What I Learned in my Adventure

Oh my my my. I can't believe it's been 2 years since I last posted on here. That's worse than Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. She has posted infrequently now as well and she is also my source of inspiration. Ha!  

There is so much to say and I have had so much happen in the last 2 years. Now that I have processed it all, I can start putting it down here. It involves my cats, death, my mother, refinance of my home, breast cancer (no death as I am writing this entry and I am not a ghost), depression, isolation, awesome friends, volunteering, and faith. So all these are to come. It's been a ride!!!!!

Speaking of a ride. I will start with this past Sunday. It's not bad, just really adventurous. I was not hurt in this tale and no one was killed so that is the good part and that I have a great story.

I have been volunteering at a horse rescue organization called All About Equine for about 8 months now. Getting there is a whole another story.  Each Sunday evening except when I was really sick this last winter (another story) I assist in feeding (or anything else that needs to be done) about 40 to 50 horses. It's about 20 miles from my home so a real drive.

It was nice and the sun was shining (haven't seen much of that guy lately) and it wasn't that cold yet. But still I had 3 layers on but was pretty warm. So I decided not to take my Carhartt jacket with me. (Mistake!!!!!!) The weather report said 20% chance of rain. Usually when it's a low percentage you can figure no rain, or just a few drops for a short time.

I am there with my usual stuff. I have my water bottle, gloves, snack, reading glasses and phone. All good. There are usually 4 of us there with me being the only Green (lowest on the security ladder). Blair and Darwin are both Yellow and pasture approved. Then our shift leader Annie is a Red. I can only work with Green rated horses and the Yellows get to work with both Green and Yellow rated horses and Reds get to work with all the horses. This is for our safety as well as the horse. 

This is a map of the facility with where each horse needs to be for the night written in their color as to can handle them.  

So we start with the feeding of the mini horses. My favorite. I like them and they are easy. Done. Then onto the paddock or outdoor stall horses. These horses have an outside stall but are let out in rings or pasture during the day. So we need to get them into their stalls (large trust me, not like barn stalls). I usually play a support role in this escapade. Typically I am behind another fence or manning an emergency gate. Well I found out why. One horse was haltered and being led to his stall and the other horse was to follow nicely. WRONG. The other horse bolted! I climbed the railing to get out of the way. He eventually found his home. Then the second horse was supposed to the same thing. NOT! Same process and outcome. Whew! That's done. We all laugh nervously. 

Next in the process is to put 2 bales of hay on a cart and be ready to feed the 20 horses in the pasture. But first Annie, Darwin and Blair need to get them into the corrals so we can fill the various barrels with a flake or 2 of hay. Easier said than done. They got 18 of the 20 horses in so I had to not help and just man the gates. 

Then all hell broke loose. We saw the lightning then heard the thunder. Then a few drops of rain. Now is this area if there is a 20% chance of rain that usually means a few sprinkles for 5 seconds and move on. Well the 20% hit this day. The heavens opened up and it rained HARD. Coming down in sheets. I hightailed it to the Barn to get out of this bucket of water. Too late. I was already soaked through 3 layers. We still had some horses to feed close to the Barn and set out to feed them. Then we came back to the Barn and started refilling the bins and start to sweep. In the meantime, Annie and Darwin let out the pasture horses to eat. 

I was able to get some video of that downpour.


Now comes our leader. She is in charge of this entire organization. What she wants goes. And she wanted more hay for the horses in the pasture. Another bale's worth. 

So Annie and Darwin go off to feed the pasture horses again. Now the rain finally was letting up and the steep path was now VERY muddy again. 

Blair and I were watching out the door of the Barn and laughing to ourselves for leaving our raincoats at home. 

Then we hear a HELP!

Blair bolted and ran to help out Annie and Darwin. I ran behind her yelling "You open the gates I will close them." She was 20 feet in front of me running faster than I. But I was going all out and thought if I get stuck in the mud I am going to do a face plant big time. Luckily I made it to the first gate and the second and the third and finally to Annie and Darwin. 

Annie was head to toe all mud. Standing but really shaken. Her iPhone covered in mud, glasses broken. But she was alive and walking. Darwin finished the feeding and we escorted Annie up to the Barn. Took about 20 minutes as there were not any speed barriers being broken. Poor thing was covered in mud. I managed to get her glasses back together and washed so she could see. Blair got her hands and face cleaner. Got a cold pack for her ribs. 

They were feeding and 2 horses ran her over. 2 BIG horses that is. That is why they are put in a corral to so they don't run over the volunteers. Live and learn.

So what I learned: 

• Don't go into the pasture with hay when there are horses in there. 
• Bring a raincoat no matter what the % of rain says.
• Always have my hat with me.
• Always have my gloves with me.
• I can run in the mud and not fall down.
• Keep a sense of humor.

Oh and by the way Annie's day was even harder. She had locked her keys in her car and her husband just had knee surgery so he can't drive. Darwin took her home. 

So I also learned that someone can have a worse day then you.