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Discussion on HELP!!! I'M A MOM!!!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 9:29 am:
Our appy mare gave us a beautiful little foal in the wee hours this morning!!!! TALK ABOUT A SHOCK!!!! We had NO idea! My husband was out at 6 a.m. letting the horses out to pasture, and suddenly I heard the back door open and in a shaky, quivery, excited tone kept saying over and over again 'WE GOT A BABY'...WE GOT A BABY'...and I kept saying 'WHAT?' 'WHAT?' WHAT?' in the same quaky voice as I ran outside forgetting all about my inflammed knee that doesn't run...it did this morning! We can't believe it! She / he, we're not even sure yet..we'll have to check it out later today, but all was not completely well!
We have 5 horses, 2 geldings, 3 mares, including the mom appy (Sugar). All 5 horses were together but the foal was on the other side of the fence in an adjacent paddock.
First question: Sugar had numerous bite marks (she is low girl)...could she have pushed her foal through the plank fence into the adjacent paddock to keep it safe??? I should add that our corral fences are not exactly what I'd call 'foal safe', they're just 2 planks, we never planned on this.
Anyway, we booted the other 4 out to pasture and left mom and baby alone in a paddock, but they can come back in for water and be just on the other side of the 2 plank fencing from where mom and baby are now. I'm worried sick that the baby will get in with the other horses with mom on the other side! I'm at work now, but will have my mom check on them throughout the day. If the foal gets to the other side with the other 4, I'll just have her let the mare out with them all and let them mix..I guess.
We haltered mom and led her into the paddock where the baby was hoping baby would follow but he/she wouldn't, so my husband carried the foal (with a little diffulty, but not much). So, at least now they're back together.
Question 2 - we have no idea when the baby was born, sometime last night, the after birth is already kind of dried up looking, the foal is clean and already bouncing around. We saw the foal have it's first poop - I have no idea about raising a foal, this was not planned, we are unprepared parents.
Sugar is attentive to the foal but when we watched the foal try to suck, Sugar just kept spinning her hind end away from it - how do we know if the foal has sucked yet or not? It looks very healthy and alert and is likely anywhere from 1 to 8 hours old. We have NO idea.
Question 3 - Sugar has an issue with picking up her hind feet from previous abuse. She doesn't kick but farriers always have to pick up her hooves with a cotton rope around her fetlock first. She always spins away from people approaching her hind end, either side until you work with her a bit, reassuring her that she's not going to be abused. The 'abuser' used to tie her feet, by the hocks up high and leave her like that for hours, she has scars on her hocks.
My question is, is this why she's moving away from the foal when it tries to go towards her udder? I'm very worried that the foal hasn't sucked yet. Will they work it out? Am I being a 'nervous nellie'? I'm so clueless about this as we never intended to have foals.
We did halter Sugar and while I reassured her, my husband pushed the foal towards her udder and it did have a teat in it's mouth but it didn't suck, it fell asleep instead!!!
Question 3 - is it safe to put mom and foal with the other horses?
I've got a million questions - I couldn't wait to get to my computer to ask HA member's opinions.
I can't get back to them until this afternoon - my mind is reeling and it's going to be awful hard to concentrate on anything at work today but the foal's safety and well being.
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 9:46 am:
You need to go home or get your hubby or someone to get that mare held and let the baby nurse. It has to have the milk produced in the first 24 hours. It is called colostrum. The baby will not get the immunities it needs and will get sick if it doesn't. This is ALL IMPORTANT!!! Get the vet to tranquilize the mare if necessary. Twitch her if you need to, to get her to stand. At this point, you might have a problem with her taking the foal and will need to hold her to let it nurse. Get someone who knows about mares and foals to help you if you know nothing. Eo
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 10:02 am:
I know all about colostrum and the necessity of the foal getting it. We're not even sure that it hasn't got it yet.
I'm heading home.
I have called my dad, he calves out 300 head of cattle every spring...he will meet me at home and we'll get the foal sucking.
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 10:02 am:
Sherri,
Congratulations!!! I am thinking, wow, cool!!!
To answer a few of your questions to best of my knowledge: Yes I'd keep the mare and foal seperate. Yes, it's good the foal pooped already and is running around. Yes, I'd be concerned about the nursing issue; the mare not accepting him.
The foal needs to nurse as soon as possible for his sake and the mares sake. He needs the first milk, she needs to empty her bag. If she's not letting him nurse, you need to get your vet out and perhaps have him/her help out. You may have to mildly sededate the mare til she accepts the baby. I'd put her in a stall if it's big enough and start handling her teats, see if she accepts that. Let the foal nose around and see if she lets him nurse. You may have to try milking her yourself...I am not sure how soon he can get dehydrated, but that would be my concern. If this is her first foal, she may just need to learn to stand for him. It may be painful for her if her bag is full and maybe some hot towels will help.
The fact that she is attentive is a good sign. I had a 1st time mom who actually went after her colt and tried to hurt him. She never got milk, and never let him nurse no matter what we tried. I don't think that will be your case. As long as the mare gets milk in, you'll be o.k. If not, feeding a milk substitute is not that bad, but don't give up too soon on letting the mare and foal bond. Plan on spending alot of time with them....How did you go to work today??? I would still be in the barn, with a blanket and pillow, LOL!!
If you do need to go to a milk replacement, which I don't think you will, the one for goats is readily available, and less expensive than the foal lac, (think that's the name of it) We spent a fortune on the horse milk powder, plus paid for overnight delivery in the beginning. Believe me, it's worth it if you can get the mare to let him nurse!!
Good luck, can't wait to see what you post later today!!!
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 10:10 am:
EO posted as I was typing mine;
Just wanted to add that the colt I raised as an orphan did not get any milk from his b**** mom, and he never was sick. He's a wonderful little gaming horse right now for his present owner, and is about 10 yrs old.
It is possible the vet gave me something for him, I don't remember. And yes the colostrum is very important, I am not downplaying the importance of it by any means.
I personally would hold off on the twitch and any other methods like that because I think you need to relax the mare. At least with mine, she got worse but it will depend on your mares personality.
Your vet may know of someone that has colostrum on hand. I think it can be kept frozen and then used?
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Member:
Lhenning
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 11:25 am:
Sherri,
Wow, what an incredible story! I'm sorry I can't help you, but there are lots of people here that know all about this. I just wanted to say congratulations and good luck to you and your hubby with your new little one.
Happy trails,
Linda
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 11:30 am:
I can guarantee you Angie that if the foal lived it got some sort of immunoglobulin transfer either from the mare or the veterinarian.
Sherri it is not good enough to guess at this, first you must insure the baby gets fed in the now with the mares milk and second you have to check the IgG levels of the foal first thing in the morning. The 24 hour figure given by LKR is too long and you really only have about 12 hours for the foal to get colostrum to insure that it works as it should. For more on this and much more see Equine Reproduction » Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care. If the mare continues to reject the foal the procedure for getting her to accept him is the same as getting foster foals on a strange mare see the foster foal heading in, Equine Diseases » Reproductive Diseases » Birthing Problems » Feeding and Caring for the Orphan Foal for the procedure.
I would keep the mare and foal separate from the others at least until you are sure he is nursing and the immunity is adequate.
