It's a Girl!

Alley had a filly at 1:30 am on April 21, 2012!  She was four days early.  When I checked her at 11 pm I didn't think she would foal...no sign of wax, her muscle tone hadn't changed, she was acting normal and the "milk" was clear and not very sticky.  Luckily I'm a light sleeper and heard a noise on the baby monitor that I had set up in the barn.  When I glanced at the computer (web cam) I saw her laying down - having contractions. 
Foaling went without any problems.  Alley did have some slight tearing, so we'll monitor that.  Our vet didn't want to stitch her during the wellness exam - suggested we wait a few days and see if it heals on it's own.  Right now there are no plans to breed her.
The filly is bay with a half moon star.  Her IgG levels were very good when we checked them 12 hours after foaling.  We did have to give her an enema, but that is normal for many foals.
She's already had the halter on and is "leading" to the turnout area and back to the barn.  We started that at two days old - she's too independent to make the trip without guidance.

New foal expected

Alley is expecting a new foal around April 25, 2012. The sire is Radical Rodder. We'll have a web cam up and will be streaming through Marestare again this year. I'll post the link as soon as it's activated. Alley is owned by Cathy Hanson and Sandy Arledge.

We have a World Champion!

Sheza Especial Gold and Don won the Junior Trail Class at the 2011 American Buckskin Registry Association's World show for the second year! Sheza also won Reserve World in open Western Riding; she was the only junior horse in the western riding class.
We've had Sheza since she was 18 months old - after buying her at the Heritage Place fall race-bred sale.
Don's ready to concentrate on Shawnee (a 3-year old by Zips Chocolate Chip), that we bought at the AQHA World sale last fall. So Sheza will be sold at the Reichert sale on September 9.
I hate to see her go, but in order to make money with horses, you need to sell them.
Here's the link to the sale video Reichert will be running when the sale book is available:
http://youtu.be/sOQxpOgNSts

Americas Horse Daily article

Eleanor was interviewed for an article about achieving a healthy coat. The article came out today http://americashorsedaily.com/good-eats-glossy-sheen-part-1/

I've got two great books that need to go: Win With Bob Avila...retails for $39.95, you pay $5 plus $4.95 shipping. This book is a "mentoring" book in which Bob explains how he feels about horses, training, facilities and handling clients. Barrel Racing, training the Wright way....retails for $45, you pay $5 plus $4.95 (if I can ship that way...or $10.95) This book is fantastic...starts with the breeding of barrel horses and goes through everything from training to hauling to competing to fixing common problems...even discusses "ground conditions." Both books are new and in perfect condition. Send me an e-mail saying which book you want...first to order gets the books, we'll work out credit card payment later. donblazer@horsecoursesonline.com

Learn how to make a sculpture of your horse

If you really love your horse, you can create a life-like image of your partner that will last a lifetime, and you’ll save $50 doing it, plus get college credit!

Deanna Cummins, artist and horse lover herself, will guide you every step of the way as you capture in clay the unique image of your equine friend. Sculpt Your Horse is our newest course, and featured this month.

Six lessons show you how to use sculpting materials and tools, how to get photos which capture the essence of your horse, how to create the composition you want and finally how sculpt in clay the details and expressions which make your horse, your horse.

Complete course description and outline can be reviewed http://www.horsecoursesonline.com/index/index_sculpt_description.html Sign up in March and save $50…and you can use the course as an elective whether you are earning a degree or professional certification.

Cummins, a graduate of Breyer State University with a degree in Equine Studies, developed the course exclusively for online presentation. She uses graphic arts and video demonstrations to help you master the techniques of sculpting, and she works one-on-one by e-mail with you to assure you get assistance every step of the way. You do not need specialized art, drawing or sculpting skills; Cummins breaks down each step, making it easy and fun to be a successful artist.

Tools and materials are available at most art supply stores, or can be ordered in a special “sculpting kit” from www.worldofequinesculpture.com , a Cummins website at which you can see galleries of her work.

You will send photos and videos for critique as you progress through the steps of sculpting your horse.

Is Your Horse Fat?

If you have a fat horse you should be concerned with Cushing's disease, equine metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Click here to read more about fat horses and the related health problems.