Teke Trek 2013

It's been a whirlwind month so far.  I spent a good portion of it traveling, mostly horse related stuff, so it's all good.

I started by heading to Minnesota for the 2013 ATAA Conference and 2nd HorseFlicks filming on Thursday, October 3rd.  I met up with Jas Shearer-McMahon at the Minnesota airport and we headed out to the hotel where the Conference was.  We got there around 7 pm or so and found out they had no food at the hotel!  There is a restaurant, but it seemed to operate in a very limited fashion.  So, we ordered a pizza and had it delivered.  Then we went and soaked in the hot tub and did some catching up.  (We had stopped for alcohol on the way to the hotel, so it was all good). 

Friday morning we got up at 0 dark 30 to head to the barn where the HorseFlicks filming was to be held.  Jon had asked for an 8 am start.  The directions said it was 38 miles away, so we figured we'd give ourselves plenty of time.  Well....I don't know if it was the directions, us, the lack of coffee or what, but it took us almost 2 1/2 hours to find the barn.  Several people who came later said "Oh, I just used my GPS..."  Yes, I WILL get GPS on my rental car next time.  We arrived right around 8 am and Jon (Jon Mays, the HorseFlicks film maker) was already there.  We got to do some catching up as we waited for people to arrive.  By around 9, we had our first horse in the arena filming.  Unfortunately, the weather did NOT cooperate.  It was rainy and drizzly, so we filmed in the indoor.  We had Terri Fender's stallion Jack start us off.  He looked great and his rider, Staci, did a great job.  Next was Araghan, under western tack with a rider whose name I was told and then promptly forgot.  Sorry!  He did a nice job and has some western showing in his future.  Then, Jas rode The Akhal-Teke Stud's stallion Goblet, who is with Terri on lease.  As she had never ridden him, she warmed him up outside.  He was willing, but seemed a bit rusty.  We later found out he hadn't been ridden in quite some time.  They ended up doing a lovely job and I think Goblet slept quite well that night!  Then we had Staci riding Eramay, who had come from Texas for this filming and was then heading on to the Kentucky Horse Park for the next showing.  Staci did a great job and I think there was some lovely footage.  Then, Tiffany Dietchler rode her gelding Ivan over some jumps and Brad Sherman showed off his stallion (an Astrachan son!) Thor at liberty.  Jon did some interviews and we were pretty much done by 2 pm.  Terri, Brad and Vicki (and maybe another person?) provided lunch for us and coffee and sodas, and it was greatly appreciated.  We all got to mingle a bit, meet the people we had only talked to via email and then we all headed back to the hotel.  This time it took us a lot less time (more caffeine and better directions!). 

Jas and Goblet

Eramay and Staci

 

We met up at the bar for our ATAA Board meeting around 6 pm and then the Meet and Greet was around 7 pm.  We all hung out and chatted for a few hours until it was time to hot tub again. (at least for Jas and I!)

Saturday morning was our General Membership Meeting.  We didn't have a huge turnout, but everyone that came had great suggestions.  There were a couple of "Duh" moments for me, when someone suggested a simpler, easier way to accomplish something.  That was wonderful!  We have quite a few plans for the next year and will start working on those soon.  It was so great to have such a motivated, enthusiastic bunch that owned their ideas.  I think the next few years will be amazing. 

Then, it was a break until the Awards Banquet.  Catrina Quantrell and Betsy Wandler did a great job with the awards.  My only sniffle was that I wasn't eligible for any of the discipline awards as I didn't compete this past year.  And those awards were NICE.  They also did Achievement awards and gave out some lovely coffee mugs that had original drawings of our horses on them.  I did win 2 of those - very nice!  Those mugs are safely in my trophy case now, so no one actually USES them and possibly breaks them.  Then, I gave out awards to the Board members.  Terri and I had come up with the idea of nice photo frames with photos of the person and their horse in them.  I found the frames, but unfortunately, my printer wasn't working, so the photos will have to be added later.  Several people did find that their original drawing (we were given the original drawing that went on our mugs) fit perfectly.  I put my drawing of Galen in my frame.