DrO
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Member:
Jodeen
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 11:31 am:
congrats!!!!!!!!! i know it is a unexpected suprise, but you will have so much fun raising the foal. that is my favorite part of having horses. as for introducing them back to the heard. i keep them seperated for at least 2 weeks, but close enough for the others to get used to the new one. i have one mare that is to nervous on her own and i keep 2 other mares with her throughout the whole foaling time and the 2 weeks after. by the time i turn them back in with the others, all seems well. the two geldings are accually the best babysitters we have for the new ones. even when foaling the mares are close enough to the others that they know what is going on. the smell i am sure.
good luck and if you get a chance to snap a photo we would love to see the little one.
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Member:
Deggert
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 11:41 am:
Hi Sherri
Hopefully you are out with the baby now and not reading all our e-mails, but time is of the essence. Even after 6-8 hours many babies become hypoglycemic and all goes haywire then. Many mares do what yours is doing especially if maiden. Either sedate, twitch and or lipchain, whatever works for her temperment and milk her or let baby nurse. If the vets there I would milk at tube him to be sure. This simple but important colostrum can save you alot of trouble and heartache. Good luck and congrats!! Who could have bred this mare?
Debbie
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 12:28 pm:
Sherri if your mare won't let the foal nurse it is pretty simple to milk her and let the baby have it in a bottle. Sometimes they are pretty sore right of the bat being so full, and sensitive. I had to go as far as having the mare tied and roping a hind foot to milk her, as her sensitivity DrOpped she started letting the baby nurse but because I milked her he got the essentials. I'm actually better at milking horses than cows, go figure.
It's really scary at first specially if you didn't know anything about her being in foal.
I hope all is going well for you today. Good luck!
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 1:24 pm:
Sheri,
Congrats and Good Luck! Keep us posted as to how it goes.
My curiosity is killing me...if you have other mares and 2 geldings, how did Sugar get pregnant?!? Is she a recent rescue or purchase?
Looking forward to pix...
Fran
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 1:30 pm:
Update!
Good update! I raced home at about 90 mph (thank goodness for radar detectors). Thanks EO for sending me home!!!
By the time I got there Sugar and her colt (YEP, IT'S A BOY) were standing peacefully together and while I was there the baby nursed about 3 times. I could hear him slurping and I saw him latched on with my own eyes. He walks under mom, through her legs and she nickers softly whenever he gets a little too far from her side. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. So beautiful!! They've definitely bonded. Maybe I overreacted but hey, this is new for me.
My dad and brother had been there while I was driving home and had haltered her and brought the colt over and literally manhandled him to put the 'teat' in his mouth. I guess experience with 300 head of cattle helps. They just put her in a corner beside a fence so she couldn't step sideways or backup. She stood quietly and allowed them to do whatever. The colt knew what to do.
I think maybe the bonding process didn't happen right away because the other horses were there when she foaled and she was just nervous and confused and then I think the baby laid down beside the fence and when he got up he was half way under and ended up on the other side.
He's a beauty. He is a solid chestnut with a white star and four white ankle socks, nice straight legs, one knee sock on the hind right. No spots. Do they come later? He looks healthy and happy.
You guys really were my extended horse family this morning. Thanks EO, Angie, Linda, JoDeen, Debbie and Dr. O for coming to my rescue so quickly. I'm sure I'm going to have lots of other questions.
I'll try and post a picture of the little fella tomorrow. I can't wait to get home but I HAD to be at work today...well...at least for a couple hours then I'm outta here to go see baby again.
Thank God Sugar was able to have this foal on her own unassisted. Poor girl. She had no support system because we just didn't know. I feel so bad. We thought she was just a little on the heavy side!
The person that we got her from told us that she may or may not have been exposed so we always kind of wondered but she just didn't look pregnant. She didn't have any of the signs, no protruding left side, she certainly didn't have a bag, not even yesterday, but she has one now. I had a good look while baby was nursing.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 1:37 pm:
Hi Fran,
I posted before I saw your post so thank you too for your concern.
She was given to us by a girl who couldn't look after her any longer. She was likley going to end up at the auction. We didn't know much about her. This appaloosa mare is registered with good breeding and is a gorgeous mare. She's about 15.1 and has a heart of gold. We basically rescued her and my son's fiance has sort of adopted her as her mount so it all worked out great. She's quiet enough to put a 4 year old on.
Even after being abused (by the previous owners ex-husband) she still trusts people and is just a very sweet, forgiving mare.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 1:43 pm:
Happy, happy day to you, Sherri! The baby sounds beautiful . . . a very flashy pattern for a chestnut with the four white socks. Probably won't have spots. Do you know the breeding of the sire? Am looking forward to the photos of your new "son," Mom. I hope your husband has recovered from his shock. It may take lots of work at first, but I would definitely "foal-proof" the area (mangers, waterers, fences, gates, hooks, etc.) to avoid further worries and/or complications. Have fun. :-)
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Member:
Deggert
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 1:54 pm:
That is so wonderful, Sherri. I am so glad your family knew what to do and used their "calving" knowledge. She sounds like a great mare and good mom. Again, Congratulations.
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 2:00 pm:
Congratulations on your new colt, Sherri, and welcome to the wonderful world of foals. His antics will give you hours of entertainment so keep the videocamera charged up and spare tapes on hand.
Don't forget to get his IgG level tested as Dr O said. It's so important.
Happy watching!
Sue
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 2:20 pm:
Hi again everyone,
Thanks everybody for the encouragement and for sharing my excitement and all the well wishes!
Not to worry. We are going to take every precaution to make sure this little guy has every opportunity for a healthy, happy life. I've already talked to our vet.
And you're right Holly. I was going to mow grass after work today...my plans have changed. I'll be 'baby proofing' instead.
Regarding my husband though - I'm not sure about him - he may need some counselling - he's been on the phone all morning, telling people the news and when he's not phoning other people, he's phoning me to see if anyone has gone to check on the foal every 2 minutes. It wouldn't surprise me if he was passing out cigars!
There's still one very important person to notify of the blessed event - my son's fiance is away at the lake with her parents and won't be home until tonight. My son can't wait to spring the 'baby' news on her since Sugar is really her horse.
Ain't life with horses grand!!!!
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:20 pm:
What a beautiful SURPRISE you had this morning and I am so glad things are looking good. CONGRATULATIONS SHERRI  ! I'll bet hubby will be hanging over the fence all night giving you a blow by blow description of what Mom and the Little Man are doing, if he's not at the lumber store already getting supplies  .
Can't wait for some pics of Mom and Baby .
Susan B.
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:37 pm:
Yes we all want to see pictures of the new baby! What are you going to name him? I think you need to name him "Surprise" or, of course, if he has a frisky attitude you can always name him "Spice" so you have Sugar and Spice.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:38 pm:
Hi Susan,
I can't believe how this little critter has completely monopolized my entire day, I have done little else today besides talk about him and do foal research! I've even got a few calls from people who have heard from other people if you can believe it! Gotta love those small towns! You'd think it was the first foal ever born anywhere! Well, I guess it is...to us.
I can't wait to take some pics. He's so adorable.
I'm anxious to talk to the previous owner to get a better idea of what stud may be the father.
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:49 pm:
Congrats Sherri! Pictures are a must!
