To us, a filly is born...

This time last week both Evan and I knew that something was afoot with Pip (Epiphany). She was restless, didnt want to come out and pick, couldnt get comfortable with her huge belly and she was running 14 days late.

I did the 'watch' until 1am and she was pretty quiet and acting normally in her yard, however, when Evan took over (which coincided with the Liverpool game on the tv), he said that he could tell that something was happening with her - she was pacing, and generally quite aggrivated.

At 3am Evan comes into our bedroom and says... "Do you want to come and watch your mare have her foal?"

I knew that that was the end of sleep for that night.

To say that I was nervous and anxious was an undertstatement as I wasnt sure just what the past 11 months and her leg injury had done to her baby.

You have to admire the older girls who have done it a few times before, they know the drill and how to move the little one along to being born.

When I saw her filly I couldnt believe my eyes ... not only was she a filly but she had the longest legs we had ever seen and getting her up and negotiating them was quite a task.

Both Evan and I are proud to introduce to all our readers of our blog "Pixie".

What a gal! We are blessed.

Ok Nottie, you're up next kid!

Miss Pixie, Pip and Evan - photo taken today

A few hours old

Woo Hoo Jimbo

Wee Jimmy (Private Agenda / Sweet Air) continues to do us proud after running 3rd at Gordonvale over 1350m. Drawn in the barrier closest to the car park, Jimmy sat 3 wide the whole trip. The word from the stable is that Jimmy is continuing to understand and get what he is supposed to do on the racetrack.

Word is that he is master of what to do in his stable - eat and dont lift your head out of the bowl until its all licked clean!!!

Many thanks to our photographer on the day, Jane Koch!

Well done the boy.

:)

Diary of a Broodmare ... Cont.

Hoof Date: Saturday 12th September, 2009

Boy, you're going to carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you're going to carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time

I never give you my pillow
I only send you my invitation
And in the middle of the celebrations
I break down

Boy, you're going to carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you're going to carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time

(Lennon / McCartney)

Do I need to say anymore? The milk's coming in ... I got this stomach to manage. Can I have some hay? AAArgh..............

Good Golly Miss Molly!

Talk about a sweet child! Miss Molly and her mum, Dirty are doing great guns and we're very pleased with how Miss Molly is coming along. Mum wont let her out of her sight for very long at all - except when she is eating! LOL

Diary of a Broodmare

HOOF DATE: 5th September, 2009.


Finally I get to use the computer - buggar Twitter: I have more to say that 160 keystokes.

It rained last night - I rolled and rolled until I was covered in the most glorious mud pack - needless to say the missus wasnt very amused this morning when she came to spy on my leg and could hardly find my eyes for the mud. In fact she was so insensed that she got a bucket of water (should I mention that it was cold?) and a cloth and washed my face. Is nothing sacred? It took me hours to complete the mud-pack look?

Then we went through the motions of her wanting to wash my leg (for something completely different) - I didnt want to move and stood my ground (some people call me stubborn but I dont know what they're talking about!) because Dirty was going to be let out of the stable with that darling little foal (*sigh*) and I didnt want to miss a minute of that - so I stood still and after I had seen darling little Molly I gave in and I let her lead me over to the side and jet my leg.

With my belly as big as it is, whats the use of fighting wth her?

So we go through the motions as she hoses my leg, sings to me songs from the 70s and 80s (which if the truth be known, I dont really mind - but I wouldnt tell her I just act indifferent) and then I get fed some hay.

*Sigh* One of the positives of being pregnant is the abundancy of hay. Gossy says that one of us needs to keep being pregnant so this continues. I know that she went off the other day to Publishing ... she wont tell me what happened or if she's .... you know.

The missus says I will be back to see the handsome hunk Conatus this year if I go ok. She says "Its up to you Miss Pip, we'll see how you go".

*Sigh* I can feel bubs moving .. not long to go now. Isnt it time to be fed?

Welcome to the World!

GOOD GOLLY, IT'S MISS MOLLY!

