Foaling season has started with...

a bang!

Here at MDA. I started the month working with my two hand trained babies Aasta and Anna. I got the other 8 to the point where I felt comfortable turning them back over to the hands to train. I will be picking one, yes just one, of this years foals to work with. I have a feeling it will be an impossible decision! Why? Well if the first two foals are any indication the task will be impossible as I will have 5 for sure and I have a feeling there will be a 6th but there could be 7. I just don't think the 7th mare is pregnant.
Both were born in the pasture run-in stalls. Rose's second foal and the first of hers to be born in the pasture she went to the run-in on her own accord and her friend, my disabled girl, Amalia stood guard. Not the first one born this season but the first I saw as Rose, Amalia and still damp baby met me at the gate this morning. Without further ado Buff Roan Tobiano Filly. A check on the other mares in the pasture that were expecting yielded nothing. A count of heads revealed 18 (counting Rose's filly), who was missing? A scan of the horses did not show my coppery bay mare Suede, she should stick out in all of the dull bay mares. A check of the runs found her and her dry foal. This baby was less wobbly on its legs and I approached cautiously this was Suede's third foal but Rose and her filly were close behind me. Amalia, ever in her herd protection mode, stopped Rose from entering behind me. I made a mental note to put up the gates before they get dinner, so I can keep the other mares "safe" from the herd. I stared in awe of this foal as I pet Suede and let the tall leggy baby come up to me on its own. It did after seeing the other horses were not coming in and mom was relaxed with my presence. A quick peek revealed another Filly this one as black and shiny as a fine automobile with spots?! I slowly crouched down and studied this fine creature more closely with Suede nuzzling my shoulder. I found random spots from pinky tip size to thumb print size on her face, neck, shoulders, barrel, rump, but not below her knees and hocks combined with a perfect star and a sweet temperament. I have a feeling the other foals will be really something too. Suede's Black Filly.
I brought both mares up to the barns for a vet check for the foals. Settling them into the large stalls I went and checked the other pastured pregnant mares more closely. Edith, who is new to me this foaling season had the beginnings of a baglet. She would start getting closed in at night in the run-in stalls. From the mares pasture I headed to the Somali barn where Roama lives. I'm pretty sure she's pregnant but I'm not sure. From there to the Irish Cob barn to check on Caviar, my gut says she's not pregnant but she's under watch to be sure. To the Fjord mares next, Freedom was also not showing any signs. Then to the welsh barn to check on Boo, no signs there yet either. I am excited to see what these mares are hiding!