When its time for mum to say goodbye....

The sad part about having thoroughbred babies is the fact that

a) they are going to grow up and more than likely go away; and

b) sometime in the near future after they have been born, they are going to be pried away from their mothers. Sometimes willingly on both parts, and some times most begrudgingly.

Hopefully Mother Nature plays a part in the process and makes the parting of mum and baby easy.

Our Nanna actually told us it was time for her to let Lily, her fily, go. So on Wednesday morning, Lily was put in the little stable and Nanna was led down the back.

Normally when this happens, both Mum and child are frantic without each other. However, I think Nanna knew that it was time and after being released, went down for a swim in the dam and a pick of grass. Lily on the other hand was a little whiney without mum to start off with. However, we brought Sweetie and Lenny up to be outside and Libby and Jakey were next door, so she had lots of company.

She settled down away from mum in a matter of days and was getting into the hay that we were giving her. There was a "little" pacing up and down going on down the back paddock from Nanna, but it was very half hearted and as soon as she saw her dinner bucket, it was soon forgotten all about it.

Lily who?

Today (Friday) Miss Lily, independent, girl about town, took her first steps out of the stable as a big girl. She wore a halter and had a little leading practice with Evan. Im very happy to say that she took it all in her stride and caught on very quickly. She must get the smarts from her mum i think.

While we had Sweetie and Lenny up in the front paddocks, we took the opportunity to spend a little time with Lenny who is really scared and timid. We put mum and Lenny in the crush and Evan got in with Lenny and let him get used to him. Needless to say that there is still plenty of work to be done there with Lenny before it will be his turn to be weaned.

It will be either Lenny or April who is next.... it all depends on how Vera is travelling in the next few weeks.

1 down 6 to go!

Miss Susieis due to strut her stuff on Sunday at the Sunshine Coast in a 1600m maiden. Hmm. Have real mixed thoughts about this. Watch this space!

Helsie