CountryHaven
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I went out to the paddock to bring in the mares and their foals like I always do before evening feeding. Misty was at the gate and waiting as always. That girl never misses a meal, and her baby was right there by her side bouncing to go in. The other two mares were out in their various spots grazing some of the hay still there from morning with their foals sleeping on the ground. I didn't think anything of it, it's a normal scenario. They play so hard they really zonk out when their done. So I took Misty in. Then I went out and got the second in command and woke her baby up. Little bay filly bounced up when I woke her and trotted after momma into the barn and into their stall... no problem. Then, I went out for the last of the mares. She walked half way over to me with baby still flat out on the ground. I thought that was a little weird, but didn't think too much of it. I went over to the foal and she didn't budge. She was TOTALLY limp. I thought my own heart would stop. I shook her. Nothing. I lifted her head and rubbed her, and shook her. Nothing. I picked her up. She was totally limp and her head was hanging like her neck was broke. All I could think of was the way they charge around the paddock maybe the filly had gotten too close to one of the other mares and although they're really good about the babies, maybe one gave one of the little half hearted warning kicks they do, but they don't usually connect. But maybe, you know anything can happen with these crazy beasts sometimes. Anyway, I took off for the barn with this limp foal in my arms and momma trailing after me. Halfway there the baby kind of woke up. I put her down and she stood but was kind of dazed, and she sort of half fell and half let me lay her down and she went limp again. I shook her again and she woke up. I still picked her up and carried her into the stall. Once inside and with momma in there, she seemed just fine. I did the feeding, and went back in to check her, and pet her, and she's standing strong and nursing.
I've heard of fainting foals, but this one doesn't do anything like that when you're there. Maybe she was just in such a super super sound sleep that like an infant you can pick them up and they're limp. I've NEVER seen that with a foal though.
Has anyone else ever had that happen? Should I be worried?
Sorry it was so long, I just wanted to really describe what happened.
I've heard of fainting foals, but this one doesn't do anything like that when you're there. Maybe she was just in such a super super sound sleep that like an infant you can pick them up and they're limp. I've NEVER seen that with a foal though.
Has anyone else ever had that happen? Should I be worried?
Sorry it was so long, I just wanted to really describe what happened.