The "Squeeze it OUT" and "Get It Over With" thread!

[Daydream Believer]

OK, this thread is for everyone on foal watch. Just say SQUEEZE and get it over with! :lol::lol: I think I'm going to lose my mind with this mare!

I'm so tired of it already and this is my first mare of the year. An Arabian mare (client owned), multipara, bred to a top US stallion, and pushing 340 days right now. She bagged up right at 320 days with a massive udder, shaped up fast, acts like she's always in low grade labor, and I've hardly left her side other than for necessary trips out. This mare is owned by the client who lost a mare and foal to a severe dystocia last spring so the anxious client is worried and calling frequently.

Early this week, we saw our first wax and now it looks like the neverending wax before she foals. I'm spoiled by my Col. Spanish mares who never seem to drip milk longer than a few minutes before foaling and almost never wax. They are sneaky but efficient and it's much easier on me. If you see milk dripping, just wait 10 minutes and they will be down and pushing.

This Arab mare is going to make me crazy. She has not laid down flat in weeks since I've had the monitor on her (or it would go off). She stands in her stall and lifts her tail and shifts her weight all night like she's so uncomfortable. The poor thing is totally miserable but will not get down to business. Wed. night she came into her stall, laid down on her chest and groaned for 20 minutes then got up and resumed eating her hay. What a drama queen but she has us all going for a few minutes. The owner does not want me to fight with her over milk tests (she will take your head off and have a major hissy fit) so I've not been doing that so it's even more frustrating that normal without the tests to help you know when to really watch her closely. She's had several foals before and was a good mother so we are not worried she won't let it nurse...she just doesn't want ME fooling with her udder.

I thought maybe if those of us frustrated foal watchers could share our anxieties and stress it might help us cope...so I put up this thread. :lol: Anyone else need to vent?

[tidy rabbit]

Here's my fun and games...

Maiden mare. 332 days today. Started waxing 2 weeks ago and has displayed much of the same behavior as your arab mare, except that mine lays down all the time. And is a LOUD groaner normally so listening to her doesn't help.

2 weeks of acting like "this is it, oh nevermind!"

So yesterday afternoon she's in the field kicking at her belly, biting herself and rubbing her head. I bring her in. She proceeds to act super uncomfortable, rubs her ass all night, udder swells up and turns shiny and purplish. Drips thick creamy milk. At about 3am acts like she's really going now... the tightens up her LOOSE vulva that was puffy and seperating, gets up and goes to eat hay. WHATEVER!

[Walnut Farm]

337 days today:) I like to "freak out" way early....

The weather is beautiful here! so come on girls :)

I am doing the filly dance

[YankeeLawyer]

One of mine is at 330 today and looks like she will be glad to get that baby out. And, it is 70 degrees here today, so perfect weather for a new little one (ahem, hint hint....).

[Touchstone Farm]

I have three coming and I really think I should be a stallion owner. This time of year makes me so nervous. And unlike yankee lawyer who is experiencing 70 degree weather, we have mid-30s. Fortunately my mares are all at approximately 270 days, so a little more time for the snow showers to quit and the green grass to start coming in.

Loved the stories about your drama queens!

Edited because I had to correct the number of days in foal. See? I'm already a wreck!

[rideagoldenpony]

Walnut Farm - -LOL about freaking out too early. That's me. Totally. LOL

However, mine is finally looking ready. I don't know what she's been waiting for! Probably this awful weather we are having tonight. I'm going to have to name the foal "Snowy". LOL

Just did our nightly milk testing with happy results (finally!!).
Chemetrics: 275+
Calcium: over 400
pH: <6.4

I just wrapped her tail in pink. I'm optimistic. LOL

[mistyjewell]

None of them are mine, but I've been staring at Gestuet Falkenhorst's website for the past week or so, there's now 4 mare's past their due date, one that the website says has had wax for 2 days, it is driving me crazy, I'm just glad there's a 5 hour time difference so I don't have to stay up super late to watch, lol.