I like Debbie's idea for a name...Spice
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 4:56 pm:
Debbie,
Amazing!!! Utterly amazing!!! I was thinking Surprise would be a good name too...but Spice! Sugar & Spice - that's priceless! I'll definitely consider that one! I love it!!! Thanks for the idea!
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 5:02 pm:
Sherri - I know you are having a wonderful day! A similar thing happened with a new mare years ago. We found out during a checkup that she was expecting and the foal was born just 2 days later. I went out to feed that morning and the little filly was there along with her mother and my other 2 horses. Thankfully, all were fine. I will always remember how exciting and special that day was and I am so happy for you. I look forward to your updates!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 5:20 pm:
Thanks Ann.
I'm going home now to, um...let's see...wash the dishes??? NOT!!!!
I can't get home quick enough. Talk to you all tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have pictures.
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 6:36 pm:
Hey Sherri
I read your post early this A.M. ... went to get my coffee and settle in and write you a long post! Wrote for a long time and then pushed the wrong key, and, whoosh, my post sent to hyberspace!! Oh well, not to fret, by the time I came in from the barn, about 50 people had given you excellent advice! SO GLAD your little surprise seems to be doing well!
P.S. My favorite show in the world is in your Province, in Regina! I LOVE REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN!
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 - 9:17 pm:
I finally am back at home and raced right online to see how the baby was doing!! Geez, you'd think it was mine!! I got tears in my eyes seeing all the good news. YAHOO!!! I am so glad mom & son are doing great.
I think you should name him "Oops" Mr. Spicey Oops, haha.
DrO,
yes I am sure you are correct that if my colt lived he got something. I do remember having a discussion with our vet 11 yrs ago about giving our orphan foal something special for his immune system. I had just gave birth myself to my daughter 7 days before, so talk about a stressful time!! One baby at a time was enough.
Well, at least we'll all sleep good tonight knowing Sugar is being a great mom.
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Member:
Srobert
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 2:59 am:
I'm so glad you had a happy ending. I have to tell you I just about DrOpped over when you said the horse's name was Sugar and she was an appy becaue the exact same thing happened at our house when I was a kid. My dad came running into the house one morning and announces that there's a foal in the pasture - born to an appy named sugar! No one knew she was pregnant - not even my dad who was a dairy farmer for years and years (he has never lived this down). The summer before we had sent her to a farm for possible sale. She didn't sell, but apparently there was a stud pastured next to her.....guess mother nature doesn't let something as trivial as a few boards get in her way. Anyway, her baby was healthy and beautiful..a chestnut with white socks.....Enjoy!!
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 7:46 am:
Guess the mares named "Sugar" are just too sweet to resist by the studs!!
Don't think I will name any horses Sugar in the future.
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 8:09 am:
Hi Sherri,
Looking forward to hearing how your little surprise is making out today. Hope all continues to go well.
Did you get ANY sleep last night?!?!? Or were you hanging over the fence watching your new baby all night? Whenever I've purchased a new horse or brought home a puppy or kitten, I've been unable to take my eyes off of it--everything suffers--no house work gets done, yard work? what's that? Job? What job? It must be so tempting to camp right next to Momma and baby for the next couple of weeks.
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 8:59 am:
One thing, the colt could get some appy color as it gets older. Speaking of not knowing a mare is in foal, it happens with vets too, at least 45 years ago. We had a little mare who was in her twenties. She had a sore on her tongue and we had the vet out to check it out. She had a some tummy on her and Dad questioned whether she was in foal. Vet assured him it was just from malnutrition from not being able to eat. About a month later he called the vet to ask him if he wanted to come see her case of malnutrition running around in the field. She lived for 4 months after the foal was born, just long enough for it to get along without her. That was one wonderful little mare. lEO
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 9:24 am:
Good morning everybody! It's not even 7 a.m. here yet but already today I managed to spend time with "Oops" "Surprise" "Spice"... The mare's registered name is OK Dandy Hart so we're thinking "Dandy Surprise". What do you guys think?
Shari, that's an amazing story! The other commonality is our names, just the spelling is different. Wow! Maybe we need to see if we're living parallel lives?!!!! I agree Angie, no more horses named Sugar...
Well Fran, I did get sleep last night but only because I was so doggone tired. Spent all evening until after dark playing with the baby and giving mom lots of attention too.
So far so good. Everything seems as is should. Sugar's a good mom, even let me milk her. I just wanted to see for sure that the colt was getting something - she's got a pretty nice full bag and it was easy for me, a novice 'milker' to get some to squirt out. Baby nurses a lot, sleeps a lot and was already inquisitive at not even 24 hours old. He was galloping around with the dog last night who thinks the baby is just a little bigger version of himself. I'll post pictures later this morning. The baby even lets you pet him when he's laying down, as long as you approach slowly. At one point last night he was following me!!! Sugar was nickering and the foal soon figured out he was following the wrong mom.
Saw the colt urinate, and it was quite a lot I thought for such a little guy so all his bodily functions seem to be working.
Too much fun!!! My son's fiance found out last night - she's taking the day off work today to go and spend with Sugar and baby.
As for my husband, having this colt worries me, now he thinks maybe we should breed our buckskin mare. He had to hay until almost dark last night but spent about an hour playing with the foal before even coming in for a shower or supper.
Question time again:
It's supposed to rain tomorrow - Should they be in the barn if it does?
The mare typically is just on a good grass pasture, but isn't now until we introduce the two of them back into the herd. Should we be supplementing her with something, she's just getting timothy hay and a little oats and pellet mixture a few times a day right now and has access to a mineral block. She's pretty thin which is why I guess we didn't know she was pregnant.
Foal size - she's 15.1 and he can walk under her, has to lower his head but what size ratio is a foal usually to an adult horse.
Does the foal need anything besides milk right now?
(told you I'd have lots of questions)
Pictures coming later this mornin
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 9:28 am:
Hey Nancy, are you going to the Royal Red in Regina this August?
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 10:50 am:
Congratulations! I have a friend that had a mare this year that she didn't know was bred until Hello there's a baby. I was imediately jealous, because you know how much lost sleep I get when my mares get close. Yes, you will need to provide the mare with more grain, especially if she's thin. Her caloric needs are more now than when she was pregnant. I feed Strategy to my mares and Omolene 300 to the foals when they are old enough, but that is just my preferrence. Probably, just more of what she's being fed currently would be fine. What's a little oats and pellet mixture to you? If your only feeding about a pound at a time you will probably need to triple it but gradually over a week or so. I'm not used to feeding oats, so someone correct me if I wrong. You can always decrease the amount if she starts putting on weight. Right now, I'm feeding 12 pounds of Strategy to my mare and foal per day. Your colt just needs mom's milk for now.
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Member:
Chrism
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 11:55 am:
My 22 yo mare presented us with a foal 6 weeks after we bought her when she was coming 4. Long story, but net is that baby surprised everyone - vet, original owner, boarding barn owner, me, etc.
We had lots of funny names for her - Twofer was one.
The people who took her on (she was going to be a large pony - too small for me) called her Surprise.
She turned out to be very fancy and quite a nice little hunter pony. I was very sad to let her go as we were very bonded.
Cheers.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 4:50 pm:
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 5:23 pm:
He is absolutely beautiful Sherri. I would make sure that mom gets plenty of food since see started out a little thin. Again Congratulations.
