Dolphin wanted attention so I went into her stall, and XO was very curious about me and my camera. Dolphin not only wanted all the love for herself (when you are one broodmare of many it is not like being someone's pet horse) but also wanted to keep her own body between me and her colt. Here is XO, framed by Dolphin's head and neck, trying to get a good look at me despite his mother's wishes.
After Linda was done I asked her if we could take Dolphin outside so I could take some photos. XO trotted down the barn aisle after his mother and now I see the difference between a quality sporthorse foal and other foals. I had wondered how the judges at the inspections can rate such young foals but as XO floated down the aisle I began to understand.
Below is my favorite photo from the ones I took that afternoon. Dolphin was stood up a little better in the next one I took, but I love how in this one you can see XO taking advantage of his freedom and Dolphin trying to keep an eye on him while still listening to Linda. (By the next photo he had already walked right out of the frame.)