[pintopiaffe]

:lol: :uhoh:

I'm laughing WITH y'all... NOT AT YOU... REALLY... :uhoh:

only one this year, not due until June 27. (345)

I can't imagine waiting for one before the ides of March. Well, no, that's not *entirely* true. I had one, one year, on St. Patrick's Day Eve. But much like human labor (so they tell me) I've forgotten the bad parts of that... :lol:

:sleepy:

C'mon girls... Give your peeps a break. PUSH!!! :D

[Astraled]

I've got one at 330 days. She just looks ready to pop. She got me good with the moaning and groaning on Thursday :lol:.

[Daydream Believer]

An update on my drama queen fat mare. She's at day 339 and has been waxing for 5 days now. She will walk, paw, circle and act like she's going to lay down and then stop...walk over and eat her hay...butt press, tail lift, kick at her belly, and just mostly look miserable. She does this ALL day in her paddock and her stall! I get ears pinned every time I approach her.

Everyone send "PUSH" vibes to my clients mare. Her name is Echo. Thanks!

[Whitehedge Farm]

I am STILL waiting on Gandina with her Cabalito foal... she is at 355 days..... this is her 6th foal. Not much milk still yet but she never bags up too much- milk comes in pretty late just after foaling. Just got in from checking her and she was laying down, groaning, cat jumped in and scared her, she got up and resumed eating hay!

[Krallen]

I can officially join this thread. My maiden is only at 317 but we're both ready. She's been on meds for placentitis since day 280. Everyday this is a battle to get more drugs into her than onto me. Twice a day. And I'm about to need to buy another round of drugs, including an expensive bottle of regumate. Great.

This morning I bent over to look at her udder and she nipped me on the thigh. (!) I didn't even touch her....and this mare has always been a complete sweetheart and loves attention. She's got an udder but no real milk yet. Looks like she'll really enjoy milk testing time.

She's not eating well and is kicking everyone's butt for no reason out on pasture. We're all tired of her!

I'm glad we're almost to 320 but if this girl hangs on to 350 or 360 days I might need mental help.

[tidy rabbit]

I'm glad we're almost to 320 but if this girl hangs on to 350 or 360 days I might need mental help.

That's what we're here for. Sigh. I feel your pain. I haven't been kicked or bit yet but it's not far off.

[Daydream Believer]

I've been both kicked and bitten by grumpy broodmares. Ouch! Jingles for your mare Krallen.

[Karma]

My mare sounds so much like OPs Arab mare- tail swishing, restless, looking at sides and just very unhappy.

She was pasture bred, so I don't know exactly how far along she is. Luckily when I start messing with her udder (half full) she moves her leg to make some more room for me to fuss around. Her milk is yellow and getting thicker. I start testing tomorrow just to get an idea of where she is at. Right now I have my laptop set up by my bed to watch her at night, but I am 45 minutes away- so I have to catch first stage labor or call the barn owner and miss the whole thing.

I have a conference to attend this weekend, so she will probably go then!

Let's get all these girls to start pushing! I am ready to see the little one and start sleeping through the night again!

[Daydream Believer]

An update on my fussy mare. She started dripping milk yesterday and is still doing so today. She in now and there is a lot of extremely high tail lifting going on so I'm crossing my fingers that the full moon tonight will be the PUSH that she needs!

Does anyone else have any updates on their girls?

[rideagoldenpony]

Here's my update. :D

[Daydream Believer]

Woo hoo golden pony! CUTE! Congrats...is that a filly or a colt?

My mare just laid down abruptly a few minutes ago and kept looking at her belly (she's on a cam). I had just gotten out of the shower so I ran back to the bathroom to dry my hair quickly as I don't want to go outside in the cold with a wet head. I get back and she's still down. I wait a few minutes to make sure of her and then she gets up and goes back to eating hay. BWAAHahahaha!

[shea'smom]

AAAWWW!!!! Talk about cute!!
Sharon,
last year I had a baby monitor in my mare's stall and I "slept" in the office. I swear I would hear her pee/water break and I would run out there and she would be standing at the opposite side of the stall sleeping. This happened many times.
I think she got a big kick out of it...... bless her heart.

