Time flies!

Beauty's baby, Breezy, is now two weeks old! She's happy, healthy, and growing - and those are good things.

Beauty and Breezy go out in the round pen regularly now and Breezy loves to canter along behind her mom. Her legs are so long that she still looks awkward when she canters, but she can really move. Jasper often helps herd Breezy into the round pen (and back to the stall at night) so she doesn't wander too far.

Breezy's full name is Call Me a Dreamer. The "Call Me" comes from her sire, Call Me Starmaker, and "Dreamer" comes from Beauty's full name, Beautiful Dreamer. Since she doesn't have any spots, we can't register her with the International Spotted Horse registry. If mom finds the money to have Beauty DNA tested to see if she's part or all Newfoundland Pony, we may be able to eventually register Breezy as a part Newfoundland. Time will tell - and Breezy may darken up to be a liver chestnut bay or roan out and develop a lovely lacy pattern.

Classy is having a great month. Delilah came into season last Sunday, so we turned Classy and Delilah out in the riding ring so that he could breed her when she was ready. We saw two successful breedings on Sunday, and Delilah was receptive to Classy's attentions until Wednesday.

Another mare, Allie, is here to be bred by Classy, too. Spot gets to tease her every day to see if she's ready to be pasture bred in the riding ring. She's interested in Spot, but not ready yet.

In June, we'll breed Hey You to Classy and then Lori plans to bring Little Girl to breed to Classy in July. Lucky Classy!

Natasha attended a Hunter Clinic at Rosewood Stables and did quite well. It was the first time that we'd taken Coconut off property and he was super! Here's a video of one of her jumping rounds:

Natasha cleaned all her tack, bathed Coconut, and put on her show clothes for the clinic. Don't they look handsome together?

Lots of news today

Cedar (D'Heir to Dream) has been adopted by Fiona H. of Green Glen Farm Inc. and leaves tomorrow (Tuesday).

Nikki (Maack's Nikki) has been adopted by Melanie G. and will leave sometime this week.

Soul has a new sponsor: Michael Milligan of Milligan Iron Works sponsored Soul for him mom's birthday. Thank you, Michael!

Spot is now a registered International Spotted Pony in the International Spotted Horse Registry. His registered name is Spot My Dream. His stud fee has increased accordingly - see his listing in the sidebar.

Charlie the Yorkie has a new home with Mom's neighbour's parents. They'll pick him up on Thursday so he can be a companion for their minature dachshund. He'll be eating Urban Wolf food and living the high life with a lovely retired couple who take their dogs everywhere.

We're up to 5 chicks now. The hens are still brooding a few eggs, so we may have more in a couple of days.




Birth announcement!

Born to SR Silver Dewdrops (Dewey) of Pine Ridge Ranch and Call Me Starmaker (deceased June 4, 2008), a gorgeous colt foal who will roan out to a full leopard Appaloosa as he grows. He's only a few hours old in this picture, but isn't he beautiful?



Congratulations, Joanne!

Still no foal for Beauty, but it should be soon as she was bred before Dewey!

Monday posts - wrapping up the weekend

On Saturday, Mom went to the Oxford Downs Pony Club Used Tack Sale at Rooney's Feed and Seed in South Gower. She picked up a nice 64" winter blanket that will do for S'Heir or perhaps Spook this winter, some pink gaming reins and a matching curb chain, a few bits, and a battered (but cheap and still usable) leather halter.

The weather was dark, dreary and wet. Natasha was disappointed - she wanted to ride. Chores seemed to take a long time, as did putting on rain sheets.

As it was Natasha's birthday, she got to pick what to have for dinner. She chose Mom's spaghetti and garlic bread - perfect food for a cold, damp day.

Dessert was birthday cake: a white, green and purple cake!

As you can see in the photos, Natasha was pleased. There was a purple swirl on the inside. Green and white chocolate ponies decorated the edge and a few more decorated the top. Green and purple are Natasha's favorite colours.

Natasha says THANK YOU!!! for all the lovely presents. She really appreciates your thoughtfulness!

On Sunday, we went to look at a possible house for Mom near Embrun. Lori came to see it, too, arriving just as we finished up looking at the barn. We headed home for lunch and Lori came back after her tour to visit for a bit.

Despite the forecast, Sunday turned out to be sunny and warm (14C - about 60F). We'd already postponed the Halloween Fun Day based on the forecast (it was supposed to be the same dreary weather as Saturday), so we introduced Mom to Squish.

Alexandria and the rest of the Clarke family came out to visit Levi and help out with the chores. Thank you!

Otis was busy stuffing himself with hay - he's settled right in and seems pretty happy here. There's lots of food, so life is good.

Jasper is seven months old now. He's still growing - just look how big his feet are! At least his tail doesn't drag on the ground anymore.

The chicks are starting to look like chickens now. Momma hen still rounds them all up at the slightest threat (Tink got too close - she was curious). It's amazing how different the chicks are - it's quite obvious that they're not all from the same parents.

The chickens like their new coop. You can see the ramp to the door at the edge of the last picture. They'll be snug and warm this winter - the coop is fully insulated. Jasper likes to help round up the chickens at night when it's time for them to go inside.

Natasha is glad she wears her helmet every time she rides. Dash spooked when something big and brown moved in the bush (the resident moose, perhaps?) when she was on her trail ride. Natasha came off - and Dash's hoof clipped her helmet. She's okay - a bit bruised from the fall - and her helmet did its job and protected her head. She needs a new helmet (always replace your helmet after a fall - helmets can be bought, but no one sells replacement heads), but that's a small price to pay to be safe. Dash is okay, too.

This afternoon, Natasha and I went down to Saddle Ridge Stable to see Delilah. She's progressing well and Reuben and Karina really like her. On our way back, we saw one of Star's (Call Me Starmaker) babies - a pretty little filly. Unfortunately, the camera batteries died, so I can't post a photo. She sure looks like her daddy - what a cutie! I can't wait to see Beauty's foal in the spring.