We have a new foal!

Vamp · #1 03-22-2009, 09:12 PM

A few months back, I went to an auction with my boss, where I found 'Pirate' an approximately 9-year-old mare, who was a terrible case of neglect. We bought her, and I've been taking care of her since. She'd been gaining weight more rapidly than is generally healthy for a horse (they're very easy to make sick with dietary changes) so we had a vet come out and she was pronounced pregnant. My boss was not pleased, but I was.

Well last night, Pirate had her baby. We were hoping for colour (the horse term for a painted or spotted horse) and we really got it with Gratis (I named him... geddit?

). He appears to be gloriously healthy, curious, and strong. He's gonna be a blast to work with.

Obligatory photo! More to come.

reallystupidstuff · #2 03-22-2009, 09:44 PM

If you are not allowed to keep it, you could send him here. I have a small 2 bedroom apartment for him to run around in and a parking space to let him sleep/poop in. I would ride him to college every day.

Vamp · #3 03-22-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reallystupidstuff

If you are not allowed to keep it, you could send him here. I have a small 2 bedroom apartment for him to run around in and a parking space to let him sleep/poop in. I would ride him to college every day.

I think he'd be very happy in your apartment, sir. But college tends to frown on parked horses on the quad.

xilikeeggs0 · #4 03-23-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

A few months back, I went to an auction with my boss, where I found 'Pirate' an approximately 9-year-old mare, who was a terrible case of neglect. We bought her, and I've been taking care of her since. She'd been gaining weight more rapidly than is generally healthy for a horse (they're very easy to make sick with dietary changes) so we had a vet come out and she was pronounced pregnant. My boss was not pleased, but I was.

Well last night, Pirate had her baby. We were hoping for colour (the horse term for a painted or spotted horse) and we really got it with Gratis (I named him... geddit?

). He appears to be gloriously healthy, curious, and strong. He's gonna be a blast to work with.

Obligatory photo! More to come.

Perch/paint cross? It looks like the dad might have had some Clyde in him too.

Vamp · #5 03-23-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xilikeeggs0

Perch/paint cross? It looks like the dad might have had some Clyde in him too.

That's exactly what we were thinking. Gratis' facial structure is like a perfect cross between a QH and a Clyde. You can't really see the Quarter in the photo, but he's got the little tuliped ears and the eyes, too. It'll all depend on how he grows, though.

whimsi · #6 03-24-2009, 12:26 AM

ooooomg, did you give it a huge ass hug <3

How cute D:

xilikeeggs0 · #7 03-24-2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

That's exactly what we were thinking. Gratis' facial structure is like a perfect cross between a QH and a Clyde. You can't really see the Quarter in the photo, but he's got the little tuliped ears and the eyes, too. It'll all depend on how he grows, though.

Do you know what the mom is? She looks like some sort of draft, and it looks like her tail's docked, but it might just be her big belly from carrying the baby and the angle of the camera.

Vamp · #8 03-24-2009, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whimsi

ooooomg, did you give it a huge ass hug <3

How cute D:

I did! We like to imprint our foals, which means we get cuddly and close to them as soon as they've bonded to their dam (mother), so they bond to humans as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xilikeeggs0

Do you know what the mom is? She looks like some sort of draft, and it looks like her tail's docked, but it might just be her big belly from carrying the baby and the angle of the camera.

She's definitely drafty, my guess would be Percheron. She's 16.3, so not TOO big, but the head on her is definitely Perch. She may have something else in there, too, though. She's a bit too broad to be full. Possibly Belgian, she's got the same docile, careful, maternal personality of ever Belgian I've worked with. I'll see if I can get further photos of her.

Also, the slight spotting on her withers is from the sun, it's not her natural colour. When we got her she was almost black save her bay points.

xilikeeggs0 · #9 03-24-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

She's definitely drafty, my guess would be Percheron. She's 16.3, so not TOO big, but the head on her is definitely Perch. She may have something else in there, too, though. She's a bit too broad to be full. Possibly Belgian, she's got the same docile, careful, maternal personality of ever Belgian I've worked with. I'll see if I can get further photos of her.

Also, the slight spotting on her withers is from the sun, it's not her natural colour. When we got her she was almost black save her bay points.

She could be a percheron/morgan cross. I could see that. Belgians crossed with other draft breeds are usually ugly as fuck.

I demand more pics!

Vamp · #10 03-24-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xilikeeggs0

She could be a percheron/morgan cross. I could see that. Belgians crossed with other draft breeds are usually ugly as fuck.

I demand more pics!

Hmm. I could see it, but Morgans aren't very common around here. I'll have to get a facial profile of her going on and try to really figure it out.

More photos coming when I get back to work. My two-week vacation's almost over.

xilikeeggs0 · #11 03-29-2009, 02:34 PM

Moar pics!

Vamp · #12 03-30-2009, 06:59 PM

Update - Pirate isn't lactating and Gratis hasn't taken to our sub-dam. He's being bottle fed for now but it's not looking too good.

xilikeeggs0 · #13 03-31-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

Update - Pirate isn't lactating and Gratis hasn't taken to our sub-dam. He's being bottle fed for now but it's not looking too good.

I hope everything works out.

xxombie · #14 03-31-2009, 07:39 PM

[quick thread hijack, sorry ladies but since you're both in here I though I'd ask real quick]
I wanna take horseback riding lessons (basic, nothing special or fancy or competitive, I just wanna ride a horse) but I don't wanna get ripped off. How much am I looking at for cheap ass basic beginners lessons?