Winners of the Silent Auction items were also announced.  I ended up bringing a bunch of stuff home that will get sent out soon (as soon as the checks arrive, lol)

Sunday we drove up to Terri Fender's farm, through lovely 'Seattle' weather.  It was rainy, cold and windy, not the best photo taking op!  But, we got to meet all her horses and she provided lunch.  Jas and I had to leave pretty much as everyone else arrived, to make it to the airport for our flights. 

The next stop on my journey was Upper Michigan to visit my parents.  I grew up in Houghton (not Houghton Lake, HOUGHTON, home of Michigan Tech University).  My mom and I did lots of yard work, bagged up lots of leaves, took off screens, and did some hedge trimming.  We also went out to several favorite local restaurants (yum Tostada pizza from The Ambassador!) and visited some of my nieces and their families.  We also went to visit my dad twice at the home were he is living (Alzheimer's).  It was a very nice visit and then early (really early) Friday morning I flew to Lexington, KY, home of the Kentucky Horse Park, where our third HorseFlicks filming was to take place.

Now, I absolutely love the Horse Park.  It is the horsey version of Disneyland.  If someone gave me a choice between the KHP and Disneyland, I'd take the KHP in a heartbeat.  It is gorgeous, perfectly groomed, the horses are all well taken care of and happy and there are about 1200 (I read somewhere) acres there, all dedicated to horses.  What isn't to love?  I think this is my 4th time there now and I'd be happy to go back many more times.  We were participating in a 'Breeds Weekend' as the guest breed, so we had 4 shows we had to do over two days.  The Breeds Barn has a rotating show twice daily that showcases different breeds.  Their program said they have at least 40 different breeds at the KHP, so there is a lot of rotation that can be done.  Our bit came after their program when we were announced as a guest breed.  We had 11 horses come, so to make sure everyone got a chance to be in the film, we did some brainstorming.  Our filming was only to take place on Saturday, so we wanted to showcase the most advanced horses, but everyone was to get a shot out there.  Also, we had 8 stallions, 2 mares and a gelding, so there was a little working around that to make sure everyone kept their minds on the job.  Our first filming of the day came around 11:15, and we started with Gidasp and Adamek doing dressage and then I think it was Garpun, in his search and rescue gear. Then we had Adamek and Zak jumping, then  we finished with the mares Mari and Guli in costume along with the gelding Ki being led.  I think that was the order of go...anyway, it went off very well, the horses and riders did a great job and then several of them waited for after the presentation when the public was invited to come and pet the horses and talk to their riders.  We did another one in the afternoon, this time with Eramay and Grygy in western gear and Goklen in costume.

                                                           Keven and Grygy getting ready

Goklen and Eron meeting people on the lawn after a presentation.

Eron also rode Gidasp in a third level dressage test (there was a big dressage show going on that weekend) on Saturday and then another one on Sunday.    I don't know which tests they were, but I can safely say that the one above was the most photographed test of the day - we had at least 4 cameras going, along with Jon with his video camera.

 

 

We went to the local Cracker Barrel that evening and I tried some southern cooking - interesting.  I always try something local(ish) when I'm in a new place.  We had a nice time chatting with pretty much everyone that had been at the Park that day.  I was staying with Cindy Sither, so we headed off to her house. 

 

Sunday was more of the same.  We didn't have Jon there to film, so we mixed things up a bit.  After we finished the 2 pm showing, I headed out to the airport and flew home. 

 

It was a really wonderful 10 days and I'm really glad I went, but I'm STILL catching up.  Oh well, gotta pay to play!

 

A little 'procedure'

Last Monday, I had a little "procedure"  Lest you think this is some horrible thing, it had to do with my (sigh) left ankle.  That is the one that I had operated on in August of 2012, where a longitudinal tear was repaired.  It's been over a year now and I'm still not back to normal (yes, this is a bit of a whine).  I have been able to ride for about 2 hours but by the 2 hour mark I have been ready to saw my leg off.  As my preferred type of riding/competition is endurance, 2 hours doesn't get you very far.  Now, one person did suggest I just ride faster.  Good idea.  I did that in 2012, figuring if I could ride faster, my ankle wouldn't hurt so much.  It did get me 3 top ten awards, but I was doing those rides in around 3 hours, so faster....might be a stretch.  It was also suggested I drop down to trail rides.  My competitive spirit just won't go for that.  I figure I can do THAT when I'm 90.  Anyway, I went back to the doctor and told him what was going on.  He suggested we try breaking up the adhesions (most likely one of the big reasons there is still pain, along with age, lack of strength and lack of stretch).  So, off to another office where I had dye, anesthetic (that was wonderful) and steroids injected in my tendon sheath.  Kind of a neat thing, they showed me the tenogram (I believe that is what it is called) afterwards. 

