Thimbleanna » A Horse Report

A Horse Report

May 16, 2011 on 10:55 pm | In Chat | 46 Comments

I had a fabulous time at market — it was so much fun. I’m going to make you wait one more post though, before I start the market reports. Before market, I went to my parents’ hometown and visited my aunt and cousins for the weekend and had the most exciting time.

On Saturday, we toured my cousin’s new house and got to meet some of her horses. I always love to see the horses and farm animals, since I’m a city slicker. Look at this beauty –

I can’t remember her name, but see that big belly? There’s a baby horse in there! I asked my uncle lots of questions about horses and babies. You know…things like, how do you know when a horse is getting close to foaling? He said the mare will get wax on her nipples. Or how do you know when it’s “time”? I remember the phrase “when the wax starts dripping, it will be three hours.” I was really fascinated by that fact — do people actually sit around and time these things? Inquiring minds want to know!

Here’s another pretty horse that was at an old barn that belonged to my uncle’s father. This is Strawberry — I think they told me he’s a one year old colt.

Oh, and here’s a shot of what’s left of the old barn.

On Sunday evening (around 8 p.m.), after a fun day of visiting with lots of cousins, my aunt, cousin’s daughter and I were playing cards, and my cousin called several times to talk to my uncle. It was pouring rain and they were worried about the pregnant mare and they were debating whether to move her. She thought maybe the “wax was dripping”. They finally moved her to the barn in the picture above (a half-a-town (technical distance) away).

Around 10 p.m., my uncle wanted to know if anyone wanted to ride with him to go to the next town, to my cousin’s and check on the horse. I really debated, because I was leaving for Salt Lake and market early the next morning. But I kept thinking, what if I miss something exciting?

On the way there, we called my cousin and she said they’d moved the horse and she was getting cozy in her new barn and that I really should stay an extra day, since they felt certain that the little foal would be born on Monday. So, we went to her house and played a game for an hour. On our way home, we decided we should check in on the mare. It was 11 p.m., drizzling and dark. When we pulled up to the barn, Strawberry was standing near the door pictured above, but his head was in the barn. I jokingly told my uncle that “something must be going on in there and Stawberry is watching”. We had a good chuckle.

My uncle, cousin, cousin’s daughter and I got up to the door and they pointed their flashlights into the barn. HOLY COW!!! The mare was lying down and heaving and the whole process was just starting. Our timing was PERFECT. You have to imagine the four of us crowded around that little door in the dark, watching the whole thing with two flashlights and whispering. It. Was. Amazing!!!

Strawberry was less than impressed that we had crowded him out of his viewing spot, so he spent the whole time nibbling at the back of our heads. Before we knew it, the little foal plopped right out. The mare didn’t pay much attention to her, so my uncle stepped in for a moment and cut the amniotic sack away from her face so she could breathe. It took the mare quite awhile to pay attention to her new baby. My uncle thought that might have been because she was pretty tired and had had a bit of a struggle. My cousin got some great photos — my camera refused to cooperate in the low light, as it couldn’t find a focus point.

The picture above is the only decent shot I got — that’s pretty much what our view looked like the whole time — a flashlight shining on the event. The mare finally got up to inspect her little foal and we decided we should leave them alone, so we didn’t get to see her stand up.

I met my cousin at the barn early the next morning to see them again before I left town — I was SO excited! Isn’t she cute? She was all wobbly legged — just 8 hours old in the picture above. I left not knowing if it was a little filly or a colt, but the next day, my cousin sent me the picture below to say she was a filly.

So, sorry I’ve made you wait for the market report, but really — this was the most exciting part of my trip! I had a great time at market, but Watching a Foal Be Born. What an honor!!! And did you catch the timeline? My cousin called at 8 p.m. and said the wax was dripping and the foal was born at 11 p.m. — apparently my uncle is a horse genius. And on top of it all — it was Mother’s Day!!!

XOXO,
Anna

46 Comments

Awwwww!!!! Is that sweet or what? I can see why you were so excited to witness this little miracle. What is the baby’s name?

