Léah Wertheim

14 July 2025

HELLO summer 

Okay, give it to me straight… how is it July already?! Somehow we’ve made it to the school holidays (praise be!! iykyk) which means no more teaching until September!! If you need me, I’ll be attempting to remember what sleep feels like and catching up on everything I’ve neglected for the past few months. Spoiler: it’s a long list.

But the biggest update? Winnie has officially packed her bags and moved to stud ahead of her due date next month. Which is WILD. This whole breeding journey has felt like both the slowest and fastest thing ever… One minute it’s months away, and the next you’re standing in your school arena using jump wings and poles to simulate a trailer partition tunnel, wondering how on earth your horse is suddenly this wide..?

Yuppp, a few days before we were due to leave, I realised she might not fit in the trailer with the partitions still in. Cue mild panic. I ended up sourcing full-width bars and driving across the county to pick them up. Because what’s a major life moment without a bit of unintended rollercoaster ride?

Come moving day, we had a heatwave to contend with, so it was an early start. Spruce up, bath, hand graze (with Lottie the spaniel supervising of course), and then it was boots on, and off we went. Now, Winnie’s never been the world’s happiest traveller and she still finds it stressful, but honestly, I was so proud of how she handled it all. She loaded like a pro and took the whole thing in her stride. 

She’s now at Hill View Stud with the wonderful Sian Harman and team, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. It feels weird not being the one responsible for her day-to-day (especially after 9+ years of being her personal chef, cleaner, and emotional support human), but I know she’s in the absolute best hands. And as a first-time breeder; that peace of mind is everything.

I went back to visit the next day, not only because I always missed her tenfold. But also because, surprise surprise, I had to bring all the things I’d forgotten. Classic. But she’s settling in beautifully.

Emotionally? I won’t lie, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. I’m so excited for what’s to come, but also nervous. For every adorable foal update I see online, there’s also the odd post looking for foster mares… so yeah, riding the highs and bracing for the uncertainties. But for now, she’s looking fab and all is going well, so long may it continue.

Also: I got to meet some of the foals already born at the stud and oh my god I’m in love. If that’s anything to go by, I can’t imagine the state of me when mine arrives 🥹

Now it’s just a waiting game. I'm manifesting an uncomplicated, healthy foaling… And ideally not bang on 1st September when I’m back in the classroom. Because let’s be real: foals > teenagers.

So here’s to the chapter ahead. And fingers crossed next time round I’ll have some seriously exciting news to share. And probably a whole lot of baby horse spam.

Leah x