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This has been a difficult year for our program.  Recently I had written about the passing of our beautiful Doll who all the kids, volunteers, and of course my own kids adored.  There was just something that told me deep in my soul that when one of those ponies was due to leave this earth, the other would be sure to follow because of a broken heart.  Exactly one month to the day, we said good bye to our sweet Beauty.  

Beauty and Doll had been together with their first owner for years helping to teach kids how to ride and honestly they were good at it and enjoyed it.  I just knew that our time together was closely coming to an end and I so prayed that we would have one more full season with the pair. We didn't make the whole season, but the time that we did get together was for sure cherished by all! This is what I think is the hardest part of running such a public program and farming in general.  Farmers are always given negative comments on our treatment of animals by activist groups and yet they don't actually see how we treat our animals.  Not only are the horses well cared for in the program, but so are the chickens and the sheep.  We treasure the animals in which God has provided us to care for.  Without proper care these animals are not going to provide the food that people need.  I think about this often, especially as I read articles, listen to upcoming legislation, and hear people's thoughts on the animals.  

I am quickly reminded that our chickens love us though because the second the door opens in the morning they are all crowding around and get in "petty chicken mode" as we call it because they want their feathers fluffed and some attention from all of us.  I am reminded that the horses value our care nightly as they come when called, enjoy the pets they get, and are constantly looking for us from the pasture.  The sheep enjoy their daily checks, the new pastures we planted, and so much more every day! Overall there may be loss on a farm when a dear friend leaves us, but we know that while they were here they were treasured and well cared for.  The animals are our first responsibility and we enjoy each and everyone that God has given us.  

To say we don't miss our Doll and Beauty would be a huge misunderstanding.  Those two are dearly missed, but we now have others to love on in their place.  Beauty helped Logan grow into something more over the years and now he is ready to take on new challenges with a new animal and we are excited to see the growth in him and in Garrett, along with all the therapy riders.  

Keep Farming with Faith & Family! 
God Bless, 
Amanda  

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