Signs of Spring at Cedar Grove Farm

After the horrible weather of last week, spring has finally arrived here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The mornings are still a bit chilly (in the 40's) but things warm up into the 70's by noon. Lovely weather for hiking,  trail riding, and growing hay. I have posted a couple of videos of our trail rides at the farm for you to see some of the conditions and distractions that our horses are exposed to on a daily basis. I have also included some photos of the signs of spring here at the farm. I will do another post this evening or tomorrow about the mares and foals and how they are doing and will include the latest photos. All are doing well. While hiking in the woods this week our youngest Jack Russell went barking into the underbrush only to come running out followed by a black bear. My wife yelled at the dog and must have startled the bear who turned around and ran back into the underbrush. I don't know who was more startled-Kathy or the bear! Our neighbor saw a bear (probably the same one) two nights ago walking through one of our pastures and said the horses (two to four year-olds) were alert and watching it but not freaked out by it. Eight to nine horses are being trail ridden five days a week for two to four miles each, so with all the exercise they are getting into good condition.