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Member:
Paix
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 5:35 pm:
Congrats! Ive been following this thread excited abt all the news. Thanks for sharing the pix they are beautiful!
Mommy looks a little thin - Im sure ur getting continued feedback on how to get her in shape and keep her and baby healthy!
Wonderful story - thanks - take care!
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 5:54 pm:
Ohhhh...Sherri, Absolutely adorable....can I have him??
Mare mom can use a little more groceries in the way of protein. Are you able to get some alfalfa hay from this year? Also Dr.O has articles in Equine Reproduction and Care of the Horse, Nutrition. You have to feed Mom to feed Baby via milk supply.
I do like the name "Dandy Surprise".
Susan B.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 6:39 pm:
Sherri, Congrats. Both of them are just beautiful. Love the color they are. So glad everyone (including you) is doing well. Best of luck with your family.
Shirl
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 8:04 pm:
ok so a little more info .. stallion have color..? does the foal have striped hoofs/ mottling around the eyes/nose/butt/tits ?
both are lovely...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 15, 2005 - 8:58 pm:
He's just DANDY!! So glad you posted a picture.
I'd feed Omelene 300, and there's something out there that really helps put weight on...can feed it to all kinds of critters but I am drawing a blank on what it's called. I do know it's pellets. I think it's also a Purina Product. I had a thin TW mare we bought in foal, and whatever this feed stuff was, I remember adding it closer to her foal date and kept her on it after she foaled as it seemed to help with her milk supply too. It was pretty safe to feed in higher amounts I think. And it was good for the foal to nibble on too.
Are you feeding hay also? I'd give hay in the stall half the day; like in during the heat of the day with hay, and out to graze at night, or the other way around.
I think the whole extended family will be able to get some sleep tonight...ZZZzzzzzz.....
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Member:
Paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 6:35 am:
Reading this thread has given me so much pleasure nice things go so well ontheir own sometimes.What beautiful colour horses [and foals ]you all have. Wish we had more of them over here.Congratulations to mom from Holland.
Jos
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 8:59 am:
Hello to "Dandy Surprise" from way down here in Georgia! That mare is beautiful ... hope the colt gets some spots, too. Feeding free choice hay and adding a noontime meal keeps my mares going! She will definitely need more groceries. Looks like doing something nice for someone(taking that mare in) really worked out well for you, eh!
I am not sure whether I'll be showing at the "Royal Red" this August, but I'll probably come! WHAT A GREAT SHOW!!!!!! Gambling at the casinos in between classes ... who could beat that? AND, the whole town comes out for the show. Everybody is so friendly! Also, you go down this big ramp after warm up and circle your horse"underground" until they open the gates, and you bust out in to the warmest, welcoming, bright arena. WHAT A RUSH!
Nancy
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 9:22 am:
They are both beautiful Sherri! What a gift! Give him a kiss on the nose for me...love those baby noses!
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Member:
Frances
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 9:40 am:
Congratulations! What an unforgettable experience it must have been! They're both lovely, and you must be over the moon now the shock has subsided.
All the best to them and you.
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Member:
Gillef
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 10:48 am:
Had no experience or advice to offer but have been sending out good thoughts to you all along.
Beautiful family. Have to admit to heavy predjudice on name. My maiden surname is Dand ( often called Dandy in my youth!) My coloured horse came to me called Doodle so I registered as Doodle-Dandy with CHAPS UK.
So glad to have shared your your story
Best Wishes
Gillian
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 1:34 pm:
Lovely, just lovely to look at.
DrO
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 3:43 pm:
Hey Sherri,
Just a note to let ya know that I remembered the name of the feed....It's Animax. I did a search and it's a Purina product but I couldn't find just Animax, but it's in some of their feed. I am sure though you can still buy it plain because it is for all kinds of animals. It has a good amount of milk protien in it which is why it's a good choice for foals to start nibbling on. I am sure mom & baby will do fine on whatever diet they are on if you just increase amounts, but here's the info if you were wondering. I hate to leave things just hanging when my memory slips!
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 16, 2005 - 4:00 pm:
Your photo is adorable, Sherri. I love the color of the mare and foal . . . not the chestnut color I imagined . . . more unique.
Over the years, there have been many foals "born" to members of this site . . . somehow this foal seems like he was born to all of us on The Horseman's Advisor . . .  If you are up to it, how 'bout a dandy little baby book/journal of photos and milestones?
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Member:
Dyduroc
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 17, 2005 - 1:37 pm:
What a wonderful 'Surprise'! Great name, too! (I'm partial to the name 'Surprise' because that's my mare's name!)
Your story has been such a pleasure to read so thank you for brightening up my day!
D.
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Member:
Jodeen
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 17, 2005 - 4:41 pm:
Hi Sherry,
What a beautiful little man, I was gone from thur. till sunday on a trail ride and camping trip to the mountains, couldnt wait to get on here to see how he did. I am so happy for you. He is absolutly georgous. congradulations again, and you will have many wonderful days with him i am sure.
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 12:59 am:
I can't believe that my grandniece and nephews have been here visiting from Canada and Mass. and I kept pushing them to bed so I could get back to this thread each night!
There's nothing like "feel good" stories and little velvet noses and bushy little tales!
Thanks for sharing the gift "Dandy Surprise" with all of us!
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 7:57 am:
Oh, SO cute!!! Give mom and baby a gentle scratch and rub from me!}
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 9:06 am:
Good morning everyone! Wow! What a great way to start my Monday morning by reading everyone's, and I mean every single one of your responses! It just warms me all over! We don't have our computer hooked up yet in our new house so I had to wait until this morning to read everyone's posts....every single one was worth the wait! They read like an on-line 'baby shower'! Thanks again!
Dandy Surprise is a ball of fire and full of energy. He's venturing further and further from mom each day. He was racing in circles yesterday and is very intrigued with the big world, including our 7 month old Shepherd/Husky puppy!
Mom does need more groceries, as does baby I think. Mom is on grass during the day, gets oats twice a day and has free choice grass/alfalfa hay (this year's) when she's brought into the smaller paddock for the night. She does eat constantly, but I do think she needs it.
I think this foal belongs to his extended family at HA so a photo journal of his progress is a great idea!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 9:17 am:
Ann,
I'm just going back through all the wonderful posts and found your questions.
They think the stallion was a red dun quarter horse given his color. His hooves are solid, no striping, and I can't see any mottling on him anywhere, but I guess his color could change??
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 10:02 am:
Sherri, in a word YES , this little one can change greatly in color IF he inherited the LP / appy gene... he will stay chestnut, but he could develop the stripes hoofs/ mottling in time and roan out with some white hairs thru out his body...(your mare seems to have some roaning going on,on her face) one thing about colored horses is that THEY DO CHANGE ..
Looks like he has white socks..? all four..? one looks to go almost up to the hock..?
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 10:39 am:
Yep, he's got 4 white socks, but one is up to his hock. I kind of hope that he does get some spots, but someone told me that if they're born solid they usually stay solid.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 11:05 am:
No , not always will they stay solid.. it just depends on how strong the on switch for the LP gene is, IF he inherited it.... at birth you look for the base coat color and other markings to see if maybe your colt 'could' be homozygous, of course yours cannot be as the stud was not a app... but all that being said.. he can ''spot'' out later as he matures... you could get some snow flake hairs on the rump or thru out the body... or you can get a nice varnish roan where he will stay dark on his bony parts and roan out else where.... color is fun, they do change..
