Homebred Horse Not A Baby Anymore *New Photos July 4th*

[Dandee]

This is our Mangalarga Marchador gelding Diego. He was born on our farm on May 12th 2008. He was the first Marchador born in Canada. I was there to watch him be born and it was so exciting! That was now 3 years ago, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. The plan for Diego when we bred his dam was to sell him. When the time came, I couldn't do it, I just couldn't bring myself to part with him. He has had a special place in my heart since he hit the ground.

A few minutes after being born.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Birth/IMG_9288.jpg

A few days old

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/Picture011.jpg

A couple months old

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1_20073.jpg

As a yearling

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/DSCN5182.jpg

As a two year old (last summer)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/DSCN1722.jpg

The beginning of March I ran Diego to the trainers for two months professional training. I brought him home on Mothers Day a week ago. I rode him at the trainers before loading him up for the trip home. He was wonderful.

Just after bringing him home.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1078.jpg

We have rode a couple times on the 1/4 section of land around us a couple times this past week and he was great! Yesterday we went on a 15 mile poker ride. Diego was awesome! He had a few spook episodes (which were expected since this was all new to him) but he handled it well and rode fantastic. Other than the wind howling, it was an exceptional day.

A couple photos on the ride

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_0006.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_0012.jpg

Having a break at the half way point

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_0100.jpg

Dave & Dandee's butt ahead of us. :laugh:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_0116.jpg


Diego is not a baby anymore....but he will still always have a special place in my heart and he is a lifer with us. He is also the first horse that I have had born here that I also rode. We have always sold the home bred horses as weanlings or yearlings (long before they were old enough for saddle training).

This year Diego and I will be putting some miles on the trails. Next year we will be entering Competitive Trail Riding. From there we will be working towards Endurance Racing. That has been my goal all along with him. He is bred and built for it.

Just thought I'd share my Diego with you. :Smile:

[Wingin' It]

Nice lookin' horse! of course I love horses...just can't be anywhere near them (allergies) so I admire from afar. That's so wierd how he was born looking black, but changed to greyish? Thanks for sharing the pics!

[CACAdmin]

Your baby is all grown up and he's a beauty. I'm glad to hear he learned well from the trainer and is a pleasure to ride. You're definitely going to enjoy the time you spend riding him.

Thanks for sharing this mini photo diary of him with us.

[Namor]

He was the first Marchador born in Canada.

That's cool :cool:, great photos! :Smile:

[Dandee]

Thank you all. :Smile:

[Dandee]

Lucas (my son) took some new photos of Diego and I this morning and I thought I would share some since they turned out quite nice.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1756.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1769.jpg

My new favorite photo

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1776.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1786.jpg

Giving a hug :laugh:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/dandeedun/Diego/IMG_1795.jpg

[Ursus sapien]

what a great way to live!

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for sharing the updated pics. Diego is such a beautiful horse. Aren't you glad you couldn't bring yourself to part with him?I look at today's pictures and am a little envious. I wish I were there riding him. Enjoy your baby (even if he isn't a baby anymore.)

[Kimr]

What a cutie!!!! He looks like he love's his moma and vice versa.