BELLE’S DNA RESULTS ARE IN…I’M STUNNED!

[@fionamooney8648]

No matter how she is breed her confirmation is great .

[@sarahwheeler1594]

Agreed👍🏻🥰❣️

[@shirleyrice5779]

Con for mation

[@shirleyrice5779]

It is so sweet to see how your animals totally trust and love you.

[@adventuretrailsdogcamp2605]

I agree about foal imprinting. Give her space. The foal is going to love your gentle way. Holding animals down is not going to work to bond you. Trust is so important.

[@Marlad1]

Lol. The old fashioned way is sleeping in the barn for a couple nights. Good for you to keep some of it private. Your such a good mama mom..

[@WinkTartanBelle]

In the years I had regular broodmares (mostly Quarter Horses) foaling on my farm, we gave the mare and foal about 30 minutes to an hour alone together (observed but not unnecessarily interfering). We really wanted to see the foal stand and nurse before we did anything in the stall. Obviously we stepped in if we needed to. After the mare and foal were good on nursing and standing, taking as long as they needed without any pressure, we had a single person enter the stall slowly and quietly. The goal was to keep everything and everyone calm and feeling comfortable. We made sure to have what we needed at hand to do aftercare, iodine the umbilicus, freshen extremely soiled bedding, etc. We used a towel to rub the foal all over and spoke softly to it as we examined for any issues. No restraints, no holding it down, none of that. Just gentle and reassuring contact all over. As long as the mare was calm and cool, the foal learned there was nothing to fear with us touching it anywhere. If things are going well, we'd weigh the foal within the first 12 to 24 hours (we used a scale that hung from the beam to support a simple sling) with as little fuss as possible. Cleaning up and lightly brushing out the mare with the foal right there was also important in showing the foal there was nothing to fear. Honestly, if you are frequently present and reassuringly interactive during the first days, I think it's enough. All this holding foals down or trying to dominate them physically seems unnecessary to me, and possibly even a bad thing. Horses naturally move away from and try to avoid confinement, pressure, discomfort. Making that one of the foal's first experiences of humans seem very counterproductive to me. All this is just my opinion and my personal experience. I'm just an old woman that used to be covered up in various horses and ponies, so take this for what you will. You seem to have a pretty good intuition for horses, so probably following your gut isn't a terrible idea. You'll be likely to cry at observing your first foaling, so bring a hankie. Best regards from north Texas.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Best advise EVER! The only "imprinting" a foal needs is with the mare! Bless you for posting your expertise.

[@karentriebel1217]

Nice comment. Simple and easy. Once sucking breath easy.

[@cindyghent-gs6mi]

I think this is sage advice. I bought a mini mare potentially in foal years ago. She foaled on her own no witnesses. A vet was called out to health check both. The mare although well handled was very protective those first few hours. We respected that. Baby in time was well bonded to us without any early invasive or restraining measures. I think too read your mare and respect her instincts to protect her baby without jepodarzing their care. So exciting , take lots of pics!

[@francineherron1940]

Great advise 👍

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

That is great information and advice, Wink! More detailed than I gave Shae. 🤠

[@Carole2Kittens]

There is a trainer that Raliegh featured recently (Recommended him as a good responsible trainer) who was talking about how much you should handle a foal and how. He pretty much said what you just did about letting the mare be the major influence. He discouraged forced contact, pointing out the benefit of letting the foals natural curiosity set the pace.

[@sherriemorcha2864]

Yes his last name is Warren Schiller you should look at his videos

[@sowmanyseedlings]

Yesss him! I shared a link above of him and his foal process. It's an interesting watch!

[@kburke9615]

Warwick Schiller. I just saw that video of hers. ❤

[@annastrand5144]

His videos are so accurate with foals. I've been present but let mom and baby dictate my level of involvement and have gotten good trusting results. It works with many kinds of animals too. It used to drive my grandparents nuts to find me in a cow pen with a young calf, but I always read moms behavior.

