Bittersweet Milestones and New Bonds: Millie Joins the Big Foal Pasture

This morning was one of those bittersweet ones on the farm. Our very last foal of 2025, little Millie, finally got to join the big foal pasture with the rest of the mares and babies. It's a moment I always look forward to, but it's also one that tugs at the heart. Watching these babies grow up is the most rewarding part of horse breeding, but letting go of their tiny first moments is never easy.

Millie has been growing like a weed and is more than ready to be introduced to the herd. Some of the foals in this group are close to weaning already, and others are just about a month older than her. As always, I was curious to see if she'd stick to herself or jump right in.

Of course, her mama Happy wasn't taking any chances. She walked Millie straight across the pasture, away from the entrance, like she wanted to keep her baby at a safe distance from all the commotion. Honestly, a smart move. When you're working with mares and foals, you never know how introductions will go. Sometimes there are scuffles, sometimes everyone just settles, and you get to enjoy the beauty of it.

Ginger and Teddy came out next. Since Ginger and Happy are already friends, we figured it would be a smoother introduction for Millie. Ginger is probably the nosiest of all the mares, but it actually works in her favor when new horses are added. She went right over to Millie to say hello, and Teddy followed her lead.

Teddy was so sweet with Millie. They were gently talking to each other, sharing soft touches. It's those moments that make all the work in horse breeding worth it. Millie even loped around a little, full of energy but always keeping her eyes on Mom. She won't be out there all day just yet, her legs are still developing, and we want to give her time to adjust.

I was honestly shocked by how confident she already is. She's made fast friends with Teddy, hasn't shown an ounce of fear, and even seems to enjoy the adventure. She's been bonding with Ethel lately, too, so she might wait for her to come out before wandering far.

Huckleberry is still in that mama's-boy stage. He's starting to come out of his shell, but he definitely prefers hanging close to Annie. I have a feeling Millie is going to be the one to finally get him to socialize. She's already drawing out the other babies with her charm.

There was a little hiccup when Millie tried to nurse and Annie stepped in, being a little too overprotective. Millie didn't panic though. She knew to go straight to Ginger, her sister, for a safe spot. These foals are quick learners. It's amazing to see how instinctive and intelligent they are at such a young age.

Ruby has been wanting to be friends with Millie for weeks, always chatting through the fence. But now that they're finally in the same space, Ruby's playing it cool. Give her a few days, though. Millie will have her wrapped around her hoof in no time.

Gracie came out next, and y'all, I've never seen her move so fast. She took off across the pasture like a freight train, keeping her eyes on her baby. That mare energy is something else. Even though she's usually one of the more dominant mares, she wasn't causing any drama today.

Then it was time for Noelle and Erlene. Erlene can be a little pushy sometimes, but today she seemed calm and unbothered. Noelle stayed close to her buddy Kirby, and the two of them met Millie with curiosity and calm energy.

Of course, Kennedy had to be dramatic. I literally told her to behave and she did the exact opposite. Thankfully, Happy was quick to step in and protect her girl. These mares are fiercely protective, and it's always reassuring to see them defend their babies.

By the time everyone was out, the herd had mostly settled. I couldn't believe how quickly they all calmed down and found their rhythm. There's so much space in the pasture, yet somehow they all end up sticking close. I could've watched them for hours, but we had to head out for an embryo transfer with Sophie, which is a whole other story and part of our ongoing breeding program.

If you've been following our horse breeding journey, you know how much these little milestones mean. Each foal has their own personality, their own story, and I'm so thankful to be able to share it with y'all.

Be sure to check out the new merch I've got everything from foal-themed gear to mini cow designs, and it's all super cute. And if you're not already following me on Snapchat, that's where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens.