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Diary of Jewel page 1/ page 2/ page 3/ page 4 page 5 May 8 We are having a great time with the colts. I never have had two so close to the same age. We are trying to introduce them to all the new things in life that we can. We touch them all over. They especially like to be scratched on their chests, whithers and backs. I have always found that a good way to bond with the babies. Who can resist a good scratch!? Both are kind and trusting though Intrepid is the one that will pursue you for affection. Kind of goes against the theory of how much the mom has to do with how the babies interact with you. Kat is an at times hyper TB. This is her 4th foal with Sultan and all have carried his bold, quiet temperament. Intrepid is the vocal one, talking to anyone that has something to say. When daddy Sultan came home from a week of stallion stuff the first one to answer his neighs when I entered the barn was his son Trep. They look across the aisle at each other and Sultan has very soft eyes for him...like he knows..
May 9 Cappy seems to be more independent of his mom. she settles for a good nibble outside and he kind of just goes off and explores. As I said in the last entry, Cappy is the one with the very approachable lovable mom(to humans), but he is a little more aloof. Maybe he feels more royal with more CB blood! He is curious though. You can stay outside the fence and he come up and almost says hi, then turns tail and runs. But, as many people are aware who have had foals...things can change very quickly as they start to really get to know the world and the people in it. Poor dog Mikko is feeling very left out and unloved. Even the boys tease him through the fence as they approach the edge, then run laughing at him because he cannot follow. Make a note....dog needs more attention! People have popped in all weekend to meet the boys now they are old enough for visitors. Molly even had her family over...but she was busy with her little friends...below, Molly and Trep.
May 14 We have not been swallowed up by the earth...sorry to all those waiting for new installments. With schooling all the horses for a big weekend of riders.. yes, starting in a few hours and redoing parts of the B&B....oh yes, there was Joe's first full week of work doing that scientist stuff(at least it is for a company that makes tests and products for vets like IGG tests for foals) ...oh, yeah, there was that meeting with the Immigration where they did make Joe a permanent resident..that was good....and well the foals are fine and I promise dear readers to have an update by the 17th! So much to tell!...and more baby photos coming....
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May 15 So much to say...where do I start? Intrepid is just 3 weeks, Mariner(Cappy) will be 3 weeks in a few days. They seem to change daily and you never seem to tire of watching them. Cappy is really starting to grow into his legs and is much, much more active. Seemed to start with he didn't quite know how to handle all 4 at the same time. He was also the sleepier one. All has changed. He still may be the more layed back colt, but definately spends far less time snoozing. Trep is constantly leaping on his mom and trying to get her to play. Kat tolerates so much. He slams her at a full run. Just a bundle of energy that boy. We are so looking forward to the boys together. We had to hold of on that because Jewel, being a maiden, had a little bit of a tough delivery and with all her laying down etc, her liver, blood was out of wack. Blood drawn yesterday shows everything getting back to normal and we soon will try the 4 together! Cappy below showing off those wonderful Cleveland ears!
May 16 We have 2 mother/daughter's staying in the B&B this weekend and doing an intensive riding weekend. We felt the boys and moms were old enough to have some exposure so it has been great to have the children and their moms pat and play with the boys and watch them all with so much enthusiasm. We were blessed with such cool guests! Trep is getting so laid back about attention, I'm able to give him a total body scratch whil he is laying down. He loves it...so like his daddy sultan. Sultan was 7 months when he came to me, but I was able to spend time in his stall with him every night and he loved laying there getting attention. Sultan still has the little boy in him. I can go sit on him when he naps in the pasture.
He has been doing his job. My vet called today to let me know that the pure mare we doing embryo transfer with flushed out 2 great embryos that are on a plane to Missouri to be implanted in recipient mares. They said they have an 80% success rate...so fingers crossed. We will know in 5 days if it has worked! This lovely mare cannot carry a foal to term, but obviously can make beautiful embryos with Sultan's help. May 17 Today is catch up day. Phone calls, emails. Broke my heart to hear a friend lost a pure filly foal on birth. The mare is alright thankfully. A wise women told me that "breeding is a heartbreak". I know it can be. It is also so joyful. It is amazing that these strong creatures can be so fragile. I do believe it takes strong dedicated people to breed horses. Truly a labour of love, not a way to fame and riches...but as I look as these lovey colts we have and happy moms, I have to only thank god...
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