Running Horses

Annie enjoys the outside with her mom, Lucy, at five weeks of age. Though the melting snow has caused massive mud, Annie doesn't seem to mind, and appears to enjoy the air and atmosphere. Shortly after this photo was snapped the foal blanket was removed from Annie and she was not happy -- it had become her security blanket and removal included squirming, kicking and bucking, just like a real child. The weather warmed enough and Annie has grown enough not to need artificial heat sources anymore. Annie is becoming a big girl now.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Annie Video -- 17 Day Old Filly

Baby horse lovers have enjoyed watching Annie grow during the past seventeen days as everything is new and fresh to her. This short 57 second video clip shows how Annie has started growing taller and longer as her back end emerges from her once over sized newborn Weatherbeeta Foal Blanket. Annie shares grain with her mother, actually swallowing it, and shows interest in being a movie star, a dream shared by many girls longing for stardom. Annie's beautiful refined head and long eyelashes are the makings for Annie's future stardom in years to come.

Chicagoland temperatures will rise to the low 50's today so if all goes as planned, this will be Annie's first day out of her safe stall and into the big world, always with her mom by her side calling the shots. To ensure Annie's safety, the other horses will be secured so as to not bother her or cause Lucy distress on this big day. All of Annie's antics will be captured in video to share with you, dear readers, who have commented how much you enjoy watching Annie grow. Here's another one for you.
Video attribution: Law School Boy

Baby Quarter Horse - 2 Weeks

Annie, the two week old American Quarter Horse, continues to grow at a rapid speed. Born three weeks early on February 13, Annie is a beautiful filly who seems to be maturing rapidly. She not only chews both hay and grain but actually swallows both -- an outstanding feat for such a young filly. She is alert and responds well to the human voice, jumping, running, kicking both front and back legs, and then screeching to a halt in front of the on-looker as if to say "look at what I can do now!" Wearing a Weatherbeeta Newborn Blanket since she was two days old, Annie is warm even when Chicago temperatures drop into the teens.

Lucy, Annie's mother, nurtures her baby with regular kisses, nudges and cuddles. When her elder son, the yearling colt named Curly sticks his head in the stall to view his mom and new sister, Lucy is less then cordial and quickly chases him away. One day Curly refused to leave and stood frozen watching his replacement snuggle with his mom. A quick back hoof to the stall wall startled Curly and the message was clear, you're a big boy now so move on. After all, there is a new kid on the block who needs her full attention, and Curly can take care of himself only too well. But that's another story for another day.

Note: The gift baskets were delivered to the neighbors who participated in the horse round-up and they were pleased with their Harry and David Towers of Treats. Sammy remains in the pasture but has acquired new stallion prowess and has begun to bite. Me. No wait -- that was Curly who bit me, Sammy bit the electrician. Such unacceptable actions will need to change soon or these boys will lose their manhood.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank