News from Sugar Plum Farm

We approach the New Year having already had lots of "winter weather', as early storms left us 18" of beautiful white snow. The farm looked picturesque, the weanlings enjoyed kicking up their heels in the paddocks and the Sugar Plum Team did a tremendous job keeping both horses and people warm and safe.

On December 7th, Irish Hill & Dutchess Views hosted their annual Stallion Show. The show was a great success, as was our display at the event. We met lots of new folks and had the chance to put faces to names of those we have spoken to on the telephone. War Dancer, looking fabulous, was introduced by Bill Leak and Michael Lischin. There is little doubt that he enjoys showing off for the crowd!

Meanwhile, back at the farm, our two barn cats, Sissy and Sassy, have settled in to become an integral part of the Team. They are avid hunters and work hard to keep our barns and feed rooms free of mice. When not hunting, they enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the main barn feed room.

Tomorrow all the weanlings on the farm will become yearlings. January 1st is the official "birthday" of all thoroughbreds, regardless of their actual foaling date and month. While our weanlings begin their days as yearlings, we'll be busy welcoming new babies, as the 2020 foaling seasons begins. Most foals are born at night, and Sugar Plum Farm has dedicated Team members who work shifts at the barn throughout the night. In addition to regular stall checks, the night watch person can constantly monitor each horse via a camera placed in the corner of every stall. Although In the late Fall we have a refresher course on foaling and we're all alert to the signs that a mare is preparing to foal, because nature is unpredictable and some mares show no signs, the night watch person must be constantly alert.

From the office I can watch the mares as they meander around their fields, heavy with foal, but clearly enjoying the 'warm' 38-degree weather. I know that soon they will be out in the paddocks, new babies at their side, as we begin another year at Sugar Plum Farm.