Last night I went out and spent some time with the mares and foals.
For me there is nothing more calming than to be in the midst of a herd of horses. I'm sure that strikes terror in the heart of some people but I have been around them all my life and being in their presence brings me so much peace.
I haven't been able to spend as much time with the wee ones lately due to travel so I made a point of getting out and spending some time with them. All three of them came to greet me and have a nibble. One was pulling on the straps of my top, one was chewing my hair and one was giving me kisses.
I love how friendly they are with everyone who comes out to see them. They all leave their momma's side to greet visitors. One little guy will even run across the field to say hello. So adorable! Being around them just warms my heart.
I especially have a soft spot for one little guy who was all crooked and twisted at birth. He and I bonded when I had to give him antibiotics and massage and stretch his poor little contracted tendons. I am so pleased to say that he has dramatically straightened up and should turn out just fine. Oh the resilience of youth!
They are all growing like weeds and I will be weaning them near the end of October.
Years ago, when my dear friend was sick, she told me that I had to take over being their "mom" when she could no longer do so. It was a very difficult and sad moment and I was honoured and touched that she trusted me to take over the job. They hold such a special place in my heart as do their dams. I have known these mares for 10 years and have raised a few crops of their foals, not to mention I own a few of the babies.
They have taught me so much and continue to teach me all the time. Hours spent with the herd, observing their subtle and silent communication is such a gift.
It is truly amazing how strong and resilient horses are. A strong survival instinct coupled with the malleability of youth can make all the difference.
I know a foal who was born this spring that many would have written off. He so big and his dam had a very tough delivery. Due to his large size, the poor little guy was twisted and completely exhausted from his difficult entry into the world.
A team of very dedicated people worked tirelessly to give the little fella a chance by lifting him to his feet, milking his mom and syringe feeding him until he was strong enough to stand on his own four legs.
Without this help he would not have pulled through.
It has taken time and lots of care but this little guy is thriving. He ended up with a nasty case of foal diarrhea, so his introduction to me was to receive a needle every day as he needed antibiotics to clear it up. From his time of not being mobile he developed a huge bed sore which is close to being healed. He had a very crooked rear pastern and we have had to do some corrective farrier work which has helped tremendously. He also had very contracted tendons in the front. Luckily because he has been handled so much, he allowed me to stretch and massage his front legs. He would lay down and allow me to stretch and rub him and massage his crooked little spine.
What I have noticed is that the youngsters develop a real body awareness and I see that he now stretches his own forelegs when he is napping and as a result, they have straightened dramatically.
He has been bathed and handled quite a lot and we introduced essential oils to calm him in the beginning. He now loves them and almost goes to sleep the second I bring them near. I have yet to halter him as I don't believe that it is something that needs to be rushed, however, when we need to work on his feet, he only requires a light touch on his neck to hold him still.
He moves away from gentle pressure and is such a good little guy.
A lot of people would have written him off but I am sure glad that they didn't. He is growing into a beautiful and strong young horse and I look forward to watching him continue to thrive and become an amazing partner to someone.
