Here is my granddaughter at 9 months of age.  She is not quite walking, yet, but she is getting up on her 2 feet and standing rather well.  (She crawls around quite well at this point.)  She is getting into a lot of things now, so it is necessary to start babyproofing everything, including putting up gates.  I'm sure eventually she'll figure out how to get out of there.

Here it is the beginning of February and the Ground Hog predicted another 6 weeks of winter.  You are itching for spring so that you can begin riding your horse again.

While waiting for spring, this would be a great time to go through all of your horse stuff and tack that you have collected and sort through it.  Take inventory and see what you have too many of and what items you actually do need for your horse or you.

After doing so, you see that there are items that you don't ever use and should sell.  But where? 

At the annual Tack Swap in Northampton County 4 H Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 11AM until 2PM. 

Now is a great time to register for a table or space.  The cost is $15 for a table in the blue building and $12 for a table in the pole barn, on a first come first serve basis.  After these spaces are filled, there will be outdoor spaces available for $10. 

So use this time to take inventory of your horse stuff and tack.  Reserve your space now to sell off any unused or extra horse items you may have. 

For more information call 610-837-7294

A mature (over 55) lady gets pulled over for speeding...
Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?
Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.
Older Woman: Oh, I see.
Officer: Can I see your license please?
Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.
Officer: Don't have one?
Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for

drunk driving.
Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please..

Older Woman: I can't do that.
Officer: Why not?

Older Woman: I stole this car.
Officer: Stole it?
Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.
Officer: You what?

Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see
The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car.

A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.
Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please!The woman steps out of her vehicle.
Older woman: Is there a problem sir?
Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner.
Older Woman: Murdered the owner?

Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please.

The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.
Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?
Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.
The officer is quite stunned.
Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license.
The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer.
The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.
Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.
Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.


Don't Mess With Mature Ladies

I have spoken to several consumers that have asked me about what their acreage is worth or what is the price per acre in the area. 

The answer to that is: "It depends."

What do I mean by that?  Well there are many different variables that come into play in pricing land.

First of all, it depends on what area the property is located.  Each area has different values on the property.  

Next, what is the property like?  Is it flat, sloped, mountainous, are there wet lands?  Is the property usable?

If the property is swampy or mountainous, it is considered unusable because nothing can be built on it nor can it be used for farming, animals, etc.  It's just there.  These have very little value. 

Flat, or sloping lots are more desirable, and, therefore, more marketable, having a higher value. 

If it is large acreage, and the property is sub-dividable and passes the perc tests, it holds a higher value because these can be developed in the future.

Another thing to consider is that the more acreage the lot has, the less value per acre.  This is solely due to the quantity rule.  The more of anything you buy, the less per unit you pay. 

So, before any values can be placed on land, the different factors mentioned need to be considered as to its marketability.

To Buy Or Not To Buy Horse Property . . . . That Is The Question

You love horses and would love to have them in your backyard.  This way you can watch them outside your window whenever you want, plus have the convenience of walking out your door instead of commuting to your horse.

But wait!  There is much more involved.  Did you know that owning a horse property is much more involved?  It takes a commitment on your part to not only take care of the property, but also of your horses, 24/7, no matter what.

If you still say no problem, let me outline some of the responsibilities of owning a horse property.  Then make a decision.

First of all, about 1 1/2 acres should be allowed per horse.  This gives each horse enough room to graze, exercise and play.

Next, the paddocks and pastures must be fenced in, with the fences regularly maintained.  If the fences are not maintained, the horses will find their way out and decide to go exploring.  Most neighbors do not appreciate having horses explore their yards.

Next, the barn and/or run ins must be maintained and any repairs that are needed to be made ASAP.  This includes any damages that the horses did during their "play" (to the fencing, barn or stalls), broken water pipes and waterers, storm damage, etc.

Pastures must be maintained regularly.  The manure in the pastures is to be removed or spread, grass to be mowed regularly (Yes, this must be done, even though the horses graze on it.  Horses do not eat weeds, nor eat in the areas that they use as a bathroom.  Besides, mowing keeps the weed population down, allowing the grasses to grow.), pick up any debris, etc. 

