OMG, Alvesta Picasso sired TWINS this morning!!...3 years later, photos on post #66

[Daventry]

We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of...what we thought would be one foal out of maiden 16.0 HH Hanoverian mare named Ajawaan, who was the highest scoring mare in Canada the year she was inspected with the Canadian Warmblood Association. The owner won the stud fee in a stallion service auction last spring and she was then brought to us to AI to Picasso.

She was due to foal over two weeks ago and we've been anxiously waiting as she's such a lovely mare. At 355 days and 1 am this morning, the first filly popped out and then the second. No suprise as Picasso consistently sires fillies...for everyone else except us!! One looks like she will stay chestnut and the other looks like a liver chestnut who will likely grey. Both are doing great and eating well and IgG levels will get checked this morning to make sure everyone is OK.

Thanksfully the mare was bred to a pony stallion her first go round as, if she had been bred to a warmblood stallion and carrying twins, she likely would have aborted. Pony foals allowed for lots of room. And they are likely guaranteed now that they won't go over pony height too!! Incidently, the mare was ultrasounded as only carrying one foal!

Proud father is Section B Welsh Pony hunter sire Alvesta Picasso, who's been on the USEF Leading Pony Hunter Sire List for five consecutive years. We'll try and get some photos of the new foals up on our website in the next few days. Names are still undecided as the owner only had one name picked out :)

[Sakura]

Wow! Glad the foals are healthy and mom's doing well... Can't wait to see pics :).

[S A McKee]

Proud father is Section B Welsh Pony hunter sire Alvesta Picasso, who's been on the USEF Leading Pony Hunter Sire List for five consecutive years. :)

You know, I see this type of 'advertising' all the time.
At first glance you'd think this is a really big deal. The truth is any stallion who sires a pony with even 1 USEF point gets on that list.
I looked at the Pony Hunter leading sires lists for the past few years.

2007 87th out of 179
2006 171/190
2005 Didn't find him on the list
2004 198/207
2003 Didn't find him on the list

[clint]

The stallion has nothing to do with twins. The mare double ovulated, which many of them do. Congratulations; you are very lucky.

[VirginiaBred]

Wow. As the owner of twins born two years ago, I can tell you this will be a long road ahead, probably full of ups and downs.

Watch them very, very, very carefully. Things can change so quickly. They may look great now, but please watch them like a hawk.

Here is the thread from the birth of the ones my TB mare had:
http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=38203&highlight=Holy+Crap%21+Twins%21%21%21

[Daventry]

S A McKee, thanks for the wonderful comments...which are certainly relevant to this thread :rolleyes:. Hopefully you'll be able to brighten someone else's day with your pocketful of sunshine! :yes: If you care so much, Picasso has been on the list from 2004-2008, not back in 2003. His points have not been added for 2008 yet as the show results have not been included online yet. Call it whatever you want but many stallions never make it to the list and he is at least climbing up the list each year, which is riddled with many long deceased stallions. We're extremely proud of the two foals who have won over fences at HITS, WEF and the Washington International among others from a talented stallion who was completely unknown and hidden in someone's 80 acre field up until a few years ago. He sired the World's First Hungarian Riding Pony last fall and we couldn't be more proud of our little guy! :D

[Daventry]

Yep, I know the sire doesn't decide the twins. Here's an interesting question though that I know nothing about. VirginiaBred, you will likley know as you've been through this already.

I won't be seeing the foals until this afternoon but owner says one filly looks like she's going to be a chestnut and the other filly is likley a bay turning grey. Only one placenta came out, with what looks to be two umbilical cords attached to the same placenta. Vet will be going out to check mare and mare owner is concerned that there may be a retained placenta. Mare owner is a registered nurse with genetics background and thinks two placenta's should be present although, mare is comfortable and doing fine.

If I'm correct, isn't identical twins in horses next to impossible and hasn't happened yet, and doesn't identical twins mean one placenta and paternal twins (what these two are right?) have to have two placenta's?

[mistyjewell]

This came up back when VB had her twins. In horses it is impossible to have identical twins, due to the need for the embryo to split to form identical twins, and the nature of the vessicle that contains the embryo in equines would terminate the pregnancy if it was split in half (splified version)

What can happen is that the outer membranes of the vessicles containing the embroys that forms the placenta can actually fuse to form one placenta if the embryos are actually close/touching each other (kissing twins) since the vet missed the twins in both yours and VBs case, it seems likely that this is what happened, they were sitting on top of each other/ so close, not to be differentiated with the ultrasound.