I have a mare that is just 4, born a lovely blood bay with just a couple of white dots on her rump.. no other white.. .. this year she is starting to show signs of a varnish roan.. she has white hairs over her face / neck and belly... it will be interesting to see how she changes in the next year or more...
enjoy...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 11:29 am:
He's adorable, Sherri. Didn't check my email all weekend as it was crazy around our place (we're in the midst of major yard/paddock re-surfacing) and it was a treat to get into the office this morning and see your photos of the little fellow.
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 11:35 am:
Sherri, Mom and baby are beautiful and the picture with your puppy is priceless! They are very lucky to have such a caring family to take care of them. Sugar has presented you with a special gift for rescuing her. - Ann
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 3:04 pm:
That picture of the doggie and foal ... well, sometimes life is just grand, ain't it! The dog looks like a proud parent posing with his child/friend! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy
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Member:
Fpony
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Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 3:37 pm:
Hello,
This has been great! Your baby is so adorable! I love this latest shot! Wish it was larger.
Kim
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 7:50 pm:
Hi Sherri, I just got home from a show up north and loved reading all this. I'm so glad everything is all right and the mare accepted the foal. It's a pain when they don't.
What a beautiful mare and baby! And, your picture with the dog is wonderful. Continued good luck and keep the pictures coming!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 12:50 pm:
I have to get out and get some more pictures, Dandy Surprise will be one week old tomorrow and I can't get over the change in him already. He's less ribby than when he was born and he already seems taller - is that possible in one week????
He's started to venture out quite a ways from mom and is racing all over the place, but still sleeps a lot. We let our young 3 year old gelding in with them when we put them on grass for the evenings and it is so funny, the colt has no fear of the gelding and I actually saw him try to nurse him - the gelding tolerated it all while Dandy poked around under his tail, the gelding just kind of turned his head and looked at the colt quizzingly and kept grazing. It didn't take long for the colt to figure out that he was 'not the mama' and raced back to Sugar.
What does everyone think of supplementing the baby with a bottle. How do I know if he needs it? It just seems like he is nursing all the time, maybe that's normal, according to everything I read they nurse about 30 times a day, for only about a minute, which is probably about accurate for our colt but last night when I was sitting in a lawn chair in the middle of his paddock playing with him he was nuzzling me everywhere looking for food - is that normal? Am I worrying too much that he's not getting enough? I know the mare has milk because I can actually get milk from her. She is starting to look better too, I think she's gained some weight in the last week. We've really upped her caloric intake.
I also saw him eating some of mom's fresh manure yesterday which I also read is normal. I have seen him pass urine but I have not seen him pass feces or found any either, since he passed the meconium, but they are on a fairly large paddock so maybe I'm just not looking in the right places.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 1:57 pm:
Hi Sherri, I just got on the site after a week away, and all these posts - wow, they brought tears to my eyes. Remember, foals can be a hard habit to break. It's hard to have only one!
Your mare and foal are gorgeous. And such a unique colour. I adopted a weanling app from Saskatchewan 2 years ago, and he was the same unique colour as your mare with the white blanket. I wonder if they are related?? 
You will have many laughs over the next months.
Congrats!
Shawna
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 2:46 pm:
Sherri
If that little bugger is already growing and acting spritely, nursing, peeing, and pooping, then he does not need supplementing with a bottle!You will find that very soon, he will begin to nibble at his Mom's food and hay! And, yes, as you read, it is normal for him to nibble at his Mom's poop ... that is why it is very important for your mare to be worm free! If you have not done so lately, it would be good to worm her now. At one month, it will also be time for the foal. He sounds like a very happy fella! It is normal for them to nurse a lot for short periods early on, and to sleep a lot in between very active, inquisitive periods ... sounds like he is a healthy, normal little guy!
Can't wait to see more pics!
Nancy
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 12:52 pm:
Oh Gosh! you're all making me baby hungry!!!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 4:55 pm:
UPDATE!
It rained on my baby last night!!! I couldn't sleep with all the thunder and lightning so I raced outside in my nightgown and my husband's slicker to let them in the barn at about 11 p.m., much to my husband's disbelief. Sugar and baby stayed in the barn for about as long as it took Sugar to eat the grain that I used to coax her inside and then she took him right back out into the rain again!!!! Poor little buggar was covered in mud this morning but was bouncing around like normal so I guess my husband was right that he would be fine outside in the rain. He says he's got to toughen up for winter, but really...it is only July here!!! And he's only one week old! Men just don't understand us mothers!
He's probably right though. Our horses rarely ever, even in -40 weather in the winter, come into the barn for shelter.
What is too cold for a foal? I'm a little concerned that he'll just be a weanling when it really does start to get cold. He does have a pretty thick coat right now.
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Member:
9193
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:04 pm:
Between Priscilla and Sherri, I am finding myself checking the posts first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee and last thing at night to see what the latest is!
What a delightful way to spend your summer Sherri! Dandy Surprise is such a cutie and your mare seems like a terrific mom too! It will be fun seeing him grow up via cyberspace..
Priscilla.. I remember when I was a teenager and my girlfriend's newly purchased mare suddenly was suspiciously getting bigger after six months.. I remember how excited we all were to anticipate the birth of the filly.. Good Luck and I will be following your posts as well..
Smiles,
Debra
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:32 pm:
Sheri, as long as mare and foal have plenty to eat and are out of the wind, or it's a warm rain, they are most likely fine. Horses are outside animals, after all. (As my husband keeps reminding me.)
That said, I've more than once pulled on boots and slicker over pj's and gone out to check horses at all sorts of weird hours of the night, sometimes just because I heard a whinny or bang or some other noise. With a new foal it's all I can do not to move mare and foal into the living room!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:55 pm:
Hmmmm....living room, eh? There's a thought! I'll have to run that idea past my husband tonight. 
Pretty sure I'd end up like last night (out in the rain in my pjs and slicker)with the mare and colt if I suggested that one!
I even wanted to leave the light on in the barn for them but I knew my hubby would really 'flip a cog' if I did that!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:57 pm:
Sara, I just read your post..."King of the Wind", now that was a good book! I think every little girl who loved horses read that one!
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 24, 2005 - 1:55 am:
Err....Sherri? My s have a night light.
Go ! Get that camera snapping!! What a great way to quell those foal cravings!!! Have them vicariously through the good folks at HA!!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Monday, Jul 25, 2005 - 9:08 am:
A night light - I never thought of that. How come the simplest things just seem to go right over my head???
Little buggar is going great guns. I do need to get some pictures posted. I can't believe how he's grown. He'll be 2 weeks old on Thursday already!!! Mare is in foal heat right now, colt has a little diarrhea, but I understand that's normal during foal heat. One thing I thought strange though, he was trying to mount her yesterday, from the side, on her head, quite comical actually..but is this normal behavior for a week old colt???
We found out who the stud is!!!! It's great news. She was bred to a black quarter horse/percheron cross - 16.1h. So, I don't know what that means regarding what color he'll turn out to be.
This colt has energy to burn. He's already eating mom's oats and nibbling on the hay...AND ON ME!!! Cute right now, but won't be so cute when he has teeth! I sat in the middle of the paddock on a lawn chair yesterday with lots of different gadgets to get him used to and we played for a long time, until he decided to 'mount' the lawn chair with me in it!!!
