Kindergarten Begins for the New Arrivals

Just a few weeks after arriving at the farm Katje's foals began to attend 'Kindergarten' and I could not be more impressed with the three youngsters.   They each have different natures, with their own strengths, and it has been fun getting to know them and how they think.   Italics, pictured above, is a 'chip off the old block' when it comes to his nature.   He is kind and generous like his sire, and seems to take new things in stride. He has had his first 'shave,' and sporting a new bridle path, for which he did not flinch, he donned a saddle pad and surcingle for the first time and headed for the arena.  There he negotiated a wooden pole and got acquainted with the various letters and flower boxes.  Nothing seemed to surprise him.   I think he will be a lovely riding horse, calm and willing and not easily flustered.

Imari, (above) is the 'thinker' of the three.  Stronger in nature, she learns very quickly and likes to size up the situation.   She was the first to accept mane pulling, and is hence sporting the best 'hair-do' of the three.  She is intelligent and more competitive than her siblings, and the most sensitive of the three babies.   I think she has the qualities to be an exceptional broodmare as she is instinctive and already the dominant one of the group just days after arriving and has an incredible ability to find her place in a new herd quickly and easily.

Ishin Maru, here the longest, is completely at home and acts much older than her 7 months.   She is now confidently bathing, clipping and walking over obstacles in the arena as well as navigating the entire farm.   She remains the boldest of the babies, an 'old soul' who is equally at home with the adult broodmares or her young companions.    She has the temperament and constitution for any discipline.

Our leased mares and their amazing owners/managers have given us a unique opportunity to make the best matches for our boy's personal characteristics, and we are enjoying every minute with his offspring.  It's also a great learning experience as after 28 years of breeding we are on the receiving, not the shipping, end of the weaning process!   A humbling and  educational experience as it has been years since we raised foals not born on the farm.

Katje's Foals Arrive at Firemist Farm

Mid-October brought two new arrivals and lots of excitement to Firemist Farm.   Kaareltje's filly Imari arrived home to join sister Ishin Maru, and just five days later In Italics joined the herd.   Imari is a sensitive, intelligent filly who will be a huge asset to our breeding program.   Italics, a sweet, personable baby who reminds us in many ways of his father, was calm and collected when he stepped off the trailer.   He will be an amazing riding horse with his lovely movement and wonderful nature.

Imari (above) has joined sister Ishin in the field while Italics (pictured below with friend Amanda) enjoys his miniature companion Andromeda as he settles in and will then join his siblings and Jastriad in the pasture.   It's wonderful to have Katje's babies all home safe and sound.   We will spend the winter getting to know them as individuals and handling them daily.   It will be a very special winter, indeed!

Donarsagan Named High Score Mare and Elite Candidate at her AHS Inspection!

Donarsagan, now 3 years old and in foal to Rotspon for May of 2014 had her second 'field trip' today to her American Hanoverian Mare Inspection.   The compact Donarweiss daughter, out of Wrave by Wallstreet Kid,  scored an '8' for her walk, and the judges commented that they were pleased to see correctness and athleticism in the young mare.   We were thrilled at how laid back she was about trailering and how well-mannered she was throughout the day despite the rains.    Today's success bodes well not only for Sagan's future as a broodmare, but also as a competition horse.   Way to go, little lady!

Firemist Farm would also like to acknowledge Andi and Lori of A & L Transport, who have given us safe passage to our many exciting events this fall, and the confidence to enjoy our up and coming  young horses off the farm for the first time in many years.   Thank You also to Quinton Alston who showed Sagan so beautifully today.    They are proof that it 'takes a village.'

First Under Saddle Show for Windtanzer and Caelea

This has been a fall for 'firsts,' and this past Sunday we added another new experience to Tanzer and Caelea's growing list of adventures.   The two went to the Maryland Dressage Association Schooling Show Finals, and Caelea rode the young mare in the show ring for their second time ever off the farm.   There were a few wobbles as Tanzer saw the chain arena and judges trailer for the first time, but they were confident and cool together and finished with scores of 61 and 65% in the Intro division, taking two first place ribbons home as momentos.   Next the pair head  to their first hunter schooling show for more 'firsts' as they enter the competition arena with other strange horses for the first time in that discipline.   We are all having a blast with this lovely mare, whose movement was praised by the judge, and is adapting well to her new role as performance horse after three years as a broodmare.  Look out, Sagan - you have competition in the show ring!

Success at Dressage at Devon 2013

The iconic Dressage at Devon is always a wonderful opportunity forgrowth for  both the horses and humans of our farm. This year Caelea Gannon handled Windtanzer FM in the Mature Broodmare class as well as the Adult Amateur Handler class,  garnering ribbons in both arenas.   I was especially proud of Caelea's 3rd place win in the Handler class, which high-lighted her hard work and dedication to the sport.  Perhaps the best moments were actually outside the competitive arena, when Caelea mounted the green mare in the hectic warm-up area for her first ride off the farm.   It was a shining moment for both horse and rider. Congratulations Tanzer and Caelea!   Next on the schedule are some dressage and hunter schooling shows for the pair in October.

