Sparkles and Sadness

Ok, bad news first.  One of our Thoroughbred broodmares foaled out two months early on Tuesday afternoon.  She had twins, they both died.  She lives at the farm about an hour away with the Hubby's brother and dad.  She hadn't started to bag up or anything, no warning.  Back early in the pregnancy the vet that checked her said that she had twins, but in a way that he couldn't pinch one off (common practice with horses) and if we were lucky she would absorb one.  We weren't lucky, but the outcome is unsurprising as twins with horses nearly never works out.  While I am sad, the Hubby is devastated.  This is one of his favorite mares and he was really looking forward to another baby from her.  The silver lining is that Holly (the mare) seems to be doing ok, eating and drinking, maybe she can have a baby next year.

Here are some shots from her first baby's first win:

Handsome guys

Fan club

Flew our jockey friend in for the day

Race trainers get a bad rap for 'not caring,' and while those I know might kill me for writing this, I've seen nearly as many of them cry over heart breaking horse news as people in the adult amateur ranks.

Doing a 180, Mojito was awesome last night.  I had been headed out to the farm to see if I could help with the one foal that was still alive, but hadn't gone five miles when they called to say it was too late.  So I headed out to snuggle my alive and well ponies.  Mojito soaked up a few tears and even made laugh worthy faces.

Hey there

I also tried on the bridle and it fit him great!  I know the noseband is way  loose here, but I need to shave him and I didn't want to catch his hairs.  Mojito is cute, but a total priss.

So much hair!

I also rode him in a full cheek french link for the first time...magic in his mouth.  I had been riding him in a happy mouth loose ring when his teeth were bothering him, but he didn't seem to be liking it anymore.  I had actually put the full cheek on thinking I would put this bridle on Diva, then I thought what the heck lets see if Mojito fits in it.  He was soft and responsive without being overly sensitive.  Also we trotted several circles and he was forward and reliable.  Best of all, his trot, swoon.  I had forgotten how nice it feels under saddle, but seriously it feels like you are going over caveletti with every step.  Float, float, float.  I'm hoping to get some actual pics and or video of me on him in the next few days, keep your fingers crossed.

*Thank you Mojito for being great at snuggling.

Finally, you probably wanted a picture of Tanner actually racing.  Oops, I got busy looking at the red head.

Here he comes

Rawr!

 Thanks to Alyssa over at fourmaresnomoney for the racing and paddock pics!

Also don't forget about the contest for soap over at Equestrian at Hart!