Blessed Be the Broodmare

Blessed are the broodmares in the field,
Patiently carrying their heavy load
Without complaint waiting for the big day,
When they, without a sound, lay down in the straw

~EMS~ 

Carmen with her dam, Adurina

Carmen's dam, Adurina, passed away this week from a twisted bowel. She was one of three mares imported from Spain as part of a group of Cobra mares.  I remember meeting Adurina when I was in Virginia to try out Carmen. After we had reached a deal and I was getting ready to head back to the hotel I went into the paddock to see Carmen again. I was greeted at the gate by a mare who was clearly in charge. She was not aggressive or even pushy. She simply looked at me calmly and wanted to know who this person was coming into her herd. I gave her a greeting and, after a sniff, she let me go by and watched as I went to greet her daughter. I remember thinking at the time that I hoped Carmen developed this same level of confidence and presence.

We often talk of stallions but the mare is as important, if not more, as the stud. She not only needs a good conformation and movement but she needs to raise her baby as well. I know that many believe that the mare passes along her temperament. I am not a breeder so I do not know if that is true or not but it seems that a mare is critical to having a quality horse.

This video is a sale video for Carmen (Charlante is her registered name). You can see that Adurina has quality movement.




Karen, Adurina's owner is understandably devastated to lose her mare. Not only was she a foundation of her breeding program, she loved her. These horses, they work their way into our hearts and leave such a hole when they go.

God speed Adurina. I will be forever grateful for the gift you gave me.