[@emilyestelle7471]

I just watched that Raliegh video too, and I agree. It makes sense to let the foal be a foal and not force any handling on it. It'll develop a natural curiosity about the people around it anyway.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I’ve been researching and I’ve looked into Warwick Schiller and Katie VanSlyke for foaling tips along with few other professionals. ❤ After thinking more I’m not going to do the Foal Alert, but maybe a less invasive method. I also won’t be “imprinting” on an extreme basis. More so letting my presence be known and allowing the foal to be curious. Handling will be done thoughtfully and on the foal and Belle’s terms. ❤

[@jessicahoward8610]

Check out homestead horsemanship (KZbin) his latest clips have been about births and imprinting. You’ll see it all there, and I’m sure he’ll answer questions. They even talk about what to watch for when they are just about to foal, and show their pregnant mares closely, so you can see what they look like.

[@peggyfewlass8445]

That is so good! There's so many different views out there....don't know if this is her first or not, but that could make a difference in some ways....in case she has any kind of trouble....I would be si excited....I wouldn't be able to be still!!

[@MegaTransformations]

Warwick is amazing with bonding with foals!!! ❤

[@junebyrne4491]

I have worried ever since you posted. Mothers are so protective. I think just being around is much better.

[@Carole2Kittens]

I love that, "on Bella and the foals terms." You'll be a great foal owner and you're already gaining Bella's trust.

[@sunsetslittlefunnyfarm299]

Warwick Schiller has a wonderful video about how/ when to handle a foal.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I’m going to watch that one for sure!

[@rosesmail4323]

I think Bell is u inside out , she's beautiful ❤️ u r truly blessed ,to live such a wonderful fur babies life, it hard work, cleaning feeding keeping up on any health problems, but it a labor of the love esp Bell having a gorgeous foal. God bless u and u r hubby.🌹♥️✝️🐴

[@PaulaR-mp9di]

I think the latest shows that it is better to leave the foal alone and instead of imprinting let the foal's curiosity build about you, so I agree with your decision. It is so obvious that you have really good instincts! Love your channel. So excited about the foal!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Good point! Thank you so much for your input.

[@rlrieth]

I absolutely agree! Mare and foal need time together without human interference.

[@paulrobertson7650]

Totally agree..I've seen mare's get very distressed when it's baby is manhandled..just gently goes....

[@zillionalb462]

Raleigh Link posted a video earlier today I thought was really helpful for people with foals

[@tiffanyberton]

@@zillionalb462 Hahah I saw it this morning and was thinking the same! And Raleigh left a great review of @Free Spirit Equestrian!

[@wren1114]

Images, action & colors of Rocky Mtn look a lot like beautiful Belle.

[@tedlogan3194]

standard physical inspection works every time. waxed plugged teets mean 24 hours.

[@christinesantoro9450]

NICE !! I LOOKED UP ALL OF THESE BREEDS ON LINE AND THEY ALL LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL .🥰 WELL, ALL HORSES ARE BEAUTIFUL !😌🌷💗🙏🏻!

[@sidilicious11]

I’m glad you are being cautious with foal imprinting. Regarding sewing in a foaling alert device, it sounds painful, ouch.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I don’t think I’m going to. Just brought up a question that has been asked and has also been highly recommended by many people. But I’m going to pass.

[@ES-pc8kf]

I thought it gets inserted in the vagina but attached to the tail. I can’t imagine sewing anything to a horse’s vagina because they are not going to forget you doing that. Ouch.

[@mollyragdollfan1917]

Belle is so sweet. She wants to be near her Human. Watch the foal being a mule. One way another, it will be beautiful!

[@Patti332]

Just watched a video on Raleigh Reacts. With a trainer said leave the foal alone. Have them be curious about you. Touch mare so they can sniff you. I'm so happy for you. I can't wait 😊❤

[@tinacaseley395]

No "Foal imprinting" - Step in only if needed. Give mom time to bond with foal. Let the foal get inquisitive when you're around and mom will teach manners. Your a good horsewoman, trust your instincts you will know if you need to step in at any time 😀

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes!! Thank you 😊

[@Saijai143]

Homestead horsemanship just had a good video up on how to tell when they are ready to drop.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I saw it 💖

[@rapturesoon6567]

Yep...LET NATURE take its course, extremely important!!! MOM does the IMPRINT for mental and physical growth!

