Horse Boarding Idaho Falls, ID

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I named it Branded Heart because every paw, hoof, and footprint leaves an impression on the heart. I came across the California Reds by accident; after a summer of wildfires I began looking for an animal smaller than a horse to keep the grasses down. I found an ad in the newspaper and went to look at these beautiful sheep. Taken in by their dear like faces, I was smitten. After paying for 9 ladies and 1 ram; I had a herd of my own. I also had no idea what I was doing, or even what kind of sheep I had. After surfing the internet I discovered (registered) California Red sheep! I contacted the former owner and suggested registering them. Here is where I received my biggest education on my little herd. She said they were already registered. When I asked to buy their papers; she didn’t have them! Never paid for them, or the sheep! Help! I bought stolen sheep!

As winter set in I would drive the county roads looking for little red sheep with cream colored coats of fleece, nothing. Spring brought new adventures. One March morning while feeding my flock I spotted a little creature resembling a red poodle. Where did this come from?! My first clue it was a baby lamb was the bleating sounds coming from his lungs. I found the mother in my round pen protecting another baby. He had a large gash to his hind quarter where my gelding had taken a bite out of him. Yes, it was a long day; with many more to go. I had nine pregnant ewes. Guess what? A baby ram can impregnate at three months! Another lesson learned.

By the end of spring I had over a dozen babies, these ladies are fertile! Many had twins and two had triplets. They are wonderful mothers; they have huge utters much like a cow and were able to nurse all of their babies. I had also become more proficient on the internet and came across the breeder directory on the California Red web site. I decided to call the breeders to see if anyone knew about this herd. First call, Finley’s Aussies, jackpot! The sheep were sold, but never paid for, from the woman that sold them to me. I explained how I came to have them. Also told her I had fallen deeply in love with the ladies. I ask her if there was a chance I could buy a couple of them from her. I gave Mrs. Finley my name and number, she said she would contact me in a couple of days.

As I prepared for the Sheriff to come collect Mrs. Finley’s sheep I could only hope she would let my buy a couple. The call came a few days later. Mrs. Finley asked for my full name, address, and zip code. My heart sank, I asked when the sheriff would be here. She was shocked, "I am sending you their papers and I need your information to change ownership," she told me. She was happy the sheep found someone who really cared about them. When I offered to pay for the papers, she told me to use it to get started. I appreciate and respect Mrs. Finley more than words can ever express. I hope I have lived up to her expectations.

It has been over five years now, I have learned more about the Reds, their breeding, feeding, lambing and oh yes! Registration and book keeping. But most of all I have learned every living thing that crosses our path leaves and imprint in our lives. Little prints that brand your hearts.

Hope you enjoy the site.

Linda