Wednesday night - both Evan and I were walking zombies after commencing foal watch. Evan had gone to bed at 7pm and I was doing my normal "shift" until 1am.

Dirty girl (Dirtiere) had started waxing up the day before and there had been some milk present Wednesday am so we knew that she was close. I was checking her every half an hour and at around 10pm Dirty went into labour. I have to say that Dirty's foaling-down was text book and even though she was a maiden, she took to it like a professional and got down to the business of delivering her first foal.

One of the things that fascinates me about nature is watching a mare deliver a foal, especially a maiden, and the look of unexpected horror when they see this "thing" sitting there after delivery.

One of the things that absolutely gets me every time is the beauty of mother nature at work as maiden mum gets to know this "thing" that she has delivered.

I have to say that it took Dirty an hour or so to come to terms with Molly. Once Molly was up and suckling, the penny dropped and Dirty knew what her job was and ever since she has been the best mother - very protective and very loving towards her new charge.

Well done Dirty, you are doing a great job for a first time mum!

Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday Evan

May Your Day be Filled With Lots of Crownies

And Lots of Winners

Lots of Love from Helen and all the Massie Lodge Critters

(both Canine and Equine)

xxxxoooo

STOP THE PRESSES!!! WEE JIMMY BREAKS HIS MAIDEN.... STOP THE PRESSES...

Massie Lodge favourite son, Jimmy (aka Private James) finally won his maiden today (1400M)at Ingham on Ingham Cup Day! In a dead heat for first, wee Jimmy jumped with the group and came up on the inside of the leader and it was neck and neck all the way to the finish line.

Lots of congratulations to our other syndicate members - and to wee Jimmy - what a boy!!

Jimmy and Max (Circuit City) who lived most of their baby lives together are now out their doing a fantastic job.

You know, I think the secret ingredient to a successful horse is simple. Love.

Go Max Go!

I walked in the front door yesterday at lunchtime (one of the few perks working close to home) to hear from Evan that Max (pictured above with his mate, Jimmy) had run 3rd at Eagle Farm over 1800m. WooHoo Max !!!

I remember the night that he was born. And I remember Max and Jimmy growing up together! I cant remember two nicer colts (hmm sorry about that Harry!) and both boys are now doing us proud and having a great racing career. Max is by Dantibes out of Madely Miss (Madey).

Hearty Congratulations to Greg, Max's owner - well done! You certainly have been very patient and your faith in Maxwell has never faltered.

A Sign of the Summer to Come...

Scary ....

Fat Girls ... Update

Continue to keep us guessing. Credentials (pictured above)moved to Beaudesert las week so that she could be at Valentine Park where Felix the Cat stands. Dirty has moved in with Gossy and TMSMOTP and assumed leadership of the 2 elder ladies - much to their chagrin.

Dirty has just about reached her due date and is right to pop at any moment. I could see her today struggling a bit with the size of her tummy.

TMSMOTP looks a bit like a beached whale ... but she is in good fettle and her leg doesnt seem to be bothering her - so we're both happy.

The 2 grey girl's tummies are starting to pop with Nottie not quite sure what to do about her tummy. I think she is feeling it abit.

As Iam now working in Warwick I get to drive down Lyndhurst Lane each day - how sweet is it to see the mares and their babies out in the morning sun - certainly makes me smile every day.

Like previous years, the ladies will keep up guessing and will foal when they're ready.

Scarpetta ... The Continuing Saga

I am up to re-reading the 15th (or some may say the 14th) book in the Kay Scarpetta series.

This is a very different book than all the other Kay Scarpetta novels as it is told in the third person and is a stand alone book (meaning that it doesn't require reading previous novels in the series).

All the book reviews rave about this book ... I dont know ... in my mind this is where the series goes a bit haywire. There never seems to be any relationship resolution between the main characters (Kay, Benton, Lucy and Pete) and Kay and Benton continue to conduct the most bizarre relationship between them.

