“Surprise, surprise!!!” That’s what we got on Friday morning, ‘round about 4am, when we got a call at the house from a Buddy watching the camera. Our OWN cameras were down at the house – the paving crew we had here last week putting in a new driveway ran over and cut the lines to the Internet connection at the barn AND our camera connection to the house as well. By the time Bill got back from Joe’s baseball practice that night, it was too dark to try fixing it and we just didn’t think Sandy would go! (Famous last words, right?!)  Chris2 had checked her around 10:30pm and she was kind of moving back and forth a lot but no wax or pacing. So…a huge THANK YOU to Buddy Elaine M for the phone alert so we could race down to the barn. Sandy had a fairly easy time and looked great afterwards. The filly had the hiccups for the longest time, but has been nursing vigorously despite them and looks strong and alert. Very, very cute! The first buckskin baby Zippy has sired. As you can see, she is an adorable Sandy-clone with two hind socks, and a tiny heart-shaped snip on her nose. We have detected a few faint spots, but otherwise she is truly a classic dun filly (buckskin colored with the dark dorsal stripe.) We have dubbed her Matilda in honor of our recent Australian guest, Vivienne. As in Waltzing Matilda….Mattie for short? Especially since Sandy was dancing, or waltzing, just before she foaled!!!

We have the winners from the last two foaling contests, which we will post tomorrow since all we have right now are their email addresses. Also, you have one more day to cast your vote for your favorite registered name for Chester – we will be pulling the results tomorrow at midnight! Go to www.BarnBuddy.com to vote. Thanks for watching!