[Daydream Believer]

Kathi,

That is funny! I think sometimes they have a sense of humor! Thank God for barncams and halter alerts. The only saving grace on this mare is that she does not lay down and give me false alarms. She has had a monitor on for over three weeks and I don't think she's laid flat out in all that time. I knew horses could get by on less sleep but this is amazing. I have not slept well in weeks either. I'm always edgy when I monitoring a mare anyway. s

I just did a night check on her and I swear she does not look at all worried or stressed. I don't think I've ever had a mare as fickle as this one. I'm going to be insane and I have 7 more to go after this one!

[Home Again Farm]

I am ready to join this club. Wintermaske is now past day 350 and I am not at all amused. Where the heck is the plunger??!!

[Daydream Believer]

UGH...this mare is still in foal. Standing and happily eating in her paddock dripping milk. I give up! Her poor owner is in a state also. She was all psyched for a foal this a.m. So much for the full moon theory!

Home Again...I'll have to be institutionalized if this mare goes as long as yours has.

[tidy rabbit]

Add me to the short list for the "owners with broodmares who wont foal" asylum wing. My bag is packed. I think I'll look stunning in a coat with locks on it in a padded room. But who will fix my hair for me? The nurse?

[shea'smom]

I fully expected to hear about the baby this morning! 8 babies!? I'll visit you in the home.

[copper bay farm]

I am ready to join this club. Wintermaske is now past day 350 and I am not at all amused. Where the heck is the plunger??!!

Oh gosh ML! Maybe Ghenoa will beat Wintermaske to the punch for that first Wamberto baby after all. She's at 315 days today. Udder is up and down, no milk yet. Yesterday was the first day she showed anything but contentment at being pregnant - her tail did a wild spin and she kicked out a few times then resumed eating. Maybe baby was shifting - she doesn't look as wide to me today. Poor girl is tired though and getting grumpy with her mini mare turnout buddy. I can't imagine what she would be like in another month+! :eek:

[Home Again Farm]

I think every mare I have in foal may beat Wintermaske - even Rubi, whose Londonderry is not due until June. :yes::(:mad::winkgrin:

[Daydream Believer]

I fully expected to hear about the baby this morning! 8 babies!? I'll visit you in the home.

Thanks Kathi! I will need visitors! Last year I foaled 14 and the year before that about 12...none have been as much trouble as this Arab mare! :no:

Send the plunger this way!

[Equilibrium]

Well I'll join the club. Mare 344 days today. I've not missed any sleep as I know she isn't going tonight and probably not tomorrow night. I'm thinking she's waiting for Friday the 13th.

My husband is driving me mental on this one because it's his favorite mare in the world. Last year this mare, Fraamtastic, was bred on the 1st of April. Annia was bred on the 2nd of April. Annia foaled at 327 days so John assumed Fraamy would go early. So only 3 days of watching my cute foal before we moved the camera to Fraamy's stable. For 2 weeks now I'm listening to how she's going to foal at any moment. I'm like no she's not. Last week his mom chimed in and started getting John into a state saying, that mare will go tonight - I'd be careful. WTF already. So I said, well you and Mammy can watch her all night I'm getting some sleep.

She's not done her usual shaping up, things aren't happening that usually do before she foals and she isn't even a tad restless. She will have it when she's ready! But I'm sticking with Friday the 13th and colt!

I'm not losing any sleep, but I keep putting off things that need doing just in case. Like making a hair appt which I desperately need! So I wish she'd hurry up already so I can look better and so my husband will shut up!

Terri

[Daydream Believer]

I'm not losing any sleep, but I keep putting off things that need doing just in case. Like making a hair appt which I desperately need! So I wish she'd hurry up already so I can look better and so my husband will shut up!

Terri

I've got this mare on a foaling monitor so I do get some sleep...restless though...and I wake up on my own to check her on the cams. I, like you, have put off all sorts of appts to include my hair and groceries. I got desperate and sent my husband off to get a few necessities from the store like eggs and milk and had to run to the feed store yesterday as I was out of everything! I'm supposed to trim tomorrow about an hour from home and really am not sure what I'll do if she still has not foaled. Dripping milk is ominous and I don't like to be far away as she could really go anytime. Thankfully my trimming clients all know I have this other "job" and are very understanding! :)

[Equilibrium]

Oh good, I'm not the only one!!!!