[@freespiritequestrian]

I agree ❤️

[@donnazerbe8000]

I’ve seen a vet blow into the foal’s nose when it and momma are ok. If your smell is taken in by the foal it should be ok. But it all depends on momma belle. Anything not to stress out momma

[@punchylarue4619]

I am not surprised at any of the three breeds just going by her looks. No matter she is a sweetie and beautiful.

[@zenkohlrabi782]

Kyle is such a sweetie and smart..."Sure"...good answer, lol

[@freespiritequestrian]

I love him so much.

[@donnastanley9969]

Mumma knows Best and let them come to you, you don't know if it might upset Belle, and she has gone through massive change and your bond with her is very new

[@sarahwheeler1594]

Agreed👍🏻!

[@CC-xk6cp]

PS pay attention to the weather as she gets closer because if the barometric pressure changes quickly it can bring on foaling unexpectedly.

[@fleetskipper1810]

I had heard that before because a lot of horses that foal out in the open do so during storms. There must be a correlation there of some kind.

[@jayniestanley4730]

I was all about the Percheron. Belgian is pretty close on the line. But not the cream, how cool is that!!!!! I'm totally blown away. Awesome 👍😎

[@margaretfransen2131]

I follow the Friesian Horses channel on KZbin, which has shown a number of newborn foals. They mostly are hands off at first, as they don't want to interfere with mare/foal bonding. It's especially important to pay attention to and respect the mare's instinct to protect the foal from everyone, including friendly handlers. They don't want to stress the mares, so take interactions slowly. Also, development of the udder is a useful cue that birth is imminent. Best wishes.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you!

[@stargazer8339]

Many years ago, breathing a little scent of you into the baby's nostril was a way, they said, of bonding/imprinting. Don't worry about replacing the baby's beautiful momma Belle!

[@ksanurse]

I think she is Percheron crossed with Arabian. She looks like she is becoming a pet and very happy. Don’t worry you will bond with the foal because of the person you are. it’s going to be naturally imprinted due to your support of its mother. That little baby can hear you already. It is already responding when you brush Belle and say kind words, you see it moves in response. It already wants to join you bless it!

[@barbrice721]

We just watched the signs and when they got uncomfortable made plans to sleep in the barn. We were getting ready to do that one night when 2 of them just decided to give birth 15 minutes apart. It was amazing. I ended up buying the Quarterhorse colt. He was born Black and started turning Gray at 2.5. Wonderful guy.

[@equineguru08]

I’ve bred and raise multiple foals. We did light handling but didn’t over do anything. We touched him all over but certainly not over the top. I think you have a good plan in place. Handle them but don’t over do it. Babies love scratches and usually that alone is plenty of handling.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Sounds perfect!

[@mooniepiereilly8923]

Another tidbit on signs before birth - KZbinr, Homestead Horsemanship, had several videos recently of one of their horses that just gave birth. One of the things he mentioned as someone who has been around horses forever, is that about 24 hours before birth, not only does the udder become very full and tight, but the teats develop a waxy cap on them. This is supposed to indicate that colostrum is being produced, and the cap helps to keep it in until the foal begins nursing. (Sorry, can't remember which videos contained this information, I've watched several in the last few days!) Good luck, praying for all of you!

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Their mare just foaled and it is an awesome video! LOTS of amazing info on their channel.

[@brentderksen]

I was thinking this... he has some info on imprinting as well.