Video Of Ishin Maru - Four Months of Age

Video of Ishin Maru, Kaareltje's daughter out of La Donnarina by Donnerhall.  Ishin arrived at Firemist Farm a week ago two weeks after weaning.  Just four months old now,  she has been out with the adult mares and was introduced today to miniature mare Andromeda, the 'big girl' of the barn!   Ishin was filmed free in the field with Auntie Windtanzer and tiny Andi.   She is a springy and powerful mover and very athletic.

We also have begun her 'kindergarten' classes, and Ishin is a quick study, calm and eager to try new things.

We believe in early handling and in keeping it fun and easy.   Non-plussed by the saddle pad and surcingle, Ishin was filmed learning to walk and trot in hand towards and away from handler Caelea, to and from her buddies.   So far she has made short 'field trips' to the arena and around the house and garage, and has taken it all in stride despite arriving so recently to the farm.  We have high hopes that her personality as well as her movement predict future success in sport.  

Ishin Maru Comes Home!

Ishin arrived Thursday, just before the holiday weekend.  What a great holiday gift!    She walked off the trailer on  a hot, humid day just two weeks after weaning bone dry, and walked calmly into the stall liked she owned the farm.   The bold little filly went out for the night with Jastriad and began grazing.  She has since made the introductions to the adults mares and is out with the group.   Smart little girl.   Caelea has begun working with her in-hand and she is already trotting along like a pro.   Daddy's little girl!

Maryland State Fair - 1st Outing of the Year

Windtanzer attended the Maryland State Fair Hunter Breeders this year in preparation for Dressage at Devon in September.  The versatile young mare, bred for dressage but also successful in the hunter breed arena, has primarily been a broodmare for the last three year and travels very sporadically.   We were thrilled to see that she handled herself like a pro, and she and handler Caelea looked great together and enjoyed their first 'field trip' in over a year.

We had double the pleasure as Tanzer was also reunited with her son Sembegare at the show grounds, and we were able to see him reprise his role as first place 2 year old Half Welsh as a 3 year old.  Sembegare, pictured below, is definitely a 'chip off the old block.'  Owner Tony will be breaking him lightly this fall and we look forward to seeing him under saddle.

Ishin Maru and Imari Pose for the Camera

     We had a wonderful Field Trip today to Crosiadore Farm, where we got to see Ishin Maru (pictured above and left), now three months old, for the third time.   The powerful, bold  filly showed us some of her athleticism in the pasture, and couldn't have been more personable.  Ishin   has begun the weaning process, and appeared to be completely non-plussed by the change.   She has also nearly shed out her foal coat to show her true colors, literally, and we were thrilled to see that she is indeed a silver dapple palomino like her sire.
     Upon returning home we were greeted by an E-mail containing pictures of Imari (below), taken by the wonderful owners of Sullivan Farms Hanoverians.   This spectacular filly is incredibly refined and seems to get prettier by the day.   Dam owner Bettie says she is also sweet and personable, and is the 'total package.'  It won't be too long before the fillies and brother Italics make the journey home to Maryland.  We are counting the days!

Show Season 2013 Gets Under Way

We seldom travel due to the responsibilities of breeding and foaling, so it is a nice change of pace to be 'on the move' a bit this fall with the young adults mares.   The show season begins with the Maryland State Fair Hunter Breeders where Tanzer will be shown in the Non-Thoroughbred Division, followed by a trip to Dressage at Devon for the 7 year old who has primarily  been a broodmare for the past three years. Margaret Hawkins has done a wonderful job with the green mare, and we hope she will show her  under saddle for the first time at DAD.   Handler Caelea will show Tanzer in-hand again this year and the pair will continue to gain experience in the arena.   Tanzer is also scheduled to do the under saddle phase of her Mare Performance Test in October at the Hanoverian inspection in Leesburg, followed by Donarsagan who will be presented for her Mare Inspection.   Lots of road time for the 'home-bodies.'   Should be fun, and educational.    I am incredibly grateful for Andi and Lori of A&L Horse Transport who do such a wonderful job hauling, allowing my knuckles to get a break from that lovely white color they are usually sporting when trailers are involved!

Sagan Goes Under Saddle

3 year old Donarsagan began her under saddle training this week with 'Uncle Fred' Harrison.   Fred has an amazing knack for gently and calmly introducing the youngsters to under saddle work without fuss and always with a sense of humor.  Sagan, a quick learner who enjoys being engaged, was backed one day, and was walking and trotting under saddle in a matter of minutes the next day, and the two were all smiles at the end of their first ride together.   We reminded Fred that Sagan is early in foal, and joked that he is 'breaking for two.'  No worries - he promised not to charge us double!