I rode Wednesday for about 30 minutes...very good, no pain.

I rode Thursday on the trail for about 60 minutes...pain at around 40 minutes, but I was able to do ankle rotations and finish the ride with minimal pain.  Also, I wasn't dead lame when I got off, which has been the case up to now.

                         Galen's ears on our Friday Trail Ride at Mann Road, Sultan, WA

                                                      Monica and Mahri.  Mahri was a star!

I rode Friday on the trail, only for around 30 or 40 minutes (Mahri's first trail ride, so it was short and slow), but had very little pain.

So, am I fixed?  Probably not, but at least it's a somewhat more optimistic outlook than I've been having. 

Will I be on the endurance trail next year?  Stay tuned...

Guest Author!

Today I have a lovely story about a mare that I bred and sold.  The horse is Kamileshen (Aliger x Anastasia) a 2006 purebred Teke mare.  Here is what her proud owner has to say:

The Water. Every rider has attempted it, most riders have conquered it. The moment of indecision on your horses part as it decides to skirt the menacing site, or indulge its riders and get its feet wet. This feat is particularly difficult when your legs only descend half way down the ribcage and your strength limits your ability to steer, or stop.

Ears fluctuating back and forth as she attempts to make out her riders confusing cues, she looks to me for a clue and then focuses again on her rider. Legs thumping the sides, hands pulling back and somewhat to the side towards the water. She looks at me for one final look of approval then delicately sticks her feet into the murky depths. She is rewarded by hearty pats from her rider.

At the time of this feat Nola, the rider, was four, Kamileshen (or Shen) the horse was six and we were at a local cross country course. It was an open day, a day where riders bring their horses out for practice and exposure. Shen and I had just finished working over some jumps when Nola stated she wanted to try the water jump. We were done, and I would often let Nola sit on Shen’s back while I cooled her down, so I boosted her into the saddle and clipped a lead line onto her bridle so she could try the water ‘jump.’ The entire feat took about five minutes – I stood quietly on the end of the lead – letting them decipher one another’s cues as they would. I was so busy watching them that I did not notice the audience that had built up. Spectators on foot and on horse were also watching. Many were probably just awaiting their turn at the water jump, but none wanted to interfere or disrupt the delicate balance until the ‘jump’ was complete.

                                                             Nola and Shen, Pas Pascucci photo

 

The walk back to the trailer was an eventful one, with riders and walkers smiling and commenting on Shen. The questions almost always started with, ‘What a nice horse, how old is she?’ Followed by ‘Really? What breed is she?’

I could understand their skepticism. I had a field full of geriatrics – my old eventer, my hunter jumper, my mom’s endurance horse, my dad’s trail horse. All still perfectly capable of packing a young child, but instead I chose the youngest horse in the lot for my four year old daughter. The reason, I strongly believe she cares about Nola, to her we are her family and I have learned that Tekes do their best to take care of their family. I have many examples, the time the gate was not opened all the way and Shen would not let Nola lead her through – rather she stood firm and whinnied for my attention. The time I was riding in the mountains and a misstep left me dangling from the end of the reins - she stood legs spread, head down until I scrambled up the side and back onto the trail.

I purchased Kamileshen in 2008 with dreams of getting back into eventing, but she has a home for life because she is family. Breeders place an awful lot of importance on ‘Tekes in Sport,’ but no one noticed Shen’s clean clear round that day – but they all noticed the small child, her tongue sticking out in concentration and the quiet patience of her mount. It is not their athletic ability that makes them invaluable, it is their spirit.

Today, Shen shares the field with two other Tekes, and I make it to maybe one event a year. Nola and Shen are now competing in schooling classes and light horse shows where she proudly sits upon her golden mount and announces ‘She is an Akhal Teke.’