[@fleetskipper1810]

Homestead Horsemanship’s new foal video was posted within the last few days, and it is a really good one. He also posted a video about a week earlier that shows how he checked all of his three pregnant mares for signs of imminent foaling. Homestead Farm does pasture breeding, so they’re not 100% sure of the date of conception. The whole family set its collective alarm clocks to check the mare every 30 minutes, and they still missed the actual foaling. They came in time to help the foal get the bag off of its hind legs. When I was a teenager, I sat up all night in my 4H advisor’s barn, hoping to see a mare foal. At 5:30 in the morning, when it was just starting to get a little bit light, we gave up and went into the house to get a quick bite of breakfast. Half an hour later, we went out to the barn again, and she had foaled without us. The vet came and checked her and said that mares like to foal in private, so, if they are able, they kind of hold the foal in until they have some privacy. I suppose that’s a survival instinct. But it was very frustrating for me as a teenager!

[@latterrain09]

Yes I've seen videos, they foal within 48 hours.

[@thecontentcoachkim]

I just watched that video on the Homestead Horsemanship channel this morning when Nugget had her baby. I was really worried about her because she didn't move for so long after she gave birth, but she turned out OK.

[@kimnolan4084]

I love the Rocky Mountain breed. A family friend bred them at their farm in Vermont until they retired a few years ago. I got to go visit the farm and they are just the most beautiful and well tempered horses!! They drove us around the property and when we stopped at the field that the stallion was in, the owner whistled and this amazingly beautiful horse with a flaxen mane and tail just came running up from the far corner of the field...it was like something right out of a Disney movie!! I jokingly called the horse the "Fabio" of horses...(you may be too young to get that reference, but your older readers will know just who I mean!!) The blonde mane and tail just flowing out behind from this amazing stallion who was running like the wind...the picturesque Vermont scenery in the background...what a treat!!! Belle is so beautiful..can't wait to see what baby looks like! thanks for sharing with us!!

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Gosh, Kim! Your description was wonderful. It felt like being there. And I know who Fabio was! 🤠

[@They_Void]

I watched Raleigh Link's video about Warwick Schiller and what i understood its better not to handle the foal for some time but be there, let them smell you, get used to you and then start handling when they are ready, it should make them curious foal (is good sense), because often people try to start handling them too fast and then the foal grows up to be a nervous horse who hates everything out it, but its only what I understood, I say you could watch that video and think about it yourself

[@emilyestelle7471]

Your first impressions about not overdoing it with a foal are spot on. It really is healthiest to let mom teach the baby how to be a horse. I think a lot of people assume that if they flood a foal with experiences while it's young that it'll make them easier to train, but it can have the opposite effect. There's nothing wrong with being present and doing some light handling and exposure, but some people take it really far, and the poor foal never gets a chance to just be a baby bonding with its mom - which seems really harmful.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Agreed!

[@audreyp.4412]

Years ago, I rode a Percheron Thoroughbred cross that looked exactly like Belle. He was a retired open jumper.

[@animalloverluckerz4657]

I love Belle she’s amazing! She soooo deserves a little mini Belle!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes haha!

[@junebyrne4491]

I think the three breeds are sweet, friendly and beautiful.

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Great choices, June! 🤠

[@barbarakiser5622]

It’s great to see so many people referencing Raleighs video about letting the foal be a horse. Let the foal get to know you through curiosity.

[@sabine701]

👍🐎👍🐎👍Healthy, that's the only important thing.

[@elizabethvodraska5782]

I am so happy ralink reacted to you I was one of the people that recombination you and I was think about asking you first but I was not sure and it might of ruined the surprise and I am so happy you got a happy revu and it wold feel like a horse Oscar ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😀😃😄😁

[@cynthianauman1358]

Rocky mountain horses 🐎 the purebred ones are seal brown with creme flaxen mane n tails are on the rare endanger thier gait is way smoother than any other gaited breeds to have a purebred is a treasure Belle is lucky to have a part of that in her DNA a win win 🏆

[@vickiwojtowicz7391]

I would NEVER want something stitched to my vulva. Once she starts waxing it will be within 48 hours. I would opt for taking watch shifts at night. They almost always seem to come on a cold or rainy night. If it takes her more than 12 minutes for her to push it out call a vet. It will be fine. She is probably a seasoned pro.😊

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Agreed! Too much technology now a days! Waste of money in my humble opinion. Horses in the wild seem to be able to know what to do...

