Elswyth Shetland Ponies

Well, yesterday was an incredible day of mixed emotions. Both the highs and lows.

As breeders, we are experienced in the pure joy of new life on the farm, and the devastating loss you feel when it goes wrong.

But never normally on the same day. Unbelievably, within half an hour.

Yesterday, we had two mares foal simultaneously, side by side, out in the paddock. Both restless at 4.20am, both in active labour by 4.45am. That in itself was a first for us.

Cassie - a hands-off perfect birth, start to finish in 30 mins.

Fenella - I knew around that 30 minute mark we needed vet support, total mispresentation. Head curled back, front legs tucked under. No chance of foaling without help. Vet worked tirelessly on call out, but her beautiful filly was born sleeping. Such a difficult time for any mare, but so hard on her with her best friend alongside her with her filly at foot.

And so, yesterday was both joyful and heart breaking. And we are so grateful to welcome Bramble, knowing her Gemini didn’t have the opportunity to run alongside her.

Life, at its rawest.

Maternal brother: Firle Giorgio

Sire: Firle Ricardo

Elswyth’s resident stallion, Firle Gillespie.

Dam: Gina G of Quimper (Garland of Annwood x Sedgehill Cavalier)
Sire: Firle Ricardo (Champlers Roseanne x Earnbrig Reynard)