Coat color would indicate in this case there's no way they could be identical, since one was chestnut and the other bay, even ignoring the grey gene, they just aren't identical.

[VirginiaBred]

Yep, I know the sire doesn't decide the twins. Here's an interesting question though that I know nothing about. VirginiaBred, you will likley know as you've been through this already.

I won't be seeing the foals until this afternoon but owner says one filly looks like she's going to be a chestnut and the other filly is likley a bay turning grey. Only one placenta came out, with what looks to be two umbilical cords attached to the same placenta. Vet will be going out to check mare and mare owner is concerned that there may be a retained placenta. Mare owner is a registered nurse with genetics background and thinks two placenta's should be present although, mare is comfortable and doing fine.

If I'm correct, isn't identical twins in horses next to impossible and hasn't happened yet, and doesn't identical twins mean one placenta and paternal twins (what these two are right?) have to have two placenta's?

You are right on. And, my mare also only had one placenta. They were born in opposite horns. You can call me anytime and talk if you want. My boys are doing very well, but they really are the exception. I never want twins again, for the record.

[Sugarbrook]

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS from Sugarbrook Farm!!!!!!!!!! Please continue to update us on the twins progress and PICTURES please.

[Molly Malone]

Yeah, not posting pictures is a bit mean......:lol:

[Daventry]

Yeah, not posting pictures is a bit mean......:lol:

lol, I'm sorry. I'll be heading over there to see them in about an hour and will take lots of photos. I've never seen twins before so it should be exciting! My computer crashed and died last week and I'm on an old clunker until mine comes back in a couple of days so I'm not 100% sure this computer will stick it out and allow me to upload photos but I'll sure try!

[VirginiaBred]

If need be, send to me and I'll post 'em for ya!

[TwinCity]

Mom reporting in here :D

They are wonderful little fillies and seem quite strong, the vet is pleased with the exam. IgG is fine and they are nursing well, so let's all collectively cross our fingers that things stay that way:yes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=699Sc-aVvlI

[Samotis]

That is so great! Congratulations. It is so cool to watch one foal, let alone 2! It looks like they will be buddies for life.

I am sure mom is thinking, oh great, my mom didn't tell me about this scenario!:eek:

Good luck:winkgrin:

[talloaks]

CONGRATUATIONS!!!:D THEY ARE DARLING!:winkgrin:

[tntpony]

Thank you soooooo much for the video. Sweet girls!

[VirginiaBred]

Lord, does that ever bring back memories...................

[TwinCity]

Thanks everyone :)...what a surprise this morning!

Auntie Tracy was just here so I'm sure she'll have some photos too.

If anyone has any naming ideas...I'm in sleep debt and in total brain-duh.

[Sugarbrook]

OMG. How cute. What does Mom think about all of this?? I wonder if it has sunk in yet what just happened to her life!!!!!

[2 tbs]

OMG they are so precious! They are so small - babies are cute in general but having them so petite makes them that much cuter!!! :D

I hope they continue to thrive and I'm anxiously awaiting those pix!!! :yes:

[TwinCity]

Mom is fabulous. She's a 13 year old maiden mare with a temperament of gold and she's taking this all in stride and learning to count to two. It was something else seeing her bond to each of the foals...you had to be there. What an experience!

[Daventry]

Wow, I still can't believe I actually saw a set of twins. Both girls are SUPER cute and definitely have daddy's Welshy head and they have beautiful, big doe eyes. One a dark bay sabino with matching hind socklets with ermine spots and a blaze and pink lower lip and the other a chestnut with matching hind socks and a large star.

TwinCity's mare is just amazing. She let us in the stall with not a complaint and patiently stood there while BOTH babies stood right underneath her and each sucked on their own teat at the same time! Truly amazing to watch!

TwinCity mentioned Matinee and Encore for names and I thought those were super cute!! Below are the photos she just emailed me from this morning. Believe it or not, the dark bay filly even has a cuter head than the gorgeous little chestnut. I'll have to get my photos loaded up.

[PaulaM]

Congratulations on the twins, they look adorable. Ajawaan looks like she is being the perfect mom.

[amdfarm]

Congrats!! OMG, they are so adorable and huggable!! Enjoy them and keep us posted on their progress.

[VirginiaBred]

TwinCity mentioned Matinee and Encore for names and I thought those were super cute!!

My twins were named Matinee & Marquee due to the movie theme names their half siblings have had previously, and the fact they were by Small-Land Movie Maker.

[TwinCity]

Oops! Matinee came from the foal cam that we monitored them by! And Encore, well that's obvious!

