Pregers!

Well I just got word that Abby is in foal! *hopping up and down in my chair and squealing (again)*

For those of you who don't know, Abby is an adorable little reining and cutting bred mare that I bought in early January 2008. Late last year, after 12 full months of reining training I decided (or rather my bank account determined) that it was time to bring her home but I just wasn't ready to use her as a reiner or in the position to raise a foal a foal out of her...so... after much thought I decided to offer her to the wonderful people at McBrides Quarter Horses on a breeding lease. This would allow Abby to be bred in her six year old year (and foal in her seven)...which would give her (and my chequebook) a breather after a hard year of training, give me another year and half of lessons (hypothetically...I haven't been taking lessons), and lastly, as I do plan on keeping her long term as a riding horse then a broodmare, it gets the whole "maiden mare" business out of the way at an optimal age. It killed five birds with one stone! So off she went...

Marcy McBride has been absolutely awesome to deal with, she's put up with my constant e-mailing, has sent me pictures and updates all along the way and she even (conveniently) purchased a new stallion that I think will cross on Abby even better than Chex Nu Jewel (though he would have crossed beautifully on her as well). I am just tickled pink that Abby is confirmed pregnant.....even though I don't get to keep the foal.... either way, all of her produce is important to her long term viability as a broodmare and I am proud of the quality of this mares breeding, conformation and most importantly, her stellar temperament. She didn't catch the first time (she got stuck in heat and refused to come out) but took on the second go...so that is great!

Now I just have to cross my fingers that she has a normal, healthy pregnancy, foals out safely and has a beautiful healthy foal!