Do you think she's pregnant? (pst 37- she's pregnant)(pst 88 He's here!)

[M.K.Smith]

Okay... 7 year old maiden mare. Spent some time turned out with my 2 year old colt last year. Then was in a dry lot over the winter. In I think Dec or Jan, I had her palpated. She didn't look pregant to me, a little tubby, but she's an easy keeper, so I just wanted to be sure.

The vet said that Willow was NOT pregnant. I said should we have her re-checked and was told no need. I also asked if there was a window where palpation didn't work for pregancy detection & was told no.

Willow has been in training since March... I took her to my trainer's farm (I don't have a ring) & I've been riding her 5-7 days a week.

Here she is working today.
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_12_07_boa_boots_day_2_1418&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_12_07_boa_boots_day_2_1423&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Today, I was fixing her boots and my trainer said that she thought Willow was pregant. She said look at her bag. I absently replied that the gnats had been bothering her. My trainer said... NO... look at her bag...

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_bag_5_12_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_bag_5_12_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Her tail has virtually no tone to it.

Here's her vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_vulva_5_12_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_vulva_5_12_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Here's both side views... she's wet from being hosed off
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_view_5_12_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_view_5_12_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Rear view
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_Rear_view_5_12_07_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_Rear_view_5_12_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_Rear_view_5_12_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Front view
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_front_view_5_12_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_front_view_5_12_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

I don't know how well the camera captured it, but she does seem to have more belly on one side than the other.

We also got a drop of 'milk' out.

My gut is telling me that she's pregnant. If you think so, any ideas on due date?

Of course... it happens to be the weekend... the vet will get a call first thing Monday morning... it's time for spring shots anyway.

I wasn't planning on her having a baby, but sometimes the best things in life are unplanned.

So... what do you think... pregnant or not pregant... if so, any idea of a due date?

[Texarkana]

It's really hard to tell anything conclusively from the pics. However, I would say it's possible. Her udder does look larger and more full than a non-pregnant maiden's should. And she is carrying her weight rather low in her belly. Vets can miss pregnancies with palpation alone. Shoot, sometimes they still miss them with U/S.

On the other hand, I've known a lot of non-pregnant mares to express milk from their teats. A lot of times, especially in older mares, hormonal changes can bring it on. I had a not quite 2 y/o filly who started expressing tons of sticky "milk". We had a colt on the farm, and even though the two had never been turned out together, I was expecting the worst. Then I found out the phytoestrogens in the alfalfa/clover mix hay were causing the milk production.

At least if she is pregnant, it doesn't look like she's going to go anytime in the next day or so from those photos (although every mare is different and you said she is in regular work). But if she was my mare, I'd probably have the vet out Monday for peace of mind.

Good luck!

[Astraled]

I wasn't planning on her having a baby

Then why was she turned out with a colt :lol:? Admit it, you missed having a baby around :winkgrin:. You can tell us.

I can't even pretend to guess if she's in foal or not. She's not as big as my mare but maybe she's not as far along. Has she shown any signs of heat this year?

I hope the vet gives you good news :yes:.

[rideagoldenpony]

If I were you, I would have her checked, just for the peace of mind. However, she does not look pregnant to me, nor does she look like she has any kind of a bag that is headed toward "baby".

Even my maidens who can sometimes hide their baby pretty well have a different looking kind of bag -- it doesn't look like that at all, even when it is really small. Hard to describe, really, but it is just more "plump" looking -- as far as how the skin is, etc.

She looks like a nice big girl, and sure, it's possible she's hiding a baby in there, but I'd be surprised. ;)

[M.K.Smith]

Then why was she turned out with a colt :lol:? Admit it, you missed having a baby around :winkgrin:. You can tell us.

I can't even pretend to guess if she's in foal or not. She's not as big as my mare but maybe she's not as far along. Has she shown any signs of heat this year?

I hope the vet gives you good news :yes:.

I LOVE foals! I love watching them grow! I love working with them in hand! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE foals.

But... the reason she was turned out with my colt was because our idiot neighbors were setting off illegal fireworks. It was right around the 4th of July when I put her out with my colt & gelding. The idiot neighbors got some sort of kick out of setting off fireworks & it became an almost every weekend... sometimes Fri, Sat, Sun event. Husband wouldn't let me call the cops... not that they would have done anything. I didn't like seeing my horses neurotic and I didn't like worrying about them getting hurt (when I was out of town, one went through the round bale feeder & luckily only scraped a leg & was lame for a few days), so Willow stayed out with the colt & gelding thru around Thanksgiving (I think). And the boys learned manners & everybody got along so well.

Yes... I knew there was a risk of pregnancy. Which is why I got her palpated. After the vet told me that she wasn't pregant & there wasn't a chance of her being pregnant... I just sort of forgot about it.

And nope... haven't noticed her in heat this year. My other mares have been. Come to think of it... being hauled to a new farm & being exposed to new horses (a few geldings and there is a stallion who likes to call anytime he thinks a mare might so much as walk by his stall) should have been enough to bring her into raging heat... she's been there since March.

[spacely]

Have her checked. I'd say there is a good possibility she is even if she's not showing much. If you didn't want a pregnancy, I would have found a different solution to the turnout rather than risk putting her out with a colt.:no:

[M.K.Smith]

Okay... more pics from today...

Here is a short video clip of her walking... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltZo7K_jWLU It's not the best, but you might be able to get something from it.

Udder
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_udder_5_13_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_udder_5_13_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_vulva_5_13_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Rear View
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_rear_5_13_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_rear_5_13_0_27&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Front view
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_front_5_13_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Side view
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_5_13_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_5_13_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_5_13_07_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Not much tail tone. We were able to get more 'milk' from her today... it was yellowish & sticky (but not colostrum sticky). I do know that could be hormonal or from spring grass, but I think her bag looks bigger than yesterday. My trainer & I are pretty certain that we could see foal movement. The flies & gnats were bothering her so, we're not 100% sure.

