Oh Baby! What A Spring! - 4Hearts Ranch

Photo by David Pollard

Meet “Clipper” owned by Brett and Missy Barnett. Born April 8, the night of the 2024 solar eclipse, this little blue-eyed paint was quick to steal hearts, especially once he learned to put his nose up to the bars of his stall for a scratch whenever he heard someone arrive to admire him. Before we knew it, little Clipper was wearing a tiny leather halter, and Bret was leading Mama June out to a paddock with Clipper bouncing along beside her. Anyone present during the “changing of the Clipper” each morning and afternoon stopped and smiled at this micro parade.

Photo by David Pollard

Then, just three days later on April 11, along came “Polly” owned by me, (although my daughters Chloe and Ellie would tell you differently). This sassy little white faced, blue-eyed filly—a buckskin beauty if I do say so myself—immediately challenged Clipper for ownership of the limelight (especially once she got her hot pink halter). Eventually, they settled on a tie—and everyone entering the ranch looked forward to the drive by the “nursery” where the babies and their mamas grazed, napped, and frolicked in their side-by-side paddocks. (Those who were exceptionally lucky got to watch an episode of foal “zoomies”—a long-legged sight to behold!)

Photo by David Pollard

No, we’re not a foaling barn. And 2024 was definitely unusual, having not one but two babies born within days of each other. But what a delightful turn of events. Both of these mares were artificially inseminated at 4Hearts. Clipper was born at Weatherford Equine, but got here as quick as he could. Polly was born right here on the ranch to my mare Sarah Jane. Both look forward to a show-ring future in whatever discipline fits their temperament and aptitude best. (Of course, the humans have more specific hopes and plans for them, but anyone who knows horses knows who decides!)

Watching Clipper and Polly grow (many barngoers swear they could almost see them both
getting taller by the minute) has been a seriously wonderful distraction this spring at 4Hearts. And in terms of

socialization, there have never been two babies more swathed in collective “barn auntie” love. Both babies love people and love to be loved. (Some might even say they are perhaps a little spoiled!)

So, while some of our posts have a specific point to make, and others are full of info and points to consider on a variety of topics, this one is just for fun—and for your viewing pleasure!