What To Expect While Expecting Four Legs 3/3

On the evening of July 4, Blue had waxed (she had the sticky colostrum-rich substance that coagulates at the teats)

Blue typically foals within four to six hours of this event, so we knew that foaling was imminent. My fiance, Bryan, and I had not gotten much sleep for the past two weeks, checking the camera every few hours. We were ready for the long haul, checking the camera every hour.

I checked the camera again at 5 a.m. and found nothing but a sheisty palomino mare grinning at me on camera, still holding her baby hostage. At 5:20 a.m., I checked the camera again only to have a shock of goosebumps rip from head to toe as I witnessed a light-coloured baby on the ground, standing and nursing. Poor Bryan. This is not the first time he has been in a completely relaxed state or sleeping, only to be rudely awakened by shrieking and having the blankets ripped off of him. I know he’s just as excited, but he definitely hides it better than I do. I have to let it out or my body would explode.

We hit the ground running with the foaling kit and lots of towels in hand, then calmly approached the barn door to observe the most beautiful golden palomino foal, standing and nursing already like a vac truck.

Mom and baby both visually checked out perfectly healthy, so now it was time for a closer inspection. While Bryan was gently drying baby off, I was checking both of them for any signs of health problems. We confirmed mom had passed the placenta, and not only did I have to make sure all of it came out, with no pieces left behind, but I needed to get it removed before the scent started to lure predators.

Everything looked intact, so I carefully placed it in a garbage bag and removed it from the barn. Bryan is lucky, as this time I didn’t throw the placenta in his truck for further investigation. I confirmed and announced that we had a filly on the ground, and also got her umbilical stump cleaned. Baby had passed her meconium (first poop) and all systems were go.

I was a tad concerned that baby would have a hard time navigating over the large 6 x 6 timber door frame out of the barn, and within 45 minutes she had taken her first jump right out into the open, with mom in hot pursuit. Another problem foals can run into is deformities in the limbs, and there are many conditions that will correct themselves over time—knock knees, over at the knee, toes out or in—and some that need help if they are to have a fighting chance at growing normally, such as contracted tendons.

This girl was very slightly knees in when born, but by Day 3 she was straight as an arrow and hit the ground galloping. It was evident that we had a very special girl on our hands, as her spatial awareness, balance and strength on Day one was shocking.

Bryan and I were finally able to make a pot of coffee, take a deep breath and relax on my custom-made bench seat on coasters from a 1972 Chevy C10, which has been my lounging chair for years. The long 11-month wait was over, and the bare minimum that we could’ve asked for not only happened with mom and baby being safe and healthy, but it was evident with every minute that went by, in observation, that we had a little superstar on our hands. With all of the stress and no sleep and the preamble just for these amazing broodmares to pop their babies out … It was like it was just another day at the office.

Now, as I look back at the last month and a half of this amazing gift of life and watch her tear around and stir up everyone’s smiles, hearts and safety (especially my own), I reflect on Mother Nature and absolutely how perfect she is when left alone in her own peace. I am unbelievably humbled and grateful for these experiences, and at the end of the day, memories are all we will have to take to the grave.

GoldSmith’s Pure Honey (a.k.a. Honey Butt) has stolen the hearts of horse enthusiasts, family and friends all over the globe. Some of the most well-respected breeders in the Morgan industry have been stirred over her presence at what an athlete she is. These Morgans hold our history, and their versatility and adaptability hold our future.

We were lucky enough to have 10 members of our family visit from down south, just a week and a half after she was born, and there were many connections made with my beautiful horse family. Honey got exposure to so many loving people early on in life—to put smiles on people’s faces where there is sadness, desperation and depression. To give people hope of a connection, faith that there is still beauty in the world and something to look forward to.

Horses are needed now more than ever as our world sometimes finds its balance completely shaken from its foundation. Horses remind us every day to live in the moment, and that all you need is right in front of you and tomorrow will take care of itself.

I very much look forward to telling you future stories and sharing this journey with my beautiful family, as we raise our little Honey Butt (stay tuned for more).