Calling the vet tomorrow...

[Astraled]

Even if she got pregnant in July, isn't it still a bit early for changes in the hind end and a consistent bag? She'd be due more towards mid-June.

[pintopiaffe]

There is DEFINITELY a time when palping is hard if not impossible. The baby slips down behind/under the pelvic shelf. I've had two mid-winter palps where if the baby hadn't decide to float up and say "hi" the vet could have been in no way conclusive. And this is a vet who can palp a FOLLICLE and tell you when to breed (sans ultrasound, or, I should say, he'll reach in, predict size, and be absolutely accurate... ) he's a repro GOD.

I would definitely get a check, for peace of mind. I've had open mares show udder development and 'milk' like stuff just in relation to the strongest cycles of the year or transitional cycles. But usually it's my older multiparous mares who you can actually milk something out from.

[Ladybug Hill]

I would say without a doubt that she has the udder of a pregnant mare. I also think she has a fullness to her belly that shouldn't be there. Having said that, mares can trick you, but I would say that you will be having a foal this year. Good luck and let us know as soon as you find out! How exciting in a way for you. Please hurry to get your foaling kit in order. Would hate for you to have any problems. I hope you will post photos of the foal in about a month! :lol: :D


I in fact, would be very concerned if she WEREN'T in foal if out with an intact two year old colt! LOL

[Ladybug Hill]

Well, after reviewing all the photos, I think I might expect a foal sooner than a month. Her udder progression has been fairly significant. Although her weight looks fine, I would likely up her grain and switch over to a broodmare feed now. I think when she foals she will look more underweight than is apparent here. I am not criticizing at all, just want to make sure she is getting what she needs.

[spacely]

Even if she got pregnant in July, isn't it still a bit early for changes in the hind end and a consistent bag? She'd be due more towards mid-June.

Well, not really. My mare who is due June 3 started a bag around day 280. I had the vet out & all was well, it's just what she does. She did the same last year & foaled a healthy filly uneventfully. She's at 319 now & I bet she goes around Memorial Day. Also, my mare's hind end has changed considerably the last few weeks.

After looking at today's pics, I'd say yes!

[stella3]

i'm no vet, but i would say yes due to the rapid change in her bag!

good luck and let us know when you know for sure!

[M.K.Smith]

Well, after reviewing all the photos, I think I might expect a foal sooner than a month. Her udder progression has been fairly significant. Although her weight looks fine, I would likely up her grain and switch over to a broodmare feed now. I think when she foals she will look more underweight than is apparent here. I am not criticizing at all, just want to make sure she is getting what she needs.

Thanks. I'm a bit frustrated because if I'd known she was in foal, I'd be feeding her like a broodmare... wouldn't have her in training... wouldn't have moved her to a different farm... would have done rhino... etc, etc,

And if she is pregnant... wow... what work ethic... she's been giving me her all & really enjoys being in work...

I'm getting started on a foaling stall for her, just in case... doesn't hurt...

I don't think she's going to foal overnight, but it could be in 2 weeks or a month... provided of course that she is pregnant...

Today, I just doted over her and she was lapping up the attention... she got a nice grooming, pets and treats from everybody at the barn.

Maidens can be so hard to tell... some are HUGE and others don't hardly look pregnant. Some have a huge bag and some barely any at all before foaling.

As far as vaccinations... I usually try for 30 days before foaling... but does anybody know the range (can it be 6 weeks? 2 weeks?) where the foal benefits from the dam's vaccinations?

I have upped her grain, but before I go out and buy broodmare grain, I figured we'll see for sure if she's pregnant.

I should know for sure in a few days... the vet will be called on Monday.

[Texarkana]

The first pics of her udder I thought it was very possible she was pregnant due to the fact that the teats weren't pointing inwards like usual and appeared "plumper" than an open mare's should. After seeing the more recent pics, I would almost bet money she was pregnant.

She's standardbred, right? Standardbred mares bag up more than any other breed, seriously. When I was working in the NICU, we used to call them dairy cows. Hypothetically speaking, if she was bred on July 4th, her 340 would be on June 9th, putting her around day 313 now. I'm no expert, but that looks like a perfectly acceptable bag for a standardbred mare at that stage.

I'm not sure about the effectiveness of vaccinations at this stage or if there are any potential complications-- a good question to ask the vet tomorrow!

Good luck and let us know!

[YankeeLawyer]

Well, she looks pregnant to me. I am somewhat astonished your vet told you that you cannot miss a pregnancy when palpating. That is BS.

What about fescue? I would get her off fescue right away and would not wait for the vet to confirm pregnancy (though I'd have the vet out ASAP also). No fescue grass or hay. If you have fescue in your pasture, do you have an area that you can use as a dry lot? If she turns out to be pregnant, I highly recommend you enlist the help of an experienced breeder to assist with foaling out, or better yet send her somewhere reputable to foal out.

[YankeeLawyer]

I have upped her grain, but before I go out and buy broodmare grain, I figured we'll see for sure if she's pregnant.


Well, do realize that you have to transition from one feed to another gradually.

[rideagoldenpony]

OK, I'm going to have to revise my opinion with those new pictures of her bag. I'm now voting YES! :yes:

[Beethoven]

After the udder pics from yesterday to today, I would say def pregnant.

[cheekyhorse]

I would have to agree with the others, she looks pregnant to me too. Especially with the new pictures of her bag, definitley looks it. She walks like she is too.

[Ladybug Hill]

I would go ahead and vaccinate immediately. I think you are within the 2-6 week foaling date so hopefully she has enough time to maximize her immunity.

Don't feel bad about riding her. My pony mare stayed showing/training/riding/jumping well into her pregnancy--we quit when she could barely waddle around a course. She was reserve for her year end award in her division despite having to quit early. LOL! :lol:

[BeastieSlave]

I'm certainly no expert, but I've never seen an udder like that on a maiden. She looks pregnant to me too.

