Final Fantasy

I think I have decided on Maude and Reilly's baby's name. Maude's registered name is 'Fantasy' and this foal is Reilly's last so it seems 'Final Fantasy' pretty much fits the bill. I think I have decided on Enya as a paddock name. Enya is Celtic for 'Little Fire' and she's a raging redhead so it seems to fit too.

She's doing brilliantly and Maude is being the protective mother as per usual, racing her around the paddock if I so much as look at them sideways. I have managed to have a few cuddles tho and found all her lovely scratchy places.

Reilly demonstrated his superb temperament again this morning when I caught him with his mane and led him to the hosepipe and cooled and cleaned his wounds. He just stood quietly and let me do what I had to do - pretty sure he knew it was for his own good. He's such a lovely horse and I am so incredibly lucky to have him.

Below photos taken when Enya was aged around 15 hours.

'Ello thar

Break fast

Nom nom

Mum taught me how to go fassssst!

Reilly's Swansong

Yesterday was a big day here at Talisman Farm. The final stage of 'the great bedroom makeover' was completed (will dedicate a separate blog entry to that), Hooty was inseminated with Coalman's Touch semen and I had my beautiful young stallion, TF Life O'Reilly gelded.

Reilly's gelding was pretty tough for me but after much soul searching I made the decision based on my desire for him to have the best life possible and I know that he will have a fantastic life as a gelding. He has sired four beautiful foals and, as two of his foals are daughters, the bloodline may very well continue through them so, it's all good really. He was the consumate gentleman for the vet, even with Maude over the fence talking to him. Stood stock still for his injections and dropped with an incredible amount of dignity which was very sweet. Had a moment three quarters of the way through where he suddenly upped and rolled over, startling us all and prompting me to dissolve into tears, but it was just a wee blip and the vet was able to finish without further incident. I was a bit shaky tho!

And, quite fittingly, this morning at 2.45am Reilly's last foal, full sister to Aine, was born. She was shouting at us as she came out and trying to get up even before her back legs were out. She is a big, strong, feisty girl. Maude had a great delivery, foaled with no assistance and passed the placenta just after 3am. This morning at 7am baby was drinking, pooping and running (albeit spider wobbly) around her paddock. Now she just needs to tell me her name.

Can U C me?

Hi!

Wibble Wobble

Mum 'n Babe

Greys R Us

Took my camera up the road today and ventured into the paddock with Hamish, Libby and Alii to try and take a few photos. They're having a ball in all the spring grass and just loving hanging out. Libby, being the little minx that she is to catch, rarks Alii up something awful so everyone was running around a bit. Alii has made herself a wallow in the paddock and seems to enjoy covering herself and anyone else who gets close enough, with mud!

The babies are doing well - growing nicely and getting used to being handled. The Gingernut now has a paddock name of Zazu although I have to admit, I am just calling him Zed coz it is easier!

Hooty is due for a re-scan tomorrow first thing as she only presented us with a teeny tiny 18mm follicle so, finger's crossed all goes well for her insemination this week.

Ata pulls a face

Awww, pretty boy

Ata

Ata on the go

Zed taking a stroll

Orangeness

Photogenic boy

Giraffe legs

More orangeness

Princess Libby stuffs her face

Libby and Alii

Hamish trit trot

My beautiful boy

Sexy beasty

Running free

Wallow girl!