Alexios at 8 Weeks Old

It seems that the last 8 weeks have flown by, and our young Alexios is growing fast and furious. Recently we estimated his height and weight using a foal tape. A measurement is taken around his belly close to his front legs. He now weighs more than 190 pounds and is a little over 11 hands (average for this breed in a full grown horse is 14 to 15.5 hands - a hand is 4 inches and is the height from the ground to the top of their withers).

The weather has been lovely here so it was a good day for the horses to frolic out in the pasture.

Alexios enjoyed stretching those long legs of his.

He has become quite enamored of Poesia, and now will turn to her for guidance if anything occurs about which he is uncertain.

He also seems to just enjoy being in her company.

Mom is still very important as his source of nutrition and comfort but he recognizes that Anastacia defers to Poesia in all matters.

He has become very well coordinated and his muscles are developing well.

Soon we should see his mane starting to flop over a little, and his tail is gaining in length.

Poesia was pleased to be out grazing.

As was Anastacia.

Alexios was interested in the new mares in the adjoining pastures but they seemed to know well enough to keep their distance.

Poesia wasn't too proud of the situation and so moved him along to a safer part of the pasture.

She seemed to be telling Alexios to stick with the horses he knows until he gets a little older. Alexios is still showing Favorito the proper respect by smacking his lips.

Favorito seems pleased that his son has good manners, at least in his presence.

Proud to be in good favor, Alexios had to show off has studly self.

He thinks he'll make a very fine stallion.

Poesia decided that the newly mowed grass would make a good back scratcher and so decided to roll.

Alexios is tempted to see what sort of trouble he might be able to get into with Poesia in this compromising position.

Wisely he decides it probably wasn't the best course of action to get on her bad side.

This paid off as she welcomed his company.

He seems to be showing her that he is a very fine young colt who is worthy of her attention.

He became her little shadow, following her as she started heading back to the pen as Deb had called out that it was feeding time.