[alliekat]

My vote is for "Prenant"!! She sure looks like it. Good luck and keep us posted.

[M.K.Smith]

A call has been made to the vets office... still waiting for appointment time.

The first pics of her udder I thought it was very possible she was pregnant due to the fact that the teats weren't pointing inwards like usual and appeared "plumper" than an open mare's should. After seeing the more recent pics, I would almost bet money she was pregnant.

She's standardbred, right? Standardbred mares bag up more than any other breed, seriously. When I was working in the NICU, we used to call them dairy cows. Hypothetically speaking, if she was bred on July 4th, her 340 would be on June 9th, putting her around day 313 now. I'm no expert, but that looks like a perfectly acceptable bag for a standardbred mare at that stage.

I'm not sure about the effectiveness of vaccinations at this stage or if there are any potential complications-- a good question to ask the vet tomorrow!

Good luck and let us know!

Yep, she's a standardbred. That's really interesting to hear about their bags! She's the only one I've owned or had much experience with.

Well, she looks pregnant to me. I am somewhat astonished your vet told you that you cannot miss a pregnancy when palpating. That is BS.

What about fescue? I would get her off fescue right away and would not wait for the vet to confirm pregnancy (though I'd have the vet out ASAP also). No fescue grass or hay. If you have fescue in your pasture, do you have an area that you can use as a dry lot? If she turns out to be pregnant, I highly recommend you enlist the help of an experienced breeder to assist with foaling out, or better yet send her somewhere reputable to foal out.

I'll admit, I didn't feel quite right by what the vet was saying about the palpating... I thought there was a period in time where you couldn't detect pregnancy by palpation because of they way the fetus was positioned. That's why I asked her several questions about it.

When she was at my place she was on a drylot with mostly alfalfa hay. Since March she's been over at my trainers on pasture and grass round bales. Yes, I am concerned that she could have been exposed to fescue. My trainer has had pregnant mares on the same pasture and has never had a problem. She said the vet said there isn't fescue in that field (but this is the same vet that said my mare isn't pregnant :lol:). It's also a good sized field & I doubt the vet walked the whole field. I didn't pay much attention before because it wasn't a concern to me since my mare wasn't pregnant... I think there may be some fescue in part of the field (I know my field has some), but I think the majority of the field is not fescue. My experience is that typically horses will graze on other stuff before fescue.

Of course, who knows what is in the round bales.

So... that is something that I'll discuss with the vet.

Well, do realize that you have to transition from one feed to another gradually.

Yep.

I would go ahead and vaccinate immediately. I think you are within the 2-6 week foaling date so hopefully she has enough time to maximize her immunity.

Don't feel bad about riding her. My pony mare stayed showing/training/riding/jumping well into her pregnancy--we quit when she could barely waddle around a course. She was reserve for her year end award in her division despite having to quit early. LOL! :lol:

When the vet comes out I'm going to have her vaccinated and make sure that the baby will have gotten immunity benefit.

If she is pregnant... she's been quite the trooper! I took her to my trainer's to put some miles on her... she was green broke. I figured with 30 days she should be ready to go out on the trails and going reliably at WTC. Well, Ms. Willow has absolutely loved her training, has a great work ethic, and has been doing a stellar job. She surpassed my expectations and I had decided to keep her there longer since she was showing such promise! I was hoping that in another month or so, we'd be ready to start doing training level. We'd even gone out on a few trail rides and she was great... she'd lead, didn't mind being behind and was showing real promise as a horse that could do some shows & trails! If she did all of that happily while being heavily pregnant... wow... I'm just glad that it was Spring, so it wasn't too hot. Since she hadn't been in work a lot of the first month was just gradual conditioning and working on bending and balancing. I know riding pregnant mares lightly as long as they're comfortable isn't detrimental.

We started woring on the foaling stall some this weekend. Once I have a vet confirmation that she's pregnant, I'll bring her home. I'd rather have her foal at home than try transporting a baby.

I'll keep you guys posted. I'm going to go see her in a little bit.

[YankeeLawyer]

I know riding pregnant mares lightly as long as they're comfortable isn't detrimental.



Actually, I think it is beneficial in many cases for them to continue in some work, provided, as you said, they stay comfortable.

[M.K.Smith]

Vet is scheduled for tomorrow.

Here are today's pics... I don't have a lot of time, so I'm just going to post one link

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_vulva_5_15_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php (pics 63 thru 71)

[Sandra6500]

I love that the first pic is of her vulva. I just pulled it up here at work with my boss standing behind me. Snort.

[okggo]

My vote is I don't know. Heat, humidity, and environmental/grass/etc. changes CAN create edema in udders of non pregnant mares, and this includes "milkability." When my mare was 5 months pregnant she got an udder like that and I was worried about abortion. I checked all the mares on the farm (young, old, maiden, pregnant, non pregnant) and they were all "swollen." My vet confirmed seasonal changes can do this. I had never paid attention to mares udders before so I never noticed it before, but even the non pregnant maidens looked just like your girl.

I still say check, better safe then sorry ;0)

[Erin Pittman]

I'm putting in my vote for pregnant. Those udder pics on the second day are what got me in that camp!

[darkmoonlady]

I vote pregnant too especially since she is a maiden and therefore why should she have a big round belly? I also opened the link and my best friend's husband is here and I had to explain quickly that I wasn't looking at "horse porn"..lol. Ah the love of COTH...lol gets you into trouble sometimes...

[M.K.Smith]

I vote pregnant too especially since she is a maiden and therefore why should she have a big round belly? I also opened the link and my best friend's husband is here and I had to explain quickly that I wasn't looking at "horse porn"..lol. Ah the love of COTH...lol gets you into trouble sometimes...

