Been spending time at the ranch again. I love the ponies and they love me! Especially Curtis here; we have a little game of poking and pestering each other.

First of all, the photo with the horse shows his lead rope hanging down towards the ground. This is something you NEVER do, as the horse can easily trip over it or get it caught on something, which will only cause the horse to panic and struggle. A horse's spine will break before the nylon rope or halter does; many foals die during halter/lead breaking from this.

Second, there was playground equipment in the calf enclosure. The swing set is especially worrisome, since the chains and such could easily spook or entangle them. The trampoline is less of an immediate hazard, but still not what I would consider safe in a paddock. Plus there is the implication that the child will be using it around the calves and THAT is a troubling thought.

(There is also the clip of him tossing and rolling toys at the calves but their reactions are fairly mild. *shrugs*)

Finally there is the knowledge that weaning calves will be putting their mouth on EVERYTHING. This family is not using nose tags to prevent them from trying to suck on things they shouldn't, nor are they removing objects they may attempt to chew. (That old wooden bench is a good example.) When an herbivore eats something they shouldn't, it's especially problematic because of their very long digestive tract and inability to vomit. (Although cows DO chew cud which requires some regurgitation, so I could be wrong here.)

Going to visit a friend after chores are done, and suddenly realizing that you should have changed first...

Taking five minutes or more just to get your boots on or off.

Washing your hands BEFORE using the restroom.

The pure anguish of seeing a grey roll in the mud...

Going to wipe your hands on your jeans...only to realize you're wearing a skirt.

Knowing 101 ways to cut the twine off a hay bale.

Clicking at EVERYTHING

Threatening to geld a man. Bonus points for having to explain what that means!

Being completely indifferent to penises. After you've cleaned sheaths and seen a 18-hand warmblood schlong as long as your arm, you really don't give a fuck.

"The goats got into my lunch!"

Ordering everyone a large on the coffee run because you know half of it will spill everywhere as you drive on a bumpy gravel road back to the barn.

Taking out your pocket knife in a non-barn environment and suddenly everyone loses their minds. Because a blade as long as your thumb is totally made for stabbing people, riiiiight. Seriously guys, its just a tool. If I wanted to kill somebody I can just crush their skull under my boot, because my legs are fucking steel.

Asking for work boots at a local shoe store and getting all sorts of confused looks.

Anything you wear must be able to take all sorts of abuse. You stop wearing sneakers because they disintegrate in a month and honestly your boots are more comfy anyway.

The Holsteiner at your barn is 19 hands and named after a tank, but you nicknamed him "Snugglyboo"...

Many days handling hyperactive geldings has given you an iron grip and a sharp elbow. Coincidentally, these are also handy for dealing with human males...

Carrying a saddle on each arm and bridles all over your shoulders, because you only want to do one trip to the tack room.

Your first thought when encountering grass is how much a horse would enjoy it.

You can't spend ten minutes in a Macy's but wander for hours in tack shops or the local feed n' fuel.

Ponies aren't cute and cuddly. They are conniving bastards in league with the goats.

Goats are the spawn of Satan.

There are dozens of cats around and you can't pet a single one.

The smell of beet pulp and Equine Senior feed...

Sharing half your granola bar with your horsie because they are the cutest thing ever.

"Hey, I just cleaned in there!"

Brood mares. 'Nuff said.

The late night Wal-Mart runs of doom.

Getting hay in your bra.