RicelandMeadows

July 25, 2025

This BLOG post is a bit late because I needed a little break from sorrow. This little guy was born about 10 days ago. His momma is a first time mom. She is an outstanding mare. The baby, however, could not get himself up. We made sure that he got his colostrum, by milking the mare every 90 minutes. We gave him 240 MLs every time, sometimes a bit more letting him have all he would drink. He had a good suck reflex and would pull the plunger down on the big 60 cc syringe that held the milk.

We stood him up and he could stand, walk and nurse. He would stay up for long periods of time, but when he laid down, that was it, he could not get up without help. We tried all sorts of things along with veterinary medicines, including a horse chiropractor, but nothing worked. We continued to help him up day and night for 6 days. He developed an infection about day number 3. We could not get ahead of the infection and it finally took his life.

We were tired. His momma was a bit sad, looking for him for a day or so. We buried him here on the farm knowing that we had done all that we could, but he died anyway. Foaling is not for the faint of heart. Statistics say that only 45-55% of mares in foal will have a live baby, meaning that out of 100 pregnant horses, you can expect about 50 live foals. I know we are ahead of the curve, but the loss still hurts.

This is not my tattoo, but it sure shares my sentiment. Run little guy, run!

In other news, the horse barn renovation project continues. We are making good progress on the new stalls. We have a little more rough framing to do for the sliding doors, build the mangers in the stall fronts and install siding. The big job of cementing the floor should happen soon as well.

The straps provide a little stability until the cement can be poured. The wooden posts will be removed once that happens too. The new barn is cool and has made a good place to work in these past few very hot muggy days.

So, I end this BLOG post on a positive note showing the progress on the barn renovation. It is the good moments that move us forward. There are 5 healthy foals grazing and playing in the pasture. The barns are filling with hay. The garden is growing well and most things are good, but occasionally you will lose. The key is do not let those moments define you. Grow from them, give thanks for them and move on.