My husband isnt' too fond of the vulva & udder pics... :eek: He doesn't like me having 'horse porn' on the camera (website). He told me that I need to stop or he's going to revolk camera pics...:eek: I'm trying to explain that they are for educational purposes...:lol:

The camera doesn't lie... being able to compare photos is so easy compared to... I think maybe I'm seeing some change...

I'm looking forwards to having a confirmation! Should know by tomorrow AM.

[M.K.Smith]

Update... is well... no update... Vet had an emergency and didn't make it out. Now we're looking at Friday...

Slight progression in her bag, but everything else is about the same.

And on a side note... 4 years ago today... Remington was born! Seems like just yesterday... after all the hoping, dreaming, and wondering...
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=re_birth&id=DSCN4998_resize&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

[dressage is for lovers]

I would consider finding a new vet...

[alliekat]

So it's Friday.... How did everything turn out. I am curious.Hope all turns out well.

[ljshorses]

Curious too, I saw her in person and she did look as if she could be pregnant, but I have to say I have been fooled before.

[BeastieSlave]

Still no update?

[M.K.Smith]

She's pregnant!

Check her out today!!!!

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_18_07_1782&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

I would think there was no question, but the vet wanted to palp her to confirm & yep... pregnant...

I can't get over how huge she's gotten in such a short amount of time! She kind of reminds you of a teenager who gets pregnant and tries to hide it from everybody... you know... just wears baggy sweatpants... and now that's she's been discovered, she's just letting it all hang out and is huge!

We gave her pre-foaling shots today.

Now... the vet didn't want to nail down a very precise time for foaling she seems to think June or July.

My trainer is thinking early to mid June.

I'm thinking that my trainer is probably right.

My trainer has a milk testing kit and we will test Willow once we have enough milk to test.

[dorthyinoz]

Oh congrats! Man, what a story. Whos the sire?

[cheekyhorse]

I love that the first pic is of her vulva. I just pulled it up here at work with my boss standing behind me. Snort.


LMAO!!!! Isn't that always the way.....:lol:

[cheekyhorse]

Congratulations!!! How exciting for you.

[alliekat]

Congrats. That is so cool. Hope all goes well with the foaling.

[Ladybug Hill]

How exciting! Kind of fun to be so close to foaling without the year long wait! LOL

I vote for June 1st!

[Iluvgoldies]

Willow is going to be a mommy!!!!

Congrats Mary! Wow, I am super impressed that you put Willow in training and started riding her 5 days a week.

Get the milk test kit so you can start testing. My guess is going to be June 15th. Since she was out with Winston starting early July, I'm sure he got the job done within the first month ;)

Keep us updated !

Anya was bred once so far to Cor Noir and isn't in foal :( We will try again.

[M.K.Smith]

Oh congrats! Man, what a story. Whos the sire?

Here's daddy...
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=dad-9-28-06&id=Winston_headshot_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=dad-9-28-06&id=Sarah_K_Andrew_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=dad-9-28-06&id=Sarah_K_Andrew_4&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Congrats. That is so cool. Hope all goes well with the foaling.

Me too... right now that is my biggest concern! I want a healthy baby & a healthy mare! Willow is still over at my trainer's farm, her board is paid through the end of the month. I don't have a trailer, we can get her hauled home next week or I could leave her there through the end of the month. I work overnights (planning to take time off when birth looks impending... but you know how mares can be...lol) and my husband is not a horseperson. My trainer lives on the farm and there are often people around. She said if she seems to get really close, she'll put her in the foaling stall with the camera. I also don't want to burden my trainer, I'm paying board not 'foaling' board. So, now the big decision is to bring her home next week or bring her home at the end of the month. My vet seemed to think either would be fine. I know a lot of foaling centers want the mares to be there earlier, so they can ajust to the new surroundings and variances in micro-organisms, etc. But when she comes back to my farm, she'll be with the same horses she was with and in the same area, etc. My vet said her body is already used to everything there so she should be fine.

How exciting! Kind of fun to be so close to foaling without the year long wait! LOL

I vote for June 1st!

Yes... instead of 11 months of worry, I now have it jam packed into... we'll we'll see... I'm assuming 2 months! I had a TERRIBLE week at work... couldn't concentrate, couldn't focus, wanted to be home... sigh... I don't like being away when mare's are close.

I'm thinking your prediction of June 1st, could certainly be right on the money!

Willow is going to be a mommy!!!!

Congrats Mary! Wow, I am super impressed that you put Willow in training and started riding her 5 days a week.

Get the milk test kit so you can start testing. My guess is going to be June 15th. Since she was out with Winston starting early July, I'm sure he got the job done within the first month ;)

Keep us updated !

Anya was bred once so far to Cor Noir and isn't in foal :( We will try again.

Yep... Willow is going to be a mommy! I'm pretty sure she's going to be a great mother! She has been the best babysitter for the youngsters!

Willow was going SO well under saddle too! Her work ethic was awesome & with almost every ride, she got better and better. I was going to find some local shows to take her training level. She'd also been on a few trail rides & was doing so very well! Now I think even more highly of her... since she was carting around my fat butt while pretty pregnant and not a complaint out of her!

And Winston is going to be a daddy!!! I've been very curious about what he would produce... was thinking more along the lines of breeding him to a nice sporthorse crabbet Arabian mare a few years down the road.... ;)

I'm excited... healthy mare, healthy baby... that's what I want now.

Sorry to hear about Anya. Hopefully she'll take next time!

How is school going? I've been thinking about you.

[pintopiaffe]

As far as taking her home, my thought is since it's "home" it's not as big an immune insult as moving the other way. She's only been 'away' a short time and she should be fine with coming home at just about any point.

Hoping everything goes well for you. I've had two 'mating planned, timing not so much' foals, and both ended up being really fabulous and treasured.