Comment by Cathy Burk — May 16, 2011 #
What a wonderful story. As a child, I’ve seen lots of animals being born on my grandfather/uncles farm and it’s always miraculous. I’m glad that you got to wittiness this Foal’s birth.
But I am looking forward to the market report, so don’t keep up in suspense too long, won’t you!!!

Comment by Vreni — May 17, 2011 #
seeing animals give birth doesn’t happen all the time but every time it is SOOOOO amazing………..

Comment by Chookyblue — May 17, 2011 #
How exciting! And isn’t she so cute.

Comment by Gina — May 17, 2011 #
I am a permanent lurker in your blog but, I have to break my silence now. That must have been an amazing experience. What I realize is how almost independent the animal newborns are as opposed to the human newborns. We take almost a year to walk on our own but, this lil filly is already up and about by himself. What a contrast!

Comment by Josie — May 17, 2011 #
What an amazing post Anna…she’s a beauty. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Comment by Carol — May 17, 2011 #
Awe we always had horses when I was growing up,so sweet. The little fillys and colts are so cute.

Comment by Shawn — May 17, 2011 #
I think this story beats Market updates anytime! Thanks for sharing with us, Anna! P.S. – Welcome back!

Comment by Jen — May 17, 2011 #
Never heard about the wax dripping before, but I’m so excited for you that you got to see such an amazing event. Makes me glad that human babies are so much smaller!

Comment by Anne — May 17, 2011 #
What a very exciting time, much better than lambing that I did when I was staying at a farm.
It was fascinating to hear all about the signs, I learnt something new.

Comment by Janet — May 17, 2011 #
What an exciting adventure….none of the market reports I’ve seen so far have a birth announcement to boot!

Comment by Mary ann — May 17, 2011 #
A most interesting post – thanks for sharing all the information and pictures. That colt is huge and all legs – poor momma.

Comment by Teresa — May 17, 2011 #
What a nice way to start your week! All those “old farmer’s tales” are fascinating but I’d never heard that one!

Comment by Janet — May 17, 2011 #
what a neat experience! thanks for sharing the story in your beautiful comical way. glad you had a great market trip, too!

Comment by amandajean — May 17, 2011 #
Oh, Anna, how exciting! New life is so much more exciting than anything we mere mortals can initiate. Thanks for sharing the miracle with us.

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — May 17, 2011 #
What a sweet philly!!!
I loved the horsey post. the old barn is very cool. I love the look of old barns and study them when traveling through ohio, indy and illinois.
welcome home!
barb

Comment by barb — May 17, 2011 #
philly….filly….whichever, what a cutie

Comment by barb — May 17, 2011 #
Not every day you find a newborn horse on a craft blog! Thanks for sharing. Very cool.

It was so nice seeing you at Market, Anna. I think the picture of us on my blog turned out great! ;)

Comment by Kristyne — May 17, 2011 #
Oh how sweet, I remember seeing a horse giving birth many moons ago on a school trip to a farm but they wouldn’t let us stay and watch as it was deemed unsuitable for 13 year old eyes.

Comment by periwinkle — May 17, 2011 #
What a wonderful story! In fact, nothing can beat Mother Nature!

Comment by May Kristin — May 17, 2011 #
Wow, that is so cool! The little filly is so cute. I love the last two pictures They’re beautiful pictures and animals! It was so fun to meet you at Market Anna!

Take care,
Amber

Comment by amber — May 17, 2011 #
I used to drive down every March to my uncles so i could help with calfing. Although cows are ugly and not so smart, watching them give birth is totally amazing! I can relate to you and the awe you experienced.

Comment by Dara — May 17, 2011 #
Wow! Amazing!
I bet this beat Market by just a little.

Comment by anina — May 17, 2011 #
Horses terrify me (I’m ridiculous), but that filly is so sweet. She looks less scary than her big mama.

Comment by Finny — May 17, 2011 #
Oh! And I thought watching lambs being born was amazing! How lucky you were to witness that; and what a clever mare – not you, the horse :-)

Comment by dottycookie — May 17, 2011 #
Well now, you see what I miss when I go absent from blog-land!
What a wonderful experience this must have been.

:)

Comment by Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups — May 17, 2011 #
Does this mean you were horsing around a little before the start of market? (tee-hee-hee) Lucky you, Anna. It is my understanding that horses are very good at giving birth when no one is watching. Sounds like your timing was supreme. I would like to give that little filly a pet, for sure.