Donarsagan in Foal to Rotspon

Our youngest homebred Hanvorian  mare Sagan has reached maturity and is now in foal to Rotspon for May, 2014!   This true black beauty is preparing to be backed in the fall, and is working lightly in hand and on a longe line in preparation for her riding debut.   The 'breed then break lightly' philosophy has served us well, allowing the mares to have a first foal while young and healthy - proving themselves as broodmares for the future, and keeping their work to a slow, safe pace as their bodies mature.   The combination of this DeNiro - Donnerhall - World Cup I line mare and the Rubinstein son (pictured below in Germany), known for his athleticism, temperament and ridability should be exceptional.   We are offering this special foal in utero, sure to be dark, stunning, and have a wonderful mind.

Ishin Maru Makes New Friends

The wonderful Farm Manager at Crossiadore Farm sent us this picture of our Katje daughter Ishin Maru (out of La Donnarina by Donnerhall) entertaining her new young friends.   Apparently everyone was amazed that the coming 2 month old was so calm around the youngsters with their sponges and hoses.  Looks like she is going to follow in the footsteps of her incredibly kind, sweet sire. From the pic I would say she is loving the attention of her young fans.    We are so thrilled to have this filly out of such a lovely, well-bred dam and amazing producer.    We can't wait to ship her home after weaning.

New Photos of Imari

Imari, the oldest of the three Katje foals born so far this year, is now two months old.  We are 'tickled palomino' with this lovely filly out of EM Wieta.   The Carrolls at Sullivan Farms sent these new photos of the birthday girl and 'big sister' to the stunning In Italics and Ishin Maru.  Mare owner Bettie calls this filly the 'blond bombshell.'   We couldn't agree more!

'In Italics' - New Photos

  

We have been receiving regular updates and lots of wonderful pictures from Revlon's owner of this very special Katje colt.  He is developing beautfilly, and we can't wait to meet him when he is weaned and takes the journey home from Michigan.  Here he is pictured at 5 and 6 weeks of age.  Italics is also shedding out 

to be a dark liver chesnut and with all that 'chrome' he will most certainly be an eye catcher in the arena.  

Ishin Maru at 5 Weeks

 

We had the opportunity to visit Ishin Maru this past week between breeding dates, and were thrilled to see how she has developed in the past month.   Now 5 weeks of age, this Kaareltje - Donnerhall - Pik Bube cross has great bone and movement, and an even more impressive nature.   She is a 'pocket pony' of the first order, not at all shy and very eager to engage 'her' people.  The breeding manager at Crosiadore Farm has done a wonderful job with her handling, and also credits her nature, saying she has been easy from the first day.   We can't wait to pay another visit to this special girl, pictured with Firemist Farm foal manager Caelea 'hanging out' on a warm spring day.  

 

 

 

...and Over the Brige We Go!

Caelea and I made the trip over the Bay Bridge (my first) to see Ishin Maru at her birth home with dam La Donnarina.   Ishin is adorable, friendly and fearless and already taking 'lap naps' with Caelea after just being introduced.  La Donnarina is a wonderful dam, attentive and kind and so gracious with our constant attentions to the week old foal.   We made sure she has plenty of 'neck and hiney scratches as we lavished attention on the baby.   I am enamored with the cross, and also want to extend our thanks to everyone at Crosiadore Farm who took the time to introduce us to the girls and their two stallions and made us feel so welcome.  It was a great day, one we hope to repeat when we get another chance to make the day trip to the shore.  

Imari, our 'Blond Bombshell' at 3 Weeks

Here are a few updated photos of Imari, now 3 weeks old.  She continues to take our breath away with the refined features of her lovely dam combined with the substantial foundation of her sire.  Truly a winning combination.   We are told she is easy to handle and has already had the mandatory foal 'hiney baths' and loves the attention.    With two healthy foals on the ground and two to go from our sweet, senior gentleman it's been an incredibly fun spring.  Next one due in 10 days.  Stay tuned...!

It's a Boy! Revlon Delivers a Healthy Colt

We had another blessed event late this Friday.   Revlon, a stunning Oldenburg mare owned by Markim Farms, delivered a healthy chestnut sabino colt, pictured at 3 days of age.    Revlon is a natural, and mother and baby are  doing well.   Mare owner Kim says the little boy is active and talkative, and has tons of chrome.   We decided on the name 'In Italics' (Talix for short) for this little fellow, as he is BOLD.   Not only do we have a lovely baby boy, but  this has been a wonderful experience from start to finish.  Kim (and her very patient husband) have become true friends, and we look forward to working with them in the future.     

First Foal of 2013 Arrives!

EM Wieta, so graciously leased by her amazing owners at Sullivan Farm's Hanoverians, gave us a precious gift late Easter Sunday.  'Imari' arrived on schedule, a lovely Hanoverian filly.  Reports are that she is healthy and sweet, and I can't wait to meet her in a few months!   The newborn is already up and running in the first photos.   Thanks go out to Dr. and Mrs. Carroll who have helped to make a dream come true.  We now have a living legacy from our sweet Kaareltje, and the ovaries and palomino color are icing on the cake!  Two more babies are due in April from Katje out of two spectacular mares.   It's like Christmas in the spring.   We are truly blessed.