I've had a halter on him and I've picked up his front feet, back feet this week. He's feisty though. And can he ever run!! He takes off and burns up the corrals between feedings and then when you look again, he's flat out, fast asleep. He's getting to that very curious stage too. He's decided the dog is a soccer ball, poor Riley's been nailed a couple times already but keeps going back for more but understands now that Dandy's tail isn't a good thing to play with!!
Dandy is a good name for this colt. It suits him.
Pictures comin' later tomorrow.
I can't wait to see Priscilla's foal. I pray that her foaling goes as easy as our unannounced foaling did.
I think the good Lord knew we were clueless about foaling and decided to make this maiden mare's foaling experience a non event since we were so totally unprepared to help her.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Monday, Jul 25, 2005 - 11:23 am:
Hey Sherri,
Ya gotta post some more pics. Between you and Priscilla, all these baby stories, it's so awsome.
It's normal for your colt to be mounting mom - maybe not you and your lawn chair however
Black quarter horse cross now huh? With his colouring in the pics, the red dun sounded more like it. But, who knows, they change colour so much. In a few weeks, he should start to shed out. The real colour will come around his eyes and muzzle soon.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, Jul 25, 2005 - 3:20 pm:
Sherri - I love the name Dandy Surprise. As Shawna said, it's not unusual for a colt to try and mount mom; at this age it's just play. He would do the same to other foals if there were some around. He may try and "mount" you, so "nip it in the bud" if he does. It's not fun when he's a little bigger. Mom will cure him of mounting her when she gets tired of it. Hmmmm....haven't had one that tried to mount a lawn chair...yet. I imagine when he gets his feet caught and it closes up on him he'll figure out he made a wrong move!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 - 11:43 am:
Question everyone! Dandy's 'male part'  seems to be dangling most of the time - is this normal? I don't think I saw it dangle at all the first week, now this week, it's always dangling. He urinates normally.
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 - 12:06 pm:
Yes Sherri, it's completely normal for him to be "hanging out". No need to worry. Where are those new pictures?
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 - 12:47 pm:
Whew! That's a relief.
I know, I know.....pictures ...soon...I promise...
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 27, 2005 - 3:59 pm:
Sherri, too funny. You are asking all the same questions I had when my first foal which was a colt hit the ground 2 years ago. Zip was "hanging out" for a couple of months. It's awful, cause I have pictures of him, and everyone keeps asking, is he just showing off or is that normal. Especially all my non-horsey people at work.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 27, 2005 - 4:26 pm:
Shawna,
So why is that anyway??? Do they have to develop the sheath muscles to 'retract' the dang thing or what????
By the way everyone, I took a whole roll of pictures last night....set the camera down....somewhereand now I can't find it!!!! The hunt is on tonight! I actually think it's in one of the hay barrels....
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 - 11:14 am:
Sherri,
That is what all my fellow breeders told me. All colts will hang until they develop muscles to hold it up. I was sure there was something wrong with him, and like you, was relieved to here it is all normal behaviour. I was concerned because it didn't hang the first couple of weeks and then all of a sudden, there it was!
Well maybe it did, i was just to enthralled with him that I didn't notice??
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 - 11:26 am:
Sherri I have a cute story to share about this topic... when my first appy colt was born I was in heaven.. 3 days later I notice this ''pink'' thing hanging from where I thought the belly button should go.. ( he had urine leaking from this spot so I 'was' concerned ) I ran to the house to get my husband.. he came out and said.. it his PINK D.....
we both fell down laughing.. I had never seen a SOLID PINK D....
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 8:55 am:
Well, sorry guys, no pictures yet, but I DID find the camera!! I just have to get them downloaded now. Regarding the absent sheath muscles, we now have the ability to retract! We also have some other new behaviors...he's eating oats, eating grass, drinking water, running all over the place at least 100 mph, and whinnying (soooo cute). All appears to be completely as it should.
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 9:39 am:
Hey Sherri
Looking forward to the new pics! And I assume you have put a halter on this new little guy ... if not, now is the time to do it! Do not leave it on him when you are not with him, but now is a good time for him to learn to have a halter put on and taken off of him. He does not necessarily have to learn to lead right away, though that can be accomplished now, too. Remember, everything in small amounts. I can "walk" you through it if you need any help. Again, looking forward to those pics!
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 10:40 am:
Hi Nancy,
Been there...done that. The halter that is. We had a halter on him already about a week ago and he is completely unphased about having it put on and taken off repeatedly. We started by just basically rubbing him all over with it and before he knew it, it was on him and done up and he couldn't have cared less. We don't leave it on him for extended periods, only when we're playing with him. He loves having his head and ears scratched so it was never a problem getting it on.
We've brushed him and had all 4 feet up already too.
Soon we want to get him onto the trailer with the mare.
I kind of hate to tell you all this , almost feel like I need your permission, but he has been sold. He will leave the farm when he's weaned. He is going to a very good owner who is a very competent horse person.
We have to be realistic and we just can't justify having 6 horses so baby must go, and probably one other, likely the mare since she is such a great kid's horse and all of us that ride here (me, my husband, my son and his fiance) are all into a bit more of a challenge than she is.
But in the meantime, for the next few months we'll have lots of fun with him and he will definitely better prepare us for if and when we decide to have a 'planned' pregnancy.
Fortunately, he won't be going too far away, so we'll be able to see him often
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 11:02 am:
I just kinda figured you had done all that because you have obviously spent so much time with him. GOOD FOR YOU ... on the halter AND the sale. WE at HA are going to miss "seeing" him, but it has been a great story, from beginning to "end." It is always good to hear a story that turns out so great!
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 6:22 pm:
We'd like to put the mare and the colt back out onto pasture with our 4 other horses. They've been separated for almost 3 weeks. Do you think it's safe to do so? Do we need to worry about the other horses going after the colt? The only one that's been with the mare and colt is our 3 year old gelding, who gets along fine with them, but they are the 2 bottom horses in the herd. It would just be so much easier to put them all together and have her on grass instead of feeding her hay.
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 2, 2005 - 7:05 pm:
The colt will soon learn to stay away from the other horses, so they shouldn't bother him too much. I'm concerned about how the other horses treat your mare. If they are really aggressive towards her then the colt could get caught in the cross-fire. You could try introducing one member of the herd to your mare at a time. That might be the safest way, and you can see how they are going to get along gradually. Otherwise, if you just throw them back together it could get hairy. The other horses will probably crowd up to see the little one, and the mare will either try to defend him or she'll try to get away and she or the other horses could knock him around a little. I'm overprotective of my babies I don't let the mares without foals to run with the herd. I was told once that mares with foals won't fight. While I don't believe that is true, they do seem to be more careful and subdued when they are establishing dominance with babies around. Just my thoughts.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 9:00 am:
Hi Karen,
Appreciate your feedback. We've been thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to introduce one at a time also. What I was thinking was taking one at a time into the paddock, and having that horse on a long lead line. Our horses are all very respectful when they are haltered and that way we could pull that horse away if it started anything with the mare, however it may not give us a true picture of what would happen without the lead line, just because they do behave differently when they are 'halter controlled'. We did this with the one young gelding though and he just started eating grass beside the mare and she actually did pin her ears and spun her hind end towards him, just to let him know that she would defend the colt if he got too close, which he learned quickly not to do. The colt did eventually go on his own though and investigate him and he didn't do anything. We just stayed at the far end of the lead line and waited for any threatening behavior and when it was apparent he wasn't going to be a problem we just slipped the halter off and walked away.
