8/25/04: Infrastructure

Our 100 x 100 x 16 barn is on track and will begin construction next week. We have decided to build the ground up two feet under the entire structure and also extending out five feet from each side. Taking into consideration that we can achieve about 95% soil compaction, this amounts to hauling in 24200 cubic feet of dirt or about 90, twelve cubic yard dump truck loads. This process will begin soon along with the removal of about a dozen scrub trees currently occupying the site. After the pad is completed, the structure can be erected in approximately one week, weather permitting. I've actually already had two inquiries from people wishing to board horses here when the structure is finished.

8/16/04: Cutting

Cito is getting to the point where he has the mindset and control necessary for cutting. I visited Cito last week and Mr. Hunt has begun introducing cows into Cito's training. The training now is to simply get Cito to follow a cow around the pen. While not particularly exciting to watch (like a cutting event would be), it is a necessary training transition to get his mind on staying with another animal.

I have finally gotten around to posting a video clip of Cito in training from the first time I visited him in Simonton. Beware! The clip is 2.6 megabytes. I was attempting to videotape and hold a conversation with Mr. Hunt simultaneously so I apologize in advance for the non-smooth camera work. Click here for the video clip.

8/10/04: Trip to Simonton

I am going to Simonton, Texas today to see Cito cut cows - I am anxious to see how he has progressed.

I had to post this great pic (left)of an early morning sunrise I witnessed from our deck last winter while indulging in morning coffee. The fog on the pond is amazing. The other (right) is a summer photo of a rainbow following an afternoon rainstorm.

8/6/04: Barn Update

We are moving forward with the 100 x 100 x 16 clearspan barn idea. After construction, we will build out the stalls and may set up a round pen in the center to allow for all weather training. No electric or plumbing will be in the bid and I will take care of those details myself - over time. I am also considering pouring an L shape concrete stall aisleway, one leg for stalls, the other for vehicle parking. We hope that construction will be complete by mid-November.

8/3/04: TMS Pobrecito Peppy Update

Cito had his wolf teeth out last Saturday and the vet said they were some of the longest - not to mention most difficult to remove that he has come across. Cito's mouth is sore and he will get a few days of rest before resuming training. Also mentioned was that Cito is starting to get a clue on what cutting is about. He is getting better on cows by the day.

I decided to order a new Eaton hydrostatic transmission (model 7) for the horse treadmill - the installed one I have is loud and worn. Operation of the treadmill will improve significantly when this 20-year-old component is replaced.

8/2/04: Britannia Farm Summer Classic Video Clip

I have been meaning to get my "camcorder video clip" to website process resolved and think I finally have it. After installing a new firewire card and re-educating myself on the intricacies of video codecs, video file formats and compression options, I can at last post a resonably sized video clip. Keep in mind that some video clips can be large - around 4 meg or so in size. Dialup users be warned! Fantastic Reflection and I are the first ones to enter the arena in the video. To view the clip of the July 16 show, click here.