Comment by Cassie — May 17, 2011 #
Wow!! I think your relatives should have let you have the filly. I would have at LEAST let you name her! ;0

Dang, now I want a pony with wobbly legs! See what you’ve done? ;0

Comment by ina — May 17, 2011 #
Love it! Wow how exciting,,,,,my nipples are waxing just reading this lol

Comment by Jewels — May 17, 2011 #
what an amazing experience! you definitely made the right choice! hope you had a great time at market!

Comment by jenny — May 17, 2011 #
Wow! I wish I had something creative to say about waxing nipples, but I’ll just say that I’m glad I don’t have to worry about that myself anymore. I remember telling my husband that I had a “stomach ache” when I was over two weeks overdue with my first pregnancy. It somehow didn’t register that I was in labor.

Comment by Caroline — May 17, 2011 #
What a sweet little foal! [But is there a foal born who doesn’t look sweet, all leggy and wobbly and sticking close to Mama? You must have been good somewhere along the road Anna—the gods were rewarding you!

Comment by molly — May 17, 2011 #
Fantastic experience and great picture of the two of them together! So glad you got to witness it all.

Comment by Sew Create It - Jane — May 18, 2011 #
Glad you’re back home – such a nice way to end the market trip with the family and new baby horse.
We are in to 25 radiation treatments in 5 weeks on Mikes eyes. (leftover cells from brain cancer before). Get to drive to IU/Simon Cancer Ctr so so much. The little buggers were hiding. It only lasts 12 minutes so it doesn’t take too long. It would be nice if this rain went away for a little while. take care and rest up from your adventure. love, robin

Comment by Robin — May 18, 2011 #
oh anna i’ve been so busy working and having a party last night at my house that i didnt pop on and visit you…
so.. how far is “half a town”? is that like going wading in the CRICK? or having supper?
i haven’t seen a foal born… but i get to go see my friend’s cows have a calf now and again.
thanks so much for sharing the photos.. i can’t wait to hear about market – but you’re right, i’m sure this was the hilight of your trip.
welcome home, we missed you!!!

Comment by brigita — May 18, 2011 #
What an amazing story…I would have so excited too!!

Comment by Linda — May 18, 2011 #
What a lovely experience to have! That little filly trumps market news any day. :)

Comment by Karin — May 18, 2011 #
EEEEEKKK!! Was it three hours from drip to drop?? Enquiring minds want to know!

Comment by Beth — May 18, 2011 #
Isn’t nature amazing. That would be such a wonderful experience. Sorry I missed you at market. I actually was in SLC and wanted to come and visit you but Candice had to get back to Provo so there wasn’t time. Boo Hoo. The weather is rainy and cold this week. It feels like winter again. We may not be able to hike Timp until August this year…it’s still covered in lost of snow.

Comment by kim — May 19, 2011 #
How exciting, lucky you to experience such an amazing event. That little filly is so adorable. We had a mother and baby moose run into our yard once. I could tell the baby was just a few days old it was so small and so sweet. Looking forward to hearing about quilt market.

Comment by Kim D. — May 19, 2011 #
What a fabulous post!! You have no idea the lenghts I went to, to get photos of Spanish sheep for you!

Comment by frayedattheedge — May 19, 2011 #
Wow, what an amazing way to spend mother’s day xoxo Clarice

Comment by clarice — May 19, 2011 #
Adorable! I can’t believe that baby was in that belly. It just doesn’t seem like it would fit!

Comment by Karen — May 20, 2011 #
Wow, isn’t nature just amazing! Such a beautiful little foal, can understand your excitement in witnessing the whole thing.

Comment by Vanessa — May 20, 2011 #
Well, I’m delighted that you saw it but I’m just fine experiencing it from a distance, thank you. Very wonderful but a bit – well, I think I like the little thing better once it’s on its feet and looking a bit tidier.

Comment by Isabelle — May 20, 2011 #
That IS exciting, Anna! I’ve seen lots of calves and lambies born, but never a foal. Thanks for sharing the story with us.

Comment by Jody — May 24, 2011 #