This morning started like any other—tea in hand, sitting at my desk, tackling some office work while prepping for next week’s markets. Then, at 7:50 AM, my phone buzzed with a message from the property owner where my three horses live.
“There’s a baby in the pasture.”
Wait. What? A baby?!
Instant panic mode. I did a quick mental calculation—my three girls were “safe” eleven months ago, but the owner’s mare, Willow, had an unknown history before she came to them last fall. The likelihood of this foal being mine was pretty much zero. Phew. But that didn’t change the fact that they were now dealing with a surprise foal… and they had zero experience with newborns.
Me, on the other hand? I’ve had somewhere between 20 and 30 foals in my years as a breeder. This wasn’t my first rodeo. And I knew one thing for sure—they were going to need some help.
I didn’t waste a second. I threw on clothes, jumped in my car, and let’s just say I may have set a personal record on that drive. A normally 30-minute trip? Done in 22. (I drive an ambulance for a living but definitely not recommended. 😅)
When I arrived, there he was—a tiny, perfect little colt standing right next to Willow. 🐴 No one had even suspected she was pregnant! She completely fooled all of us.
Thankfully, the little guy was doing well. He was nursing, had passed his first poop (a crucial milestone for newborn foals), and was already showing signs of being a strong, brave little soul. Willow was doing great, too—eating well and fiercely protective of her new baby.
My three mares, on the other hand, were completely fascinated by the new arrival. Especially Maja—she was standing at the fence, watching with what I can only describe as pure motherly instincts. If she could, I bet she’d claim him as her own in a heartbeat!
Now, the mission for the day is to get Willow and her foal out of the rain and settled somewhere safe. Oh, and as for a name? My brilliant suggestion of Willy Wonka was promptly shut down. (Come on, I thought it was funny! 😂)
Even though he’s not my foal (thankfully!), I know I’ll be keeping a close eye on this little guy as he grows. It’s going to be so much fun watching his journey unfold, and hopefully, I’ll get to help out along the way.
Life with horses—never a dull moment!