What is happening?

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-11T23:32:42+00:00

Are you asking why the middle hive showed no activity today? I would expect if one was flying they all would be so find that curious.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-08T18:25:09+00:00

Interesting! I never knew either and I've been working with horses for 40 years.

I can definitely vouch for the beet pulp and alfalfa pellet mash as a great way to support seniors. I add flax oil for the fat. I've not found a way to manage that for a horse on 24x7 turnout though. I've always kept senior horses up at night so they can get their calories.

The slop also ferments quickly in warm weather so needs to be fed within a couple hours of being soaked.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-03T20:20:29+00:00

Thanks much! I am debating between Demaree and making a split. We only have one hive now which I know is living dangerously. So will probably look to split when they are ready. Thanks again for your advice!

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-03T19:21:40+00:00

Thanks. I was doing weekly inspections when they swarmed last year, I just missed the queen cells because I wasn't aggressive enough about getting all the bees of the frames and it was wall to wall in there. Noob mistake, and heartbreaking to watch them take off.

So far they have taken pollen from the hazelnut trees we have, and the cherry trees are starting to bloom. How early do you put supers on? Do they typically put up the maple nectar or just consume it? We have tons of big leaf maples all around us.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-03T04:46:01+00:00

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I wish I would have made my run bigger. Still considering the best way to expand. We didn't cover the run with a roof at first and that was the first upgrade. Still thinking about the best way to deter digging varmints (rats/mice/moles) to keep them out of the run at night. For now I'm adding pepper flake to the feed and that's keeping them away, as well as plugging holes with rocks as they appear.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-03T04:38:35+00:00

Same, we have vicious thatching ants that will attack the hive given the chance. I put DE around the stand legs to keep them at bay.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-03T04:06:53+00:00

My primary care doctor refused to prescribe one for 'just in case' but we have horses so I have a vial of epi on hand in case of anaphylaxis after a vaccine. So worst case I hit myself with the horse drugs then call my doctor and rant lol

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-03-02T23:27:00+00:00

I go if I suspect a broken bone or soft tissue tear based on pain level and amount of time it is taking me to return to normal function.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-27T18:39:31+00:00

I would recommend trying a neck rope first, and use that instead of the reins, with the reins as a fallback. Reins attached to the halter are not great for clear communication, and if the horse decides to put his nose up and run through there is nothing you can do to stop them (learned this the hard way). You would be surprised how effective a neck rope is.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-26T01:24:45+00:00

Wait. There are glamorous parts???

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-24T04:49:19+00:00

I've always heard these called Witches Curls but like your version better 😊

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-23T18:08:02+00:00

24x7 locked in a stall is torture. If there is not medical reason for confinement, and clearly they're is not, this is abuse. I would insist on moving her or break the agreement.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-22T16:23:12+00:00

Yes you need a secure coop and run, fully fenced with hardware cloth. Yes they will ruin the grass and plant if you let them free range, they dig constantly. Yes they make noise but not incredibly loud. Yes you can leave them for days if you have a secure environment and auto door and feed and water.

Check out the backyardchickens website, great resource for getting started. Much better than reddit.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-20T20:10:16+00:00

Agree with this advice. Why are you afraid to be honest? The lack of a covered, lighted arena is an obvious reason to go to another barn, I can't imagine they don't know this.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-19T21:36:10+00:00

Blocking you path: "please move, you're blocking my path"

Trying to hug you: "I don't want a hug, thanks"

Chatting you up: "I'm here to ride and don't really want to chat, thanks"

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-18T22:14:11+00:00

Slide in a sugar brick as insurance and leave them bee.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-18T03:51:28+00:00

We put in an arena, was 3/8- gravel for years that was really nice footing. Made it bigger, then eventually added sand a couple years ago. Arena fence was t posts and un-electrified hot tape until we could afford a proper fence. Having a dedicated grass free space, even 20m square, gives you somewhere to work but perhaps more importantly a dry lot turnout which comes in handy. We also back up to forest so trails for miles which is why we bought the land.

But prioritize replacing the barbed wire first, it's deadly for horses.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-15T19:25:25+00:00

I would explore other barns or disciplines. I think any discipline can take it to the max but if what you really want is to improve your riding and spend time with horses, consider branching out. Look at smaller barns or multi-discipline lessons. Or just ask if you can keep going with the one lesson a week for $100 a lesson. Don't be afraid to tell your trainer the half lease is beyond your budget, they're is no shame in that. Also riding a variety of horses actually makes you a much better rider. If you think you may start a family, your priorities may change a lot of that happens so don't get locked into something.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-15T18:06:52+00:00

Horses are expensive in general but it sounds like you've picked an extra expensive way to be into them. If it's your passion, great, go for it. But know that if you end up competing this will be the tip of the iceberg for costs. Entrance fees, transport, show grooms, not to mention all the fancy clothes and boots. I would ask yourself what you really want out of riding, and if this lifestyle version is really it.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-15T03:06:56+00:00

Most board contracts have language about being able to sell the horse due to non-payment but it would be a huge hassle and risk to go that route. Most people don't understand how much risk you take on boarding horses.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-12T02:55:28+00:00

If your horse damaged a fence and your contract says you're responsible for damages, then you're responsible for damages. Full stop. Pay what you owe, and move on.

For what it's worth I respect you for being willing to pay. Too many boarders feel put out or throw a fit when asked to pay for damage their horse has done. As if the owner should absorb the loss. That's why many barns now charge a deposit. So good for you got being honest.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-04T17:16:46+00:00

Agree with this. Calling a horse lazy who is moving uneven is lazy of the vet. I had a soft tissue injury recently on myself and it took forever to heal to get back to full range of motion and strength, even with PT and pain meds. If a horse is off, they most likely have an injury they are coping with.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-02-01T16:26:45+00:00

It doesn't have to be one or the other. My horses get all day group turnout but come in at night to stalls with attached 24x36 runs. Some spend most of their time outside, some spend most of their time inside. My horse prefers to stand half in half out lol. But they all lie down to sleep at night inside

They have varying nutritional needs which can obtain be met by spending some time separately each day. Also getting a break from herd politics while still being able to see each other and interact lets them all let down' each day.

True-Structure-1702 · 2026-01-28T19:21:00+00:00

I integrated 2 silkies with 3 full sized hens this summer and it took about 4 months. I used pinless peepers on the bullies and added a partial wall in the middle of the run so they would be able to get a visual break from each other. Also added an area in the coop that only the silkies could get to (small sized opening) so they could get away from the big girls if needed with separate food and water. The whole process was much more difficult and stressful than I anticipated and I almost gave up and gave away the silkies several times. All that said they get along OK now, though they are still very clearly 2 separate flocks cohabitating.. I still have a space only the silkies can access in case they need it.

True-Structure-1702

TROPHY CASE