DB, I also just realized I never thanked you for the PM on the whey powder. Thank you and I was able to find non flavored additive stuff over here at the health food store!:)

Terri

[YankeeLawyer]

Still waiting on my mare also - Day 334. Bag is getting larger but her milk is still clear. I have another mare due the first week of April.

[Daydream Believer]

Well, the Arab mare is anxious and uncomfortable and dripping even more tonight. I"m hoping this is it! More updates as I can.

Terri, you are very welcome! I'm glad it worked out.

[Daydream Believer]

We just had a healthy tall bay colt about 11 pm... He's nursed several times and pooped and Mom has passed a whole placenta. Mom and Son are laying down side by side now and resting. Now I can get some rest.

My next mares are about 2 weeks away (at a guess) and they are my girls. Good luck to everyone.

[Equilibrium]

Yeah, Congratulations!

Now make sure you get a big grocery shop and your hair done before your next one is due!:)

Terri

[Izthatrt]

Congratulations! I have an arab mare in foal to my stallion, now at 335 days. Last yr. she was 2 weeks early(first foal) so wasn't quite sure when to expect this one. I do have a break until the next one though.

[Cervalo]

We just had a healthy tall bay colt about 11 pm... He's nursed several times and pooped and Mom has passed a whole placenta. Mom and Son are laying down side by side now and resting. Now I can get some rest.

My next mares are about 2 weeks away (at a guess) and they are my girls. Good luck to everyone.

:D YAY! He finally came! I'm so glad everything went well. I can't wait to meet him. Is he a pretty baby?

[shea'smom]

Congrats!! I hope all are healthy and happy this morning.

[Daydream Believer]

Thanks all! Such a relief! Momma is very protective but both are doing very well. Her owner is coming soon to visit and see him. She wanted a filly but at least she got a healthy lovely colt.

Kim, he is very elegant and pretty. His sire is some big name halter stallion.

[SmartAlex]

We're at 328 days, not anxious yet and casually assembling the foaling supplies. While I know we all want to be there in case of problems, and to witness the miracle, I secretly wish to come to the barn and find a dry, healthy, nursing foal and a whole placenta popped out. It's really kind of nice when that happens.

[EventingChase]

My mare in foal to Stiletto is also at 328 days. She went 14 days early with her last foal but so far seems not interested. I have my boyfriend doing a late night check at 1AM when he gets home from work. He is so cute with his checklist- takes it very seriously and leaves his notes on the counter for me in the moring :)

[amdfarm]

Congrats, DB! Glad she's no longer driving you crazy. I bet he is a pretty baby, dishy head and elegant as all get out. Look forward to pics! :)

[Daydream Believer]

Thanks! Here's a few pics from this afternoon on his first outing. These pics are courtesy of my working student who is a very good photographer.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z144/hau_kea/09foals/IMG_3315.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z144/hau_kea/09foals/IMG_3366.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z144/hau_kea/09foals/IMG_3362.jpg

[amdfarm]

Awwww, he's adorable. Very pretty. I hope the owner is happy w/ him.

[Daydream Believer]

Well, she really wanted a filly to sell for a halter horse. I guess this colt is not "pretty" enough for that..his head isn't what they want and a halter stallion has to be exquisite. I think he's lovely myself though "plain" head or not! I do feel like a granny to all the babies I foal out though and tend to be a bit barn blind whether they are mine or not!

[fooler]

Well, she really wanted a filly to sell for a halter horse. I guess this colt is not "pretty" enough for that..his head isn't what they want and a halter stallion has to be exquisite. I think he's lovely myself though "plain" head or not! I do feel like a granny to all the babies I foal out though and tend to be a bit barn blind whether they are mine or not!

What a cutie - he has some attitude!

[CSSporthorses]

Congrats Daydream :) I'm not joining you guys yet, my girl isn't due till June 2nd. Guarantee I'll be back and stressing with everyone as we get closer.