[teacher]

Cute stallion---what breed is he?
Don't feel like you have to give up on your training of Willow. You could probably put her back to work a few weeks after she foals. Years ago, I had a OTTB mare that I bred and then started trail riding maybe a month after she foaled. I would pony the colt along side her. The crazy things one does when young! We were traffic stoppers, for sure!

[M.K.Smith]

Cute stallion---what breed is he?
Don't feel like you have to give up on your training of Willow. You could probably put her back to work a few weeks after she foals. Years ago, I had a OTTB mare that I bred and then started trail riding maybe a month after she foaled. I would pony the colt along side her. The crazy things one does when young! We were traffic stoppers, for sure!

The sire is my Half Arabian colt, LC Grand Entrance (Winston).

Willow has a great disposition and I could see her being okay with riding after she has the foal. We'll see.

I do have others that I could ride... I joked to Winston that since he knocked up my riding horse, he'd have to be my next one. He'd LOVE that... he thinks the world revolves around him & he knows he's special. He tries so hard to please! I was told that I'd love the Crabbet disposition! I just think he needs to mature physically a little more... he'll be 3 in July. More than likely, I'll work Remington... he was started last year, but is very green or I'll work my QH mare.

[ljshorses]

Hey Mary,
What news!!! I was thinking about if she was pregnant the other day when you showed her to me and was wondering what regisrty possibilities would the foal have? If the sire is a Half Arabian and the dam is a full Standardbred, what can the foal be registered? I am sure there is something, but curious if you looked into that. Best of luck and keep me posted on her progress, Marie

[Underdog]

First of all, Congrats!

Secondly, I think you need to send me that cute little filly named Amber to help cut down on your numbers. ;-)
She's a doll, and I have nothing to ride now.

Should be a cute foal. Winston is a handsome boy.

And that yearling colt IS trying to mount my 2 yo filly!!!! THank God she's clueless and not showing a heat cycle.
AARRGH! We gotta get her moved ASAP!

[Kneigh]

Remember you can now officially add Willow to "The Race is on 2007" thread.

[M.K.Smith]

Hey Mary,
What news!!! I was thinking about if she was pregnant the other day when you showed her to me and was wondering what regisrty possibilities would the foal have? If the sire is a Half Arabian and the dam is a full Standardbred, what can the foal be registered? I am sure there is something, but curious if you looked into that. Best of luck and keep me posted on her progress, Marie

I'll probably do PHR with the baby.

First of all, Congrats!

Secondly, I think you need to send me that cute little filly named Amber to help cut down on your numbers. ;-)
She's a doll, and I have nothing to ride now.

Should be a cute foal. Winston is a handsome boy.

And that yearling colt IS trying to mount my 2 yo filly!!!! THank God she's clueless and not showing a heat cycle.
AARRGH! We gotta get her moved ASAP!

Amber does need to go!

You know me, I love my Winston. He is really starting to mature and he looks great. I haven't had any help to get any good conformation shots of him.

I'm hoping that the move takes place before the heat cycle... It's always something isn't it!

Remember you can now officially add Willow to "The Race is on 2007" thread.

Will do! Thanks!

[Underdog]

If I could swing it with Amber, I would be down looking...but there is the *job threat* hanging overhead until fiscal year end, read Oct 1st. One person out of three of us in my dept is slated to go, and if you read the writing on the wall...I'm the only white gurl of the three. ;-)
Not mean't derrogatory in any way in a racial sense or otherwise, it's just reality.

We're moving the filly to the pasture next door, tomorrow. She'll be in with geldings. ugh. I hope that goes well. I have no choice until hay is cut and the mare field opens. I can't throw her into the lioness den of 7+ mares in a dry lot of an acre. That would be certain murder.
They get turned into the big field after hay comes off....so we're looking at June. Early June hopefully.

[M.K.Smith]

If I could swing it with Amber, I would be down looking...but there is the *job threat* hanging overhead until fiscal year end, read Oct 1st. One person out of three of us in my dept is slated to go, and if you read the writing on the wall...I'm the only white gurl of the three. ;-)
Not mean't derrogatory in any way in a racial sense or otherwise, it's just reality.

We're moving the filly to the pasture next door, tomorrow. She'll be in with geldings. ugh. I hope that goes well. I have no choice until hay is cut and the mare field opens. I can't throw her into the lioness den of 7+ mares in a dry lot of an acre. That would be certain murder.
They get turned into the big field after hay comes off....so we're looking at June. Early June hopefully.


I hope everything works out jobwise... It's scarry enough to worry about jobs when you've got a mortgage and family, but when you add horses into the picture...it's even more challenging. I hope everything works out!

I also hope your filly does okay in her new field!

[M.K.Smith]

Anybody want to guess due date?

Yesterday from the front...
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_20_07_front_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
Now that her secret is out, she's letting it all hang out...

Today... side
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_side_5_21_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_vulva_5_21_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
about the same as yesterday

Udder
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_udder_2_5_21_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_udder_1_5_21_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Compared to yesterday... definately more full at the top, I can easily milk out a few drops (yellowish & not colostrum sticky), no wax.

Tail tone... about the same... pretty loose, but some resistance.

Muscle tone... about the same degree of looseness, but over a larger area than yesterday. Yesterday she was just loose around her tail. Today it is over a much larger area of her hindquarters.

Just to refresh... turned out with the colt close to July 4th... may have been a few days before or may have been on the 4th.

Any ideas?

Anybody want to guess gender, color, or markings?

Sire is grey with star, stripe, & snip. No leg markings.
His dam is bay rabicano with star & hind pastern.
His sire is grey with some markings on face & I believe one or two socks. He is white now, so they are pretty hard to make out without hosing him off.

Dam is bay with no white on face or feet.
Dam's sire is bay with white hind fetlock... not sure if he has markings on his face... I can't tell from the photo of him.
Dam's dam is bay with a star and short stripe and a hind fetlock.

[jilltx]

Based on no particular item, I'm going to say June 9th.

