foals

Ponies!

18 Jul posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

Last week I got a chance to go out and see my mares and their babies.

In typical *dragon form, my mare, Sonora (Nora) took herself and her colt, The Fridge, away from the rest of the herd. She doesn’t come by her nickname, The Dragon, for no reason. It’s more about how she looks when she backs her ears- think The Dragon from Shrek, and you’ve a great idea exactly who she looks like when she makes that face. Though she’s all bark, no bite and is really just anti-social when she’s got a colt on her side- she’s got a great disposition, really. But before she got too far away from us, I managed to snap a couple photos.

I also got to see Dolce and Lily Filly:

And unlike her mama, Nora, Dolce let our intern Kara rub on her. In fact, a lot of the mares did!

And yes, Kara has a cast. Let’s just don’t talk about how that happened, mkay?

And that’s your Monday morning goodie from your favorite South Dakota Cowgirl.

Have a super day!

Happy Trails!

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Filed Under: foals, horses, pictures

Hope’s Promise

24 Jun posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

A couple years ago we were given a beautiful paint horse (who of course, isn’t painted). Hope was orphaned at 18 hours old and was raised by some good friends of ours, and started by Zach about 6 years ago. The folks who raised her gave her to us when they got too busy to keep her, because she’s always been Zach’s horse. We had her about a year and decided we’d make her Kelsey’s horse, and so Hope became Kelsey’s girl. Last year she bred this mare to our stud, WDX Banjobreeze Baby and this past weekend on the the morning of branding, Hope gifted the world with Promise, a pretty, sorrel filly, whose facial markings, match almost exactly, to those of Kelsey’s other horse, a half-brother to Promise, Pommel (Banjo is also his dad). Hope has her own personality as you’ll see in the photos below.

To make this story even sweeter, the folks that gave Hope to us, were staying here, with us, for branding, so they were able to witness the birth. I’ll spare you those photos.

Nora and Fridge had to come say ‘hi’!

Ty wanted to rub on her!

Pretty, pretty girl!

Those legs just don’t want to work yet!

Meantime, mama needs some coffee. Having a baby is hard work. It’s time for a recharge.

Lovin’ her new horse!

What is not to love about this shot?

Time for some Yoga. It’s good for the soul! A little downward dog, anyone?

Ok, now I’m stretched and ready to love on my baby!

Hi mama!

The Fridge was interested in the action:

She’s sucking on Kelsey’s fingers:

And that is the story of Hope’s Promise.

Happy Trails, and Happy Friday!

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Filed Under: #Agchat, foals, horses, pictures

Number 72

3 Jun posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

In case you have been in a hole this week, my pretty, gray mare, Streakin Iron, or Sonora (Nora) as she is known, had her baby! It’s a baby that was due May 23, but wasn’t born until May 31. I must say, I am beyond excited about him. He is by our stud, WDX Nukem which means he’ll be gentle, trainable and friendly. That’s a trifecta if you ask me! And for those of you wondering, he has a 50% chance of turning gray.

This colt has been affectionately dubbed: Frigidaire, or The Fridge. Hence, the title of this blog. Those of you that are old enough to remember Refrigerator Perry, will recall that he was Number 72. I believe I may register him as Number 72, and just refer to him as The Fridge. Zach decided that would be a good name, because just a few hours before he was born, we had a new refrigerator delivered, and of course My Cowboy just thinks he’s funny calling him that. I give him points for creativity.

And now because everyone so patiently waited for photos, here they are, with a couple of my dirty papillon, Higgins, thrown in just for good measure!

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Filed Under: #Agchat, foals, horses, ranching

Another Babeeeeeeeeyyyyy!

1 Jun posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

I don’t have photos yet, but I promise to get some today! My pretty gray mare finally had her baby! He was due May 23 but was born at about 9:50pm last night, May 31. He is by our stud, WDX Nukem and he looks just like him!

Here’s some video!

Another naming contest might be in order…And if I don’t hold a naming contest, I’ll hold one of some sort, just because I can!

Happy Tuesday Trails!

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Filed Under: #Agchat, foals, horses

Meet Rival!

4 May posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

After thinking, talking and more talking, I’ve decided “Rival” is the perfect name for my new little guy! I love the thoughts it conjures in my head, and I love the thought of him being good competition. He’s certainly friendly enough to be a “friendly” rival too! So thanks to you, Raquel, at “Horses and Heels” for that suggestion! Be sure to use the contact me button above and shoot me an email with your info!

He is so sweet, and adorable, and lovable, and everything a baby should be!

Thanks to everyone who entered! I got some great suggestions for the other colts that I have yet to name this year!

Happy Trails!

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Filed Under: contests, foals

It’s a Baby and a Contest!

29 Apr posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

It’s that most glorious time of the year!
Time for babies and green grass,
Wild onions and wild flowers
Blue skies and dry ground!