There are also daily chores, such as feeding, mucking out stalls and turnout areas, scrubbing and filling water buckets, sweeping the aisles, checking on the horses for health and injuries, daily care of the horses, etc.  Then you have to make sure that there is ample supply ofgrain and hay to feed your 4 legged equine friends. 

In addition to all of this, there are always improvements to the property that can be made, plus home maintenance is still part of it. 

Now, all of this does not mean that you have no free time.  It just means that it is a full time job, 365 days a year. 

If you are prepared to do this type of work and don't mind doing it, or are able to hire somebody to do it for you, then a horse property is right for you.  If you are not ready to commit to this, then a horse property is not for you.

Price Reduced on Rural Multi-Unit Property!

Located on nicely landscaped 1 acre lot, just outside the town of Bath, PA, the property consists of a 2 bedroom single family home with garage. . . . . .

. . . . deck . . . . .

. . . . and fireplace in Living room.

Second house has 4 units. . . . .

. . . . laundry room, and basement.

The property has been well maintained and always has tenants.  It is within walking distance to town, and close to major routes, Allentown and Bethlehem, and within 10 minutes of the Lehigh Valley Airport.

The price has been reduced to $275,000.

Contact Brigita for more information or an appointment.

Here are some great short courses offered in the Lehigh Valley, PA, for horse owners and anyone involved with horses. Anyone that wants to learn more equine information can register. 

Horse Owners Listen Up-Things are Changing:
Equine Environmental Stewardship
March 7, 14, 21, and 28 - Lehigh County Ag Center, Allentown, PA

All sessions are evenings, 7:00PM - 9:30PM
Cost: $45 for all four sessions at each location

• Are you aware that all farms with animals in PA are required to have either a certified nutrient management or a manure management plan?
• Do you know how pastures can benefit your horses and how and when grazing may put some horses at risk?
• Do you know how to manage your pastures to increase forage quality and reduce weeds and toxic plants?
• Do you know how to compost manure so that it is a resource that you can use in your pastures?
• Do you know how to feed your horses to supply the proper levels of nutrients in their diet?

The Equine Environmental Stewardship short course is an exciting, four-part educational series that provides practical hands-on experiences that will help farm owners develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt environmentally sound farm management practices. Equine research is providing new information that is generating many changes in recommendations in the management practices that have been in place for many years.

Participants in this short course will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment. Participants will learn about forage biology, how to reduce grazing health risks, how to rotate and rest pastures to increase plant growth, how to identify grasses, weeds, and toxic plants, how to properly fertilize soil, how manure and nutrient management regulations will impact their farm, how to properly store, compost, and apply manure, and how to develop a feeding program for horses that meet but do not exceed nutritional requirements.

~~~~~

Horse Owners Listen Up-Things are Changing:
Caring for the Geriatric and Aging Horse
March 10, 2012
9:00AM - 3:30PM
Best Western Conference Center, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017-9076
Cost: $45

This short course provides the latest information on managing the health and well-being of geriatric and older performance horses. Owners of older horses usually have cared for them for a long time and have developed a special bond with their animals. Research in the field of geriatric medicine has increased due to the interest of equine caretakers in enhancing the comfort, mobility and health of older horses. 

This short course will present the latest information on how to meet the nutritional needs of geriatric, underweight, and metabolically challenged horses. Other topics include: dealing with equine metabolic diseases, adopting practices to increase comfort and manage pain in older horses, understanding diseases associated with the aging process, developing appropriate vaccination, dentistry and deworming programs, and addressing the mental and physical needs of  geriatric and/or rescued horses.

This short course has been developed for barn managers, non-profit groups that care for older and/or neglected horses, and anyone that rides or cares for older horses.

Registration information, etc.:

http://bit.ly/sYkCDn

or contact

Donna Foulk

dfs5@psu.edu or 610-746-1970

As you can see, this photo was taken during ths summer time.  This horse belongs to one of my friends and was just brought over to her place.  He was only 2 years old at the time and a super friendly boy.  When I went to see the horses, he came up to me and nuzzled me.  He also told me a secret.