[birdsong]

In the first photo he looks like a "little man" with 'tude.....I think he lovely..and I'll be happy to take him off her hands....just precious ...and what legs!!

[shea'smom]

Wow he looks awesome! I can't believe he was just born.

[Daydream Believer]

Thanks! I'll tell his owner all the complements on here. She will be tickled. She was awfully disappointed to not get her filly...we all know how that goes.

I'm praying for a colt finally out of my nicest mare, Blue Dancer,...the producer of my exquisite filly Promise. I've had four fillies in a row from her and want a little colt so badly!

birdsong, I'll hook you up if you really like him. ;-)

I have 7 more to go so I'm sure I'll be needing more support! I'm exhausted and we've only just gotten started here!

[tidy rabbit]

He's so CUTE! I'd be thrilled with his color and markings! Nice photos too!

[Walnut Farm]

Congrats!!!

my mare is still driving me crazy, especially since she is actually 337 days today, and not like I thought, 344.......:lol:

Come on filly dance!!!

[Krallen]

How long have your girls lingered on Chemetrics at 175ish before making the jump? We've gone from 150 to 200 to 175+ and been hanging out there for 3 days now. After the jump from 150 to 200 I got excited...and welllll, you know. PH is also hovering between 7 and 7.4. So who has the longest record for hovering, just so I can be mentally prepared to beat it. :-)

All right, who has the plunger?

[Walnut Farm]

OK, at 346 days, SPS Dana finally delivered a strapping colt by Royal Prince!!
Mom and son doing well....only 4 more to go :)

Best of luck to all still!!!

[mustanglover]

I have a rescue TB, with a slew of medical issues. No clue when she is due just know she is bred to a paint.

her udders have been swelling then going down swelling and going down.
here are a couple pictures of her
The day I brought her home.
http://ahorse4humanity.com/shyshy/lady2.JPG


Shy march 15th
http://ahorse4humanity.com/shyshy/shyeatingheadonmarch14th.jpg

same day full body
http://ahorse4humanity.com/shyshy/shymarch14th.jpg

I been going into labor every night in my dreams, from 1/2 human 1/2 horse to 1/2 horse 1/2 fish. I am getting tired of giving birth every night!!

[hluing]

My mares are driving me crazy (plunger, please). Both are ponies and both maidens. My other mares this year foaled at 324 and 329...in the 330's tends to be average around here. One girl is at 348 and the other at 329 and they are just not making much progress. Neither has milk to test which is really driving me crazy. Oh, yeah, and I'm 8 months pregnant myself. Ughhh.

[Krallen]

Fine, hluing wins the plunger since she's pregnant too. I think that takes the cake and I'll quit whining. For a day.

[Astraled]

I think foals are a myth.

[RiderBreeder]

oh boy oh boy oh boy! Woke up this morning and realized that today is the 25th... which means my mare is FINALLY at 320! She is a maiden, the love of my life, and to make matters worse I had a dream last night that she foaled a beautiful black colt. (Anyone have a dream about a foal and had it come true?)

She started to bag up three weeks ago today, but there is still no milk to test... her bag stays pretty consistant as she is out 24/7, I am waiting for her to really look ready before she comes inside at night.

After reading about your mares on day 355 and such I am getting depressed... how long have these mares had a bag for?

I can't wait. Just can't wait. I can't even explain in words how excited I am, and up until this morning I have been very relaxed... darn dream!


www.jwfineequine.synthasite.com

[SmartAlex]

Tomorrow is our due date, and this morning we have wax... I have butterflies in my tummy.:sadsmile:

[hluing]

If we are talking dreams...after several nights of poor sleep I dreamed both my mares had kittens! They were "filly" kittens though...lol!

[EventingChase]

My mare was at 340 days last night... No foal!

I did however, have a dream that she foaled a liver chestnut foal with a snow cap.... Maybe something similar will arrive soon!

