Gelding Party

We sold JC to a family in SoCal and part of the contract was for him to be gelded.  As I only had JC in mind to geld this month, I contacted a fellow breeder and asked if she wanted to bring a boy over too.  She did.  So, a quick call to UCDavis’ Field Service with the vital info and we were  scheduled for March 19th.  As that was a day a farrier appointment was already schedule I knew it would be a busy one.

Gelding a mini is relatively quick - my son video taped it before (on our website –  http://www.wescofarms.com/GeldingVideo.html), the full length video from being knocked out to finished was about 9 minutes.  The pre-surgery check, placing a catheter, etc. of course adds to that time, but all in all it normally is a fairly quick event. 

Then you get the guys that just don’t want to cooperate!  JC was his usual calm self – the model patient for everything.  His half brother, Prince, on the other hand decide this was not what he was ready for!  He was already wound up from the trailer ride here, and spending a night at the boarding ranch where Jenn keeps a few minis, so coming here and all the commotion – well can we say little kid all hyped up!  Prince wasn’t up for any part of this, and had to be sedated (IM) to attempt to get a catheter in.  That was a whole ‘nother problem as his veins were either collapsing, hiding or very small – but basically being impossible to get the catheter in.  Fortunately we had some very patient vets and senior vet studets, led by Stephanie Bell, DVM., that finally got the catheter in and then it was the usual fairly quick procedure!!!

My daughter the old pro, was right there in attendance, while Jenn and I chatted – Jenn’s a bit needle phobic, and inserting an oversized hypodermic into a testicle was a bit much for her -not to mention the blood and cutting too!

Thankfully all went well and we now have two more – soon to be – happy geldings!  JC will be headed to San Juan Capistrano in mid-April and Prince (who is for sale) hopefully will find a great home looking for a driving gelding – he has the ability! 

First 2008 foal

Missy has started our 2008 foaling season off right.  She was due on March 22and went two days early delivering a gorgeous tovero pinto filly on March 20th at a bit before 2 a.m.

Missy a sorrel (overo bred) American Eagle daughter (Eagle is in Australia – I have a sister and his dam) was a trade worked out with a good friend, Penny Radulovich  (www.radulovichfarms.com).  I had Dena, an appy and no appy stallions.  Penny had Missy, a pinto bred mare and she breeds appys!  I also LOVE American Eagle, his sire and dam and the whole darn line while Penny owns Dena’s grandsire, Luke and had Luke’s sire, Tiny Tim up until he passed in 2006.  So it seemed like a great trade for both of us! 

Right now though – I think I’m ahead with the bonus baby! 

Missy was bred to Skylar (FMG Sklyar Blue) and between the two of them a big Wow on color!!

Foaling was textbook perfect – we did the usual check and foaling treatment (nolvason stump, dry off, check placenta, check sex, Foal Response, deworm mom, blanket and watch for nursing and meconoium to pass). 

Missy was given a warm mash with a bit of banamine for cramps and the mother/daughter were left alone to bond.  So far the foal’s first four days have been uneventful and relaxing -  we’ve just been enjoying watching her mature. 

Now to think of a name!

Hello 2008!

Okay so we’re almost three months late – what is that expression about good intentions . . . 

Well, I’ve been meaning to start a blog on keeping minis to add to our website – just the daily or weekly stuff that goes on here.  So, I guess it’s better late than not at all! 

I actually had a blog running about two years ago, but have lost track of the host and with multiple computer failures last year – lost all contact/passwords too!!!  Why backing up data is soooo soooo very important!!!

So this year is starting off well with the Minis (yes Minis as I do want them to be a BREED versus a height registry for small equines!) – we’ve had a few of the boys sell and it looks like great homes, had our first foal, a gelding party, numerous farrier visits, half the herd vaccinated, and started rebuilding/repairing –  fences, pens, gates and the foaling stall.  I’ll add more on the more important things as individual posts.

I guess we now have a start!!