| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 2:08:23 PM
I am casual friends with one of our neighbors, and yesterday I recieved a, save the date baby shower invitation for her horse. I saw her out today so I stopped and talked to her about it. Yes she is setting up a tent, there will be baby naming games and other baby shower activities, with cake and ice cream. Then she remarked that the gifts could be a new halter, blankets, buckets or something along that line. She has also invited all neighbors along our road. Am I a stick in the mud because I don't get it. It is the horses first foal, she has another horse, we are not close friends. If she wants to do this fine, but I feel only invite close family and friends, but that is me. Am I missing something here in my thinking that this is alittle over the top. Please give me your opinions, because I'm just not getting it.  Thanks karla
I was waiting for this mare to have her foal before letting you all know how things went and what I had decided to do. As you may have read, at first I could not understand a baby shower for a horse and was not in agreement with it. After reading all of the opinions I realized I was not looking at the whole picture, but only a small part of it. Well I did some rethinking, with that being said I went to a small stable near us that gives therapy lessons for physical and mental handicap children and adults. I learned that 7 of the 9 horses are rescues, 5 from animal services, 2 from auction. As many of you know it takes a special horse to do therapy riding, and these are all part of that special group. This is a very small stable that runs on a shoestring budget, whose owner has a dream of helping others. I made a donation in the mares name and her unborn foal. I put the receipt in a card and gave it to my neighbor for the shower gift, she was very delighted with the thought, her mare was from a rescue. Yesterday my neighbor called to let me know her mare had given birth to a healthy little colt. I stopped by with a, It's a boy balloon, took in the joy of the new colt and shared a cup of coffee with a new friend. Thank you all again for the advice that made me rethink this, and in the end do the right thing. Hugs Karla |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Apr 09 2013 : 08:26:01 AM
I went to a celebration party for a 30 yr old horse that belonged to a friend of mine. It was a little potluck of friends. We took her a scrapbook for her to fill up with pictures and memories of her horse.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrittergrannysLair
www.creamofthecroptrailrides.webs.com |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Apr 08 2013 : 6:49:44 PM
You have no idea how happy this makes me. Thank you for taking a chance and gaining a new friend. sounds like such a rewarding thing and was exactly what I needed today----I'm often not thinking or seeing the whole picture. Then I open my eyes a little wider. So glad you made a new friend!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| sherrye |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 07:21:04 AM
i love the horse rescue donation idea.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 07:04:10 AM
Hi Erin, I like your idea and that is what I am going to do. There is a stable nearby that does alot of work with the handicap children and I am making a donation to them in her mare's name. Thank you for the idea. Karla |
| MtnGrlByTheBay |
Posted - Feb 08 2013 : 11:17:22 AM
You know what I'd say? "How about I make a donation to a HORSE RESCUE on the foal's behalf???"
Wincrest - I was JUST GOING TO POST THE SAME THING!!!
Agree: "that's just plain tacky with a side of wacky."
^^^I'm a RidgeRunner, and will always feel best when surrounded by the PA mountains.^^^
www.lastlapgang.com |
| wincrestnubians |
Posted - Feb 08 2013 : 09:37:30 AM
If youhave a horse and breed it, then dont have the money to purchase the stuff you need for the foal, you shouldnt breedm it. Dont make what you cant take care of... Been in horses for to long to know this is true..
Only those with an open mind can learn from ones own mistakes. |
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 05 2013 : 12:54:31 PM
After my initial thought of Wow she's crazy, I had another thought. Maybe she doesn't have any "crazy horse friends" to invite. If she's picky like you said she may also be too judgemental of people and is trying to gain some "crazy horse friends". It is a bit over the top to expect gifts though.
Farmgirl Sister #4701 |
| Wildcrafter |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 4:04:15 PM
For me, I would probably go. She may be looking for friends. It could be good for neighbor relations. You don't have to buy her a saddle. Buy something that's in your budget. A water bucket with some sort of horse treats?
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| queenmushroom |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 3:55:15 PM
In this day and age, it sounds "normal " for some people to do this as there are people who dress their pets in the latest fashions from doggy run ways in new York. That being said, where you are not that close, politely decline the invite. In my persoopinion, ya its weird, but if this makes her happy, then just shrug your shoulders. And let her have her party.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 1:11:13 PM
Thanks Laura for the good advise, never gave that a thought. I will give update on the out come of the party. I will not be going because of work but I will get the info from another neighbor. Thanks Karla |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 09:15:42 AM
Karla you probably want to make sure she already uses that type of bedding if you give her bedding. Some horses will eat anything and if the horse eats it and gets sick she may blame you. I would be careful not to give anything that can be ingested or could cause harm in any way. That said, I hope you have fun and I'm sure those of us here on the forum will be curious to know how it went.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrittergrannysLair
www.creamofthecroptrailrides.webs.com |
| HodgeLodge |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 08:44:06 AM
My 2 cents for what it is worth. I think everyone on here is right. It is over the top especially with the sonogram, and her not being friends with you. The other hand maybe she is trying to make ammends in the new year or be a better christian or something. I new a few people like that (myslef for one.Everyday for a year I said hello to a vendor of mine, she would just look at me like I had two heads. After a year I stopped. Then one day she said hello to me. I ignored her, then the angel on my shoulder said really. So I started to say hello again.) That said. It is a farm animal, but some people really love their animals and celebrate all that stuff. Maybe it's her first foal, maybe not. As for telling you what to bring? I like the sugar cubes and carrot thing if you decide to go at all. Personal prefernce. Tell her your first baby elephant is being born next year and your expecting her to bring food for a year. lol Just my thoughts. Let us know how it goes. Heck get her to sign up on here and post some pics of the first ever horse baby shower. It would make for interesting conversation.
Farmgirl #4817-The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion
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| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 07:48:51 AM
Thank you all so much for your opinions, I was thinking it was just me feeling this was a little much. My neighbor is a nice lady, she got both horses from a track rescue, and she does dote on them, I 'll give her that. I've had a horse in my life from second grade until 5 years ago, and I loved them to no end, and still love horses. I do feel I have to get something being neighbors and all, but it will be a bag of bedding. She is very picky in my way of thinking, or maybe I should say very different from how I always did things. She does not buy her hay locally, it's not good enough in her opinion, so she special orders it from up north and has it shipped to her. She buys three different feed and mixes and weights it out, only uses certian health store soaps. I kid you not she buys bottle water for them also, lucky horses. They are not well off by no means. And she is not a outdoor girl either, thinks mowing with a riding lawn tractor is hard work. Anyway I will take a bag of bedding and good wishes for a healthy foal. It made me feel better to read alot of you are on the same way of thinking as me, I really thought I was missing something. Thank you Karla |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 4:39:18 PM
This would be cute at a stable or something. Where everyone knows each other's horses and is already excited about it. But, the gift thing sounds kind of tacky how she had suggestions. I would probably go and just see how everyone else takes it. I would bring a gift but, I wouldn't spend a lot. So funny.
Marianne |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:44:13 AM
I think it's cute to have a little party but this is just a neighbor and she invited all the neighbors which along with the expectation of gifts doesn't sound quite right. I have had sonagrams done and have seen the foals invitro and it is very exciting and can make one a little gaga for a while, but I just think that if I was going to have a party I would only invite my crazy horse friends and would not ask or expect gifts other than a dish to contribute to the potluck. Same with a dog too. Myself I may send an inexpensive gift just to be nice and not go because I wouldn't want the other neighbors to think I run with the loony crowd. Which they may not be loony but are putting theirselves into a loony situation. And also because I'm sort of a recluse anyway. Would rather hang out with my horses than people. Also if the lady can afford to go get a sonogram she can afford to get her own foal stuff and if she can't she shouldn't have bred the mare. What does a foal need anyway but lots of care and attention and a healthy mother to take care of them. Not even a blanket unless it is sick. It's not like a human baby which needs clothes and blankets and diapers and carseats and on and on. And even then it is friends that throw baby showers not the mothers for themselves. The lady will already have the ultimate gift of a beautiful healthy foal hopefully. And if not then she will need help and lots of money to save it. Which is still her responsibility not the neighbors. The best thing for her to get in preparation of her foal is a colostrum paste to give it as soon as its born just in case the mare doesn't make enough colostrum. Actually the best thing is to make sure the mare is getting lots of good nutrients so she will make colostrum. Thats the best gift SHE can give her baby horse. However I do have to say that like Melina and Jonni just be patient and sweet and tolerant, but a foal blanket is expensive and over the top for her to expect that, and other than that she should only need 1 foal halter. So many things can go wrong and she should be educating herself rather than having parties. Maybe a good book.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrittergrannysLair
www.nmbarrelhorses.com
www.creamofthecroptrailrides.webs.com |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:21:14 AM
I just remembered that I'm not on Facebook right now, but I double "like" Loyce's post!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| traildancer |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:18:42 AM
Speaking as a horse person, maybe this foal is particularly special, ie difficult conception; high-end bloodlines; last breeding to a particular stallion, etc. So she wants to really commemorate the birth. Besides, horses are pregnant for eleven months and us owners get anxious to see the little darlin'.
