HC Minis 2020 line-up...

[Chanda]

Turned Topper out with 4 mares today: Sophia, Misty, Tana and Bonny.   And, I think three might be in right now; cause they were squattin', winkin' and driving him nuts today.   

Refresher:
Topper - Bay son of Buckeroos TopCat, so he's a Buckeroo grandson.

1.  Sophia - grey mare, daughter of Lucky "C" Farms Robby with Blue Boy on her bottom side.   No testing, so I'm not sure what she is under the grey; but Robby is palomino.  I'd have to look up other info.
2.  Misty - silver dapple mare - dam to Junior who was sold as a two year old
3. Tana - silver bay dun mare with appy characteristics: dam to Monte and Spotty.  [Monte - grulla, Spotty - bay blanket appy.]
4. Bonny - double cream mare (not sure which double cream, but highly suspect smoky cream, so two cream on black base):  dam to Manny and Bliss.  [Manny - smoky silver black gelding, Bliss - silver buckskin filly]

I contemplated turning Bliss out too; but when I moved Topper into the adjoining pen so they could sniff and get to know one another a bit more before turn out, she was a total pain in the behind, so I decided not to risk it.  Topper's in with the mares, and Bliss is in the small mare pen.
And, Belle and Dolly are in Topper's usual pen, so they are out of the way.

[dcwolcott]

Sounds like an exciting spring for us all! 

COME ON TOPPER!!!

[Chanda]

Oh, forgot to include:
Bonny is a Buckeroo granddaughter.
Tana is a granddaughter of Hilltops Little Vegas.

[Chanda]

Ok, so now I'm not sure who is in heat; I saw 3 mares winking and squatting for him yesterday after I turned him out; but this morning he was servicing the fourth mare (which I think may be his favorite mare).

Guess I'll put the info here, as it'll be as accessible as my calendar.
Looks like Misty may be in heat today: July 30, 2019.

[dcwolcott]

Leave it to a horse to be confusing!

[Chanda]

I did pasture breeding for the 2016 foals; he caught 3 out of 4 mares (the third foal was redbag), so I know he can get the job done; but I don't know if I'll survive a month of this...  While not mean, he's being very persistent with the mare he's pursuing, and she's not thrilled with him; I'm pretty sure she's in heat, but probably not in standing heat quite yet.   I'll try to stick it out, and watch for any signs of too much aggression that could get someone hurt; this will likely be my last breeding season with all 4 of these mares, but one or two may be tried again in the future, depending on how well this goes.  [Likely only the one mare, depending on how things go.  I can't seem to let the foals go, so I really don't need to be doing much breeding anyway.]

[Ryan]

Well this is exciting 

[dcwolcott]

Isn't it, Ryan!  I can't wait to hear the results!

[Chanda]

Ok, I have to change something up...   I only feed hard feed in the morning, as they are getting a vit/min supplement in a carrier of pelleted feed; well, Topper hasn't eaten his "breakfast" the last two days.  I'm pretty sure it's anticipation of going out to grass with the girls (he's with them 24/7 right now, but on drylot at night, as my pasture area isn't secure from coyotes for night time grazing).   Not sure if I should change up his food or just the timing, and see about feeding him after they come in from grass; but everytime I change my routine, I forget something or someone.   
Any ideas?

[dcwolcott]

Sorry was away babysitting yesterday from Friday afternoon.

With all that you have going on the ranch and with the horses, I don't know how you keep track of everything without forgetting someone.  Do whatever works for you.  I'm sure the horses will be fine with your choices!

[Chanda]

I just changed his food a little and he's eating most of it.  Not sure if it's enough calories for breeding stallion, but nothing is if they won't eat it.   I switched him back to the senior for a carrier, it's higher fat (they don't get much, so straight switch isn't a big deal); dropped one supplement that's not a big deal and he seems to be eating again.

[dcwolcott]

Good news!

[Chanda]

Looks like both Misty and Sophia have now been in heat, I think Misty is probably out, but not sure, he still actively pursues Sophia.  Hope I see signs of him pursuing Bonny and Tana, so I can mark the date on the calendar (and maybe stop breeding earlier, if he's covered everyone).

[Chanda]

Looks like Bonny is coming in, as that's his interest this morning.

[Holly]

This is going to be an exciting year!!