Deb,
I am going to send you some more pictures later today of Rembrandt's first venture out. He is full of "beans" and is driving mommy crazy because he is in constant motion. Lisa (my vet) said he is the strongest foal she has ever seen! He was up and nursing within 40 minutes and has not stopped going. He was trotting and bucking in the stall within 2 hours of birth!
He has the movement of Ice Man with lots of impulsion. In fact, he bounces when he trots and was completing flying lead changes his first day of life! His canter is stunning and very collected considering his long legs-he can almost do a canter pirouette. In addition, Tilly almost has to gallop (remember she is an ex-race horse) to keep up with him when he runs around the field.
He also has the most wonderful temperament (Ice's influence???) and will let anyone touch him and give him lots of kisses. I will send you the picture of him surrounded by kids as young as 3 years old! He let my two Australian Shepherds sniff all over him and we all took a little nap together. He pretty much accepts everything with a calm demeanor, including the needle prick when they drew blood to check the level of antibodies in his system. He was such a trooper! I can touch him all over, pick up his feet, put on/take off his blanket and hold/hug him without a struggle. In addition, he has never tried to kick anyone or rear up in defiance. I have never worked with such an amazing foal!
I was also amazed he turned out black! Tilly's line, as far as I can trace back (about 60 years), is almost 100% bay and I figured he would be a dark bay. Imagine my surprise and delight to see a black foal!
Rembrandt is exactly what I was wishing for in a foal and I am so thankful that Ice Man is the sire. I wish you the best with him and I have a feeling he will continue to produce amazing foals. Thank you again for making my Friesian dream come true!
Heather in North Texas
Deb and Dave,
Hope all is well for both of you and Ice had another successful breeding season!
Just wanted to give you an update on Rembrandt...he is doing great and still growing. He now measures out at a little under 14.2 hands! He is by far the biggest 10-month old I have ever seen, and my vet concurred.
He is officially a gelding now...I hoped to wait a full year, but decided to geld him after he jumped a 4+ foot gate to get to the ladies! Good news is he wasn't hurt and I now know he can jump the moon. Hopefully, this is an indication of his jumping ability since I hope to event with him in the future.
I have included a recent pic of Rembrandt. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing and it is hard to see how long his mane has grown. He definitely inherited Ice's mane and tail---they are thick and curly.
I also included a pic of Rembrandt with his best friend Ben. Ben is a 19 hand Percheron and the two are inseparable!
I know I am biased, but I have to say Rembrandt is by far the best horse I have ever worked with. He is loving, curious, brave, easy going, beautiful, willing, trusting and fun. I look forward to our adventures together and wish I could have 10 more of him!!!!
I would definitely recommend cross-breeding to Ice for those people looking for a truly remarkable Sport Horse. He has the movement and presence for Dressage, the athleticism for jumping and the temperament to take on anything!
Best wishes!
Heather
