A day of firsts

A whole bunch of first things today.
Today was Nitro's first birthday.

He still loves to run, and is very agile.

Another first today was Gussie getting to be in with Belle and Stella. I introduced them carefully, just in case mama Belle got snarky, but Gussie is her BFF and it only took a little posturing to establish order. .

Since that went well, next I turned all 3 of them out into the big pen next to their stalls. The first turnout for Stella Belle!

She sure kept her mama on her toes! Stella is not shy at all and had to explore everything.

She had been loping in the stall, but 20'X20' isn't big enough to really get a feel for those long legs, so she had her first gallop today too.

It was also the first time I've let Gussie out for exercise since she strained the tendons on her left front leg 3 weeks ago- she has been confined that long, and really enjoyed getting out today.

Such a picturesque mare!

Once I knew that they were all getting along, (I was worried that Gussie might try to steal the baby) I opened up the grass pasture for them, much to the delight of the mares.

Stella really had fun, and everywhere she led, Belle was sure to follow.

Something caught the attention of the mares:

I let them run around for a bit, but didn't want them eating too much of the fresh grass, 

so after a little while I chased them back into the dry lot.

Well.... sorta dry! Still has some standing water in the lowest spots. Stella did pick her way across at least once.

 And for another first today.... she learned to drink water. 

All in all it was a darn good day- and we did all this between rainstorms that are rolling along the mountains.