Vamp · #15 03-31-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxombie

[quick thread hijack, sorry ladies but since you're both in here I though I'd ask real quick]
I wanna take horseback riding lessons (basic, nothing special or fancy or competitive, I just wanna ride a horse) but I don't wanna get ripped off. How much am I looking at for cheap ass basic beginners lessons?

It really depends on where you're living and what kind of riding.

English, probably $30-$35, but don't pay more than $40.
Western would be less. My beginner's western lessons are $20, and I live in freakin' Palm Beach County.

(I think I remember you being in Canada but if I'm wrong I can convert the currencies for you.

)

Tinted Glass · #16 03-31-2009, 11:04 PM

Gorgeous! Absolutely.
Lucky.

Vamp · #17 03-31-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinted Glass

Gorgeous! Absolutely.
Lucky.

Thanks

He's not doing so great right now, though. Vet check first thing in the morning. Poor baby.

xxombie · #18 04-01-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

It really depends on where you're living and what kind of riding.

English, probably $30-$35, but don't pay more than $40.
Western would be less. My beginner's western lessons are $20, and I live in freakin' Palm Beach County.

(I think I remember you being in Canada but if I'm wrong I can convert the currencies for you.

)

Holy jesus, per lesson?
Thanks, that gives me a good idea.

Lovely horses by the way, I love the freckly ginger one.

Vamp · #19 04-01-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxombie

Holy jesus, per lesson?
Thanks, that gives me a good idea.

Lovely horses by the way, I love the freckly ginger one.

Thanks doll.

And yeah, that's per lesson. But like I said, it really depends on where you live. If you find them cheaper, and at a safe stables, good on you.

Good luck!

Tinted Glass · #20 04-01-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

Thanks

He's not doing so great right now, though. Vet check first thing in the morning. Poor baby.

Aww

.

Keep me updated, nothing touches my heart like sickly babies.

Im such a softy.

Vamp · #21 04-01-2009, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinted Glass

Aww

.

Keep me updated, nothing touches my heart like sickly babies.

Im such a softy.

I definitely will. I'll post an update in the morning after his vet check.

xilikeeggs0 · #22 04-01-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vamp

It really depends on where you're living and what kind of riding.

English, probably $30-$35, but don't pay more than $40.
Western would be less. My beginner's western lessons are $20, and I live in freakin' Palm Beach County.

(I think I remember you being in Canada but if I'm wrong I can convert the currencies for you.

)

What she said. But most big barns will let you work in exchange for lessons. So if you want to spend time with horses in addition to just riding them, see if they have a 'working student' program. At the place I used to ride at, it was 5 hours of work for 1 free lesson, which averaged out to $5 an hour at the time, but lesson prices are like $45 an hour now I think. It's also a great way to get hands-on horse experience.

The plaace where I keep my horse charges $35 an hour for a private roping lesson. It's a roping ranch, so that's all they do. However, the manager/trainer guy is really cool and is giving my boyfriend free lessons because he (the manager) is really busy and can't do actual lessons, so my boyfriend meets with him for like 15-20 minutes about once every 2 weeks.

Oh, and you can also maybe get to ride for free if you find somebody who wants you to show their horse for them. I did that for a little while, and it was pretty cool. Basically, they (or their trainer) give you free lessons and pay for you to go to shows and ride their horse. Obviously, you have to be good, but they have all kinds of classes, and you could start out just doing walk-trot or even halter classes.

xxombie · #23 04-01-2009, 11:02 PM

Thanks you guys, big help. I've found a place near by and will start in May hopefully. I'm definitely going to ask them about working for some extra lessons.

**Yggdrasil** · #24 04-01-2009, 11:07 PM

in b4 jackketch hates on ginger horse

Just kidding. Lovely horse!

Vamp · #25 04-02-2009, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxombie

Thanks you guys, big help. I've found a place near by and will start in May hopefully. I'm definitely going to ask them about working for some extra lessons.

Oooh, looks like a nice place. Best luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yggdrasil

in b4 jackketch hates on ginger horse

Just kidding. Lovely horse!

Thanks.

--UPDATE--

Pirate is completely dry and Gratis still won't take to a surrogate. He's in-clinic right now on IV fluids, but if we can't figure something out soon the boss is going to have him put down. All fingers crossed and good thoughts his way, please.

xilikeeggs0 · #26 04-02-2009, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxombie

Thanks you guys, big help. I've found a place near by and will start in May hopefully. I'm definitely going to ask them about working for some extra lessons.

Let us know how it works out.

xilikeeggs0 · #27 04-06-2009, 03:37 PM

Is he ok?

slm33d · #28 04-06-2009, 11:25 PM

shame you cant keephim vamp he looks awesome.

Rodrat · #29 04-08-2009, 08:39 AM

this reminds me of the threads i used to make on totse

one of my horses had a a lil philly the other day
of course my horses are miniature horses so its like 14 pounds lol

xilikeeggs0 · #30 04-08-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodrat

this reminds me of the threads i used to make on totse

one of my horses had a a lil philly the other day
of course my horses are miniature horses so its like 14 pounds lol

Pics?

Rodrat · #31 04-08-2009, 05:13 PM

yeah i guess i could for old times sake

ill just make a new thread in here

Irukanji · #32 04-08-2009, 05:20 PM

Mother must be close to death

Must've had something wrong with it before, and the baby sucked the life out of her...

But just bottle feed it until he starts eating solids? You could always give it away when it get's older if you want to.

Tinted Glass · #33 04-08-2009, 05:23 PM

I don't know if Vamp wants me to tell you guys, but I'm guessing its too hard on her to come in and explain it. The foal had to be put down because he just wouldn't eat. No matter what they did.