While horse breeding season has officially ended at Running Springs, our work continues with heartbeat checks for the mares. These ultrasounds help confirm that each pregnancy is viable beyond the early stages, making it more likely the foal will carry to term.

We checked four mares today: Maggie, Phoebe, Annie, and Happy. They each have unique backgrounds and special embryos.

Maggie: Full Sibling to Kirby

Embryo Pairing: Kennedy x Machine Made
Due Date: April 10

Maggie is carrying an embryo from my mare Kennedy and the stallion Machine Made. This baby will be a full sibling to Kirby. The heartbeat check showed a clear flicker on the ultrasound, confirming a healthy pregnancy. Maggie also has a caslicks in place, which helps prevent infections and keeps the pregnancy safe.

Phoebe: Honoring a Legendary Sire

Embryo Pairing: Kennedy x RL Best of Sudden
Due Date: April 8

Phoebe is a recipient mare carrying a very meaningful embryo. RL Best of Sudden recently passed away, making this baby even more special. ICSI allowed us to preserve his legacy with three final embryos. After previously absorbing a pregnancy, Phoebe made me nervous, but to my relief, we found a heartbeat. Denver may soon have a full sibling.

Annie: Overcoming EPM to Become a Mama Again

Embryo Pairing: Annie x First Things First
Due Date: April 11

Annie was born and raised at Running Springs. After battling EPM at age three, she is now healthy and thriving. She's already had two stunning colts and is now carrying a foal by my young stallion, First Thingz First. Her heartbeat check was a success, and another Denver baby is on the way.

Happy: A Bit of a Scare, Then a Heartbeat

Embryo Pairing: Happy x First Thingz First
Due Date: April 11

Happy was a recipient mare last year and is now pregnant with her own baby. Initially, we couldn't see the heartbeat and had a moment of panic. But just when we were about to lose hope, there it was. Happy is expecting a Denver baby, making it three foals by First Thingz First in 2026.

The 2026 Foaling Lineup at Running Springs

In total, we are expecting eight foals in 2026, a mix of in-house mares and recipient mares carrying embryos from some of the top genetics in the industry.

January Foal

Raven (Recipient Mare)
Embryo Pairing: Only Blue Couture x VS Code Red
Due Date: January 20

Only Blue Couture is a world and Congress champion, and this foal by VS Code Red is expected to be a showstopper.

February Foals

Indy
Pairing: Indy x VS Code Red
Due Date: February 7

Indie, our only Thoroughbred broodmare, consistently foals on time and is carrying her third foal by VS Code Red.

Charlotte (Recipient Mare)
Embryo Pairing: Trudy x First Thingz First
Due Date: February 12

Charlotte was rescued from a kill pen and has spent the last year recovering and building trust. This will be her first foal and our first Trudy x Denver pairing.

March Foal

Recipient Mare (Not Yet Arrived)
Embryo Pairing: Waffle House x VS Code Red
Due Date: March 12

Waffle House is still showing in Texas, and her embryo is being carried by a recipient mare who will be joining us soon. This is Waffle House's first foal and another exciting VS Code Red baby.

April Foals

Phoebe (Recipient Mare)
Embryo Pairing: Kennedy x RL Best of Sudden
Due Date: April 8

Maggie (Recipient Mare)
Embryo Pairing: Kennedy x Machine Made
Due Date: April 10

Annie
Pairing: Annie x First Thingz First
Due Date: April 11

Happy
Pairing: Happy x First Thingz First
Due Date: April 11

While Annie tends to foal right on time, Happy usually foals early, so she might deliver first despite having the same due date.

Looking Ahead: A Year Full of Promise

We are expecting:

Three foals by First Thingz First (aka Denver)
Three foals by VS Code Red
One by RL Best of Sudden
One by Machine Made

Each pregnancy represents a meaningful step in our horse breeding program at Running Springs. From legacy sires to rescued mares, this lineup blends heart and heritage.