[@therealcoltstonewolfe]

Iv had horses since I was 2. I'm now 51. NO MARE NEEDS HER VULVA STITCHED. ITS BULLSHIT. My family are Full Navajo First Nations. And we have never once had to stitch. It's nonsence. Mares can carry and foal Without all that nonsence. Some vets will push that onto mare owners unnessesary. Stitching is completely unnessesary.

[@llamarama111]

I agree. There is a girth with an alarm goes off when they lay down. Might be more humane. I don’t agree with foal imprinting. Let them be with their mother.

[@debrabiderman4275]

@@therealcoltstonewolfe I agree with you

[@VSFilly]

I could also tell a change in behavior. Moody. More protective or antisocial. Also, may suddenly look 'thinner' and may have a 'point' to their abdomen. Backside 'jiggles' when walking. All signs the time is near❤ If they eat 'different' (pausing, walking from grain).

[@KaritschiaKaluk]

of course it's exciting, but she's experienced and you don't have to worry. I wish you all the best and keep my fingers crossed…… maybe it will be a small mustang 🤭😉😉😉😉

[@rlrieth]

I think Belle is stunning. The three breeds weren’t even on my radar! I thought perch for sure and maybe thoroughbred. She’s so beautiful.

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Yes, Lori. I thought Percheron and Warmblood. 🤠

[@carolr6957]

No forced imprinting. Counterintuitive I do agree with time needed for baby and mom bonding and baby will learn trust of human thru mom as well. Can’t wait

[@krakowbaba]

I used baby cams for my mare, I watched her for two weeks before and got so used to her routine that the night she gave birth I knew early on as she was not her normal self and he was born at 02.10am, almost 16yrs ago now! Most magical experience ever

[@diannefeinstein5135]

Percheron, PRE and thoroughbred.

[@rpal320]

Raised Miniture horses for 20 years. Within the first 12 hours if you handle the baby gently and imprint the mouth, eyes, ears, feet and body. As the years pass the baby is so gentle and easy to handle the rest of their life. . I bought a colt that had not been imprint trained. He is now three. Dispute all the work I have done with him(he has been gelded) he is the wildest thing ever! I believe strongly in handling that baby so that the fight or flight is not in their character around humans.

[@gwenmartinsen3979]

@rpal320, I TOTALLY agree with you about the gentle imprinting. The mare will be right there and you can quit at any time. It's so nice to have a horse that accepts handling all over. Working on the head and face and their feet is so much nicer if they're accepting.I've had horses that fought ear handling and trimming, looking in their mouth, getting near their eyes and having their feet, and legs, handled. The imprinting doesn't take very long, keep it non - traumatic and you won't have to spend the time and stress teaching them later. And Your vet and farrier will be a lot happier to visit your farm.

[@janedeclarico5920]

Years ago in college I took an intro to jumping course for PE. One of my mounts was a Belgian cross. All of the horses were retired sport horses and used for schooling by the University. My gelding was made very much like your mare and had won many jumping competitions in Europe and the US. He had a large somewhat refined head, kind disposition, and strong body. He could jump anything (when the instructor rode him) and apparently loved basic dressage. According to the instructor he was a very famous horse at one time. He also had a great sense of humor and would often randomly pick up a brush or cloth from the barn wall when I was riding in the barn much to my dismay. Will never forget his patience with me. Think you have a great mare with infinite potential. It will be interesting to see what you have in your foal if you do genetic testing. I am sure the Amish cross many breeds to get what suits their individual purposes. Looks like you have won the genetic jackpot!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@Toad_bonk]

I can see how those breeds are in her. The Belgian for the coat color. The Creme Draft for the build. And Rocky Mountain for the mane as its kinda a gradient from gray to a golden yellow. I can’t wait for the baby to come!

