I hopped on here first thing this morning because I was sure there would be an update with new foal pictures!
Hope she doesn’t make you wait much longer!
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Poor Miss Sunny is really trying to hold that baby in. Went to visit this morning and the manager said she tiptoes around her stall at night, refuses to lay down, and will cross her legs and just sway 
I think the poor thing is so confused about what her body is doing so she’s fighting it hard. Was able to get her out of the stall for a brief hand walk outside, so hopefully the movement and fresh air will help her move things along!
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Awww…! Poor girl! I just mentioned to DH the other night I wondered what goes through the minds of first-time animal moms. They very well may be confused & scared, I guess. You’ve got folks who can take care of you, Sunny! It’ll be ok!
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At this point I am so grateful I sent her to a facility to foal. I had a feeling she might be a bit difficult, and I can’t imagine trying to deal with this on my own. Very glad she’s under 24/7 watch and under the care of people who have foaled out a lot more mares (and especially maidens) than me! I’m hoping that once she has the baby her maternal instincts will kick in and we don’t have any problems with her accepting her foal.
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Breeding, not foaling, update here.
Both Arielle and Sydney got checked and cultured today. Sydney had a CH, indicating that she probably ovulated yesterday, so she is definitely past the transitional period and ready to go. Unlike last year, she had minimal fluid; hopefully that means her Caslick’s has done its job the past several months. Arielle had a CL; presumably, that means she is also already cycling for the year, assuming it hasn’t managed to hang on since the fall. Our tentative plan is to sync both of them for breeding the week of April 18th. Cross all your fingers and toes! After last year, I could really use a seamless season this year.
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Also, my 2022 filly, FC Adalida Mac V, got feeeze branded today.
If you’re an Arabian person, you understand the history and weight of this brand. I have dreamed for decades of owning a horse who carried it. The idea that I’d breed one never crossed my mind! I’ve been a nervous wreck all week, but it went as easily as you could ever hope.
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I’m definitely not an Arabian horse person, but that is a beautiful brand!
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Can you explain the significance to us non-Arab peeps? Ya know, while we wait for Sunny to give up her cargo?
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That’s the Varian Arabians brand, I believe.
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Sure! The V brand represents the Varian Arabians breeding program. Sheila Varian was a pioneer and legend in our breed. She was perhaps most famous for this moment, when her mare Ronteza made such a big move in a class at the Cow Palace that she fell momentarily but jumped up, continued, and won the class (against Quarter Horses) anyway.
Historically, the brand was worn only by horses bred by/at Varian. However, in the last few years, the current manager at Varian has begun allowing outside breeders to also use the brand, provided the horse is by or out of a Varian horse.
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Ok, that is awesome! You are totally allowed a few bragging rights. Congratulations!
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It finally happened! Sunny delivered a HUGE bay colt Friday night just after 11 pm. Mom and baby are currently doing really well. Decided to call him Phoenix 
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Congratulations! It looks like she’s being an attentive mother.
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She absolutely loves her baby. Is a little bit of a helicopter mom, but I’m sure that will decrease with time. But she’s definitely obsessed with him and wants to keep him right in front of her at all times right now.
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Congrats! He’s beautiful!
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Congratulations! What a big, beautiful colt!
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Congratulations! What a handsome foal. Do you think he will stay bay or go grey?
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Are the stall “drapes” to make her feel more at ease; e.g., privacy?
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He just had his vet checkup and passed with flying colors. Everything looks good and IgG was over 1900.
I think he will likely stay bay. Stallion owner thought he looked dark but I’m not seeing any signs he will grey out.
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Yes, there are foaling stalls with other mares next to her, so they like to offer privacy, especially for the maidens.
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