GOLDILOCKS


In 1992 Roy and Betsy McBride of Sheepmedow Farms, pioneers of the miniature horse industry in Canada, decided that for the first time ever, they would part with a "couple" of their mares. I was fortunate to be one of the customers they would extend this honor to. I was overwhelmed with the quality of broodmares on the McBride farm. Of course there were many of their "first" mares that were not available. Luckily for me, we differed on the opinion of his "best" mares. Mr. McBride liked small and I liked close to "34".

I chose 2 full sisters out of Bond Nutmeg, Goldilocks (34") and Nugget (30"). After a discussion with my husband over finances, I decided that he was probably right, and I did not really need 2 full sisters, so sold Nugget. I am sure that in her younger years, Goldilocks would have been a top show horses. She had a beautiful head and neck and the refinement that we are still striving to produce.

Goldi gave me some beautiful foals from Honey:
FIRST KNIGHTS BIT O FERRARI - NATIONAL CHAMPION
FIRST KNIGHTS BIT O GOLDEN FANTASY - RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION
FIRST KNIGHTS BIT O GLAMOUR BOY - RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION

And also from First Knights Bit o Hot Shot
FIRST KNIGHTS COVER GIRL- AMHR RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION
She also had other foals that did not continue on the show circuit.

Goldi had always foaled between midinight and 3 am and was the perfect Mom. However, in April of 2004 I saw her lying down at 4 pm in the far back corner of my pasture. Screaming to the kids for help, I took off at a run. I arrived in time to see the bubble coming up and help with the delivery. However, so did all the other horses in the field. Goldi jumped up and broke the cord prematurely leaving a gusher of blood coming from baby. With Anthony carrying baby and Stephani bringing Mom, I was able to keep the cord squeezed shut.

Once baby was up and nursing, I remember saying something like "all this for a cremello". At that time, cremello was probably my least favorite color. When baby was about 1 month old, Goldi showed signs of colic, and I was afraid I'd lose her because of her age (21). I took both to the vet where they hooked her up to IV and pulled her through. That was where the baby with his wild mane staning straight up and his bright blue eyes, got his name. As soon as the vet tech saw him she said, " Look, it's Billy Idol "




 

Very sadly, in November, Goldi got sick again and it was time for her to leave us, but she had hung on till Billy Idol was well on his way. I will always miss Goldi, but she will live on through Billy Idol, 2005 World Reserve Champion junior stallion 29 - 31, and his future get.

Thanks Goldilocks