I say this because I've been witness to horse & cattle auctions where the 'killer animals' are sent. It's a sad in pitiful stop on their road to ?
Enuf of that... Cy? Get yourself a large pony from an adoption rescue place IF you've got the fencing and pasture? Defininition is 12.2 Hands to 14.2 hands for most of them [a 'hand if 4"] so they aren't big and ya don't need a forklift to get on them! From a rescue place? They've been checked out, wormed, rescued, and maybe have some soundness or 'training problems' - I think you all know what I mean. Depending on the kid's ages? The smaller the better? Easier to hold on to kid when doing the initial 'walkies' and steering things. Larger beasts make it harder to 'reach'.
Since I used to be very 'into' horses? They too have peculiar pecking orders! But they ARE social? And would prefer another of their kind to boss or be bossed by.... thing to consider Many older quarter horses and older ponies mite fill your bill and be easy keepers. I do truly know of horses that made close friends with the barn cats tho.... Some race & show horses need their goat companions etc. I'm not that familiar with chickens? But I'm not surprised, because each set of creatures has their heirarchy and work hard to maintain them in their mini-pheifdoms.
I'm just gonna enjoy what nice weather we get, when we get it! AND all the sunlight that is available with free D that I can get!
Luv the party frog Rae!
Hugs to all and then some? 's!!! - j

Funny thing, I remember how I used to oscillate from riding my garden tractor....that is gone now. Either that is good or bad, but, I am glad it is gone.

Oh, I would love that filly....but breaking a horse would require some one with know how. I have land I can either rent or buy next to mine. I have only 2 acres....I could get 2 more easily, which should support any animal habit I have....an old sway back is likely a better horse for me and my sway back....but a cute little filly sure is appealing....hmmmm.....another hmmmm.

Looks like I will be in the basement again tonite....same with you Mrsd....(unless we pass out and sleep thru it all)

These beasts are ever so grateful for every crumb of food and care they get.... provided they've not been abused beyond the point of human contact.
Here on the East Coast? Horses up for adoption should rise soon and fast. WHY? Lack of land for pasture, lack of water so far this year to grow good 'hay'. and then on and on. Horses in ANY area should be on the rise. Between the economy and feed supplies? You should be able to take your pick. Sad but true fact.
Older is better for us all beast and person? Who have been around the blocks more than once. These creatures KNOW that they have been rescued from borrowed time. IF they don't? Well, then, question their validity.
Hugs and more! - j 's

Dear Cy,

Today I drove past a house and saw what looked to be a New Hampshire red come around to the front of the house from their back yard. She was a beauty and looked, oh, so proud...

Cy, I immediately thought of you and all of your girlfriends and the roosters.

Rae, i just love the video you interjected... perfect for the Cyclelops.

Hope you are all surviving the heat!

Mere

My chickens have been the entertainment highlight of the summer....that and the Dells! Can't miss the Dells every summer.....and some one always has to puke at the Dells....as did my granddaugther. LOL. I am glad it was not me.