By Kim Lemmon

The rain finally fell in measureable amounts that actually had the potential to do some good at my house on July 5. During the previous week of random storms and damage, we did receive some rain but mostly high winds and dangerous lightning so it was with relief that I woke on the morning of July 5 to the sound of rain on the roof.

I had already decided to work from home instead of the office on this date due to the electricity outages in Columbus that were still potentially affecting the Ohio’s Country Journal/ Ohio Ag Net offices. Since I was going to be home all day, I decided to start on some computer work before trying to make my way to the barn to feed the critters amid the lightning and rain.

At about 8:15 a.m. I decided the poor horses and goats were probably starved so I ran to the barn to feed them. The goats were tucked into their stall taking a nap. They were nice and dry and grateful to be receiving their breakfast.

I couldn’t find my draft mare or my miniature gelding. They weren’t in their stalls. They each have their own dry lots that are connected to in and out stalls. I’ve spent a lot of time and money creating their pens and stalls so that when it is wet, cold or nasty outside they have access to their stalls all the time. When they are turned out on pasture during they day, they still have access to stalls most of the time. I don’t want them to be uncomfortable or unsafe.

I should have looked out the window before I headed to the barn in the rain. The draft mare was standing in the rain on her side of the fence and the miniature gelding was standing next to her on his side of the fence. They aren’t turned out together but they can see each and they were apparently enjoying each other’s company and the rain. The horses wouldn’t come into the barn even for food. I do think they were enjoying the rain but I also think they didn’t want to turn their rears away from the rain and risk getting rain in their ears and eyes.

I finally gave up and ran back to the house after putting feed in the horses’ stalls. They can come into the barn and eat when they are good and ready I guess.

I don’t think I’ll be adding any more creature comforts to the barn for the horses anytime soon; especially when they seem to appreciate the elements of nature more than they do the shelters and pens built with my hard work and savings.

Look carefully and you'll see a draft mare and miniature gelding enjoying this rain storm.