2nd Chance Mini-Ranch :: March 2010

[Admin]

Congratulations go out this month to Jim and Carol Dawson at 2nd Chance Mini-Ranch in Benton, Arkansas. The Dawson's believe that efficient and effective is better and they practice what they preach.

By skillfully managing their land and other resources, they are able to serve the needs of many horses instead of just 1 or 2. And, they do all that while both working full time ... AND ... Jim is an accomplished author too!

Take a sec and visit them at www.2ndchancemini-ranch.com to learn more about the natural horsemanship techniques they use including the 'Mustang Roll' hoof care.

Congrats again Jim and Carol, and THANKS for everything you do for the horses (and Jerry too!)

[jkdawson8085]

As always, it's our pleasure. We love what we do.

Winter has really ruined our pasture. It got so muddy we had to feed the horses close to the house from round bales...in our carport. That was as close to the horses as we could get the hay, thus we had to open up the entire back area for the horses so they could get to the hay we threw over the fence behind the house. Our Paddock Paradise turned into an acre and a half mud-slick.

It has dried out now, and the former grazing areas has been dragged and planted with Winter Rye. We are starting to see tints of green here and there. April 15th we are planning to re-seed with coastal bermuda and mixed pasture grass. By mid-spring we should have grass growing again, and have the horses back in their perimeter area, surrounding most of the property. We only graze them for a few minutes a day to supplement their hay intake, and to let them run and play.

Winter was harsh, relative to Arkansas, but most of our horses came through with fat to spare. Rose and Ghost lost a bit of weight, but you couldn't tell it by their attitudes. We are riding Rose now and she is always raring to go. I think she's just going to be a hard-keeper, and always be a little on the thin side.

Which brings up a question. I could use some ideas from other folks. Rose is herd-bound. She eats when penned away from the herd, but sparingly. The rest of our horses do not need anything other than hay; they are thriving on nothing but hay. However, Rose needs extra food, but when we separate her to feed her our "special" mix, which they all love, she will eat a little bit, and then look to the herd. She'd rather be with the other horses than eat and put on weight.

Also, Bill, I have an idea how rescues can help each other. H4H would be a great place to organize it. If we could get rescues to work together and share equipment, talent, labor, etc., we might all be able to survive a little easier. For instance, any rescue within 100 miles of Little Rock, who has a tractor we can borrow, I would trade my hoof trimming labor for a weekend, or as long as my back holds up; I would also be willing to ride some horses.

Have you heard of anyone doing this?

Thanks,
Jim