[Horsegal984]

Ok, fess up... anybody have their mares on Marestare?? I'm stuck horseless and waiting on my trainers mare to pop, so I've given into my Marestare addiction..... ;)

[Home Again Farm]

So today I looked really hard at the calendar and saw that Wintermaske is 365 days. Good grief!!! :confused:

The good thing is that the vet checked her thoroughly Monday. Placenta looks perfect, foal is very active. Her udder is finally starting to show some changes, so mamybe we won't beat the record. :winkgrin: She has never been over 344 days before this. :eek:

[Laurierace]

I had one go at 365 days three years in a row! Hopefully today is your lucky day.

[copper bay farm]

So today I looked really hard at the calendar and saw that Wintermaske is 365 days. Good grief!!! :confused:

The good thing is that the vet checked her thoroughly Monday. Placenta looks perfect, foal is very active. Her udder is finally starting to show some changes, so mamybe we won't beat the record. :winkgrin: She has never been over 344 days before this. :eek:

Oh goodness she doesn't want to give that foal up does she? Ghenoa is at 329 days today and milk was at 175 on the Chemetrics this morning with a full udder - lots of baby positioning yesterday and a crushed corner feeder in the stall this morning (she sat on it :eek:). If I have my Wamberto baby before you I won't believe it!

Her foal is very active too. I can't wait to meet him/her!

[hluing]

Has anyone had a maiden that was not able to be milked before foaling? My two are great having the udder handled...there is just no milk to be had. I have also heard "horror stories" of maidens going from no bag to foaling in a couple of hours. <Gulp> My maidens up until this point have been textbook...but I'm starting to think these two did not read the book. Common????

[copper bay farm]

Has anyone had a maiden that was not able to be milked before foaling? My two are great having the udder handled...there is just no milk to be had. I have also heard "horror stories" of maidens going from no bag to foaling in a couple of hours. <Gulp> My maidens up until this point have been textbook...but I'm starting to think these two did not read the book. Common????

I had a pony maiden last year that went from absolutely nothing to a couple of watery drops in the a.m. to sticky milk at 6pm (and 300 on the chemetrics) to pouring out white milk and a colt at 1am. She had tons of milk for the foal after, just none before. :winkgrin:

This year's maiden has a small amount of milk the last 2 days, just enough to test, and was at 175 this morning with a full udder. She seems to be taking a more normal pace.

[Home Again Farm]

Oh goodness she doesn't want to give that foal up does she? Ghenoa is at 329 days today and milk was at 175 on the Chemetrics this morning with a full udder - lots of baby positioning yesterday and a crushed corner feeder in the stall this morning (she sat on it :eek:). If I have my Wamberto baby before you I won't believe it!

Her foal is very active too. I can't wait to meet him/her!

I'll be surprised if Winter's foal is here in time for our inspection in October. :confused: :winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

[Home Again Farm]

Heather,

Rohanna was a maiden mare that went from nothing for forever to one day when I had a few drops that didn't even look promising. I tested with Chemetrics and it was 175. :confused::eek:

I hastily put down straw and up cameras and the next AM about 8:00, we had a baby.

[Krallen]

Jingles for your sanity Home Again. Dear Lord.

My mare is still being a hoverer..is that a word? Calcium is bouncing around 175 to 250 now. No major jumps and the milk is slllloooowwllly starting to change. pH looks lower - 6.4, maybe a little less. Today is day 335.

It doesn't help that she is a complete drama queen. She lays around groaning like it's the end of the world. It's a tough life to have constant food and be laying in 2 feet of straw. My dear neighbor comes over and checks on her if me or my husband are gone for a few hours and she keeps calling thinking she's in labor. My husband and I have a back massage bet on the foaling date. This girl needs to get in gear tonight or tomorrow or I'm going to lose out on a massage.

[SmartAlex]

Like I said yesterday, today is our due date... we foaled last night at 9:55 :D
Boy that was easy!!!

This morning, sitting at the office, I'm a little too groggy to be excited. But I sure was last night.
Here's the blog: http://asensationalnightout.blogspot.com/

[EventingChase]

Congrats on the baby and the easy birth! My mare is at 342 days today and not looking like she is even close to foaling. It is so fructrating. I have to work nights this weekend and the vet is out of town... It looks like it is going ot be my boyfriend with his flashlight and check list if she does not decide to have it before then!

