Caprigalli Haven » Hay Bale

Minnie Driving

Sheryl R. Helms — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:57:55 +0000

Seth started taking lessons for Miniature Horse lessons. It looks like so much fun!

Beautiful Emma

Sheryl R. Helms — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:49:10 +0000

Emma recently graduated from Boot Camp. Doesn’t she look fit? I wish someone would force me to exercise everyday. *sigh* the gift of free-will.

Emma and Seth

Sheryl R. Helms — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:18:27 +0000

We were at the barn the other day and Seth wanted to ride Emma. He had been acting hyper most of the evening and when he looked at me he had that wild-eyed, out of control look that I have come to recognize. It’s the look that says, “you can say what you want, but there is no where in my brain that it will process, so it won’t make a difference.” Emma was already wild-eyed herself after giving 4 other kids rides. She was a little out of her comfort zone. Wanting to divert a potential deadly disaster, I told Seth he could not ride, but he could lead Emma around if he wanted. What I saw was absolutely amazing.

Boy and horse walked away from me. Seth had the lead rope tightly gripped in his hands, he was stiff and jerky. Emma’s head was high and she was looking around with whites showing in her eyes. She was prancy and twitchy. They both had a fight/flight air about them. As they walked, Emma’s posture slowly relaxed. She dropped her head so her ears were below Seth’s shoulder and began licking and chewing. Her ears drooped and her feet dragged. She became as docile as a 30 y/o kids pony. At the same time, I saw the tension slowly leave my son. The rope loosened in his hand and his shoulders slouched. When he had circled around I looked into his face. The wild-eyes were gone. This is not the first time this has happened.

I told this story to a friend who also had similar problems as Seth in his boyhood. He said that Seth is out of control and knows he’s out of control. He can’t control his own thoughts and is therefore unable to control his behavior. The feeling of complete loss of control is totally overwhelming. When he walked Emma, he was controlling a huge creature. He was put back in control. He was given power to control a force outside of himself and therefore was able to control the wildness inside. I like this explanation. I am very thankful that God creates a link between Himself and us through His creation.

Changes

Sheryl R. Helms — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:02:04 +0000

I’ve had some changes in my “farm-life”. I moved Emma to a stable that is much closer. It was a major experience searching for and finding the right stable. Wow, there are a lot of different kinds of horse people out there! I think we’ve found the right place, though. Emma seems happy there and we are all very comfortable. I can see her more often because it is so close.

Yesterday, our goats moved to a new home. It was a very sad day for me. I have had Meri (the little black-and-white one) for over 2 years. She’s been my constant backyard companion. She has helped me through so much. I’m going to miss her a lot. At least Emma is closer now.

Lola’s Fight

Sheryl R. Helms — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:58:34 +0000

Lights of London “Lola” was born three weeks premature on May 11, 2008 to my mare, Emma. She was a beautiful little Cleavland Bay/Thoroughbred cross. She fought for 8 long days in the ICU in Corvallis. My friend Krista, her owner, made the very difficult decision to euthanize her to ease her painful struggle. This is a very sad time for her. I know all who read this will remember her in your prayers. This picture was taken just hours before she died. Emma stuck with her the whole time and wouldn’t leave her half-stall the entire 8 days. This was Emma’s first baby.

New Arrivals

Sheryl R. Helms — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:06:16 +0000

Camanna’s Velvet Hammer (Velvet) gave birth to twin boys! The first time momma is doing great. The delivery went very well. The whole family got to be there. It was such a good experience for the kids (human!). Lily cried because “It is just so beautiful”. Seth had fun taking pictures of all the bloody parts. I tasted some of Velvet’s milk. Yummy! I just don’t have time or motivation to milk her every single day!

Animal Therapy

Sheryl R. Helms — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:45:44 +0000

I found Seth a therapist. Do you think our insurance will cover it?

Farewell to Buffie

Sheryl R. Helms — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:41:28 +0000

Buffie

2005-2008

The body of Buffie was found in the early hours of the morning during a routine trip to the barn for the feeding of the animals. During her lifetime, Buffie provided the Helms family with over 600 eggs, assisted with the spreading of compost, and coached the family dogs in their daily exercise. Buffie is survived by her coopmates Alex and Charlie. She will be missed.

Sharing the Sun

Sheryl R. Helms — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:41:04 +0000

On a very frozen day, the girls found the last patch of sunlight!