Well, the foal should come beginning to middle of July (breeding date was 7/25). This was our second breeding attempt, which accounts for the delay, but it’s not really a big deal with WBs, because they aren’t generally under saddle much before 3-4 years old. It’s not like TB race horses where they want to get them on the track as big as possible for two year old racing. (And then on to slaughter when they break down from being raced too young and too often).
StG
Only Jockey Club registered thoroughbreds have an “official” birthdate of Jan 1. It doesn’t matter when most foals are born.
ETA: Horse gestation is 11 months, actually (it sounds like you’re calculating at 13 months)
Congratulations 
The few barracks with stables the Spanish army still has are called “cuarteles de sementales”, “stallions barracks”; I know the one in my hometown would still offer “coverings” (are they called that in English?) about ten years ago, but no idea whether they still do or it’s all turkey basters now.
People take the fun out of everything these days.
Be sure to set up a Mare Stare camera so we can follow along on the big day!
Hooray! This is going to be so much fun. And I’m glad to hear about Daisy and Peanut, too. I thought I’d said that earlier but I guess not.
We totally need a foaling camera!
WOOHOO! I know you have been waiting for the chance to breed a quality mare for a long time. Did you ever get her papers from the seller? Which registry will you use for the foal? Can’t wait for updates as she progresses, and we should totally have a foal shower!
Avarie - I did get her papers, both from the Trakehner registry and the Oldenburg registry. I don’t know what I’ll do as far as the baby is concerned - that’s almost like jinxing it. It doesn’t matter too much to me because I’m not planning on selling the foal, but it’s better for the horse, just in case something happens to me and he has to be rehomed.
As for the foaling camera, that’s probably a little out of my means. Who knows, maybe as it gets closer I’ll decide to take her to someplace that does foalings, for my own peace of mind. Although I really want to be there.
StG
If you are entering the horse in shows, AHSA/USEF (and, I think, Quarter Horse, too) rules specify an official birthdate for classifying the horse. That affects everyone who enters recognized shows.
AFAIK, you don’t need a fancy camera … just a webcam that can transmit to your computer. I’m sure they could tell you all about it on marestare.com.
Congratulations, from a semi-lurker! I’ve been hoping to see a Straight Dope foal from her ever since you got her. If you do use MareStare I’ll definitely be watching.
Update, please!
If you do think you might ever want to breed again (or breed for sale), you should check out this ad on Dreamhorse: Ad Not Found - DreamHorse.com
Same sire as Totilas; stud fee of $300 (!); free breedings to pre-approved Trakhener mares!
Avarie - I’m sorry I missed your post. Last update is a December ultrasound showing everything is going fine. My mare has now had more prenatal care than more women in the world. She’s now almost 8 months along.
I’m not planning to rebreed, because I don’t know what I’d do with another baby, and don’t want to sell an animal. But, wow, that’s a beautiful stud!
StG
I’ve been thinking about Nakota. Glad to hear she’s having a unexciting pregnancy!
Merneith - Some time in March I’ll have the vet out to do Spring shots and we’ll see what she says then. I’m trying to decide whether I want to send her someplace experienced in foaling. It’s nerve-wracking to think of her being here and something going wrong before the vet could get here.
StG
What does it take for a horse to be considered white, then?
Sez wikipedia:
“…the most noticeable difference between a gray horse whose hair coat is completely white and a white horse is skin color: most gray horses have black skin and dark eyes, white horses have light, unpigmented skin. The gray gene does not affect skin or eye color, so grays typically have dark skin and eyes, as opposed to the unpigmented pink skin of true white horses.”
Oh, and thanks for the update, StGermain, I hope everything continues smoothly!
So… how is everything going? Are Peanut & Daisy still in love? Have you decided if Nakota’s gona deliver at home or at another stable? MareStare or not?