The last time we talked, I told you all that I hoped there would be a new baby foal for us and that you all would have a happy Easter.  Well, I don’t know about you but that wish definitely worked for us!

Of course, I slept through Lynn’s call as I had not moved my phone off silent yet as Lynn was convinced that she had a few more days until TeeDee would have her first baby.  Lynn had a busy veterinarian day and was fighting insomnia as she dimly watched tv. She heard a yell that could only come from a delivering momma and raced out to find not only had TeeDee delivered but the that the baby had never even hit the ground.  Apparently she landed on her feet and took off from there.  There was not a  speck of dirt on the baby as Lynn inspected her.

Instead, the foal was already trotting and cantering around the pasture.  TeeDee was experiencing that “I am a brand new mom and have no idea what to do” panic.  Momma was racing around whinnying and trying to absorb that this little (okay-not that little) object had just emerged from her uterus.

By the time Lauren and I got about six hours later, things had calmed down.  Baby was napping and momma was on the watch for those nasty gelding interlopers that kept looking at her baby over the fence. She was typically protective for a first time mom but not overly mean.  Lauren and I helped Lynn get the first baby exam done.  Names were flying around on Facebook commemorating the Easter nature of her birth.  I did not expect Lynn to go with a “Bunny”, “Lily” or “Hoppy”.

Lauren did her first baby holding as Lynn took vitals, ran the IgG, weighed and measured the leggy, big shouldered filly.  I entertained TeeDee while the baby got some more time being imprinted by Lynn.

The foal was a shade over 9 hands and about 105 pounds.  She is solid brown with no white on her, an exact duplicate of her momma.  Flagmount’s grey may well be hidden under the brown coat although I don’t see the tell-tale grey around her eyes.  She was quite the little charmer, yawning, smiling and primping for the camera.  She has an interesting swirl on her forehead that one of my friends described as looking like a Cinnabon.  I remember reading about one Grand Prix rider that only buys horses for the Grand Prix that have at least two swirls on their forehead.  This little should be super jumper with her giant swirl.

Look at that swirl and those shoulders!

I swear she was smiling at us!

My Easter day was untraditional as I played with the baby and did chores at home.  I ran over to Ally’s long enough to drop off some Easter baskets and pick up a “to-go” Easter dinner.

Tuesday was get the new dog from the airport day.  I headed to Bush Intercontinental Airport to pick up a dog from Kentucky.  Lady, a seven year old, AKC Grand Champion was coming to live out her years with my family.  It is unclear at this point if she will stay with Lauren and I or head to Denver to be with Amber’s family.  Amber had taken a quiz to find the best dog for her and the answer was…an American Foxhound.  Sort of a giant Beagle with a calmer approach to life.

Out of the crate at the airport, Lady’s nose worked overtime to categorize all the new smells.

Although it took two hours to get home in rush hour traffic, Lady just curled up and slept.  She must have smelled funny, though, as all my dogs were growling at the newcomer including my Kona.  But quickly, everyone settled into the pack like no change had been made.  Lady has never been around kids, per se, so part of this time in Texas is to see if she is sweet and kind.

Lady and Kendyll made quick friends and happily enjoyed their first day

I have had some apprehension with Lady, like would she see a squirrel and take off to never come back, but she has come when called, respected the fenceline well.  I don’t know if this will be a Colorado or Texas dog, but she is a really special “Lady” and I am glad my friends from Kentucky trusted us with their girl.

Bigger than I anticipated, Lady is taller than the poodles or the Doberman.

Clearly settling in well, she and her Doberman sister are happy campers!

Happy spring and thanks for riding along!