Ficus at one year

Ficus (Mintse x Wierd x Tsjerk) recently turned 1 year old. He is a pretty thing and full of rambunctiousness and energy. With his breeding he will likely be quite a powerful mover, especially in the trot. Presently he is a typical yearling – a little off balance and gawky. A pretty thing though. I cannot believe how he is the spitting image of his mom.

Here is a video from last week with him out in the pasture with Hiltje (no relation). She got tried of him quickly so we later put Ficus back out with the 2 year old stud Beau. They spend all day picking on each other.

Foaling season and we lose our mare Oeke

Our 5 year old ster mare Oeke was due with her first foal on April 24. On April 9 I got a call from my sister and brother in law (my sister owns Oeke) to say that she had the baby early, during the day and Oeke was not getting up. The emergency vet was called and we managed to get Oeke and her foal, a colt, to Virginia Tech Equine Hospital. Unfortunately, Oeke had suffered a prolapsed rectum and bowel and the vets could not save her. So, at about 11pm Oeke was euthanized.

We are still working with the foal, who is not only an orphan needing a surrogate mom now to nurse him, but is also suffering from some ill effects of not initially nursing.

It has been a tough ime for our family. Losing a horse is always difficult, but losing a mare in foalbirth just seems to be the epitome of tragic.

Cori is due with her baby May 13. Wish us luck.

I published some photos recently of Oeke. One set was Oeke in training at age 3. The other is Oeke when she was at her keuring.

2007 Keuring – Morristown TN [Updated with Oeke Video Link]

*** UPDATE 28-Sept: Here is Oeke’s Keur Video!***

We had a great day today. Wikke, the 3 month old baby, was named a 2nd premie. He was adorable and moved very well – just needs more lengthening in his walk. If they had had baby awards for “most beautiful”, “sweetest”, and “most personality”, I think he would have won all those! Sara, his owner, was really proud of him and so was I. Click here for a video of little Wikke’s keur.

The big news of the day was that Carole’s filly Oeke was 2nd premie star and champion mare!! She was absolutely wonderful. There was only one star mare there (Oeke) and one star gelding and that was it for the adults. It was a tough day for the adults, so that made Oeke’s achievement even more special. We were so happy that Walter and Gryt Bruinsma flew in from Friesland to see Oeke, a product of the wonderful breeding program the Bruinsmas have. We missed Ock, who so sadly died two weeks ago, and it was sweet to see Oeke joyfully carry the crown after the sadness of Ock’s passing. Good job Oeke!

Wiebe, Oeke’s trainer, and Richard, who Wiebe has as a runner and employee this summer, also came to see Oeke go. They were immensely helpful in getting her ready and taking her through her paces. We are very grateful to Dragstra Stables. They are tops – as trainers and as people.

I need to process Oeke’s video. Also, I’ll try to get a photo gallery up as soon as we get the pictures back from the photographer. I’ll update this entry as soon as I can.