Greetings to all our wonderful friends! Today marks the third day since the arrival of our beloved CC, the newest addition to our family at the full level. Mai is looking absolutely fantastic, CC is as adorable as ever, and I must say, I am feeling quite pleased myself. The three of us unanimously decided it was time for a leisurely stroll, and what better place to go than the arena where it’s nice and cozy, especially with the chilly weather outside? CC was brimming with excitement, eager to stretch those little legs, while Mai, being her composed self, took everything in her stride. It’s truly remarkable how calm she is, considering that the initial days for mares and their foals can sometimes be a bit unpredictable.

It’s fascinating to observe how early handling can influence the behavior of the foal-mare pair, leading to reduced proximity, less suckling behavior, and a lower reactivity towards humans in novel environments, as we have noticed with Mia and CC. Mia’s responses to CC’s handling have remarkably improved from the first day to the second after birth, indicating a positive shift in their relationship rather than just a routine reaction. It’s worth noting that the way foals are handled in the crucial first two days after birth can significantly impact the bond between the foal and mare, potentially affecting their interactions with humans, although in our case, Mia and CC seem to be adapting beautifully. As we wandered around the arena, it was hard to convince them to stop, as all three of us savored the moments together. We eagerly anticipate many more delightful days of exploration and bonding in the arena ahead.