I'm still not too sold on Matinee as the chestnut filly's name. Love the name, but it just doesn't seem like "her" name. Her personality seems so much like Mom's, gentle, reserved, yet will assert her place if needed. Ajawaan means "becoming a queen" which completely suits her. So still thinking on that :)

[DownYonder]

Oh, they are so cute! Best of luck with them!

[PaulaM]

how about:RHIANNON
Gender: Feminine Usage: Welsh (http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/wel.php), Welsh Mythology (http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/wel-myth.php) Pronounced: hri-AN-ahn (Welsh), ree-AN-un (English), REE-an-un (English) [key] (http://www.behindthename.com/pronunciation.php)
Derived from Old Celtic Rigantona meaning "great queen". In Welsh mythology Rhiannon was the goddess of fertility and the moon. This name is also borne by a princess in Welsh legends, the wife of Pwyll.

I hope you don't mind I took a look at some of your other videos. Blake looks awesome!!

[TwinCity]

Wow...that sounds good! I think we've found one! Thank you Paula!

Blake is a sweetheart! Hopefully the year off will have worked it's wonders :yes:.

[Daventry]

Finale, Standing Ovation and Curtain Call go with Encore. It's so hard to come up with names when there are two! :yes:

[Daventry]

Posting updated photos for TwinCity. Still waiting to hear back from the Canadian Welsh Society if these are indeed the first set of Half Welsh twins!! I know they are the third set with the American Welsh Society.

[Daventry]

There is a cute video now up on YouTube of the girls first day outside:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BIHFjdO_Yo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BIHFjdO_Yo)

[Home Again Farm]

They are just too precious. What a great mama mare! Huge congrats!! :yes:

[SportNCurls]

WOW they look so tiny next to mom :) it is amazing.. they must just reach the milk bar huh?

Congrats :D

[ChocoMare]

LOVE the video. Poor mare was like "And just how EXACTLY am I supposed to be able to watch two at a time?!" :lol:

[charger]

After a very difficult foaling year and breeding year, I come home, sit down at the computer, check the forums, find this video and then I remember why I do this horse thing. That video brought the biggest smile to my face and without a doubt, they have to be the cutest things I have ever seen. Congratulations!!

[sspeight]

Those are the cutest babies! I hope that they continue to do as well as they look like they're doing now! :-D

[clint]

They are just too cute! Poor mama, clearly she has her work cut out for her, keeping tabs on those two. They bring a big smile to my lips, just watching them. :)

[SGray]

mom looks like she's just prayin' for nap time to get here

[Phoebe]

Thank you so much for posting the twins first day out -- that was great!!! I just lost my first pony foal 2 weeks ago - a red bag delivery and I just wasn't there fast enough - it was a filly and she was lovely so I've been pretty bummed about it - thought I'd take a peek at twins since they aren't too common and boy are you going to have a couple of handfuls there!!!!! Thanks so much for making my day and reminding me that the breeding business is truly worth it!!!!

[hluing]

Oh my...the cute factor is off the charts!

[happy mouth]

Good grief, if they aren't the most adorable babies I have ever seen. Your little colt is a wild man and going to get that beautiful little red head in heaps of trouble. Please tell her not to listen. What a wonderful video, truly brought a huge grin to my face. Pity the poor mare, she does indeed have her hands full. Enjoy, they are gorgeous. :yes::yes::D

[buschkn]

That may be the cutest thing I've seen all year. Those babies are adorable, and the video made me laugh out loud, watching the little bay race around like a goofball. Congrats!

[Hidden Hill Farm]

Tracy they're precious! :)
I just want to scoop them up. I can't even imagine Jack at that age. I bet he was an adorable little terror though! So, so cute! Glad they're doing well!

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

OMG that bay is a Pip! The chestnut seems kind of mellow and sweet but the bay is gonna give Mum a run for her money. That mare was funny trying to keep track of her renegade filly! :lol:

[fargo]

Oh they are really super cute. The little brown one is really hopping around and just can't stop and the lighter one is looking at him and thinking "am I supposed to hop around too ?:D:eek::winkgrin:" and is trying to follow the example of the brown one in the end. I think if they were mine I would be sitting out and just look and stare :yes::lol:

[Nlevie]

They are adorable ! And Mom is beautiful and being so good ! Thanks for posting - keep us updated on their cuteness !!!

[TwinCity]

Twins are doing well. Into everything, but well.