I said, babies, right? It’s Spring! Glorious, wonderful, super fun, Spring!

I knew that my mare, Shuttle was getting close, but she really surprised me yesterday morning, because when I headed to the corrals at about 10am, sure enough, she was laying down and something didn’t look “normal”. So I headed over to see her and low and behold, she was having a baby!

Here’s some video of his first few breaths! Don’t watch this if birth grosses you out. I have some video of him being half-way out- but you’ll have to request that one, because I don’t want to chase away readers!

And of course, I have photos! I have a few of him at only moments old, and I may show those later if y’all ask for them. Some people are birth averse.

Gettin’ in a good stretch!

I wonder if these things work?

They might work. I think they might!

I think I can! I think I can!

They totally work!

Uh oh! Don’t fall, kid!

Sunshine and a mama’s love. Does it get better?

Here’s a 6 minute video of him standing for the first time here- he’s about 25 minutes old!

Now, here’s what I’m gonna do- we’re going to have a naming contest! Fun, right? You’ll have today, and all weekend, as well as Monday- until noon- to come up with a name for a bay colt with about 5 white hairs in his forehead. So far on the list are Baxter and Benson. If I choose your name, you’ll get a 5×7 photo of your choice from my gallery. I can even give you a 5×7 of the baby if you want! Be sure to leave your name suggestion(s) in the comments section below.

Happy Trails and Happy Friday!

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Filed Under: foals, horses

Lily Filly

4 Apr posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

We finally had our first nice day since I returned from Texas. Friday there were blue skies and although it was ridiculously windy it was still a pretty day.

I figured I’d make good on my promise to photograph Lily so y’all could share in her adorableness. I also discovered last week that there is another *accidental* filly out in one of the big pastures. *Note to self- the fillies and colts can no longer spend their coming two year old winter together. Who would have thunk it, eh?

Anyway, without further ado:

Her mama is sooooo pretty!

And she totally has her Grand-dam’s ears:

Lil Banjo- Their partner:

She’s certain she should eat!

Cuteness!

She’s moving like a reiner!

She’s practicing being a crazy teenager already!

Heya Higgins!

Lil Banjo, are you my friend?

I just want to hug her!

Why does she have to be so cute?

Hi Mom!

About this time, I began to call her mama in for supper. Lily was less than pleased with this idea, as she thought certain it was time for her to nurse. Dolce was having none of it, but the baby was sure telling us that she wasn’t down with this idea. Look at her ears. She’s practicing to be the mini-dragon number #3. *We call her Grand-dam, Dragon as a nickname, because when she backs her ears she looks just like the dragon from Shrek! And Dolce, she’s the Gecko. I know. Why name them and then call them something else? It’s just the way we roll around here!

She is just really telling Dolce about her displeasure with this idea! This makes me laugh!

Maybe if I go in front and around to the other side she’ll stop for me!

I’m sure since the photos ended here, y’all think that Lily won. Rest assured, she did not.

I’ll be back later today to announce a contest. In the meantime, I wish y’all Happy Trails!

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Filed Under: foals, horses, ranching

Surprise!

26 Mar posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

I’m finally back from Texas, and I must admit, I was a bad blogger while I was there. But we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming – beginning tonight. Yes, my Saturday night involves blogging. What can I say, it’s snowing outside. Again. So much for spring!

But to get to the point of this post, while I was gone to Texas, in fact, two days after I left for Texas, this little cutie showed up in the barn:

For those wondering about her breeding- this darling baby was an accident! Her mom is the first foal I ever raised- Dolce. And she’s not even three years old yet. She’s still doesn’t have a name, but there’s a few in the running! I promise to take some good pictures this week. That is, assuming the weather clears up! I knew that her mama was gonna foal, by about last October; and before I left I knew she was getting close so I moved her to the barn. I carefully watched her but there came a point when I knew she’d wait until I left. Oh well!

Happy Trails!

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Filed Under: foals, horses

A Red Dun Filly

17 Jun posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

Here’s another cute baby that I just had to share!

It’s this mare’s first foal and I think she’s just adorable. She’s sired by our stallion, WDX Nukem, out of our mare, DX Mystic Chic. You can click on the picture to see a larger photograph.

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Here’s hoping everyone has a great Thursday! I know I will. It’s branding weekend here on the ranch, which means LOTS of riding to move pairs, fence building, pink ear tags to be numbered, and my dad, mom and little sister are on their way to the ranch!

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Filed Under: foals, horses, ranching

More Mares and Babies!

15 Jun posted by ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~

Chances are very good I’m moving pairs or am horseback while y’all read this. It’s time for our annual branding here in on the ranch (it’s Saturday), so while we’re busy getting ready, there’s going to be a LOT of babies showcased here this week!

Here’s a pretty dun filly by our stud, WDX Nukem, out of Kelsey’s bay mare, DX Karmell Delite.