Between mama and baby being cooped up and having time out in the pen, I have been busy going back and forth to the barn. I had been letting them out while Belle and Rosalee were in the adjacent pen, but then this happened:
In the interest of keeping Mesa from getting run over, I now turn out the other mares so they aren't across the fence while Coulee is out with Mesa. Both the other mares are okay to be on grass full time now, but I still don't have my fencers installed even though the white tape is up and they don't touch it- I don't want to go anywhere and leave them out. Meanwhile, Coulee is reeeeealy wanting to get out and graze, but to do that I have to halter break the foal, so today I am building a teeny little halter for her. Tomorrow I'll take them out and hand graze for a few minutes- if I can get baby leading!
She's a feisty little thing. She zips around and sometimes gets those long wobbly legs all tangled up. It has been a long time since I have had a foal from a maiden mare so I have to remind myself not to worry, she will come around!
Meanwhile, when she does get those legs working she can zoom pretty good!
6 comments:
You're smart! I had a friend who's maiden mare slipped and fell on her foal, dislodging his shoulder. The vet put it back in, but it wasn't solid, and when he grew up, it wouldn't support his weight. It was just a huge tragedy. So, better safe than sorry. You made a good choice. :)
What does being a maiden mare have to do with the babies legs? I know you mentioned her legs are long(er). Just curious. I don't know much about young foals. Maybe you were referring to the safety of the foal. Coulee definitely doesn't want to share her baby with the other mares. It's wise to keep some distance between them.
Older mares who have had several foals have their wombs stretched out a bit; maidens have a tighter womb and less room in there for baby to grow. Their often have issues with the legs from being folded up in such a tight space. I have seen this with several maiden mares.
Makes sense, thanks for 'splaining.
Coulee doesn't want any of the mares near her baby! She is a good Mama with good instincts:)
Ya probly better to keep them farther away at least till baby gets a bit bigger for sure. I was thinking the same about Maiden mares until you explained it and Jamaica was all squished up for a day or 2, never noticed it with Jazz tho
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