't speak Spanish, though. Thinks I grew up in France or something.

Our internet situation is a little messed up right now, so I'll have to hold off on pictures until everything is smoothed out. There will be so much to tell!