Bay colt to turn grey, no white markings, VERY cute! :)

[spacely]

June 12th, bay to gray filly, star no leg markings.

[Texarkana]

Congrats!

My completely non-scientific predictions:

I'm going to go out there on a limb and say I think she'll go right around June 1st.

And I think it's going to be a bay to gray colt with a little star and a sock or two.

:)

[M.K.Smith]

Quick update...I'm exhausted and need some sleep... working overnights will make foal watching easier (provided I can get off work), but boy can it wear you out...

1 3/4 squares on the 1st milk test (out of 5 squares)... I'm not sure which test my trainer is using. She said she'll test her tomorrow evening.

Her bag was more full and her teats a little more filled out. She also had less tail tone. Everything else still the same...

I got her some Mare Plus (thanks Erin!) and she actually ate it. She's been a finicky eater lately and absolutely REFUSED to eat the supplement I tried to add! So... I'm really glad she's eating the Mare Plus... the store where I got it from didn't have the 3lb size and I was leery that I'd spend the money on the larger size to have her refuse it!

[ljshorses]

Well Mary if you are talking about Shawn, then she has the kit I got her and it is much more accurate than the squares. It's Foal Watch from Chemetrics. I have very rarely lost more than 2 nights sleep using it, have yet to miss a foaling since using it and with many only lost sleep the actual night they foaled. I foal a lot of mares and have been using it for a couple years now. It is worth purchasing unless you just like to stay up and watch a fat mare snore, lol. I gave Shawn the website info when I bought it for her so she can probably order you a kit and now that she has another to foal she will probably want to order another kit anyway.

[M.K.Smith]

Today's pics if anybody is interested...

She came home yesterday. From today to yesterday there has been a sizeable increase in her udder, but my trainer reminded me that that a lot of the development I'm seeing could be from lack of exercise... big field to small paddock.

Side
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_5&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Udder
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_5&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Milk
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2007&id=Willow_5_31_07_6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Aren't maiden's fun? Any ideas on when she might foal?

[Iluvgoldies]

How are the milk tests going? I forget which ones you are using...

[M.K.Smith]

Predict A Foal. She was last tested on May 29th and was holding steady at turning one right away and some, but not complete color change (so can't call it 2) on the 2nd one.

[Underdog]

I really need to get down your way and take a look at that Amber since you'll have your hands full with another.

That spirted little filly is just how I like 'em. A tad hot with character.

We'll be going boating on the Chesapeake, possibly Sunday if the weather stays good. I think you're close to North East?

email is MCormier@ugi.com

*wink*

[M.K.Smith]

No baby yet! Not that I was expecting one. Willow has more progression in her udder, but not dripping milk, full, or waxing up.

I'm now trying to make sure that I have all of my bases covered.

Stall front... check
Straw... check

Foaling kit
Towels... semi check... found one 'foaling towel'...need to scrounge up some more.

Enema... 2 fleet ones... check

Baby bottle... check

Iodine... 10% Povidone Iodine (says on label equivalent to 1% available iodine)... What is your opinion on 10% for navel? I've heard everything to too strong... could burn... dilute with water till it looks like strong tea... to sure use it all the time with no problem...

Phone numbers on fridge for hubby... trainer, friend experienced with foaling, vet, my work number.

At least with this one the house is right next to the barn! So that should make things a lot easier!

I'm trying to think what else I need (besides things like flashlight, watch, camera, cell phone.)

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff... I was telling my co-worker... with the other babies, I had time to prepare and think things through and with this one only a few weeks ago did I realize she was pregnant & now it's like... wow... she's REALLY pregnant! I'm almost afraid to do too much reading because I don't want to freak myself out... so many people have had such bad years and here's a mare that didn't have her rhino shots, ultrasounds, pregnancy feeding... eeek!!! But on the flip side... horses have been having foals un-assisted for how many thousands & thousands of years... I need to reach a state of planning without paranoia.

Afterwards... write times of standing, nursing, placenta out, meconium passed, mare up, etc.
Ivermectin for mare
Bran Mash for mare
IGG for baby & healthy baby check & placenta check for mare.

[gf]

Just want to wish you luck with the foaling and please keep us updated - what a crazy story!

[M.K.Smith]

But we're making progress... just wanted to update for anybody interested.

She's testing close to a three (but not quite) on the predict a foal test.

Very very very clingy to me & to my tb. She's more restless today... she'll come over and stand by me and then she'll walk a lap and come back and stand and then she'll go stand with Squall & then come back to me.

HQ's sinking and increased jelly butt. Topline more pulled down.

Udder more full than yesterday (but room for more fullness). Milk still yellowish... easy to roll fingers through & then gets sticky. Not colostrum. No dripping, streaming, or waxing.

Here are pics from today.
Side
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Rear
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_4&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_5&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Udder
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_7_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Hanging with her buddy
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=The_bays_6_7_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

[jilltx]

I haven't been posting much, MK, but I have been checking in and thinking about you and your girl.

It's very exciting!! Sounds like she's progressing...I'll bet you have a foal by Jume 20th and I still say dark colt that will gray, with a star and a little sock or two.

:)

[M.K.Smith]

Predict A Foal milk test
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_milk_test_6_8_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Milk
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_milk_6_8_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

View from rear
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Vulva
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Udder
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_3&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_4&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_5&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php (bag from behind)

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_6&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Side
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_8_07_7&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

jilltx- thanks for thinking of us... that means a lot to me!

[Kenike]

I've also been watching and am anxiously awaiting a birth announcement. Good luck with everything!! :)

[M.K.Smith]

No baby yet... everytime I checked her she was munching away on her hay and not looking like she intended to have a baby anytime in the near future. So we'll see what today brings... and maybe tomorrow... and maybe the next day...etc...:D She'll have it when she's ready to have it...lol... I just want to be there for the birth and am hoping for a healthy mare & healthy foal.