[Home Again Farm]

No baby for Winter yet. Today is day 366. However...

Last night Kabibi (Rubin Royal/ Donnerhall) presented me with a fancy colt by Wolkentanz I (Stanza's papa). Andrea reports that he is a bright chestnut with a huge star, stripe and snip, and three stocking that go over his knees/ hocks. Uphill, gorgeous head and neck (very noble and masculine), long correct legs. Mama is being an angel with him. I think I will call him Wowdacious. Two down - six to go. ;~)

I'm going over to take pics of him and also of Rohanna's daughter Worthy and Diva's Romanov filly tomorrow PM. I know it isn't fair to post without pics, but I couldn't wait.

[SmartAlex]

Two down - six to go. ;~)

I remember thinking this morning at 1 AM after making sure the foal was up to eat a second time and mare was still OK... how do people at stud farms do this all night for weeks and months on end?

[Krallen]

Congrats on a foal last night!

We're in the middle of a blizzard. It's 18 degrees out with steady 20 mph winds and snowing. What fun. Let's hope for no dystocias since the response time from the vet will be um, not so good. We've done some plowing only to have it all fill back in.

Milk calcium finally made a bit of a jump to 325ish and has the colostrum-y look. I'm praying the mare isn't finally looking ready only to do the TidyRabbit.

[hrfponies]

My first mare that is due is at 320 today. She is in foal to Apiro and I am super excited for this foal. Hoping for a black Filly!!

Here is her marestare link!!
http://www.marestare.com/cam.php?alias=hunterridge

Somewhat of a bag, starting to relax in the hind end, baby is starting to drop a little!

[Krallen]

HRF - that 320 day mark is just a tease really to have you start getting excited. And the more excited you get, the longer it goes. That has long been proven.

My mare was at 350 on chemetrics last night and 6.2 pH. Yay - no sleep for me and still no foal. She's now looking as peaceful as can be. I haven't tested milk today, but why bother? I read the chemetrics instructions to my mare that said the majority of mares foal w/in 72 hours of reaching 200 and shortly after if they reach 300-500 but she flipped me the hoof.

I keep telling myself that it's gotta come out. It won't be in there forever. Right?

To answer hluing's question about maidens not having milk before foaling...I had one that went to 356 days that started building a bag at 3pm, waxed at 5, dripped for a few hours and foaled at 11 pm. But there hadn't been one sign earlier that morning. I like that better than the mares that drag it out and look ready to pop for weeks.

[Daydream Believer]

My second to go mare is at 326 days and showing 2+ on a milk test. My other mare that is about 4 days ahead of her due date wise looks like she's going to take her good time...about 330 days and udder has a long way to go. Both of these are my mares this time instead of client horses and veteran momma's so I'm not too worried this time.

I've had maidens do a bag from nothing in one day and foal also...had one do it at 314 in 2006 (scared me to death) but the filly was fine. Had another shape up very fast last year at about 321 and go.

[Kovy]

Oh Home Again Farm, that is a looooong wait. You poor thing!

350 days today for my girl, and not even looking close. :(

[Walnut Farm]

OHH, had one go 360 days last year, the pony...

Anyway, my first wait is over and SPS Dana delivered her Royal Prince colt on 346 days...long enough as I was initially a week off in her breeding date.

Have another 328 today, big bag the last 2 days only........however, last year good about udder testing, this year a PAIN!! what the heck!!???

Best of luck to all!! such an exciting but also anxious time!

[Karma]

My girl is still hanging in there too! She is around 100 for Calcium and had a slight change in pH from Tuesday. I think we have a while to go :-(

[hrfponies]

Wow lots of over due mares... I hope mine don't hear about this trend!!:eek:

[Home Again Farm]

So, Wolkenstanza's Rousseau by embryo transfer looks like she will even beat my sweet Wintermaske. The ET mare is over 350 on Chemetrics tonight. Winter will be 368 days tomorrow. Sigh...

