We went to the barn to see the horses, not something new to Mimi as she goes several times a week. I however haven't been there for a while. On a recent visit from the Vet, Mimi and the Vet were able to decipher Gwen's tattoo. All Thoroughbreds are tattooed when they are born, and then registered with the Jockey club. Gwen's Tattoo has not been readable in the past. With this new information I contacted the Jockey club and requested her lineage. We received the paper work in the mail just the other day. Looking at some of her ancestors, we found Count Fleet, a former triple crown winner, Damascus, Man-o- war, My Babo, Hot Oil, and sever others. I don't have the paper in front of me just now. She was raced 5 times, and finished out of the money 5 times. However she went on to be a champion Hunter / Jumper for many years. Just for fun I ran a check on "Big Brown", and found several of the same horses in his background. So that makes Gwen some kind of shirttail great Aunt several times removed, to "Big Brown". This gave us a special interest in him in his most recent race, which, as you are likely aware, he suffered his first loss. Also newly available to us is the name of the breeder, and with a little hunting, I came up with a way to contact her. Mimi has received a return E Mail from her. She is quite excited to hear that Gwen, (Scarlet Oil) is still alive and well, and she remembers Gwen well as she was her first foal. So, getting back to my being at the barn, Mimi wanted a good picture to send to the breeder, and I came along to help. I took quite a few pictures, none of which were the quality she wanted, but here are a few I liked. Two of Gwen Three good friends The three year old, Payton The baby is the darkest one, I couldn't get them to come to me. Eating is more important than getting your picture taken. And these guys are the guards for the yearlings.
My goodness, Man O'War, that's just amazing! I'd be over the moon if I found anything that illustrious in any of my horses lineages. You did a good job of tracking, I know how difficult it can be. The internet is a great help, I managed to find our Gabriella's breeder on the net. Those horses are lovely. I like Payton's face. How old is Gwen by the way? Her coat is so glossy.
That is one beautiful horse. In fact, all of them are. I love horses and loved to ride, but can't now because of my back. Thanks for sharing your pics.
By the way, those llamas or alpacas, are they good babysitters for the yearlings? Please tell us a bit about that arrangement, it sounds exciting.
Oh what a beauty you have there.In fact they are all wonderful animals. How exciting to find out where she came from .
The Llamas are Mother and son, and are good baby sitters. The horses are frightened easily, and run from an attacker, whereas, the Llamas are aggressive towards attackers. We have wolves, coyotes, wild cats and bear roaming the woods here about, and while the Llamas may not fair too well against some of them, they might frighten them away with their aggressive attitude. I know I think twice when they come running towards me. The Llamas adopt the small heard of horses, and are very protective of them. Gwen is 24 years old, but acts much younger. She still jumps and enjoys a good hard run when turned out. Tom
Thanks for explaining about the llamas, that sounds like a very satisfactory arrangement for all except from the predators.
Gwen is 24?!! Well Tom she looks fantastic!! I'm glad you found out about that tatoo and managed to trace her breeder. Do let us know what she thinks of Gwen now won't you? I, too, love the shot of the three friends. Strangely enough my husband and I were out today and saw two llamas 'guarding' a flock of sheep!! If my piccies turn out I'll show you them and the flock.
Ohhh she is a beauty, and very well indeed for 24. Good for you, and the search, i have heard of a couple of the relatives of Gwens,, and dang, that is awesome! I didn't know that about llama's. How intresting, and lucky for the young ones at the same time.... Thanks for the photos and explainations.
Great pics Calomaar. Gwen is a beauty and looks great for her age. And what a family history she has. Great tracking on your part. I really like the 3 friends one too!
