The Coup of 2007

We have a customer that has a very special mare---she is treasured by these people as the last link to the man's father, who originally owned her. I don't know if I have ever known a horse to mean so much to a family like she does- it is cool. She has some age on her, and is a very hard keeper and has not had a baby in years. We bred her one cycle last year, and she was the only one that Sly did not get in foal.

We had another go at her this year---a comedy in and of itself with all the tricks I go to in order to get her bred. Her tailhead is really stiff (maybe arthritic according to one vet, but whoever heard of that?) so she cannot lift it well herself--so she requires me to finagle up a tail lifting pulley system that should put me square into the Redneck Hall of Fame. This whole cycle this time was different than last year---it lasted forever, she was more agreeable, and even two doses of HcG would not get her to go out.

So she came back last nite to be teased and for me to take her to the vet this morning on my Monday load. I had a really good feeling about her since she offered a huge Hell no to Sly last nite and their gelding who always alerts to heat had not made his usual menace of himself. Stupidly, I told the vet that I thought it was going to be good news--I know better than that- it will jinx it every time.

Sure enough, he digs around a while, we see a CL and have decided that we just missed her again. I was so disappointed, I knew it was my fault for saying I thought she was in foal. Just as he was taking a final scan around on the way to quitting, BAM--there he is! Perfect, with a heartbeat just starting to flutter.

What a relief! I feel like we really did something here. I was shocked that she had not come back into heat---I was confident that the way she tips in that she would be a urine pooler, and ruin this go round. I am so proud of Sly, proud of Granny Glo for being such a great mare, and so grateful to her owners for trusting us with her when she means so much to them.

I came to work debating about the proper way to email them and give them the results. I finally did it, then gave in and called them. Surely they don't believe that I am as happy as they are about it, but I think I am. It was so fun to talk to the wife on the phone, and have her radio the husband to give him the news--the happiness in their voices makes this all worthwhile. I even cried a little, I will admit it.

Everyone should have customers like this---that love their horses and will be a wonderful home for the little Slybaby. He or she will want for nothing and be used the way he or she should be, and I know she will be loved if only because her mother matters so much. What more could a stud owner ask for?