Thank goodness Im on the homeward stretch with these books!

Oink Oink

No my sore throat from last Sunday didnt turn out to be the swine flu, thank goodness. What it turned out to be was a raging 38.8 temp with the chills and hots, some sneezing and coughing. Im still coughing abit, hopefully that will all be gone soon.

Jimmy - Update

Picture of Wee Jimmy at the stables last Sunday after his race on Saturday. Here he is with headless strapper, Rob Koch. He pulled up well after his run last week - didnt miss a morsel of food Saturday night. He looks like he has grown since leaving Massie Lodge - mind you my memories of Jim start from just a wee lad peeking out from behind his mum's tail.

Fat Girls - Update

Today we swapped Creds and Dirty Girl with TMSMOTP and Gossy. Dirty and Creds are now right next to the house (right next to our bedroom in fact) and Pip and Gossy (she did today ask me to stop referring to her as TMSMOTP, or Heffalump or Fat Girl) have moved next door to them - still within close distance of the house..

Dirty has started to bag up and now its up to Mother Nature to do her thing.

I'm thinking a little colt (for Dirty) ... but I have been wrong before.

Anyone want to start a book?

No, just kidding, as long as both Dirty and bubs are well and healthy - who cares what it will be (after all you have a 50 - 50 chance dont you?).

Here Comes The Sun

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling,it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun,here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

(Lennon / McCartney - The Beatles)

When I woke up this morning, I swear it must of been -3 - and it was. However, the day turned into a beauty and I had forgotten how all encompassing the sun and warm weather really is (bring it on I say!).

After doing all the work, including TMSMOTP's leg (who was by no means impressed with either the warm weather or me jetting her leg) - it was time for morning tea - and to sit out on the side of the house where there was not even a speck of breeze. How delightful it was to sit there with Bessie Merle and just continue to read my book (yes *sigh* - still going through the Scarpetta series, although I'm now on the homeward trail now as I have started "Predator"). I was in heaven until ......... " Aaaaaaaaahchooooooo".

Ok I sneezed once. Means nowt - back to my book and my cuppa. "AAAAAhhhhhchoooooo". And again. Must be the dust! Nothing was going to spoil my morning and my soujoun on my favourite chair sitting in the sun reading.

By lunchtime the throat had become a little more than an irritated throat.

By mid afternoon (now - 3.35pm) I want some sorbet to kill the soreness.

I am not impressed - nor am I going to give into this.

SO THERE!!!

WhooooHoooo Wee Jimmy!

Finally, we think that the penny has dropped with Wee Jimmy and he now understands what this racing caper is all about.

Today at Cairns, not only did he jump out of the barrier with the rest of the horses, but he seemed to track straight. He got caught behind at the turn into the straight but after he got out, he managed a very credible 2nd place.

You know, how proud do I feel of this boy, knowing that Evan and I were there when he was born, looked after him and his mum after foaling, weaned him, and taught him to lead.

He was broken in with Paul Moody and had a good education and then thrown back into the paddock to think about his education and to be a horse for a good while.

Lucky Wee Jim, he then became a syndicate horse and we joined forces to get him out on the racetrack. Fred Wieland trains him at Cairns, Shoie does most of his riding and my goodness look what a country boy can do.

So what if it not Randwick. He has shown that he now understands what he needs to know and he wants to be a racehorse and it doesnt matter where he does it.

We're very proud of wee Jimmy. He done good.

GO PRIVATE JAMES!!!

Fat Girls are Doing It For Themselves...

The girls are getting ready to go into the homeward straight. Dirty (pictured below) is now starting to bag up - not long to go there. Creds is next on the list, following by TMSMOTP - otherwise known as Heffalump. Cant wait to see what she thinks of being called "Fat Girl". Have a look at her Twitter to find out!

Its a pretty exciting time of the year ... just think we are now to start Foalwatch... I cant wait to be sitting up until midnight. I just cant wait!!!

