WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Thursday 25 September 2014

new pastures/fences/ names

It's been a busy week ,here at Quintinha das Rosas.    Pedro has been working on new electric fencing for the arrival of the  rest of our equine clan!             If you follow my blog, you will remember that We have  5 horses now- Pascoa, and her naughty daughter Surprise.  They have been with me for a few years now full time.
 Sheilah ,who had little Rosie 2 years ago here at my quinta.. They both  went up to the big farm.    They came to me a few days ago.  Filipe doesn't have enough time to attend to them. 
    Along with them came a new little arrival that was born within the last year.. I still haven't gotten her birthdate.---    Now!!!   What should I call this beauty.!!!!  She is feisty , has long legs and is a stunner. Very intelligent and alert.    I thought i might call her "Athena" .. I like that name.  Athena , daughter of  Zeus.   Also known for her Intellect and intelligence.
Sheilah is her mother.   Sweet Sheilah.  After all , she was pregnant.                                      


Pascoa and Surprise- not so happy at the moment- they shoo away their new family members when time for drinking.   They will soon sort themselves out. Horses are highly intelligent.


                                                New fencing all around the right pastures..  This will allow the left pasture to the west, time for new growth.



Here is where the 5 are now.  lots to eat.  
                                          Sweet  little Rosie.. now 2 years old.   She has her mothers markings.. she seems to have a good temprement.   I will be walking around with them soon.  Once they are all more settled.
                                     Shiliah  - letting  little Athena drink.. Athena seems to love the water..she was splashing it all about and showing mummy how clever she is.
                                               Sorting out drinking time
                        Rosie moved around to the other side of the trough.. While Shilah watched.
It was very sad to see Shilah.. she is now getting old and looks thin.. her teeth can't chew as well.  She is a loving horse an easy rider.  Now its time for her to relax and live out her days in peace.

Soon Rosie will start to be broken in.   Always one of the grandchildren or other want to ride.

Hope you enjoyed seeing our horses again.     Its wonderful to have them all together.

                                                                    Val          

21 comments:

  1. i have an old grey mare that i need to feed special food, too. she has hardly any teeth and cannot even have hay any more since she doesn't chew it and it causes intestinal blockage! you have a full crew! i love little rosie's color!

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    1. Hi Tex,
      When i was working on this post.. I thought about you.
      Rosie has grown. Poor Shilah.. i will probably have to get her some special oats soon. But she still seems ok. I too like Rosies color.. What would i call it. Dapple grey!!

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  2. How precious are those animals, I love them so much, they are clever and proud. I have never ride but i admire those who can. You are lucky to have them strolling in your olive grove.
    Warm regards Val!
    Olympia

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    1. Thank you Olympia.. Yes, horses are very clever.
      My riding days are over..but i do miss it.

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  3. Love your choice of Athena for the new member of your ever growing equine family Val - what a pasture full of beautiful horses, each one is so elegant with lovely colouring.
    My favourite kind of sky on your first photo - blue dotted with fluffy white clouds.

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    1. I am so happy with all the horses here. _With Manuel now not here..its easier.
      They all have their unique coloring.
      Our skies are so beautiful here at the moment Rosemary.. Thank you for passing by..

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  4. It is so lovely to see your horses again. I remember when Rosie was born! Athena looks beautifuk, what a lovely name! Sarah x

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    1. Thank you Sarah, Its so great to read that you remember when Rosie was born.. she was so so sweet and still is.
      Athena still runs around kicking her little back legs.

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  5. Very pretty horses! I know you enjoy them. I love seeing them grazing in the fields.

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  6. Athena is a perfect name for such a pretty and smart girl! I do love the color of the dapple gray...always a favorite of mine. Hope you can find a way to get Shilah feeling and eating better. The kids will love having them back!!!...:)JP

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    1. Thank you JP.
      Shilah seems to be doing a little better.
      They're all happy wondering eating and sleeping together

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  7. Val, what a lucky and nice time for you. I know how much you love your horses. Poor Shilah, she really looks so forlorn. Maybe she will perk up being around them all. I think Athena is a perfect name. I used to ride when a teen ager but not for many years and it was a great experience. Horses are so majestic and I love them. Good luck to you and your 'little family'..Happy Thursday..Judy

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    1. Shilah.. is getting old now.. She is happy and enjoys being with her family. Athena is a beauty.
      I rode too many years ago Judy.. but had a bad fall and have had 3 spinal fusions. So wish I could just saddle up and ride one more time. Thanks for your lovely comment.

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  8. Valerie Good evening

    I had a big long comment and hit submit and Firefox lost it. I now must use the search engine Safari to comment on blogs. Patience!!!
    How lovely to have all five horses in one field. They will provide lots of joy and amusement and good company for you too.
    Horses are social animals and my father always insisted that a horse not be left alone in the paddock. We sometimes had an ass and they keep a horse company too
    Wishing you a delightful weekend
    Helen xx

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    1. So sorry that you lost your comment.. we have to be so careful to follow the same patterns every time we post. Indeed Patience!!
      Its lovely to have the horses all together now Helen.
      They enjoy each others company. Your father was right.
      Thank you for such a kind comment Helen

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  9. Athena is a very pretty name for such a pretty little horse, Val. Poor Shilah does look thin, but has been a beautiful horse for you. They are all special friends, and it must be wonderful to have them live at your farm.
    Have a lovely weekend, Val. xxx

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    1. I think its a lovely name too Patricia. She is so intelligent.
      Sheilah has been so wonderful and loving to all ... she has ridden many a fair mile with the children. She is enjoying her retirement now.

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  10. I find your life fascinating to read about and your horses so beautiful. I need to come back and read more about Africa. Its interesting what your dad says about your camera is in your mind. That way the memories from our childhood will be as they are in our mind. I take way too many photos, so I pondered on these wise words. Have a nice weekend,

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  11. Dear Podso,
    thank you for your lovely comment.
    You remembered what my father said.. Its so true. Our mind is the camera. its imprinted and never leaves us. cant be erased or lost.
    x

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  12. Oh Val, you are so lucky to have FIVE HORSES! I wish I could ride them on your Alentejo. I see you have a white horse too. They are such sweet animals. Thank you for coming by even though I've been away from the computer while moving and all. It was so nice to see your comment while taking a break. I'm settling in now, and feeling very grateful.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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