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Enola Gay Mathews -
Mr. Mount Ten Man, the oldest documented paint horse in the American Paint Horse registry.
You know that a rite of spring is spotting new foals.
Two of my local cowgirl friends had something amazing to share with me.
One runs the local White Quarter Horse Farm. When spring foaling time comes, she sends me a photo of the first one, and it arrived last week. The White horses of Sulphur Springs are sought after across the USA and several foreign countries.
The other cowgirl, Joy Martin Doss, celebrates not a newborn foal, but a 41-year-old paint horse, foaled in 1982 on her parent's horse farm. After a lifetime of enjoying trail rides with him — as well as competitive riding sports — today, Joy finds herself the owner and caretaker of the oldest documented paint horse in the American Paint Horse registry.
Mr. Mount Ten Man (Ten for short) turned 40 last spring. Joy wished him one more healthy year, and that wish has come true.
Actually, Ten is living to this extended equine age largely due to Joy’s diligence and daily specialized care. His feed is formulated to be easy to chew, and she even warms his drinking water in cold weather. Ten gets turned out to the corral in a blanket cover on sunny wintertime days, and is shielded from summer’s hottest sun with fans in his stall.Anything to keep this treasured friend comfortable and happy! Many happy returns to Ten!
There’s a happy dog lover in Hopkins County, who endured a sad separation from her friend all winter. Last week, Sherry Hill got the thrilling news that Sissy had been located. A little worse for wear from weeks spent outdoors in the winter weather, Sissy is glad to be back home safe and sound, Sherry reports.
Sissy's owner utilized posters, Facebook, and other social media to get others to help watch for Sissy. Another animal lover’s wish has come true, thanks to the good neighbors across Hopkins County!
Here’s more good news: All the pecan trees in my neighborhood are showing green and starting to leaf out.
If the old adage “The final frost has occurred when the pecan tree buds” is true, then, spring has truly arrived.
Skeptically but with hope, I will wait for the ground to warm up a little more before setting out plants. And of course, frost is not the only danger that spring brings to the garden!
'Til next week!