[Krallen]

Whew. My mare started stage one labor at 8:30 pm, didn't eat, drink, or stop pacing until 3:40 when the water broke. Typical maiden that wasn't sure what the heck was going on. Gave birth standing up and the temperature was 15 degrees....nothing quite like birthing fluid rolling down your arm and hitting your armpit at 4 am at that temperature. She wouldn't let him nurse so the vet showed up at 6:00 to sedate her.....but then he wanted to latch onto everything but her. We bottle fed some but he had a low Igg this afternoon and had seramune and more colostrum tubed into him. It doesn't help that he's pretty tall and has to stand like Gumby to find the milk bar. Mom's getting better about letting him nurse but still not great. Meanwhile, me and my wallet are trying to pretend I didn't have 5 vet visits in one day, with one more tomorrow. But at the end of the day, I have a healthy mare and a feisty foal, and that's a good thing.

Jingles and good luck for everyone in the waiting game.

[Daydream Believer]

Wow, Krallen...that was a rough one. I've had to catch foals also before and that is no fun. I'm glad all is OK now.

It does seem like many mares are going longer than normal this Spring. I wonder if it is the unsettled and very weird weather all over the country?

[Home Again Farm]

Krallen,

What a saga! Jingling that the baby will be fine. Thank goodness you were there to get things sorted out! Let's not talk about vet bills. :no::winkgrin:

[Equine Reproduction]

Has anyone had a maiden that was not able to be milked before foaling?

Yup. I worked at an Arab facility for four years. The maiden mares typically were not easy to get near and would just as soon kick you as allow you to touch them. I got really good at where to stand in order to get what I needed without dying in the process <rolling eyes>. I "did" learn to not do much of anything with them until there were at least some changes going on. Arabs, btw, have a higher incidence of foal rejection, as well.

My two are great having the udder handled...there is just no milk to be had. I have also heard "horror stories" of maidens going from no bag to foaling in a couple of hours. <Gulp> My maidens up until this point have been textbook...but I'm starting to think these two did not read the book. Common????

Not uncommon. I've had mares that literally went from nothing to a full, tight bag and foaling in less than 6 hours. Just gotta be on your toes :D Ahhh don't ya just LOVE foaling season????

Kathy St.Martin
Equine-Reproduction.com, LLC - http://www.equine-reproduction.com
and
Avalon Equine - http://www.avalon-equine.com
To subscribe to our Newsletters, go to:
http://www.equine-reproduction.com/newsletter

[EventingChase]

So- My dream about a liver chestnut foal wtih a snow cap.....

My mare foaled this morning and it is a liver chesnut filly with a blanket and spots :) She also has big white circles around her eyes so we will see if she grays or roans out!

[okggo]

Yup. I worked at an Arab facility for four years. The maiden mares typically were not easy to get near and would just as soon kick you as allow you to touch them. I got really good at where to stand in order to get what I needed without dying in the process <rolling eyes>. I "did" learn to not do much of anything with them until there were at least some changes going on. Arabs, btw, have a higher incidence of foal rejection, as well.



Not uncommon. I've had mares that literally went from nothing to a full, tight bag and foaling in less than 6 hours. Just gotta be on your toes :D Ahhh don't ya just LOVE foaling season????

Kathy St.Martin
Equine-Reproduction.com, LLC - http://www.equine-reproduction.com
and
Avalon Equine - http://www.avalon-equine.com
To subscribe to our Newsletters, go to:
http://www.equine-reproduction.com/newsletter

My girl was a maiden last year - she had very little bag and milk was basically that pee color and consistency, not registering on either milk-test I had. She foaled with no bag. Within 45 minutes of giving birth had a full bag just oozing milk, colostrum was great, good IGG, etc.

I have reminded her she is NO LONGER a maiden and such behaviour is not allowed this year but some how I just don't know if she will be so cooperative. This is the same mare that as the foal was 3/4 out, saw it and went HOLLLLLLY CRAPPPPPPP got up and flung around at mach 5 flinging birth fluids all over leaving the stall looking like a Friday the 13th stage prop, and leaving our filly with a lovely hernia.