Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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!

16 comments:

  1. Sorry to read about the mare & foals, very sad news. I hope that she makes a full recovery!
    Mojito looks fab in the bridle, am delighted he worked so well and that he was snuggly awesomeness!

    Have you many horses racing? :-)

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    1. Thank you for the kind words. Depending on the time of year we have anywhere from 3 or 4 up to 20 racehorses in training. Some are ours and some are owner's.

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  2. I am sorry for your families loss, losing babies is pretty devasting. Hopefully the mare remains stable.

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    1. Thank you, she still seems to be doing well thank goodness.

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  3. Bittersweet. Yay for Mojito cheering you up. He is second best at that. ;)

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  4. Too bad about the babies :-( That has to be so hard. Hope momma recovers well!!

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  5. Sorry to hear about the twins :( That is really hard.

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  6. Oh man, so sorry about the loss'.. I hope mom is ok!

    Yay for your pony being there when you needed and cheering you up!

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    1. Thank you, I was so glad for something warm and fuzzy to snuggle with:)

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear that. It's always hard to lose a baby (I've been through it :(...) but I'm happy to hear the mare is doing well!

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    1. Thank you, it is hard, no matter how expected or unexpected.

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  8. I'm so sorry!!!!! It's heartbreaking when things like that happen. I'm glad that the mare is okay!

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    1. Thank you:) It is hard (but still so worth it) to have our hearts wrapped up in these big fragile four legged creatures.

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