❄️ Winter at the Barn: Ice, Long Nights, and a New Beginning for Pearl
- Timothy Taylor
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Winter doesn’t slow things down on a ranchette — if anything, it demands more. When icy weather rolled in and the roads were covered in slick conditions, there was no option to stay home. The animals still needed care, and that meant heading out to the stables no matter what.
This visit to the barn turned into one of those days that tests both patience and endurance. Frozen water meant breaking ice by hand, making sure the horses were properly fed, and mucking stalls in bitter cold temperatures. Every task took longer, and the cold worked its way into everything — hands, boots, and bones.
While checking on the animals, our attention turned to a donkey named Pearl. With temperatures dropping and icy conditions worsening, it was clear she needed better shelter. We stepped in, guided her into the barn, and managed to get a jacket on her to help protect her from the freezing weather. What started as concern quickly turned into something much bigger.
After spending time with Pearl, Tim made a decision that surprised even us — he decided to buy her and give her a new home. What began as a hard winter chore day became the start of a new chapter for Pearl, one built on safety, warmth, and care.
The day didn’t end there. After a quick trip home to walk the dogs and catch our breath, we headed back to the barn again to get the horses settled for the night. Winter nights require extra attention, and making sure everyone was comfortable before temperatures dropped even further was non-negotiable.
The next morning brought relief. All of the animals were warm, fed, and had made it through the cold night just fine. Exhausted but deeply content, we felt that quiet satisfaction that comes from doing what needs to be done — even when it’s hard.
This is ranchette life in winter. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s rooted in responsibility, compassion, and showing up when the animals depend on you most. And sometimes, it leads to unexpected blessings — like a donkey named Pearl finding her forever home.
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