I've also been watching and am anxiously awaiting a birth announcement. Good luck with everything!! :)

Thanks!

[alliekat]

Don't worry. Your mare is going to make you cram as much waiting as she can in the little time that she has left to go. I don't know what is worse speading it out over 340 days or cramming it all in in under 2 months. Good luck and sendin jingles for a healthy foal and mare after delivery. :)

[jilltx]

Still thinking about you two (three??) :)

[M.K.Smith]

Still no baby... Is it possible to regress on a milk test? Yesterday she was a strong 4 and today she was a 3 with partial 4 (Predict a foal)... Hmmm....

Yesterday http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_milk_test_6_8_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Today http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_9_07_10&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php (more pics of her if anybody is interested... includes udder & vulva photos)


I had some co-workers over today and Willow usually can't get enough attention. Today, she enjoyed it, but left for a while and went & stood in the stall... strange behavior for her.

No dripping, no waxing, but her udder seems pretty full to me.

She'll have it when she's ready to have it... lol...

[AppJumpr08]

My maiden regressed on her milk tests for a few days about 5 days before she foaled. Went from creamy sticky milk back to the yellow pee stage, and then back to yellow and sticky before she foaled...

The suspense is just painful isn't it?! :lol:
Can't wait to hear what you end up with!

[M.K.Smith]

My maiden regressed on her milk tests for a few days about 5 days before she foaled. Went from creamy sticky milk back to the yellow pee stage, and then back to yellow and sticky before she foaled...

The suspense is just painful isn't it?! :lol:
Can't wait to hear what you end up with!


I'm glad to hear my mare isn't the only one. A friend of mine also said she had one that regressed on her test levels... and that was with the Chemetrics (sp).

I'm very excited to meet the little one... not quite sure what it will look like... potential to be either very cute or very 'interesting' looking... but if disposition comes through genetically (rather than phenotyically) it should have a heart of gold, a disposition to die for, and be super trainable!

I'm glad it wasn't born last night... I set my alarm clock for 3pm instead of 3 am!!!!

[Diamantcats]

I wish you easy foaling and healthy mare and baby.
I have been peeking updates since your first post about her.

[ljshorses]

I'm glad to hear my mare isn't the only one. A friend of mine also said she had one that regressed on her test levels... and that was with the Chemetrics (sp).

I'm very excited to meet the little one... not quite sure what it will look like... potential to be either very cute or very 'interesting' looking... but if disposition comes through genetically (rather than phenotyically) it should have a heart of gold, a disposition to die for, and be super trainable!

I'm glad it wasn't born last night... I set my alarm clock for 3pm instead of 3 am!!!!

Usually human error when you get regression with chemetrics. But if horse is on antibiotics it has been known to happen. If the friend you refer to is Shawn, that is what may have happened there. Her mare was being treated for Placentitis and was on antibiotics as well as some other things. After her mare had been off the antibiotics she progressed normally with the kit.

[Dalemma]

Her last udder picture is looking like it is filling out nicely....but the teats need to fill ...........I think she has another 2 to 3 weeks yet.!!

Good luck.

Dalemma

[M.K.Smith]

Here she is today if anybody is interested (includes udder & vulva pics) http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_10_07_1&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php (12 pics)

She ate her grain well this AM.... she's been finicky, but I've had her eating well for the last few days, so I thought I had her figured out.

Then tonight she was picky, picky, picky. She walked off of her grain & then wanted some of Squall's... gave her some & then she just picked at it. She's still being a good hay eater.

So... who knows... getting closer... but then I've been saying that for days...:lol: at some point in time she'll have a baby... hopefully Willow & baby will be healthy...

[Ladybug Hill]

Good golly, she really popped out there!!!! WOW!

I guess my prediction was wrong, but looks soon!

She is might clean. Udder, vulva, everything! How do you keep her so clean?

[jilltx]

She's really changed, MK! Looks to be getting closer. :)

*crossing fingers and toes*

[M.K.Smith]

Good golly, she really popped out there!!!! WOW!

I guess my prediction was wrong, but looks soon!

She is might clean. Udder, vulva, everything! How do you keep her so clean?

I don't do anything to her! I was just thinking... she has the cleanest vulva of any mare I've ever seen. I won't complain. :D

[M.K.Smith]

Still... getting closer...

Here are today's pics if anybody is interested (yep udder & vulva... so don't open them if your boss is looking over your shoulder or if you don't want to see them...:lol:) http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_11_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Last night I checked her at 2:30 AM & she was laying down not really sternal but not out... she looked uncomfortable, so I put her in & left her time to settle... came back out to check her & camped out in the barn for 2 hrs... she'd eat hay... walk in a circle eat hay... eat hay... eat hay... walk in a circle... stand there forever and then eat hay... no up & down... I then realized that she was standing there watching me through the window... I decided that she had no intentions of having the foal & I went to my nice cozy bed & went to sleep...:D

Husband ordered a camera... stupid me thought they were really expensive... and a lot of money to foal out one mare is worth sleeping in the barn for a week... my trainer then told me that you could get something for under or right around $100... so... we'll see if camera gets here first or if mare foals first...

[ljshorses]

Still... getting closer...

Here are today's pics if anybody is interested (yep udder & vulva... so don't open them if your boss is looking over your shoulder or if you don't want to see them...:lol:) http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_6_11_07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Last night I checked her at 2:30 AM & she was laying down not really sternal but not out... she looked uncomfortable, so I put her in & left her time to settle... came back out to check her & camped out in the barn for 2 hrs... she'd eat hay... walk in a circle eat hay... eat hay... eat hay... walk in a circle... stand there forever and then eat hay... no up & down... I then realized that she was standing there watching me through the window... I decided that she had no intentions of having the foal & I went to my nice cozy bed & went to sleep...:D

Husband ordered a camera... stupid me thought they were really expensive... and a lot of money to foal out one mare is worth sleeping in the barn for a week... my trainer then told me that you could get something for under or right around $100... so... we'll see if camera gets here first or if mare foals first...

