Tom I gave you an acorn.
I always loved horses, never had one just rode a bit.
I really enjoy the occasional updates and photos on this thread, sure makes it seem like spring when there are foals!

Congrats Tom, he's a beauty!

Congratulations, he is gorgeous!

That's great news Tom. He's beautiful

Thanks for all the nice comments and acorns. I was so glad to get a spotted foal, Since both parents have the overo paint gene, there was a 25% chance for a lethal white foal. I was so worried I'd get that, and was so happy when I got a nice spotted colt. Now I have to grow him up nice and healthy.

Yes, I think you are really brave to breed overo paints. However they are certainly striking!

aww, nothing cuter than a long legged baby foal. We have two geldings on the farm but I would love to have a mare and baby thrown into the mix!

I haven't crossed two overos together for a long time, as the last time I did many years ago, I got a lethal white. I know that there are several different genes for overo that are not lethal, but I knew these parents carry the frame overo gene. I doubt if I'll make a cross like that again, as it stressed me too much thinking about the possibility of an lethal.

I assume a "lethal" has fatal genetic abnormalities??? Or does not survive the birth??

You are right, they are born alive, but the digestive tract doesn't fully develop, so when they eat, they can't digest the food, and soon get colicky and die. It's best to put them down rather then let them suffer a painful death. Some people have tried to do surgery and connect the intestine through to the rectum, I'm not sure if it's ever been successful or not. They are born pure white and thus the name lethal white.

How awful, I have never heard of this before!

A form of lethal white gene exists in a number of species. Several breeds of dogs - those with merle coloration - carry it, for example.

That's interesting, I didn't know that about dogs.

I took a few more pictures today out in the sunshine.

Having fun with my mom!

Showing you our butts

Showing you our fronts

Done posing, time for a snack, so you can look at my mommy, she's pretty too don't you think?

Thanks for the pics, Tom. They sure bring back good memories!

mommy is beautiful

yes, she is, and baby is tooooo cute.

This image is just nearly perfection.

tveguy3 said:
Showing you our fronts

That is a great pic!