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Author Archive | Sarah Rosenstein

FredandHendrixHendrix and Fred were demonstrating one of Tom’s favorite maxims tonight, which works hand in hand with the old adage, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.  Certainly herd politics can be complex, especially now with the incorporation of the new horses (Vanessa has been busy in her role as ambassador for Spirit and Elf), but in the soft evening light Hendrix and Fred sure make it look easy to be friends and help each other out.

Many of our horses are friends and will engage in such rituals. Scratching each other in places that are hard to reach is adorable to watch, and must feel even better considering the bugs in New Hampshire can get bothersome. Hooray for horse friendships.

New Arabian PonyElf arrived yesterday morning in the midst of a rolling thunderstorm, but he was bigger than the weather and pranced around, snorting into the foggy air.  He has already made certain that Spirit knows who’s in charge.  He is full of gumption and grass – a good combination for a thirteen-hand, thirteen-year old Paint cross.  Finally, Buddy will see a lighter side to pint-sized shenanigans.

We have horses of all sizes, but have found that our ponies tend to have the most sass. If you know horses, you know that a determined pony can be significantly stronger willed than a horse. We have a few ponies who have mellowed out in their old age, but will certainly teach you how to properly ride. Elf, a speedy small pony, will teach you how to have soft hands and a gentle seat. Some campers even call him a unicorn.

A warm welcome to Spirit, the new pony who just arrived to join in the shenanigans this summer.  He’s a thirteen-year old Quarterhorse (but no terrible teens here!) and he’s settling in happily to a life of carrots, apples, and biped servants at his beck and call.  Since he’s just unpacked, we haven’t yet showed him the trails or introduced him to the herd, but Tom has explained to him the importance of knowing names, using your head to save your back, how many hands make light work, and the value of pulling your pound.

He is already the favorite of many campers and has since made many friends within the herd of horses. Spirit is a well loved, big boy who loves riding in both the ring and on trail – although riding on trail is his favorite!

View from the trailsIf you mosey up Jackson Hill, there’s a trail that connects a loop of overlooks.  This picture was taken from one that faces Lake Spofford, where the girls swim.  It is an especially lovely view at sunset, reminding me of the various perspectives that we tend to miss when we don’t look for them or can’t see them.  ‘Carpe Diem’ is a famous slogan calling on all to seize the day and make the most of every opportunity.  It would be handily joined to another calling on all to look up, look out, and look all around!

Please come for a visit, take a hike, give a hug, and enjoy the fresh New Hampshire air. We are always here and willing to share this beautiful land. The premises of Road’s End Farm have wonderful views for you to see and we hope each reader gets the opportunities to go hike the overlooks and embrace the woods of New England.

As any old-fashioned farmer knows, one day on a farm is much like any other, and the weather, the particular tool that needs repair, and the horse that just fell in love with another provide the backdrop for a natural rhythm of life that does not really change.  Given this continuity, a daily blog might appear unvaried, as perhaps the Farmer’s Almanac for one year greatly resembles that of another.  Nevertheless, the seemingly inconsequential details are indispensable to the significance and beauty of what happens at Road’s End Farm, and keeping up with the herd and its valiant servants, or with the Farm and its stalwart caretakers, is an understandable desire, since we are all a part of the family that has preserved Road’s End Farm for generations.

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