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Barnyard Buddies:  Your opinions please. Update  |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 2:08:23 PM
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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 |
Edited by - hoosiercountry on Apr 08 2013 6:46:48 PM |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 2:39:20 PM
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really, really over the top, and just a little weird...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
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kysheeplady
True Blue Farmgirl
1291 Posts
Teri
KY
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 4:25:30 PM
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yes, you are missing something ... someone has found a great new way to scam people out of gift for a horse! LOL ... Really, this is just toooooo ridiculous! I would take a pass on that stupidity!
Teri
"There are black sheep in every flock"
White Sheep Farm
www.whitesheepfarm.com |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 4:44:35 PM
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Laura, that is the first thing I thought about, financial responsibility. I don't know too many people right now who could afford to get a gift for a horse! If I had a money tree, sure, I would get the horse a gift.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13748 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13748 Posts |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 6:06:52 PM
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I agree with all of the ladies- this definately borders on BIZARRE!
I guess its one thing if she wants to have a little party and invite people over because she is excited to be "having a horse", however to ask people to bring gifts puts this in a whole new light.
I would politely decline the invitation!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
View my New Blog:
http://simplesuburbanpleasures.blogspot.com
Everyday is a beautiful day, and sometimes the weather is even nice! |
Edited by - laurentany on Jan 31 2013 6:09:33 PM |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 8:06:55 PM
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Ditto and Mega Ditto. All the girls above have explained it well.
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2964 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2964 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 8:31:03 PM
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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. |
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Emily Anna
True Blue Farmgirl
863 Posts
Emily
Fort Atkinson
WI
USA
863 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 10:57:17 PM
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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 |
Edited by - Emily Anna on Jan 31 2013 10:58:38 PM |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 01:51:50 AM
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| 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 |
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magnoliakathy
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Kathryn
Magnolia
Texas
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 06:37:07 AM
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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, |
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SandraM
True Blue Farmgirl
295 Posts
Sandra
Coldwater
Michigan
USA
295 Posts |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 07:12:54 AM
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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 |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 08:08:37 AM
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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 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 08:15:07 AM
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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 |
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traildancer
True Blue Farmgirl
485 Posts
Loyce
Glide
OR
USA
485 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:18:42 AM
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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 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:21:14 AM
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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 |
Edited by - FebruaryViolet on Feb 01 2013 09:21:43 AM |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 09:44:13 AM
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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 |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2013 : 4:39:18 PM
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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 |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 07:48:51 AM
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| 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 |
Edited by - hoosiercountry on Feb 03 2013 07:53:15 AM |
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HodgeLodge
True Blue Farmgirl
662 Posts
Tiana
Berkeley Springs
WV
USA
662 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 08:44:06 AM
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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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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 09:15:42 AM
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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 |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 1:11:13 PM
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| 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 |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 3:55:15 PM
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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 |
Edited by - queenmushroom on Feb 03 2013 3:57:51 PM |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: Your opinions please. Update |
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Your opinions please. Update
