Final 12 months was a tricky one for anybody needing hay. In a standard 12 months we often get three or 4 cuttings of hay, the primary often coming in center to late Might. Sadly, one reducing was all of the farmers obtained in 2022. The issue was lack of rain – it simply give up raining! With out the Blessed rain and solar, nothing grows. Pastures dry up. Vegetation die. Animals wither and undergo. Crops don’t produce and monetary hardships observe.
At Rainhill we have now many mouths to feed – 50 horses to be actual. We struggled all fall and winter to maintain sufficient hay within the barn to fulfill our treasured horses. When spring temps began to rise this 12 months and rain started to fall, the pastures turned that pretty shade of inexperienced that lets me know we’ve made it by way of winter and survived one other drought. Then a couple of month in the past it stopped raining. It was dry as soon as once more and the discuss on the feed shops was, “The hay fields aren’t rising like they need to.” The dearth of rain and funky nights stunted the grasses and all indicators weren’t favorable for a profitable hay 12 months.
Up to now few days we have now had a pleasant quantity of rainfall and my favourite, no extreme climate. It’s overcast in the present day and that enables the vegetation to make the most of the moisture that’s within the floor as an alternative of getting the new solar bake all of it away, leaving a tough crust of dust.
When the farmers start reducing the hay fields this 12 months, we have to buy as a lot hay as potential to arrange for one more dry 12 months. Hay and grain are our two largest bills and the 2 issues we are able to’t do with out. If you need to assist us feed these fantastic horses, we’d be so grateful. I do know there may be a lot want on this planet proper now and a lot disappointment. These horses didn’t ask to be born however they do have to be cared for. Gained’t you assist Rainhill? We’re a 501c3 non-profit group that merely desires to present these blind and disabled horses a spot to dwell out their lives free from hurt in a spot the place they’re understood and valued for his or her intelligence and sweetness.
Thanks for studying our little tales and let me thanks prematurely for any enable you would possibly present. Donations could also be mailed to the tackle beneath. Might God bless you!
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Inexperienced, KY 42101
