barnbum
Well-Known Member
Chloe was oh so ready last night--April 30th. When I checked her after school, I was 90% sure she'd foal that night. Kennedy came after school from 5:30-11:30 to hang out with me, but we'd agreed with her mom that Mark would take her home at 11:30 if nothing was happening. Kennedy worked in front of the Chloe show on TV while she finished a project for Spanish.
But 11:30 came and Chloe was not giving us any reason to beg Kennedy's parents for more time. Kennedy was sleepy and had school the next day. We were bummed there was no action, but I still felt confident she'd go later that night. When I checked Chloe again at 11:30--while Kennedy was headed out the driveway, I saw her bag was tighter than ever, and she had waxed. Vulva was as loose as it can get and was deep red inside. I knew I'd be calling Kennedy back soon.
Chloe kept laying close to the front of her stall--half off camera, but as soon as I thought she'd had a contraction, I made the call, about 1:30) and yelled upstairs to Mark. But when I slipped into the barn, Chloe was standing with her head over her stall door, seeming to think it was time for a treat. Oh no. I had just roused Kennedy and her dad out of bed for a false alarm?
I left the barn lights off and backed away slowly. And waited out of sight. Within 5 min Chloe was back to getting contractions started, and I knew the phone call and Chloe's delay would result in Kennedy and her dad could witnessing the entire foaling. Perfect.
Chloe's always had peanuts--Blessing and Claire are about 30", but as soon as this foal's head was out--I knew it had to be a colt. It looked boyish--nothing feminine about this head--compared to the delicate features of Mazie.
Chloe was too close to the stall wall, so I had to help a bit. The sac seemed especially thick; as always, just so glad I was there.
Tucker nursed right away with no complications, and after two enemas worked out his meconium. I stayed in the barn until 5:30 AM waiting for him to pee.
I finally had to give in and come inside, but thankfully saw he had that function mastered soon after. I'm not used to these boy parts!
So, here's the last foal for Little Church Minis for some time, and our first colt. From two foals in 2005, 2007, and 2009, we've had five healthy fillies and one strapping colt. Jazz sired the last four, he makes nice babies.
No more babies, and I'm fine with that. So many wonder how I can stay up most the night and teach all day, but I explain that I got the mares into this situation, and I am committed to seeing them through. It's that simple. But, to foal out the way I insist on doing it is too stressful while working, even with my dad's help. I'll be forever grateful for the awesome three years experience of welcoming foals into the world in uncomplicated fashion. I've learned so much! But now I move on to other horse activities. The activities director of Quail Summit called today- about a field trip for my students to their facility (I didn't go into work today--we talked from home
) and she can't wait to share the Tucker news with the residents. They will be coming out in July for their third annual visit. It's always a great year when there are foals to share.
Little Church Minis is refocusing, and that's a good thing.
So--here he is, Little Churchs Time for a Tucker. Most the photos were taken by Kennedy's dad, Peter. Color is buckskin? And how about that dorsal--it will stay? I always thought Chloe carried the dun gene.
Tight fit with the wall!
I took these this morning.
Oh--here's how Kennedy spent some of the hours, waiting for her turn to meet Tucker.
(photos by Peter)
I'm thinking Miss Mazie is going to be my therapy horse--the one I can toss in the van and take to Quail Summit for visits!
Chloe's always had peanuts--Blessing and Claire are about 30", but as soon as this foal's head was out--I knew it had to be a colt. It looked boyish--nothing feminine about this head--compared to the delicate features of Mazie.
Tucker nursed right away with no complications, and after two enemas worked out his meconium. I stayed in the barn until 5:30 AM waiting for him to pee.
So, here's the last foal for Little Church Minis for some time, and our first colt. From two foals in 2005, 2007, and 2009, we've had five healthy fillies and one strapping colt. Jazz sired the last four, he makes nice babies.
Little Church Minis is refocusing, and that's a good thing.
So--here he is, Little Churchs Time for a Tucker. Most the photos were taken by Kennedy's dad, Peter. Color is buckskin? And how about that dorsal--it will stay? I always thought Chloe carried the dun gene.
Tight fit with the wall!
I took these this morning.
Oh--here's how Kennedy spent some of the hours, waiting for her turn to meet Tucker.
I'm thinking Miss Mazie is going to be my therapy horse--the one I can toss in the van and take to Quail Summit for visits!
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