I am turning a year older today, and what better than to post an entry about the day when we introduced Isolde to the track just a few weeks ago?
It was a fun day, because all the other Garvis presently in Niger came out too see her!
And I got to do some fun introductions within the race track community!
The star of the show had one thing in mind though - to be scratched!
And who has better nails for that than my father?
Patting was also widely appreciated,
…and so Isolde spent the better part of the afternoon next to my father 
It was only when I moved away with Arwen that she moved position…
Or when Anette was about to hop up on her horse again…
But apart from that, this was by far her favourite position!
As for people’s impression of her, they all thought she was three months older than she was, which is not due to lineage but only good feed. They are also saying that she will be faster than her mother but that’s something only the future will tell…
9 users commented in " Isolde yar’Arwen makes her debut at the Zinder race track "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackIsolde is a darling! I think there is nothing cuter than a baby horse. We had one born at our place once and it was almost as wonderful as the birth of my son….almost.
Tell us more about your racing in Zinder.
@Goatgirl: Isolde really is a darling - I love how she’s inherited so much of her mother’s character. She loves people and she loves speed - can it get any better?
Racing in Niger is a pretty cool thing! There’s a whole category with posts from the race track if you want to catch up:
http://esthergarvi.com/category/nigerien-culture-traditions/horse-racing-in-niger/
As for our girls, Arwen raced twice last season (despite being in foal) and won her races. She is now back in training and I’ll let her race again when she’s feels like it. Yesterday, Ali brought her to the track for training, and she did a lap with three other (male) race horses. They set of at a reduced speed and then let go towards the end. To everyone’s surprise, the new mother won over the stallions, with her little filly tagging along behind! Isolde still has way to go before she can keep full speed with her mother, but she knows where the goal is and seems pretty determined to get there at some point!
Esther…I forgot to say Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day.
Lori
I found you via GoatGirl and so glad I did. Have spent the morning reading about the work your family does and falling in love with little Isolde. She is quite attached to your father, isn’t she?
She looks so much like our little Bailey (born in April). But, being a Paso Fino, I’m sure Bailey is very, very much smaller than Isolde.
@Lori: Thanks! It’s been a great day so far!
@Pamela: Welcome! Yes, Isolde is quite attached to my father and loves his strong nails (mine just keep breaking all the time). I must check out your Bailey! How big is a Paso Fino when they’re grown? Isolde is a Nigerien Barb and both her parents are around 1,50 cm in height…
Happy Birthday, Esther! Those pics are precious with Isolde and your Father. It definitely put a smile on my face!
Esther - Happy Birthday! What a good year this will be with Isolde and Sheba to entertain you. My 13 year old daughter is in love with Isolde. She’s obviously won your father’s heart too. She’s just adorable!
Awwwww….Isolde! I want to give her scratches and pats, too. What a beautiful foal.
I love seeing the pictures of you and Arwen, too.
By the way, what is the green stuff on top of the race building? Is it grass???
~Lisa
Oh My! Happy Belated Birthday!
Looks like you had a fine day for it.
Isolde has the most amazingly long legs.
Thank you for sharing your family’s outing as well!
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