I work for a small private operation and do all the breeding and foaling out. Not TBs in this case, but I have worked TB foaling seasons many times in the past.
Foaling season is the best of times - and the worst of times.
I confess that I feel nauseous when a mare’s water breaks. Sort of a … “and here we go”… reaction. Can I fix dystocias? Yes - if they are fixable. If the vet needs to be called - well, she is at least 20 min out and that mare and foal are depending on me. And only me. Make the right decision. Do the right thing. NOW! Quick!
I have personally not lost a mare under my foaling care in over 20 (?) years. But saying that, I may have jinxed myself. I have lost foals - even ones who had a perfectly normal birth, everything was easy, they were full term, looked strong and healthy - but for whatever reason, simply never took a breath (on their own). Despite extensive CPR attempts that left me exhausted and crying.
I have had a couple of foaling wrecks that still give me nightmares.
Last week a very experienced trainer and breeder I know nearby lost both mare (maiden) and foal in what must have been a catastrophic wreck. She said she could not even talk about it. I completely understand.
Many years ago, I was called down the road to help a beloved pony mare who was “not wanting to foal”. Her expectant owners/family were hovered around her. She was down, drenched in sweat and exhausted. Water had broken. No signs of a foal. How long had she been pushing? “A long time.” When did the water break? “A while ago.” How soon til the vet arrives? “Didn’t call yet.” CALL THE VET! My fury and my anxiety was at a boiling point but for that little mare, I stuffed it. I checked on progress… and found… nothing… further… nothing… and then a tail and a little butt. That I cannot fix. They had to get the vet to call ahead to the big equine hospital and we got that mare into the trailer and off they went.
People can be so cavalier about foaling. That pony mare survived her ceasarian. Foal did not not. I knew that when I checked as I tweaked its tail and there was no reaction.
MareStare is an epic wreck at times. The comments from people who know everything and think no mare should ever be assisted and then the same people shrieking that someone should help make me :mad:.
I watched a horrid foaling scene there late one night. While I monitor my girls when they are close, I watch other mares across the country.
A mini mare had foaled - and there were about 6 adults in the stall with her. Plus two intrusive dogs and a couple of toddlers. As the tired mare laid in the stall after successfully bring her foal into the world - that group of morons picked the baby up and passed it around as if it was a stuffed animal, laughing and SMOKING and posing for selfies with it. They posed it in awkward positions and took pics. One of the dogs humped it at the head and they laughed hysterically and and let it happen as they howled. The audio was on for this cam and you could hear the little mare calling for her foal. This nonsense went on for over half an hour. I was yelling at them (and tempted to call) to get the hell out of there and leave them alone together.
Sorry for the essay.
When all is said and done, when a mare lifts her head and looks back as I quietly check her foal and does that mmmhhhhnnrrrmmmnn mmmhhhhhrrr soft fluttery murmur of recognition and love - it melts my heart.
