After over 340 days of waiting, the moment finally arrived, and in true Janis fashion, she did it on her own terms. If you've been following along on this mini horse journey, you know how much anticipation there's been for Janis' baby. And now, I'm thrilled to finally introduce you to our newest addition here at Running Springs: a tiny, perfect mini horse colt.
A Surprise Arrival
I'd been carefully watching Janis for signs she was getting close. She even held out while I traveled to Canada, which I thought was her final stretch before foaling. But I got a little too confident. I had a quick trip to Alabama planned, and after checking her milk and watching her closely, I thought I had more time. Famous last words.
Of course, Janis picked that exact window to give birth, on a sunny morning at 10 a.m., while grazing peacefully with the donkeys. No barn. No help. Just Janis deciding it was time. And just like that, she laid down in the paddock and welcomed the most adorable solid bay colt into the world.
Not Quite What I Ordered (But Better)
If you've been following this pregnancy, you might remember my wish list: a bay tobiano filly. Well, I got a solid bay colt instead. Pretty much the opposite of what I ordered, but honestly, he couldn't be more perfect. He's dainty, refined, and already showing signs of having a standout conformation. Chandler Marks, the breeder of this baby (I bought Janis already bred), was the first to point out how delicate and elegant his neck and face are.
As someone who's spent years involved in horse breeding, mostly with full-sized horses, this mini world is still a new adventure for me. I don't quite have the same trained eye for mini horse foals yet, but I'm learning fast, and this little guy has me hooked.
First Checkup with the Vet
Shortly after he was born, we did a full checkup with our vet, Dr. Matthew. We made sure his umbilicus was healing properly, checked for any limb issues, and gave him his first enema. He was a champ through it all, even if he was a little grumpy with me afterward. I let him nibble on my fingers as payback, he needed to feel like he got even!
At just 341 days, he was born fully "cooked" and healthy. No complications, no retained placenta, and no leg problems that would require confinement. We also tested his IGG levels to make sure he absorbed enough antibodies from Janis' colostrum, which is crucial in the first hours of life. His results? Solid. Just like his build.
Meet the Baby (Still Nameless)
So here he is, our only mini horse baby of the year! He's tiny, sweet, and has the same sassy attitude as Janis. Watching him navigate his long legs and figure out his balance has been pure joy. He's smaller than George (who was born a month earlier) but more refined than our past mini foal Squirt.
Janis is being the most amazing mom. After delivering her second foal all on her own, she earned herself some well-deserved pasture time. She hadn't had grass in months, so letting her enjoy some fresh green while keeping an eye on her new baby was a beautiful moment. And yes, her colt tried grazing too, even with those tiny goat teeth.
A Peek Into the Mini Life
This little guy might be small, but he’s got big energy. Running around on his wobbly legs, falling down, popping back up, and zooming after Janis like he’s been doing this for weeks. He’s already learning how to be a mini—with all the sass, speed, and sweetness packed into a tiny frame.
And I know what you're thinking, will we keep him? The jury's still out. He's incredibly special, and there's a real possibility he'll stay right here at Running Springs. We only have one mini horse foal this year, but we might have more next year. So for now, I'm soaking up every second with this sweet boy and his incredible mama.
Join the Journey
If you've been loving these updates, don't forget to check out the 2025 foal merch available now. This collection features our big foals from this year, and while this mini colt didn't make it onto the big horse design, there's still time to grab your favorites before they're gone.
Thanks for being part of this wild, sweet journey with me. Whether it's horse breeding, raising foals, or learning everything there is to know about minis, I'm so grateful to have y'all along for the ride.
0 comments