I'm just not sure if the mare would try to defend herself and the colt with the other horses that dominate over her. Before the colt came, this mare and the young gelding pretty much stayed to themselves. She's always been dominant over the young gelding
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 10:13 am:
Here's what I would recommend, but it might be difficult for you I don't know. I would let the mare and colt and the lower gelding out to pasture. The colt doesn't know the pasture and it's boundaries yet. So I'm thinking that it will give the colt a chance to learn them, plus the mare is probably itching to stretch her legs. I know the first time I let one of my mares out to pasture after she had been in a small lot she kicked and bucked and ran for quite awhile. Give them sometime by themselves, whether it's an hour or half the day. Then turn one horse at a time out with the mare and colt. When things calm down add another horse, and so on. They may warn the colt, but it is rare for a horse to be very aggressive. My mares will nip or give a light kick to the babies if the they are very obnoxious, but won't hurt them. There will be less running around and less chance of injury if they are added one by one. If the horses have been able to see and smell the baby through the fence. I doubt if you will have much of a problem just turning them out, instead of the halter and lead rope idea. The mare will probably still keep to herself with the lower gelding once the herd order is re-established. The mare will probably make it clear that she is the mother and leave my baby alone, but she will probably do that by laying her ears back and trying to stay between the other horses and her baby. Good luck! Oh, are you still planning on graining her? She will still probably need extra protein and calories. She will increase milk production yet for another 3 weeks and then it will start to gradually decrease. Milk production demands a lot from a mare, more than when she was pregnant. Are you planning on graining her separately?
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 10:33 am:
Sounds like a good idea...never thought of letting her and the colt out to pasture first on their own so she can show him the boundaries.
We grain her twice a day in the barn and the colt has a creep feeder so they definitely are getting their grain and will continue to for a few more weeks yet.
Sounds like a good idea to let one horse out at a time with her. One of the mares actually seems to really want to be with her. She has had a colt herself, would this be some sort of maternal remembrance?
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 10:59 am:
It could be, I have a mare who loves babies. She's had several, even when she's not bred she really curious and loving to the new foals. Unfortunately, we had to put hers down this year. She was devastated. It was harder to watch her frantically searching for her baby then it was to have him put down, and that was really hard. When the next foal was born to a maiden mare (the mare wasn't too sure she wanted to be a mom) I think Beauty would have accepted it in a heart beat. She was pastured close enough to see the colt, and she was nickering to it and she didn't want to leave the foal and this was almost 3 weeks after she lost hers.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2005 - 12:55 pm:
Nancy,
In an earlier post on this thread you said that you could walk me through training this colt to lead. Are you still willing to do that?
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Member:
Denise43
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2005 - 2:18 pm:
Sherri -- loved reading this thread. Congrats on the birth of your colt and on your quick sale. When you talked about your husband, I had to laugh. My husband is the same way about the babies - can't have enough. But selling was so very hard on me. We are no longer breeding after 8 years and life is stressfree now. Thank goodness for the twin fawns that come into our yard this spring - I have a happy hubby again! Great news is that we don't have to halter train them, worry about them or sell them -- nature takes care of all of it and we can still enjoy watching them bounce around out our back window. ;-)
Denise
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 17, 2005 - 11:23 pm:
Hey Sherri
Been out of town for a few days ... will get back on the computer tomorrow with some helpful hints for training to lead. One is to start by pulling on the lead line just enough for the colt to "give" you his head in the direction you pull. When he does this, stop pulling and pet him and tell him good boy. Do this side to side over a few minutes time. Short and sweet. Basically, they will then move one foot toward the way you pull, same thing ... stop pulling and pet and give verbal love! Some colts learn within a few minutes of this, some take longer. DO NOT get into a tug of war! Talk to ya tomorrow!
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 11:34 am:
Hi Nancy,
Glad you're back. Last night I tried to put the halter on the little buggar and he wouldn't have anything to do with it, although the flies were bad and it was raining so it might just not have been an optimum time, but we've had the halter on him before. Any tips from you would be welcome. Man is he growing!!! I gotta get some pictures up here.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 1:12 pm:
Hi Sherri - Nancy is sure qualified to help you with teaching to lead, but just wanted to mention that there was a good discussion on this not too long ago that you might look up. Go to "Search & Discussions" then "search this site and the net" put in key words "foal, halter, lead" and do search. There are lots of helpful articles and discussions.
Would love to see another picture of your little guy now that he's getting bigger. How's his color holding out?
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 1:20 pm:
Hi Sara,
Thanks. I'll check it out.
As far as his color, it's staying the same, looks like a red dun. His dorsal stripe is still quite dark too.
I'll try to get some pictures up here tomorrow.
When does he need any vaccinations or anything like that?? He's eating grass and oats, drinking water, pretty much behaving like a horse. It's so comical when all the horses come in at night, they're always in single file, and here's this little guy, not always behind mama, trotting in single file just like the rest, looking all proud to be hangin' out with the big guys. They all seem to like him, no problems with the other horses.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 1:21 pm:
Don't remember the age of this little one.. but you had better get a halter on him quickly , they do grow fast... You might have to foal wrestle him in a corner or against his mom to get the halter on... what you do is trap him in your arms and DON'T LET GO.. one arm under the neck the other around the butt , if need be grab the tail...( it won't hurt him).. he will buck in your arms and try, and might drag you around the stall DON'T LET GO... get the halter on and just start petting him all over .. DON'T LET GO.. a foal learns quickly that this reaction leads to that reaction... DON'T LET GO... see where I am going? He will learn faster the bad things then the good things.. if he figures out he can get away from humans he will try again and again... DON'T LET GO...
have fun.. we do the foal wrestling the first week of birth, and have never had a foal resist the halter there after...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 1:52 pm:
He's 6 weeks old. He's still 'wrestleable' but sheesh...I'd rather not if there was another way, but there may not be. At a week old I just put it on and did it up while he was nuzzling me, but the darn thing was the wrong size so we had to take it back.
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 1:52 pm:
Sherri,
DON'T LET GO
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 2:12 pm:
Debbie...
Sherri, yes he is '' wrestleable'' but it will be harder to hang on.. I bought a mare with foal at her side.. did not bring her home till the foal was 5 weeks old.... Let the wrestling match begin.. actually had my husband do the job, he is stronger and bigger then I.. that filly dragged his butt across the paddocks, husbands glasses went flying off , lost his hat... but HE DID NOT LET GO!~ We had to 'trap' her up against her mother, that was a difficult start, if you can do it in a stall you are better off... you can take the long approach, sitting on the ground waiting for the right moment to slip the halter on... BUT if you don't succeed, you have just taught that foal a 'wrong' lesson.. hum, I can slip away from a human with a halter...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 2:19 pm:
Let the wrestling match begin!!!! Actually I think I like the stall idea. I think we'll try that method....and I think I'll let my husband do the honors.