We've got all of our cameras from Radio Shack (told Shawn how great they are too) and cheap but work great! My vet has told a lot of her clients about them too. I have had them for 3 years and don't know what I'd do without them.

[Coronado]

Anything new?

[M.K.Smith]

Thanks for asking... pics on my website.... she's getting very close... dripping milk, turned 5 on the milk test... she's restless and pacing... so hopefully soon! I have a friend who is experienced at foaling out mares & a non-horsey friend who loves to see foals born... so now I just need a mare to start foaling :winkgrin:

[jilltx]

OoOooooo crossing fingers and toes for ya, MK! :)

[M.K.Smith]

He was born at about 1:25 AM.

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=June-2007&id=Willow_Baby_6_15_07_2221&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

I just bopped in for a little bit... so far everything looking good...

[Texarkana]

Congratulations! He's adorable! :D

[Erin Pittman]

Congratulations! Well....what are you going to name him????

[M.K.Smith]

Vet just came out, she likes him.... he's officially "cute." He passed his IgG with flying colors and everything is looking good. He's a little down in his hinds, so limited exercise till he comes up, but she said it shouldn't be more than a few days.

Willow looks good too, she seems pretty swollen to me... ouch! Vet said nothing to worry about.

Willow is being an awesome mom... looking out for her baby. She's more concerned about people around than my other mares were, but she's just looking out for her baby.

Congratulations! Well....what are you going to name him????

I'm thinking for a barn name that I'd like to go with a 'W' name since both his sire & dam have 'W' barn names. Any ideas?

For a show name I have a few thoughts, but not 100% sure.
Dam's name is Willow & sire is LC Grand Entrance
LC Hot Summer Night
LC Grand Secret
LC Grand Surprise
LC Whatta Grand Night

Suggestions welcome!:D

[teacher]

The pictures are so sweet! Willow looks so attentive and in love with her cute colt. Love his blaze!

[M.K.Smith]

The pictures are so sweet! Willow looks so attentive and in love with her cute colt. Love his blaze!

Willow has been my babysitter and she is an AWESOME baby sitter for all three of the prior babies... stern enough to not let them get away with things, but kind & loving.

She is such a proud mother- as she should be!

[Horsecrazy27]

SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Diamantcats]

:) Cograts such a cute little man :)

[spacely]

Congrats Mary! He's adorable!:D

[Iluvgoldies]

Wow! Congrats Mary he is beee-utiful !!

Since he is that dark, does that mean he will most likely shed out grey?

I like the name LC Grand Surprise for a show name as he was a huge surprise :)

Hmm, so for W names, how about Wizard?

[Texarkana]

My name vote is for LC Grand Surprise, because he was a grand surprise!!!

[jaimebaker]

I'm so thrilled to hear momma and baby both are doing well! Congratulations!!!!!!!!

[M.K.Smith]

Wow! Congrats Mary he is beee-utiful !!

Since he is that dark, does that mean he will most likely shed out grey?

I like the name LC Grand Surprise for a show name as he was a huge surprise :)

Hmm, so for W names, how about Wizard?

Most definately he will be turning grey... today you can see a lot of white hairs around his eyes.

[coriander]

OMG what a doll. :) Congrats. How about "whoops" for a "w" barn name?

[desilu]

He is definitely CUTE!

[jilltx]

:) :) :) :)

Hooray! I was correct; COLT, black to turn gray.

He's beautiful, MK! Congrats.

[Coronado]

I like

LC Grand Surprise

[Kenike]

Congratulations, Mary! He's absolutely adorable!!

I like "Whoops," And LC Grand Surprise :)

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

I like "Whoops," And LC Grand Surprise :)

Actually, so do I!

He's adorable, congratulations! I know youa re thrilled to have another baby around too. :yes: Go ahead, admit it! :winkgrin:

[M.K.Smith]

He's adorable, congratulations! I know youa re thrilled to have another baby around too. :yes: Go ahead, admit it! :winkgrin:

I am enjoying having a baby around... not going to be in love with the feed, hay, & vet bills, but he's eating milk right now (and he is all about the milk!)...lol.. and that gives me extra incentive to get somebody sold. I so love working with the babies and watching them learn things... yesterday he was scratching with his hind leg and couldn't quite figure it out... he tried the outside first & then he tried putting his hind leg between his fronts... lol... that didn't work so well. He's still working on figuring out his legs!

Still working on names... thinking of Wilson or William for a barn name... since my boys are Remington & Winston, I'm thinking the colt should follow the tradition of a human name... and I'd like it to start with a "W."

LC Grand Surprise is leading the pack so far.

I think he looks a lot like his sire as a baby.
Check out these pics...

http://www.leakycreek.com/albums/sa_winston/Squall_s_04_colt_head_shot.jpg

http://www.leakycreek.com/albums/June-2007/Willow_s_baby_6_15_07_2241_crop.jpg

&

http://www.leakycreek.com/albums/June-2007/Willow_s_baby_6_17_07_2382.jpg

http://www.leakycreek.com/albums/sa_winston/Winston_conformation.jpg
Winston was older in the standing shot, but I'm not sure how old... I'm guestimating 2 to 4 weeks old.

I'll be putting a lot of pics of him up on our website in the new photos section if anybody is interested... yeah... I'm a proud 'grandma'... that's what I get for telling the people at work that I just wanted to be a grandma & not a mother... end up with another horse :lol:

I still can't get over that we didn't confirm pregnancy till May 18th & I'd been riding her till the day before Mother's Day & now she has a foal!!!! The changes in a month's time were just such a transformation! Wow! I'm just very glad everything turned out okay... I was pretty worried about her only getting one month of pre-natal care & then the last two weeks she turned into super finicky eater.... that wasn't fun to deal with... but it all came together... :D