Beau’s First Day
Today at 5:30 am, Hiltje had her foal by the stallion Wander 352. Hiltje is a wonderful broodmare. She is 14 years old and this is her 7th foal (one died in foalbirth, one was kicked as a baby and had to be put down, and she has 5 living children ranging from 8 years down to this newborn). This is Hiltje’s 3rd foal by the stallion Wander 352.
This fellow is named Beaucephalus, but we shall call him “Beau”. Beau is a wonderful old southern name and when I hear it I think of sunshine on the pastures, a gentle breeze blowing in the trees, and the smell of fresh cut hay. These are symbols, to me, of the Virginia of my childhood. Peace and happiness. Calm.
Like the Virginia countryside and our other Wander babies, Beau is calm and sweet and soothing. He likes people and enjoys being petted. He trusts us. If he is anything like his two full sisters, Cori and Jantsje, he will be easy to train and he will try with all his heart to do what you ask of him, even if he is not particularly suited to the job. He will be what the Friesian farmers call “an honest horse”. Whoever buys him will have a friend and partner until the day he dies.
Beau will likely be very tall, with a modern physique. Although his baby hair is a brownish gray, by the time his adult coat comes in he will be soot black, like his momma. He’ll have a long wavy mane and good feathers on his legs. He will be more suitable as a riding/dressage horse than a carriage horse, though he will pull with the best of them. When the other horses have given up and stopped for the day, Beau will be there happily working for his rider/driver and striving to do his best. At least, that is what his sisters before him have done.
So, little fella, grow strong and tall and listen to your momma. She’s da best! Drink your milk and stretch your legs. Halter training starts soon.
Once Beau is weaned at about 6 months of age, he will be available for sale to an approved home. If you are interested, contact us.
In the meantime, here is a glimpse of Beau on his first day.