 

Darla Dickinson, Hope BC

Another Busy Weekend!

This past weekend, Monica and I took Danny (Magdan) down to the Northwest Equestrian Center in Yelm WA to do some cross country schooling with a few friends.  Monica and Danny have been doing quite a bit of show jumping and he definitely has the trail experience, so this was a logical progression. 

We headed down around 10ish on Saturday and arrived around 1 (quite a bit of traffic, but that is Seattle) at the Equestrian Center.  It's a very large place with huge fields, lots of cross country jumps and rows of temp stalls.  It was very low key (sign the waiver and pay your fee), which was pretty nice.  Catrina and Jeremy Quantrell were already there with Mazaly, so Catrina schooled while Monica walked Danny around and then tacked up.  Amrita wasn't there yet and we later heard her truck had overheated about 5 miles out.  I did some film of Catrina and Mazaly making it all look easy.  They did some beginner novice jumps and then started moving up.  By the time Amrita showed up, Catrina was pretty much done and they headed out. 

Amrita, Monica, Stella and Marina (two of Amrita's junior students) were all taking a lesson with Vicki (I didn't catch her last name).  Vicki did a lovely job, getting everyone on the same page and warmed up.  I trundled along with the video camera and huge tripod, wishing for the pony and cart that had been zipping around earlier.  Happily, I had a little pull cart or there would probably be a lot less film of that day. 

I didn't take any still shots on Saturday, so these are from Sunday's playing, but they are over basically the same jumps the ladies did on Saturday. 

 Marina and Kegas

 Monica and Danny

 

Amrita and Paktaly

 

Stella and the totally cute pony Puddin

Amrita was schooling over the largest jumps, doing some of the preliminary jumps (I'm pretty sure I got that right) with Paktaly making it look easy.  Danny is just starting over cross country jumps, so he did the beginner novice jumps and ended his day doing a drop into the water and out up the bank. 

Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun, horses included and I really, REALLY want to get back into the saddle.  Maybe not to go over big jumps, but doing my thing.  Soon!

 

HorseFlicks filming at the Washington State Horse Park, August 10th, 2013

This past weekend was our first HorseFlicks film shoot for our new Akhal-Teke promotional video in the Rare Breeds series "Extinction is Forever".  This is the first of 3 film shoots, which we did to be able to include as many horses and people in the US as possible.  We've had a very good response and I think the finished product will be fantastic.  This is from my perspective - I brought 4 horses to the Washington State Horse Park for the filming.  There were 6 other horses that came, although we had invited everyone in the Pacific Northwest.  It went very well though, all the horses were great, the people were smiling and Jon Mays (the film maker) said he got some excellent footage.

We got there around 4 pm on Friday, as I didn’t plan on riding that day.  We got the horses (4 bay boys, Astrachan, Andymn, Arzuw and Magdan) settled in and walked around looking at what was what.  Gorgeous facility, lovely trails, really nice arenas and cross country.  Jon showed up around 6 (I think) without Joanne, his assistant, who had food poisoning and was recovering in a hotel in Seattle.  We took him around to the places we’d found to see if he thought they were ok.  He agreed (he is SO nice!).  People started coming in, Catrina and Jeremy first with Mazaly, then Shannon and Craig and Tommy and Octopelle, then Erin and Kiyallah and Corbin (their 2 year old son) with the lovely stallion Kuwwat.  I fed everyone hamburgers and hot dogs and we planned Saturday. Jon headed back to his hotel around 8 I think.  Then it started raining, really really hard.  A guy I met Sunday said it rained 5 inches in 2 hours.  Lightning, thunder!  I was hoping we’d have good weather in the morning and maybe the rain would cool it down a bit (it was over 90 on Friday)

 

 

Several of our riders and horses, from first horse back:  Monica Bretherton and Magdan, Angela Kay Davenport and Arzuw behind them, Dani Scott and Andymn, Wendy Ford and Alpowa behind him, Sofie Wohllaib and Meshhurlyk on the rail in back and Catrina Quantrell and Mazaly (I think) way in back.  Tom Wohllaib photo

 

Monica Bretherton (blue shirt) and Magdan chatting with Sofie Wohllaib and Meshhurlyk (Diva) during a break.  Tom Wohllaib photo.

