Sadly the scan proved what we thought, Pearl isn’t pregnant. She was horsing around Greg, our little gelding, diagnosed with cryptorchidism. He thinks he is a stallion because of a birth defect where his second testicle embedded in his chest wall and is now producing testosterone. Normally… if Pearl can see him, he is too close… so we had inkling things were amiss.

Not sure where we go from here. The costs of sending her back to Bundaberg requires transport and agistment fees all over again and the worry of “will it be successful” after so much effort. Finding out where we stand in this instance is something we hadn’t explored; can we take her back next season? Does using another stallion this season that is closer and does AI, cancel the “live foal” guarantee of the Bundaberg breeder?? Heaps of questions to explore and more learning to be done.

On a more positive note we are hoping a new mare will soon be joining our herd, negotiations are underway with various parties, so keep tuned for the announcement soon! Also looking to finance a truck and trailer set up to lug these beauties around the place so if we get the nod from the bank, we’ll update with that news as well. It’s exciting to think we’ll be able to move ourselves when needed instead of trying to fit in with transporters and their schedules…. that’s if they go where you need to be.

We’ve dried out with no rain this past week, so paddocks are coping better with the horse traffic. Timing was great as the farrier, vet, property valuer and chook collector were all visitors on Friday so no mud to hamper activitees. Rebel was fantastic for his first farrier experience, giving us the look “what did you expect me to do” as he smugly remained in place, once released from his halter, for his reward scratch. Rebel was 3 months old last Tuesday and growing up so quickly. We’ve had him micro chipped as well for his future registration.

Pearl is in tip top condition and due to cycle again in a week so we’ll need to keep tabs on her so that we can time her next service when/where ever that might be. She too was given a booster whist enclosed in the crush, little Rebel was not so impressed with the needle having already been shaved and punctured with the chip.. but we all managed to get over it. The blood running down his neck was so bright and looked worse than it actually was. The Vet told us it was normal (basically a nice way of saying “get a grip”). More learning – what are we going to be like should there be a serious injury?? Dale will probably feint.. ha ha

Mowing is this weekend’s agenda must do… so better get back out there before it gets too hot.