Or it could kind of be a tongue-in-cheek thing, although maybe not since she came right out and listed possible gifts. That part is tacky. But perhaps she didn't know if you were horse-y and might appreciate knowing what a baby horse could use.
I would go. Some of the others posted that maybe she wants to have a party and this is the occasion. Go, have fun.
A manure fork would be a practical gift. Very farmgirl-y to boot! But they run close to twenty bucks. There are recipes for homemade horse treats. Lavender oil is calming (for rubbing on your hands and then holding by the baby's nose to smell).
I'm trying to remember when my foals were born. Yeah, I announced it to my friends and they came over at their convenience to see the baby. Nobody brought gifts. I didn't ask for any. Didn't think of it. But I'm trying to think what sort of inexpensive, practical things I could have used as suggestions for a gift, if you are so inclined. Might be a nice gesture to her, if nothing else.
I've got one---paste wormer in a tube! Sometimes you can get them for about $2 a piece. Something with ivermectin in it. Get one for mom and one for the baby. Eventually, she will use them!
Let us know what you do and if you go.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 08:15:07 AM
I think I'm kindof with Melina--maybe she's just intersted in having a get together and this was as good as excuse as any. Look, I get....10 birth announcements a year from friends across the country who have adopted new puppies.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| Melina |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 08:08:37 AM
Aw come on, girls. It's an excuse to have a party in the dreariest time of year! I'd go with a very inexpensive gift (salt block, maybe?)and have a good time with the neighbors. Might meet a few new friends, too.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 07:12:54 AM
At first I thought it was kinda cute. But then after thinking about it, I've changed my mind. That's the first I've heard about a colt shower. But people do it all the time with their dogs and cats. Birthday parties and Christmas presents. And dress them up for Halloween. Take them to get their hair and nails done. Spend tons of money on them. I don't get that. An animal is an animal. Plain and simple. But some people are a little overboard with it.
Kris
Happiness is simple.
www.kris-outbackfarm.blogspot.com |
| SandraM |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 06:47:20 AM
Wow, i agree with the other ladies here.
I would steer clear of the party. :)
Sandra
www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com |
| magnoliakathy |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 06:37:07 AM
Scam for free horse stuff, stay away or you could be invited to the baby chicken shower soon,
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 01:51:50 AM
Thank you all so much I kept thinking it was me. And to answer your question Emily, yes she did come right out and say "for the gifts you can get.....". Weird was the copy of the sonogram that came with the invitation. Thank you again for making me feel I'm not alone in my thinking. Karla |
| Emily Anna |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 10:57:17 PM
Did she just flat out tell you about what you could bring for a gift, or did it just somehow get mentioned while talking? My first thought was that the whole thing was crazy, but then I thought about it more. If she's just looking for gifts, that's just plain tacky with a side of wacky. If she's doing it just for fun, I could see myself doing something like that....getting people together, having some fun, celebrating a new foal. I wouldn't ask for gifts though....just people to come and have fun. Life is short.
I'd have to know what her true motives are.
Emily |
| nubidane |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 8:31:03 PM
Take some carrots, peppermints and sugar cubes & call it a day.
If you even feel like going. Oye
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