[@kristinkester9392]

I saw a glimpse of Arabian when she was prancing around the paddock in one of your videos. She is such a beauty and so lucky to be with you!!

[@freespiritequestrian]

No Arabian in her haha

[@KathyCoker53]

I was thinking Percheron, standard bred cross. I couldn't have never guessed that combination LOL! She is defiantly a rare breed! Can't wait to see her baby!!!

[@freespiritequestrian]

It’s going to be so fun to see!

[@elizabethhoeppner8881]

Your foal is well trained. I purchased a yearling several years ago that did not lead well, tried to cow kick people and was impossible about her feet. After a lot of work she has become gentled. Never used meds or held her down. Just halter and lead rope and had her watch other horses being groomed and lunged.

[@cathyduke9609]

Can't wait to see the foal

[@sandimichaels2324]

What? Wow!!!! Unbelieveable. Amazing. Wonderful

[@CraftyKinley]

Belle is such a stunning, beautiful horse.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you so much!

[@CraftyKinley]

@@freespiritequestrian no problem!

[@kayliecooley5618]

We have just always spent lots of time with our foals and little training sessions with them until they are weaned and now she is a yearling and the best most friendly horse we have. My grandma was a POA breeder for 25 years and this has always worked for her.

[@kepnjem]

My conclusion...Belle is a pure bred Gorgeous horse. ❤❤. Definitely!

[@sarahwheeler1594]

I’ll drink to that🍷!!!

[@cherylb10]

She is so pretty no matter what she is

[@candicerunyon2762]

Goodness! I just did quick search on the Creme draft horse and Belle does have much of those lovely physical charateristics. It also noted that the breed is rare, are very gentle, versatile and want to please. I was not surprised, just smiled at realizing that she is of this (very likely) nobel breed! Such fun! I wish I was young again and could indulge in my love for animals and farm life again. I did raise a Berkshire female pig too as a teenager. I still think about her and miss her; as we loved each other. Anyway, this is all about Belle and her story. Thanks so much for sharing the almost daily updates with us. Brings back warm memories for some of us.

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

Belle is one of your best squires ever! Like you, I can’t wait for the foal! In reality she’s already here but the birth is always so exciting!! Loved this whole video Shae!❤️🐎🐕‍🦺😀

[@candyphillips2642]

Shes beautiful. Those DNA results are interesting! 😂 can't wait to see the foal. ❤

[@nancyschaeffer569]

She is so beautiful. ❤❤❤❤

[@loripeaceandlove6391]

Well, I do know that the Belgian draft horse was one of the horses that they bred to another draft (can’t remember the other draft) and that’s how they got the Percheron Breed. So this doesn’t surprise me. What a Beautiful gift from God. PeaceAndLove Lori

[@janbartlett2128]

I got the Belgium but totally missed on the others. She is totally beautiful and full of character. 😊

[@fleetskipper1810]

Wikipedia says that cream draft horses developed from a single mare named Old Granny, who was born in Iowa at the turn of the 20th century. There are fewer than 2000 of them in existence right now, so they are considered a critically rare breed. Their color comes from a gold champagne gene that dilutes the underlying base coat color, chestnut. Ideally, they have light skin and amber eyes, although they are born with blue eyes. They’re supposed to be extremely gentle and have refined heads. Their lower legs are heavily feathered. Colonial Williamsburg uses them to pull wagons and has its own breeding program. They are most closely related to several other draft breeds, including (but not exclusively) Belgians.

[@JazminFloral1020]

This is my favorite breed and my dream horse. I did a report on the breed in my animal science class. They are such beautiful horses.

