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.
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.