 

All of us in the arena at once,  from left to right:  Erin Heatherstone and Kuwwat, Angela Kay Davenport and Arzuw, Dani Scott and Andymn, Monica Bretherton and Magdan, Sofie Wohllaib and Meshhurlyk, Catrina Quantrell and Mazaly, Wendy Ford and Alpowa, Cathy Leddy and Astrachan and Shannon Mayfield and Asil Tumay.  Tom Wohllaib photo.

 

 

Early Saturday (I woke up around 5 am), we got moving.  We were going to start filming at 8 am, the skies were clear and there was no dust!  Temps were around 65 to 70, so we started with Western riding.  Jeremy was a great sport, in that Catrina and I had talked about him riding and he knew NOTHING about it.  I figured we needed at least 1 guy in the film.  He grinned and said “well, I haven’t ridden in a year, so can I see the horse first?”.  I put him on Andy, who was a little wound up, but he’s pretty mellow all around.  Now the problem was that Jeremy has only ridden one handed with a shank bit and Andy is dressage trained.  There was some confusion on both parts, but they did a great job.  Jeremy tried to do a reining pattern…well…there might have been a few good spots but both he and Andy were great sports.  I think they needed a day or so of practice!  But, he was smiling and did a great job.  Andy got a tack change and I put Dani Scott up for trail.  Shannon rode Tommy in her western show gear – gorgeous!  Bling to the max.  She got some time in the ring by herself.  Then, we brought out the dressage/English people who rode together.  My friend Sofie had shown up with her Teke mare by then and they cantered (for the first time) twice.  Everyone behaved great.  Then, we got everyone in the ring, including me and Khan.  Shannon did a tack change and came in her homemade Turkmen outfit – really nice.  Erin rode Kuwwat for a while in her endurance gear and then put on her costume too.  All of us walked and trotted around, 9 horses strong.  My friend Wendy had shown up with her NP mare Allie by then too, so we had some color besides bays.  (Allie is a roan appy and Kuwwat is buckskin)  We did some riding around, Jon filmed each person individually a bit and then we all lined up and the cameras clicked and clicked.  Then, Jon had us all shout ‘Akhal-Teke’ at the same time for the film. 

 

 

9 of the 10 horses and riders at the Horse Park, with Jon Mays in the foreground filming. Tom Wohllaib photo

 

 Me and Astrachan (who came out of retirement for this) and Shannon Mayfield and Asil Tumay.  My endurance gear really pales next to Shannon's gorgeous bling! Cindy Balogh photo
 

Then, we moved on to the trails and obstacles.  I put Khan away, as he’d done his 15 minutes and we were both toast.  Jon set up along the trail and got photos of them trotting by in the beautiful light and trees.  Then, after a bit of that, we moved to a ravine that had trail obstacles and a big hill.  I’d sent Catrina to the water obstacle to school, as Mazaly had never done this before.  The horses did some great up and down the hills, over the obstacles etc.  Then, Andy and Ari (both had done great, but don’t have much recent exposure and were done) went back to the barns and the rest of us continued on to the water.  Now, the park director and I had come to an agreement that there was NO JUMPING.  Well….we got to the water and had Catrina and Mazaly, Erin and Kuwwat, Wendy and Allie, Monica and Danny.  I think Shannon peeled off because Octopelle was sure this was an endurance ride and couldn’t figure out WHY we kept stopping and coming back.  So, horses started walking through, then trotting and then cantering.  At one point, we had all the horses in a line snaking back and forth through the water at a trot and canter.  Big whoops and grins all around, horses included.  Jon said during this “I think I need to get rid of my Arab and get a Teke”. 

Monica and Danny through the water

 

Catrina and Mazaly galloping through the water.  I'm really bummed that I cut off Catrina's head, as otherwise it's a pretty good shot.

Dani and Andymn, Monica and Magdan and in the back I think it's either Erin and Kuwwat or Wendy and Alpowa galloping up the hill.

