MFS Studfarm Blog

Caroline gives an insight into what goes on in her daily life, sharing the highs and lows of running a successful Studfarm.

Well its been a while since I updated my blog, so apologies to our readers.

Since my last post we have been busy re-fencing all the fields and putting in new drains. I have to give full credit of the fencing to my husband, Gordon and my in-laws, Nan and John, who worked tirelessly to get all the fields foal secure for the forthcoming season. The fields are now looking in tip top condition and we will get the manure on shortly ready for the foals going out and mares coming to the Stud.

Towards the end of March saw us with three foals born, all three weeks earlier than their estimated date of delivery and two days apart. We had horrendous weather over the period of them all being born, with Scotland hit badly with heavy wet snow. This led to us without power for two days and the last of our foals born by lantern on the 31st March!!

I have to say that I am thrilled with the Don Aqui foals born. We had two colts born, one out of our Sam R x Renville mare "Zarai de Haar" and the second out of our Ster Emilion x Damiro B mare "Willisa Rosa". Both foals were born fast and on their feet in record time. Donnie has given them his zest for life and willingness to perform, not to mention outstanding athletic ability. Both are very independant for such a young age, refined and ideal for the modern sports horse. I could definately see both of them in the showjumping or eventing field!

The strange thing is that as Don Aqui has Donnerhall bloodlines people automatically assume that he is dressage bred, but Donnerhall's bloodlines actually originate through jumping lines. Don Aqui is producing showjumping and eventing horses more than just your typical dressage horses, and after seeing these foals I would have to agree that Don Aqui is definately suited for producing the before mentioned type of horses, he gives blood to his foals, with power and athletisism, and I would definately be pushing him more into this direction.

Our third foal born is by the Oldenburg dressage stallion "Spielberg" and he is a true modern dressage foal, with long lines, legs that go on forever, active hocks and forearms with excellent use of the shoulder. He has not disappointed us at all. He is out of our Sir Sinclair x Ferro mare that also produced the Champion Foal at the 2007 Scottish Sportshorse Gradings, and is now in Ireland as a future stallion prospect.

We are also getting busy for the breeding season. The lab is now up and running again, Anja, our dummy mare is back out of winter hibernation, and Don Aqui is raring to go.

We are now on foal watch again for the next mares due which could be any day now.

Lucy is growing and getting too confident for her own good. I think she thinks that the horses do not mind her going into the arena with them, although they have other ideas.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend the British Breeders Awards Dinner. This was due to really bad weather and the fact we were knee deep in snow, so we were naturally disappointed that we were not able to attend.

Friends Lynne and Cath were then to attend and receive the award on our behalf, but sadly weather hampered Lynne, and poor Cath ended up slipping on ice and having to make a hospital attendance instead (thankfully she was ok). So, our friend, Jamie of Equine Reproduction stepped in for us.

We are most grateful to Jamie for accepting the award on our behalf, and as you will see from the picture below, he does an excellent job, and is looking very smart.

By all accounts the evening was a great success and everyone had a very good time. Congratulations to everyone who won an award. It was a great evening and success for British Breeding.