Monday, May 06, 2019
As much as I dislike having to face the periodic drudge of cleaning large water troughs, it’s lovely upon completion to see how much the fresh water “sparks joy” in the horses. They drink by dipping their noses way into the water, and they play by lifting their heads while holding mouthfuls of water, and turning to me so that their holdings stream directly onto my shoes. Ah, yes, joys of spring.
It’s mostly heavy winds blowing dust that fouls trough waters. In my horses’ dusty environment high winds often swirl strongly around their water sources. Another trough pollutant is algae which collects on the inside bottom and inner walls. Ours is a chilly environment that’s mostly mosquito free, except during occasional brief and very hot spells, when their larvae might be seen floating in the troughs. To combat some of these pollutants, my troughs house an effective weapon: goldfish!
Years ago, I added a few “feeder fish” to the troughs. To my surprise, not only did they thrive (they’re now six and seven years old), but they’ve performed the significant cleaning work of consuming algae and mosquito larvae. They’ve managed to dodge plunging horse muzzles, and birds that perch to refresh themselves, or simply to dunk and soften their catches. Some of my “throw-away” trough fishes have grown into real beauties with impressive colorations and large, flowing fins. As is my habit with pets, I’ve become fond of them.
So, when the trough waters are too fouled and cloudy to see through, for reassurance that the fish are alive and well, it’s time to do the deed. That is, if our weather is warm enough for me to stand out there slightly muddy and partly soaked. The job has rewards, first by revealing that all the fishes are alive and well, and next, by the pleasures of seeing the horses eagerly dip in and play with very fresh water.
Dear Friends, some elements of country-living are very cool. Diana
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