[@CGH250]

You won the lottery!!!❤️❤️❤️👍🥰

[@annjohnson8437]

Growing up on a horse farm, we always gave mom and foal a chance to bond first, as long as everyone was doing well. The foals are naturally curious and follow mom's lead and start interacting with people quite quickly. I'm so excited for you! You have lots of fun times to come after the arrival of the new little one. ❤️

[@janekiceniuk1578]

Check out Warwick Schiller. He has a video about building curiosity, not imprinting. I would definitely talk with your vet on that foal alert. I always worked with cameras & sleeping in the tackroom when getting close. I personally would get a camera. I've seen a band that you can put around their belly that will alert to contraction, I know nothing about them. Good luck, Belle is beautiful & will be a fantastic mama.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you!

[@ceebee987]

Thank you! I couldn't remember his name and also wanted to share it. I also highly suggest she watches it.

[@sarahwales6276]

I feel the same about mixed feelings re imprinting, I wouldn't want to encroach on the mares space while she feels so vulnerable and interfere with her own bonding. Totally agree with your thoughts on this and not everyone shows that level of respect towards the mare. ❤

[@dianekruger5977]

Belle is beautiful.

[@shortymcfox2251]

I’ve done imprinting the early years of my horsemanship and then stopped. I stopped because personally I am softer in my approach with animals, especially babies. I didn’t need to be the alpha and earn respect by being forceful. For me, both worked but I prefer gentler. I still got the results I was looking for since the mares were all responsive, confident and weren’t nervous with my presence. The babies watch and of course learn from momma. Handling ASAP is important with them together and it will get easier especially when you’re wanting to start separate times. Whichever you choose, it’ll be a great learning experience and you’ve got a strong support group to help if you want it 💕. Love the genetic results and it was a fun thing to do! Hopefully her Amish family will respond. Thank you for the smile you put on my face today! 🤗😊

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@noturcinderella]

She is so freaking beautiful

[@rubymetalcat18]

How fun! I had my gelding dna tested and he came up as 1) Percheron, 2) Suffolk punch, and 3) Noriker. He’s said to be a Gypsy Vanner cross, and those are all draft breeds so it makes sense. 😊

[@cjdiffin7237]

I have to say that when you mention my home state of Michigan, I smile. Miss the spring, summer, and fall. Oh, and the lakes.❤❤❤❤

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Check out a video by Warwick Schiller. Or a video by Raleigh Link , he is saying leave the baby alone, But be around In the beginning. Like be around with them but don't handle them . They are saying if you handle them too much you can ruin them. Let them be a horse and let the mom teach them for the first little while . But I know you will figure out what's best for your new baby ❤

[@Liz_678]

Belle is just 💯 beautiful horse❤. You are 💯 great!

[@maximusopus1108]

The only one I got right was Belgian draft. Belle has such a Belgian shaped head. ❤️

[@alissabb]

I also feel that Belle's head looks more Belgian than Percheron.

[@sandrabeck8788]

I definitely think Belgian also, and American Quarter horse.

[@sandrabeck8788]

I definitely think Belgian also, and American Quarter horse.

[@asia8259]

I am so excited the Rocky Mountain horse was surprising

[@elainejude4616]

Belle is so sweet and I can tell she really loves and trust you already❤ I love watching your videos ❤ your living the dream❣️🐎❤️🐎

[@hopalstudiosjuliehattis]

Wow that's awesome. Your a beautiful girly Belle.❤😊

[@v.brackins2265]

I so agree with your thoughts on foal handling!! Professional trainer Warrick Schiller has really sound method of working with them...if you haven't heard about him I think he d be a great one for you to look into and he has content on KZbin.. Such a surprise about the dna! I ll make a prediction on the foals color...dappled grey with dark mane,tail and legs😊

[@freespiritequestrian]

He’s one of my favorites.

[@cathyseluke8983]

I think your ideas about foal handling are correct. They do need to get used to handling by humans but the mare is the primary teacher. Wow. Belle's DNA results are surprising to say the least. But she is just magnificent.

[@krhode5185]

I agree take it with a grain of salt. There’s a humorous CBC Marketplace story where they sent in DNA from dogs to different labs. They also sent in one human sample. Two companies gave them results for dogs!

[@lhuras.]

She's such a beautiful Mare. You really had a great catch when you got her!

