Season’s greetings friends and “neigh”bors! The holiday season is upon us and I am so excited! Nothing can compare to some soupy, hot bran mash on a chilly night, or one of those sweet and crunchy candy canes that I love so much. But it’s most important this time of year to show how much we appreciate the people we love; after all, it’s better to give than to receive! (Or is it?!) Well luckily, the Rutgers Equine Science Center has come up with some great ideas for gifts this holiday season so you can give and receive simultaneously!

I can’t believe how quickly the seasons are changing, and Thanksgiving is only a few days away! For many of you, thoughts of a big, juicy turkey, warm gravy, and sweet pumpkin pie are the things that come to mind in anticipation of the holiday. I know it sure does for me! But then again, when am I NOT thinking of food?! Although I won’t be partaking in the feast (my owner says he can’t find a chair large enough for me to sit at the table….I was slightly offended), try to remember to show your equine pals how thankful you are to have them by baking them some homemade goodies! Every horse deserves to be a little spoiled, and preparing horse treats can be a fun activity for horses and humans alike.

Something strange happened the other day when my friend Magic and I took our annual trip to the apple orchard.  There we were, happily munching on the “fruits” of our labor, when I saw something whiz past my head and go straight for Magic!  I wanted to yell, “Magic, look out!” but my mouth was full of applesauce and before I knew it, the buzzing insect landed right on his nose and STUNG!  Magic threw up his head and snorted in reaction to this unpleasant surprise…my poor friend had been caught completely off guard! As much as it is unfortunate that this blog post comes at my friend’s expense, it is important to let you in on the “buzz” about these pesky insects so you don’t have your own unfortunate encounter.