PapSett - I got in touch with the vet yesterday, and because he’d really only done pre-natal care, he couldn’t vouch for her soundness. So he’s going to do a regular presale vet check before the sale is confirmed. I’ve asked the seller to set a good time for both of them, and I’ll try to be there, too.
As far as breeding - I’ve had animals my whole life. 48 years. Presently I have 5 dogs, 4 cats and the horses. And I’ve never had a baby born to one of my animals. They’ve all been spayed and neutered and gelded at the first opportunity. The only exception was my old mare, and that didn’t end well, but not because of the breeding. In all my life, I’ve never sold or given away an animal. Once it’s mine, it’s mine forever. If I decide I want a baby from this mare, I’ll do it with no guilty feelings.
Sorry if I went off half cocked, its just that anytime I see someone saying “look how much MONEY you can make breeding” giant red warning flags of ignorance start waving… I don’t know whether to laugh or cry… breeding is a money losing proposition on a small scale and, again, just about the most expensive way to get a quality riding horse… and St Germain, sadly, is all too aware of the risks.
Hello Again - That’s okay. It’s a legitimate concern. My thought when I’m thinking of breeding is more like "I don’t really need a portentially top-class horse. It’ll likely never be used to it’s full potential. I just love the powerful stride, smooth gaits and lovable nature. So do I breed my next generation of riding horse, which will be like taking a Maserati to Wal-Mart for milk?
The vet check is scheduled for Thursday at 4:00. I’m going to take off work early to be there. As long as everything checks out okay, she’s going to be delivered on Saturday. YAY!
Ah… if I’m dreaming, I have found myself in a position where I could actually KEEP a horse again, and have stumbled across a baroque style Friesian gelding who has fallen on hard times. I rescue him, rehab him and he becomes my forever <3 horse. That is my equine dream.
Nakota passed her vet check with flying colors. The vet said her gait tracks very correctly, and she has great range of motion in all her joints. Her teeth are in good shape, she has a good bite and doesn’t need floating (it’s been a year since her last dental and she’s fine). She’s in heat now, so apparently the reproductive juices are still flowing. She’s going to be delivered on Saturday morning, in time for my farrier to trim her feet.
WHOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! What great news… Honest to God, I went to sleep last night thinking about you and Nokota! Congratulations! And yes… add me to the ‘more pictures please’ camp!
She’s here! She got here just before the farrier. When the trailer pulled up. the woman untied her and let the ramp down and she calmly and quietly backed put and stood there. The seller left and I was standing with he in my yard letting her graze when the farrier came. We trimmed her first, and the farrier said she had wonderful feet, very hard, no cracks. She stood like a champ for the trim. The geldings, in the meantime, were waiting their turn in the dog pen. They were very curious! When she was done I tied her to a fencepost while the others were trimmed, then turned her out to her small paddock before turning out the boys. She started working on the bale of hay I’d put down for her and they stood at the fence trying to get her attention.
She’s very calm and sweet and I think she’s going to fit in just fine. Pics to come later - I want her to have today just to settle in.
Sounds like she’s been around and is unfazed by new stuff – sensible girl! Also like she’s had excellent ground manners put on her, always a huge plus. You done good.
Have the boys put on any studly airs for her? Will there be a fierce rivalry for her love?
Good exercise, you know.