We were in the process of replacing our smooth wire fencing with mesh, but now have put the rush on that. Encore (the grey/bay), whom we have nicknamed "Diaz" (after Cameron Diaz who I'm sure is very smart, but really, truly is not a Mensa candidate) has gotten in with Uncle Rhombus (aka Dr. Death) and isolated herself from Mama Milk Bar twice.

The chestnut, Rhiannon, is Mensa Elite, and constantly sets her sister up for doom and disaster.

Both are brave, but totally different personalities. Encore is shy and forgets her car keys routinely, Rhiannon I swear has a cell phone and has figured out how to program it and invite most our friends over to visit.

Mom is doing great with the milk, and we're keeping Masterfeed in business. I've never seen a horse pack away that much food. And drink - wow.

[Daventry]

Just posting a cute photo for TwinCity. :)

[Clarion]

OMG Daventry, they are beyond precious!!!! Best of luck with them and keep those adorable photos coming!!!!:)

[dray]

Those are the cutest kids I've EVER seen. You descriptions of the personalities are cracking me up!

Donna

[Dressage (Pea)Nut]

OMG THAT is THE cutest thing EVER!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the video! Whoever chose the Beverly Hilbillies music to accompany it was a genius! :winkgrin: So funny that Encore just wanted to keep running, while mom just kept following her around saying, "Get over here, now!", while Rhiannon couldn't figure out whether to follow her sister, or stay close to mom or what! :p I can't wait to have a pony baby of my own!!! I also love that photo of the twins nursing UNDER mama's belly!! It'll be interesting when they get a bit taller, but keep trying to walk under mom's belly! :lol: Keep us posted on these two precious little munchkins! :D

[Daventry]

Here are updated photos of the fillies at three weeks of age.

[okggo]

Good lord, the cuteness factor is off the charts! I'm so happy this is having a good ending and they are thriving!!

[Daventry]

Below is a link to the CUTEST VIDEO EVER of Twin A's first encounter with the cat!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=javhd7Ez5YY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=javhd7Ez5YY)

[BasqueMom]

They are beyond cute!!!!!!!

[Kneigh]

You're right, that was one of the cutest animals videos ever! :)

[Daventry]

Here are updated photos of the girls at one year of age. Both look like they will turn into super cute pony hunter prospects. Officially, their names are Cajonat's Debut and Cajonat's Encore. The owner has decided to sell the grey filly as she can't keep them both. I wish I had extra cash laying around, as I'd snap her up in a second! :yes:

[stoicfish]

Very cool! Did they end up being their expected sizes?
It looks like the chestnut caught up in height to the bay. What a nice story!

[Sugarbrook]

Wow, brings back memories from last year. How cute they are!!

[VirginiaBred]

Yay!! Happy Twin story! :)

[greyponies]

I just saw this thread and read through the whole thing - WOW - that's just fantastic. What size are you thinking they'll finish Tracy?

[Daventry]

I just saw this thread and read through the whole thing - WOW - that's just fantastic. What size are you thinking they'll finish Tracy?

Sigh! Your guess is as good as mine. The mare, 3/4 Hanoverian, is 15.3 HH and Picasso is 12.2 1/4 HH. She is a maiden mare. I could have guesstimated foal height if there had been just one...but with twins...I have no idea how that will effect the final growth of the foals. I think the mare owner said the grey filly is currently 12 hands at 13 months. I'm not sure what the chestnut filly measures right now, but from the photo, they don't look that much different in height. It will be interesting to see where they finish.

[Daventry]

I just saw this thread and read through the whole thing - WOW - that's just fantastic. What size are you thinking they'll finish Tracy?


Looks like they may have finished growing just under 13.2 HH.

[Daventry]

A neat update on the twins. The first twin born (the chestnut named Cajonat's Debut) was sold...and I think the owner may be breeding her to a warmblood stallion.

The owner decided to keep the lovely grey - Cajonat's Encore. Encore just came home from the Wild Rose Welsh Pony Show this weekend, was first or second in every class entered, overall Champion Model Hunter, Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Sport Pony (2 different judges) and Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Half Welsh (2 different judges). She also qualified for the NASPR Stars of the West Challenge Cup Finals and will be hitching a ride down to the Finals with myself and her half brother, Daventry's Power Play. :yes:

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Wow, I love a happy ending. The grey is gorgeous!

[VirginiaBred]

:) Awesome!

[Sugarbrook]

I say absolutely fantastic

[Daventry]

Happy to report that we took Cajonat's Encore and her owner down to Calgary with us for the NASPR Stars of the West Challenge Cup Final and she was overall Reserve Grand Champion of the final. Yeah!