[@I.Like.kittens]

She is beautiful either way

[@LetsNotPlease]

Oh my goodness I’m so excited for her to fall. I can’t wait to see what it looks like.❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉😊

[@brendabirkenbach8533]

Had to look up cream draft. They are rare. Bell is beautiful! 🩷💙🩷💙

[@beckysmith7778]

That's so awesome!! Can't wait to see baby so exciting

[@christianlutes5593]

Love on, and spend quality time with the baby and mama. That’s all you need to do. ❤️

[@daemonember]

Talk to your vet about pH testing the milk to predict foaling time. Once it's down to 6.25 or 6 you know it's time to keep a close eye on her.

[@debrabish1494]

I met a lady who developed the camera foal alert at Britt music festival-it is cameras and sound system-you can set your alarm and get up every hour-trade off with hubby-also I have had 8 foals and delivered only 4 -they had them on their own-missed it-they were fine-did mellow imprinting-just like what you said very good you are a natural with horses-so kind and good

[@Dwsrs24]

Fun DNA results! 😁 As far as imprinting, thoughts have changed. Both Warwick Schiller & Raleigh Link share same current viewpoint: giving the foal time to learn to be a horse from its mother w/hands off (as much as possible) but being around the foal, allowing for curiosity. How exciting to see a live birth! And it's great to see you & Kyle relaxing on a pretty day. ☀️ All of us fans standing by!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you! I watched her video and Warwick’s :)

[@rottiegirl0077]

Raleigh just did video about trainer Warwick Schiller. It was a video about foals so I would look both up. He believes that you spend time with foal & mom but not touch the foal or halter too soon. He says you need to develop curiosity in the foal before you even touch the foal. Now if the foal touches you that's fine. You really don't want to rush the foal .

[@freespiritequestrian]

I watched it 💖

[@AshleyNicole2260]

I know I recommended her before but honestly Katie Van Slyk is the person to go to other than your vet. Shes waiting for her fourth and final foal due in about a week right now and she also uses the foal alert. She is super sweet, honest and open, loves teaching people about horses and breeding and all that good stuff. I would reach out to her in a private message with all your amazing questions. I think youre doing great tho and I am so excited for this baby💜

[@makwa2428]

💯

[@andrewthornton1945]

American Cream Draft look stunning Homestead Horsemanship have just had a foal.😮 If you get a chance have a look You do what you feel is the Best way for you 2 Have a good day 😎

[@itpatriot]

I can’t get enough of this precious girl!! There is just something so special about her presence and precious demeanor!! I love her so much!!❤❤❤

[@csydney]

❣️Thanks for sharing this experience with all of us Horse Lovers.... It's nice to be excited along with and for you... In my case, having seen the foal before reading this, I love that I get to still enjoy this, even though it's after-the-fact !

[@dionnemosier3324]

Knowing that she was an Amish horse, I was expecting her to be Percheron, Belgium and maybe Saddlebred. I'm not surprised with the Belgium and American Cream Draft, but I would have never thought Rocky Mountain Horse. Although it's not a vastly popular breed, it is more abundant in its state of origin, Kentucky. You purchased Belle at an auction in Ohio, which is a neighboring state of Kentucky gives more to ponder about the DNA results. Considering the body and head type of the Belgium and American Cream Draft, this would give her her draft horse height and bone structure. As far as her color, when you think about the American Cream Draft white/cream color and the Silver Dapple gene found in the Rocky Mountain Horse, it explains her coat color. As shocking as the DNA results might seem at first, when you analyze each breed, they actually make sense.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes quite possibly! 💖💖💖

[@GutierrezMadeline]

I agree - looking up the characteristics of the 3 breeds - sounds pretty reasonable.

[@cathywhelpley3927]

Your approach for Belle giving birth is good. Touching the baby is good for bonding with you, just like any animal or pet. You will do a great job , be confident! Belle has the hard part....labor!!

[@suzycue9278]

Belle is just precious!!!