BarnBiz n’ Bits

MAKE MINE A MINI!

“Weezer’s Story”

From cameras to cookies, our world has been affected with “the Smaller the Better” micro technology. And what couldn’t be better to any equine enthusiast than a miniature horse!

I met my “Wee” in 2000 under circumstances less than ideal. This poor little fellow was at the end of a cruel life filled with neglect. To make matters worse, he had been tragically mauled by dogs. Veterinarians on the scene thought it best to end his suffering as his deplorable living conditions would never provide the convalescence needed for his recovery.

With negotiation nothing short of pleading, I asked the owner to give me the little stallion in an effort to spare his life. On that cold and rainy February night, we carried him home. It was at that point I remembered thinking how tiny he seemed in that oversized box stall. Guardian angels rallied round as we stood vigil in the days that followed. He was a fighter and most excellent patient. “This hurts me more than you,” I would say with each needle that painfully administered one drug after another. Wee seemed to understand and stood quiet for this would-be nurse now in attendance.

In the months that followed, my “little” horse flourished. His wounds healed and life returned to his eyes. It was without a doubt one of the greatest moments to watch him take those first cantering steps in the pasture as his foundered hoofs began to take on a form of normalcy.

In all my years of “horsing,” I never gave much thought to the miniatures. It wasn’t until this unlikely event that I fell in love with all things little. It soon became apparent our latest family member needed accommodations befitting his small stature. The memory of that awful night disappeared when the feed room was remodeled to allow his new world to be viewed from 32 inches.

“Capturing hearts” best describes the attributes of this stallion. His larger than life personality, will to live, and spirit is testament to the bond I share with a most extraordinary little horse named Wee!

Apple Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Wheat Germ
1/2  Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Tsp. Salt
3 Tsps. Baking Powder
1 Egg
1/4 Cup Corn Oil
1 Cup Macintosh Apples—Chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Generously grease a muffin tin.

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients together and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix thoroughly the remaining ingredients, including the apples. Then, pour    the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is moistened. Scoop into muffins tins and bake 15 to 25 minutes. Serve cool to horses. Serve warm to people!

Bon Appétit

Chef Louie and FCP proudly feature this issue’s recipe courtesy of
June Evers ~ Author of “The Original Book of Horse Treats” Horse Hollow Press

Through My Eye

A Collection of Literary Equine Wisdom

Welcome to the remarkable world of equine literature
and the everlasting beauty of God’s most majestic creature.

A poem, like a dream, has layers of hidden meaning.  To each reader
its quiet flowing words reveal  both personal and universal truths.

Barn Biz-n-Bits invites the horse lover in us all to experience
these written words in a wonderful on-going collection of poetic works.

Your submissions or those of a cherished author are
gladly received as an addition to this column.

Please send entries to kmortensen@fcpbuildings.com

I wish I could be a Thoroughbred, and run like a flash,
Towards the finish on Derby Day, I would surely love to dash.

I wish I could be a dressage horse, trotting a figure eight across the sand,
Dancing canters and pirouettes surely would be grand.

I wish I could be a jumper, leaping oh so high,
Over the toughest jumps, surely I could fly.

I wish I could be a mustang, and graze beneath the trees,
Galloping over dusty trails, and whatever else I please.

I wish I could be a stock horse, cutting cows from the herd,
I’d amaze all my spectators, and they wouldn’t say a word.

I wish I could be a Clydesdale, and pull a cart with pride,
I would please my driver so that his whip would never touch my hide.

I wish I could be a Saddlebred, and prance around the ring,
To feel a sash across my neck would surely make me sing.

I wish I could be Pegasus and soar into the night,
I would leap into the air, beneath the silver moonlight.

I wish I could be a Quarter Horse, stopping on a dime,
I would love to say something more, but I can’t finish out this rhyme!

I wish I could be a lot of things, but doubt I ever will.
You see I’m just a mini, but I’ll keep on dreaming still.

By
Regan Radtke

”The horse, with beauty unsurpassed,
Still remains humble enough to carry man upon his back.”

Amber Senti

“One can get in a car and see what man has made.
One must get on a horse to see what God has made.”

Author Unknown

“Horses lend us wings we lack.”

Pam Brown

“Your horse’s behavior always seems to depend
on the number of people watching you!”

Author Unknown

“Nothing moves me more than when on the way to fetching in my
mare in the morning, the sound of her neighing to me as I open the gate.”

Author Unknown