Then we went to the road and Jon did some film of horses trotting up and down and then galloping.  At that point, it was pretty much noon and he had everything he’d planned on getting.  We headed back to camp, put horses away and he did some interviews.  He interviewed one of my riders – a very new to Tekes person, then we had lunch (more hamburgers and hotdogs) and then he interviewed Wendy, who owns the NP mare and a QH x Teke cross and then me.  By then it was 3 or so, so we just all sat around and chatted.  Some really great visiting was done.  Jeremy even said that this was so much fun we needed to get together EVERY year and do a trail ride or whatever and then potluck.  I think it’s a great idea and later could work into a show.  Everyone else agreed that was a great idea.  The WSHP is a nice central location and it really is nice.

We had the bunch trot and canter up and down the road, there was some whooping and hollering going on, along with big grins.  Wendy and Alpowa are in front, then Monica and Magdan, then Erin and Kuwwat, then Shannon and Octopelle and I think it's Catrina and Mazaly in back.

People started leaving (it’s so close that Seattle people just came for the day) and the ones of us left, me, Monica, Catrina, Jeremy, Erin, Kiyallah, Corbin (their son), Alice, Keiko and Kay (those three are from my barn and Alice was a champ all day, delivering water, brushes, etc)  Jon headed back to Seattle to pick up Joanne and catch a red eye. So, those of us left had pulled pork, a great rice dish that Erin called “hippy dippy food” and watermelon.  And wine and beer.  Lovely evening, we made it until almost 8:30 and then pretty much pooped out.  No problem sleeping for horses or humans!

 Jon Mays from HorseFlicks enjoying our 'wrap' party.  Monica Bretherton photo

Kuwwat, Erin, Kiyallah and Corbin Heatherstone taking a family walk at the WSHP.  Monica Bretherton photo

 

Next morning, Monica and Keiko went out on a trail ride while I broke camp with Alice and Kay’s help and cleaned stalls.  Then, we loaded up and headed home.  Whew!

 

It really went very well, no real naughtiness, although there was some tension (wonder why?) and Andy and Ari’s brains did melt after a few hours.  Can’t blame them, both are very inexperienced and they did great until it was too much.  But, no problem, they just got to go back and chill and were fine.  Andy's trail ride with Keiko the next morning was excellent.  Everyone else’s horses looked great, huge smiles everywhere, not a harsh word the entire weekend.  Just compliments.  Before I left, Leslie (the park director I’d been dealing with) came and shook my hand and thanked me.  I thanked her too, as the facilities are excellent and everything was pretty much perfect!

 

We all headed out and I made it home (with a detour through Seattle, don't ask) around 1ish.  Then it was barn work and then rest!

 

I will add photos as I get some.  Now on to the next filming, October 4th in Minnesota.

 

SAFE Schooling Show, August 4, 2013

We took 2 boys down to the SAFE schooling show this past weekend at Donida Farms.  We took Danny (Magdan) and Andy (Andymn).  I had the luxury of being the groom and groundsperson and Monica rode Danny and Keiko Young rode Andy.  I had been planning on riding Andy myself, but after having sore ankles from ONE ride during the week prior, I realized there was no way I could do the warm up and riding for the 4 classes I had entered.  Thank goodness Keiko was such a good sport!

We trailed down early Sunday morning, passing a roaring trailer (car or quad) fire on the way.  We got the boys there and settled in (sort of, Andy was NOT happy to be in a strange stall).  Keiko and Monica took them on a walk about while I got the numbers, show schedule and such all organized. 

Even though this is was a schooling show, it was pretty big.  Multiple arenas, indoors, outdoors, LOTs of horses and lots of activity.  It really was quite a test for Andy, who has been rather sheltered the past years.  Danny, who has been out doing endurance rides and conditioning, took it pretty much in stride.

Andy in the warm up ring with Keiko Young.  Cathy Leddy photo.

Danny warming up with Monica.  He started with a lot of 'forward', but ended the day with several second place ribbons and with Monica grinning ear to ear.  Cindy Balogh photo.

Andy did 4 classes, including 2 intro dressage tests in the indoor arena (big, scary mirrors!) and while his first test was a bit hesitant, his last one was pretty nice.  Keiko did a great job with him and he really listened to her.

Danny did 6 classes, including 2 dressage tests - one Training level and one intro.  Sort of unfortunately, his training level test came before the Intro, so he was a little 'looky' in the indoor for that one, although he did settle down and got a nice score in the second test.  Both boys were in the middle of the pack for their tests, with respectable scores for their tests.  Not world beating, but that isn't really the idea for a schooling show!

