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!