One thing that is done on a regular basis is to "move" the sheep around. Its called Intensive Rotational Grazing, and its proven to have some great impacts on pasture quality as well as reducing the need for chemical management of parasites. Every 4 to 7 days, depending on size of pasture and number of sheep, the mini flocks (rams, ewes and lambs right now) get shifted to a new part of the pasture. Think of it as mini neighborhoods you know, so the sheep get to know each other better and build solid relationships. But seriously, it does help in that you basically knock down all vegetative species in a small area. The sheep are hungry enough to eat the invasive species like Knapweed and such not just the good stuff. Now, not only are you preventing the permanent removal of say some good clover but you also clip down all other vegetative species in a way that helps the native grasses compete against the crazy weeds. You are now creating a more lush, pure and productive pasture. In addition, since the sheep arent grazing so close to the soil and manure, they reduce their worm larvae intake. This creates less of a dependency on chemical dewormers every three weeks, and instead it becomes seasonal treatments. The sheep never revisit a 'hood till the worm larvas are dead and gone (a few eggs of course can survive, which is why its still good to deworm seasonally). In that photo above, the girls are knee deep in clover, and within 4 or 5 days, it too will look like the right side which they just finished mowin' over.The lambs are doing well. They are to the point where they are curious for themselves. First it was whatever mom did, then only what the entire group deemed acceptable. Now its to each his own, a matter of whose the bravest; one approaches, interested in what you have and as one gets near, the other lamb's competitive nature takes over enough that she wants in on the dare and tip toes closer. Its just a matter of time before these guys will eat from your hand. Not like the adult sheep that already will come bowl you over when you enter the pasture with grain!
Hows the horse? He is fine. You know I have never broken a bone... had I meant, I had never broken a bone until Gunnar. So here's the scoop. He has been great, yeah yeah thats what they all say, but truly he has been great! I tried rushing into changing bridals (thing on their head for controlling) AND a loser bit (less leverage in their mouth, ie head/neck) for him, when really neither of us (no bad horses, just bad riders) were ready for it. I tried to get on him, and he absolutely freaked out. The first couple bucks I stayed on, despite smashing my thigh on the saddle horn, but the third (I think) I was a goner, up over his head and crashing onto the ground where I broke the radial head of my elbow. In the photo, its the part that looks lie a golf tee, center of the photo. 
Long story short. Broken arm, cast for a week, aligned and healing, begin use as can be tolerated. Within two weeks if I am still suffering on range of motion, then back in for a check up. Six weeks - still pain? Get a check up. For now, buck up. There are animals to feed, grass to cut, trim to put up and beautiful northern Michigan weather to enjoy. And I STILL don't have to go to work tomorrow!Quick note. Some of you have asked why the "comments" section wasnt working for them. What is neat about this site, is you can login with a couple different email accounts you may already have (yahoo, google, etc). They dont send you junk mail or anything, but it allows you to identify yourself and leave a comment (own up what you say to Windy Knob!) and it also allows you to click "follow." Its amazing to me how many people read this from all over the country (shout out to Germany) so if you havent yet, sign in and click follow for us and show your Windy Knob support. Thanks!
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