I haven’t blogged about this for superstitious reasons, but my friend Jenny’s mare India has been expecting a foal. Every day Jen has had to tolerate my annoying, repetitive questions.
“How’s India?”
“Fine.”
“Do you think she’ll have her baby today?”
“I don’t know.”
Every day.
As animal mothers go, horses are much more like humans than, say, dogs or cats. For one thing, mares have monthly cycles like women. They have a time of the month when they ovulate and this is also a time of the month when they can be rather crabby. They usually just have one baby and the baby gestates for almost an entire year. Unlike human babies, foals are able to stand and walk very soon after birth. In the wild, they are prey animals and must be able to flee danger, if necessary, right after birth so as soon as they’ve rested a little, they start trying to get those crazy crooked kickers untangled and somehow placed beneath them so they can stand. This is a sweet and comical process, this standing up, and because Jen called me right after the baby was born last night, I got to watch her take her first steps. I’d be happy to share some more photos of mother and foal, as well as some photos I took at my friend Sarah Wilson’s book party this weekend, but am having problems with new photo software. The kind of problems that make me curse and thrash about in bed-desk. The kind of problems that make the dogs dogs decide the floor is a nicer place to spend the morning.
For now, though, you can click on Twitter links on this page to see photos. Just over on the right of the screen and down a little. Just click on the links. I know some of you hate and fear Twitter, but you won’t even know you’ve left my blog. Just go ahead and click, you’ll be fine. It’s really not as addicting as they say. I just do it for kicks. I can stop any old time, really.
LOVE the photos – precious!!! Your friend Jen, must be overjoyed!. I totally understand about new software. They advertise this stuff and you think that – wow – I just have to have that and then…… it doesn’t work and then the swearing begins. And then, it takes you days to figure it out, only to find that you need another connection or another part or………….!!!!!
The disturbing thing is that if I consult my kids who are in college, they have the answer to the problem in one second – Humbling………..
Does that beautiful black beauty have a name yet? How is little Oliver doing these days? I bet not so little any more. Is a book party like a book signing?
As always, too cute for words. Loved your photos and tweets.
Mama mare doesn’t mind if you get close to baby?
How wonderful! Cute little baby!!!
Candy, it was a book signing and party. Will blog about it later. Such a fun/funny children’s book about the history of plumbing. ANy guesses on the title?
Jen told me a name she was considering last night but not sure if it’s official so I’ll hold off mentioning. She is a BEAUTIFUL filly. India is an experienced mom, I believe this is her third and she has always been treated so well that she trusts people with her babies, while still keeping a wise, protective eye on everything. I love birth. LOVE.
Absolutely beautiful! I love how they have matching spots on their foreheads and noses! I can’t imagine being pregnant for nearly a year!
Beautiful! Congratulations to India and your friend Jenny.
And, thank you for showing us the pics.
: )
Flush Goes the Weasel? Anyway … the only time I’ve ever seen a mare with foal was when I was visiting one summer in Arnold, Maryland and your mother took us, en famille, to her friend’s farm. Just as you’ve harassed Jenny, you incessantly pestered your mom for several days as to exactly WHEN we were going to see the baby. I remember getting a quick look and then being bum-rushed out of the barn. I think you got to stay in there a little longer than the rest of us!
I think uncle Sull’s title is great, chuckled out loud on that one!
India looks so proud! Such an adorable filly. Foals are just so fun to watch. How quickly they get to experience and explore their surroundings.
Yeah, this is what I’m talking about. Great way to start Monday. The beginning of the last three weeks ever of High School for my son and all the ensuing madness. Looked at the Twitter pics and how adorable was the one with the foals leg wrapped over moms.
Uncle Sull, I was probably only five but I remember that mare and foal so well. Her owner was not just my mom’s friend, she was my nursery school teacher. Every day, after nap time, we had pony rides. Yes, the teacher would lead us around a big field, bareback, on her sweet ponies. EVERY DAY! The best nursery school ever. The rest of the day we spent catching frogs in her pond and picking these wild scallions and feeding them to the horses, who loved them and were so gentle with us. I loved that pony mare so much. I almost forgot about her. Thanks Tom!
Oh, please do continue to show us pictures as the yet to be named beauty develops. You will never know, Ann, how much your blog means to some of us.
thanks, uncle sull and ann, for those great stories… i loved them. nursery school rocked!
Oh, my, SO beautiful. Does it get any better than this? Happy birthday, little filly!
Thank you so much for sharing these. Chill bumps. The miracle of birth, of life…all the things you have been talking about. xoxoxo Vennie
Awww . . . so cuuute! I can understand the superstition. I had something happen today, that I can’t really talk about — don’t want to jinx it. Something wonderful and magical, and very, very exciting. I didn’t win the lottery, or give birth, but today will be a day I will always remember.
Let’s just say I might need an agent, and an Entertainment lawyer. Gosh, ‘lil ole me. Jeez, you just never know when an email smack out of the blue could change your life.
So, Ann do you know anyone in Hollywood I could trust? I know that may be an oxymoron, but I feel as newborn, and drunk on life as that foal. I definitely have the milky way still in my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdnTVp1QElM
These photos are amazing! India and her foal are absolutely beautiful. What a privilege to experience the birth of a foal.
Linda S.
P.S. Your nursery school sounds idyllic.
Mary Lynn, so glad to hear of your very good thing coming out of the blue! That’s wonderful. Keeping fingers crossed for your success in … whatever it is! : )
P.S. Mary Lynn, I so love the line “the Milky Way still in your eyes” — and drunk on life, like a newborn foal — what a wonderful way to be.
Those Twit Pics are great. It’s pictures like these that make me want to just chuck my job and go work as a stall mucker in some tiny town.
Uncle Sull, thanks for the cute story about Ann.