Danny and Andy in a green horse class.  Cathy Leddy photo

 

Danny (on inside) and Andy were in 2 classes together in the main arena.  Andy and Keiko got a ribbon in the equitation class and both boys did a good job.

After Andy's classes, I took him and we went out to graze, which made him very happy. 

We headed home after the last class and all got some well deserved rest.  I think we're ready for this next weekend's HorseFlicks filming at the Washington State Horse Park, which will most likely be the subject of my next blog.  Thanks again to Monica and Keiko, who both did a great job with smiles on their faces.

Our newest addition - cute foal photos!

We had our one foal this year (for us, I did foal out a boarder's mare back in April) on July 23rd.  Aya went into early labor around 8 pm or so, so I checked on her hourly all night long.  She was pacing, but not seemingly in much of a hurry so I didn't camp out in the barn.  I checked on her at 7 am and she was just standing by the water barrel in the arena.  At 7:20, I got a phone call from Nadia, who was in the barn to feed horses "There is a baby".  I told her no, no baby yet.  "Yes, the baby is on the ground!".  That woke me right up.  Sneaky mare, had that kid between 7 and 7:20.  By the time I got out to the barn, the foal was up.  I checked the important parts and let out a big sigh...another colt!  But, he was big and healthy, so that is ok.

He didn't seem to be finding the milk bar as quickly as I like, so we moved mom and baby to the foaling stall, where it's a little more contained.  He still wasn't getting it.  He bumped around the stall, trying to nurse on the wall, on her legs, on me.  I was starting to get worried.  Foals should have their first meal ideally within 45 minutes of being born and we were along about 2 hours now.  I kept trying to direct him to the milk bar, squirting milk in his mouth and every once in a while he'd latch on and get a few sips.   But, not the healthy guzzle you like to see!  I've had many foals born here and can pretty much see when something isn't quite right. Better to catch something like this right away, than hope and have the foal crash.

So, a call to Pilchuck Vet Hospital and Dr. Hollohan was on her way.  She did a thorough check of him and we got him up again (Stand UP! turned into Stan.  Sorry kid!).  Finally, with quite a bit of help, we got him drinking decently.  Aya was a champ the whole time, being very patient with all the human activity.  He had his first poop (important) and Dr. Hollohan took blood for an IGG.  I often don't worry about an IGG (to see how much colostrum they've ingested basically) if the foal is bright, normal and nursing well.  Stan wasn't quite there.  If the IGG is low, you have to go to the big guns, which cost quite a lot of money.  The results came back as 600 - low is 400-600, normal is 800 plus.  So he was high low...but was now much brighter and nursing very well.  He was bouncing around the stall like a rubber ball, so after consulting with the vet, we decided to wait until the next morning and pull blood again. 

The next morning, the results came back:  2300.  Obviously, he'd been doing a VERY good job of eating all night long.  Whew!  Out of the woods!

Since then, he's been a normal kid - Aya has taught him how to walk beside her (which really is kind of funny, watching a mare school her foal).  We put her out in the front pasture next to Cady, Xena and Annie and I swear she was telling Cady "THIS is how you do it, silly"

Stan figuring out how to keep flies off - 2 days old. Monica Bretherton photo

Stan is now a bit over a week old and is walking out to pasture each morning and coming in with a halter and lead (easy to just start that way, then they never argue) and all the mares (Cady, Annie and Aya) and Xena are out together.  I need to get some photos of Stan and Xena - she's almost 3 months old, so is quite big and robust and then there is small, slender Stanley.  The funny thing is, he's in charge.  I think Xena was a little startled when he started chasing her.  The moms just watched to make sure there wasn't too much 'horseplay' and then let them be. 

Stan at two days old - Monica Bretherton photo

Stan at 3 days old, Angela Davenport photo - do you see a theme?

 

So, as the Stan Man is exactly that, a man (male anyway), he is for sale.  He should mature between 15.2 and 16 hands and be big and stout like his parents.  He shows lovely gaits and has the calm, laid back Salam temperament.  Buy him now before weaning and get a great deal.  Buy him and you can change his name!