The Foals of 2020

This is the time of the year that social media is full of all the pictures of the 2020 foals. I really enjoy seeing the heartwarming pictures of the mothers with their babies and joy that owners have in naming the new addition to their herd.

Six years ago, I set out on my journey to be one of those excited horse owners. I had a nice mare that was bred well and had a successful career in barrel racing. I chose my stallion and we were all set to have my dream foal. She took on the first try, but it was not a textbook experience.

In month three, my mare was diagnosed with laminitis and the whole experience was tainted in trying to keep her comfortable and giving her the ability to carry the foal full term. Everyday, I performed treatments to keep her pain under control and my vet had to put wooden shoes on her to stand. It was heart-wrenching! I did end up nursing her to full term, getting a healthy filly, but lost my beautiful mare.

I will probably never attempt breeding my own horse again because of the terrible experience that I had in breeding my own foal, but the joy that my filly has brought me has been amazing. I spent so much time with my mare during her pregnancy and everyday spoke to my filly who was growing inside of her. She knew my voice before she was even born. Today this filly turned 5 years old and anytime she hears my voice she comes running to me. There is something very special about the bond you form with a foal that you raise and I still believe it’s worth the heartache that it can bring. Click here to see Fergie in action.