Zichichi Vineyard in the Russian River Valley

I was so excited to be in California, but our accommodations were a little slice of heaven. Located amidst the vines of Benovia Winery, we had quite the view each morning.

Morning mist over the vineyard.

For those of you not familiar with California wine country, the Russian River Valley is just north of Santa Rosa and is known for growing Chardonnays and Pinot Noir. And although this is the rainy season for Northern California, we were lucky enough to enjoy some sunshine, the spectacular cherry blossoms, and some wine!

Cherry trees line the lane at Trentadue Winery

We even found some happy equines in Napa Valley, and I couldn’t help but think how our snowbound horses would love to have an afternoon on this green field!

Horses in the Napa countryside

Pretty soon it was time to head home, although Delight seemed to enjoy her California accommodations, she seemed willing enough to load the trailer and return to Colorado.

Delight in her CA stall.

We stopped overnight at a delightful “horse motel” called Suzie Creek Arabians. They provided a clean, well-bedded stall so that our weary equine traveler could get some rest. Delight was bright eyed the next morning and ready to hit the road!

Delight, wrapped and ready to go!

The Chatellen rig, complete with driver.

Are we there yet?

So, from Elko, NV we made the final day of driving across the remainder of Nevada, all of Utah and Wyoming and into Northern Colorado. It was a beautiful trip, but I think I speak for the horse when I say, “It’s nice to be home!”

Home Sweet Colorado Home

As promised, here are some pictures of our recent weather here on the farm. It might have been a bit miserable, but it sure was picturesque!

Across the outdoor.

The view facing West.

Main barn in snow.

Picnic in snow.

View facing East.

Trees and fence in snow.

Facing South at the outdoor.

Wow, it is really snowing! I easily have a foot overall on the farm, but in places it has drifted to well over two feet. Here are a few tips for avoiding “change in weather” horse issues:

• Make sure all horses have access to luke warm water, if possible. Double check that your automatic waterers are working each time you feed.
• Feed extra! (Hay, that is.) Horses operate like little combustion engines; the more forage you feed them the warmer they stay.
• Keep some non-stick cooking spray around to use on their shoes and the bottom of their feet. It can help prevent snow from building up so that they don’t end up walking around on “snowballs”!
  
• If you have clipped horses, make sure they have adequate blankets to keep them warm. Horses with a full coat should be okay with shelter alone, but if you want to go the extra distance… Put a waterproof sheet on them to keep them dry.

That is all the handy tips I have for now, I’ll try to post some pictures of the winter wonderland outside! Until then, it looks like it will be a white Christmas! Stay warm!

I always find this time of year to be magical. Not only the snow and the decorations, but there is something about everyone’s spirits that lends to a joyful feeling that is hard to duplicate any other time during the year. However, some of my favorite holiday memories are made with my equine friends out in the barn. I love being greeted every morning to the song of nickers, and around the holidays it is even more special. Not that horses know that it is any different than any other day, but all the same, I love it! One of my favorite traditions is giving a special treat to my horses on Christmas morning. Below is a couple recipes that will make anyone smile, horse or human and I hope they inspire you to share the magic of the season with your horse!

A Dash of Christmas Mash

6 cups sweet feed*

1 1/2 cups bran

1 apple, quartered

3 carrots, sliced

1/2 cup molasses

Hot water

Place ingredients in feed bucket. Pour on enough hot water to just cover all ingredients. Cover bucket with towel and let steam until cool enough to eat, but still thoroughly warm. Remove towel and mix thoroughly.

*Do not use sweet feed if it isn’t part of your horses’ regular diet. This ingredient can be substituted with your horses’ normal concentrate, or eliminated out of the recipe all together.

Rolled Carrot Nibbles

3 carrots with the green tops

1/3 cup cracked corn or feed

1/4 cup molasses

Brown sugar

Cut up carrots into 3 inch pieces. Cut carrot tops off, set aside. Pour molasses onto a plate with a lip. Mix in enough brown sugar, about 1-3 tablespoons, to thicken molasses. Onto another plate, spread feed or cracked corn.

Roll carrots in the molasses mixture until they are completely covered. Then, roll carrots in the feed or cracked corn. Place rolled carrots directly in feed bucket. Wrap the carrot tops around carrots, for a delicious addition to a sweet treat. If you have extra sauce, dribble over the top of treats.

Happy Holidays!

Welcome to the Chatellen blog! We are trying this new venue to share news and happenings here at our farm. Whether you are a current member of the extended Chatellen Family, or just another interested party, we hope that you find this blog useful and interesting. As we are having a clinic next week, hopefully we can post some pictures of some of our avid participants. Check back soon for updates!