Pip (aka TMSMOTP, Heffalump or Fat Girl!!) - Not a very good photo... but you get the size of the tummy?

Creds


Dirty (not far away now)

Welcome!

To new Massie Lodge resident, Silent Beauty (aka Beauty - pictured above) ,who has come to us for some well earned R&R after having her very first prep.

Beauty is by the now Victorian-based Sire, Sunday Knight and she is real stunner.

Beauty is up with us in the house yards being looked after by TMSMOTP (The Most Spoilt Mare on the Property), Pip and Gossy (Local News) on one side and Dirty Girl and Creds on the other. We always find that these ladies have a way of comforting new arrivals straight off the track.

I see the rumour mill is hard at work (if you have been following Pip's Twitter). Yes - Erik is due out today to do a few things and YES Pip you're one of them!

I have to say that Iam very amused to see that Pip's Twitter has quite a following out there. I still dont see how she can get to a computer?

Massie Lodge on Saturday

um, er, well maybe it wasnt this bad (and no we havent inherited a colony of penguins!) but it was very close. Today It felt as if we were living next door to the Antartic with a temperature of 13 Deg and 35kph gale force winds gusting at 65 kph.

Yesterday the temperature was 14 Deg (with the same wonderful winds) and Adam the farrier was booked to come and trim Angel for the first time and to do the young Connie boys, Harry and Buster. We were actually quite impressed with the way the 3 youngsters behaved in the howling winds.

Evan was browsing through the BOM site and noticed that there was temperature reading for the Antartic. -40 Degrees at one stage of the day. Hmmm (Im not sure that I will be visiting there anytime soon).

It really makes working outside very difficult and we finished up early today to rush inside and put the fire on.

So, it has given me some motivation to update my blogs (this one and Massie Lodge - Dog City) and have made my study quite cosy... problem is I have Bessie Merle flat out in front of the heater. Matilda next to Merle, Ruby under the desk (where do I put my legs?) and Pikey laying down behind Merle. Ok, how am I going to move out from here? lol

TMSMOTP and her offsider, Gossy have finished their dinner and are standing at the fence wondering when I will make my final appearance with their supper (yeah, well ... they get some extra hay normally when I get home from work ...) - so I cant disappoint them today, which means putting on 3 layers, a red tartan scarf and a very becoming cream crocheted beanie that I bought for 50c from the Salvation Army shop! Yes, I know, a most becoming look, lol.

So I guess if I can just budge Pikey abit I can swivel around and jump over him and Merle without disturbing them.

You can see that I run the show in this household!

We're Still Wild About Harry...

Maybe even more so now that he is growing up. Both Harry and Buster were excellent boys yesterday in the howling winds when Adam came to do their feet.

The last photo comes with a story... and the reason for it is because the halter suffered a technical malfunction just as I was taking the picture and the back strap came off. Harry being the gentleman he is, he just stood there and waited for whatever came next.

Both boys have plenty more growing to do.

Still Being a Little Angel

Every so often a horse crosses our path that I think is special and breeding has nothing to do with it (mind you if you had just bought a $1,000,000 yearling at the sales you would want it to be something pretty special, lol!).

Angel is the girl I'm thinking of. Her temperament is just so even, her will to learn and to try something new is more than enthusiastic. Her ability to connect with humans on an emotional level is amazing.

We were both pretty impressed with the way she handled getting her feet done in the howling gale force winds that would see a seasoned performer start to spook. Not the little Angel, she just took it all in her stride. The last time I was lucky enough to meet such a wonderful soul was little Isabell (now registered as Rockon Ruby). I am blessed!

I had to laugh when Trix (her friend, pictured below) had to come and stand with her while she was getting it done.

To our friends the Koch's who own the special little girl, you are very lucky indeed.

:)

Some Pics of the Residents

Balls (Ballasario) who is going back into work next week.



Southern

Nottie

Trix who is going off to be broken in in the next couple of weeks.

Vicki (Vimala) settled in at Massie Lodge. Will be with us for the next 6 weeks or so.