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 2:27 pm:
Vaccinations should start when he's 3 or 4 months old. Look under Care of the Horse-Vaccination schedules.
I usually start with the halter early within a week. Just put it on and off and then I train like Nancy describes. At first when they are young and they pull back I move with them keeping tension, but not holding firm. When they stop backing up I hold tension until they take a step forward. Sometimes I'll move my body so they have to turn if they don't give to the pressure with in a minute or two. Sometimes they can be very stubborn. When I get them leading well, and they regress back to being stubborn it is then that I will hold firm, even if they fight, until they give to the pressure.
There are tons of different ways to teach a foal to lead. Mine is just one of them. It's really what works for you and the foal. They are all different and some will take different approaches to training. I had one that I had to be tougher on this spring than the other, but she is coming along nicely. When she doesn't want to give now. I just keep steady pressure and she'll eventually step forward. She's learned a lot slower than the other foal, but that's because she's a lot more stubborn (that's what us ladies are known for right ). Good luck! Don't worry too much if one thing isn't working try something else. You won't mess them up too bad . Seriously, unless your foal is getting away with some serious bad habits, both of you will be just fine.
I would start with just practicing putting the halter on and off, and when you can do that without any trouble. Practice the gives that Nancy suggests, and if that doesn't work you can get a little more forceful with him. It's important to do what you are comfortable with. If man-handling isn't what your comfortable with then don't do it, because you will just upset yourself. Man-handling doesn't work for me personally, because I get hot (not to mention stepped on about a dozen times, and even at that age it hurts) and when I get hot I get angry and frustrated. That is never a good combination with a horse, so I know to never put myself in those situations. Again, it's what works for you.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 3:27 pm:
oh yes, you do get stepped on and the shins get a beating.. got to say tho.. when it comes down to shot time.. its not pleasant then either... with babies there are bruises.. goes hand in hand..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 3:33 pm:
Hey Sherri
Just like Ann describes "the hold" ... one arm around the chest and I will go one step further on the tail hold; take your other hand and hold his tail bent back up over his back, which has a wonderously "paralysing" effect on the youngster, then you can get that halter back on him if your husband is any help(mine is not too handy with this, but he can get the halter on if i hold the youngster). I did not know that he was not co operating getting that halter on any more; the colt, that is. Approach the colt from the side, and it really does help to have a helper at this point! One thing to add about the leading thing. I purposely DO NOT lead straight on at first, just a step to one side having the colt give to your pressure on the lead. Pulling to the side gives you much more leverage, and they learn to give to pressure allowing you to eventually lead in the direction you want. Also, the mare can "help" with leading at first, as I will lead the foals head toward her at first( a place he WANTS TO GO)and without realizing it, he learns to lead. Just one step will do at first, remembering to reward good behavior, quickly , and remembering short periods of pressure. Some foals "freak out" and try to rear, and fall over, etc, so take it easy and carefully. Let us know how things are progressing, and remember the tail hold ... it is magical!
Can't wait to see more pics,
Nancy
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 3:37 pm:
OH YEAH, SHERRI ... MY FAVORITE SHOW STARTS THIS WEEK... THE ROYAL RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot attend this year but know it will be a great show. It always is!!!!!!!
Have you ever been?
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 3:40 pm:
Thanks for the advice. Fortunately, my husband IS handy at this sort of thing, he'd have had the halter on by now but I was trying to avoid the 'wrestling' match. He'll be excited to know that we're going to do it his way!
Thanks for the 'tail tip'.
Pictures are coming. I have to say, he's got one of the prettiest heads I've ever seen on a colt. Must be the appy in him , eh, Ann?
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 3:44 pm:
I've never been Nancy, but I just might take a notion to drive down tomorrow - it's only about 1 1/2 hours from me.
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 5:23 pm:
Sherri- the event actually starts on the 22nd, and goes thru the 27th. I hope you get a chance to go. Later on in the week would be the best, as the "elimination classes" will be over, and you will see the best of the best. Everything will be there- English, including Huntseat, Dressage, Hunter over fences, and Saddleseat, Western- pleasure, reining, cutting, Arabian Costume, Halter classes, etc. The show includes classes for Purebred Arabians as well as Half Arabians. I really hope you get a chance to go check it out! In the meantime, good luck with that colt!
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 5:39 pm:
Yeah, I went on the website and found it starts on Monday. Even better. I have all next week off, although we are planning a 4 day ride at the end of the week up in a provincial forest park. I've already put out a few feelers though looking for a buddy to go with me on Monday. Maybe hubby will go, although we have 22 acres of fencing to do before our trail ride, so I might be going alone...are ya sure ya don't wanna fly up here and go with me??? Wouldn't that be a hoot?
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 9:21 pm:
Man oh man, I really wish I could be there this year, but too much "other stuff" going on! How in the world are you gonna get 22 acres of fencing done before your trail ride, which sounds GREAT, by the way! I find that doing fencing with one's husband is a true test of their marriage! IF you are still married after 22 acres of fencing, much less, going on a trail ride together after, is an AMAZING FEAT! I hope you make it to the Royal Red ... don't know when the Half Arabian English Pleasure is, but that is "my" class. Check it out if ya can!
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Friday, Aug 19, 2005 - 12:07 pm:
Oh, how right you are!!! About the fencing with the husband thing. Actually, the posts are all in, the corners and gates are all done, we just have to string the tensile wire now.
I have found someone to go with me to the Royal Red, I think we'll go Monday or Tuesday. We can't go at the end of the week because of our 4 day camping trip. I'll check out your class!
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Friday, Aug 19, 2005 - 12:29 pm:
Sherri
I AM SOOO EXCITED FOR YOU ... I hope you like the show. Cannot wait to hear how you like it! Don't forget to check out the stall set ups, the wonderful junk food, and the warm up arena. Battaglia stables will be one of the first curtains you see when you walk into the warm up arena right at the top of the big ramp where everybody works before making that steep trip "underground" before trotting out into that wonderful, welcoming arena! Breathe in the sights and smells for me!!!!!
Nancy
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 24, 2005 - 9:41 am:
DID YOU GO TO THE SHOW, SHERRI??? DID YOU HAVE:
a. GREAT TIME
b. Okay time
c. ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVEABLE TIME
d. At least the food was okay
e. Just don't get it , Nancy
f. Should have stayed home and installed
fencing
Cannot wait to hear!!!
Nancy
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 25, 2005 - 9:09 am:
Sherri,
How's the haltering and leading going? AND,we MUST have at least one more shot of that baby before he leaves!
Nancy
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 - 9:13 am:
Hi Nancy,
Well I'm back from my week off and the answer to your multiple choice question is a.
I was only able to stay for a day but next year will make it at least a 2 day trip at the END of the week rather than at the beginning. Someone told me there were 1000 horses there this year. The stable displays were incredible. Talk about decadent! One display even had a marble fountain. We watched the afternoon show and saw a lot of western pleasure classes, half arabian english pleasure classes and hunt seat classes. The time just went by way too fast. We probably spent about an hour walking through the parking lot just looking at the rigs. WOW! And from points coast to coast, from Florida to Alaska, and California to New Hampshire and just about everything in between and every province in Canada. It is a massive show. I can't imagine the $$ figure of horses and equipment that would be housed in Regina Exhibition park for the week of the Royal Red. There was a great trade show too where I indulged and purchased some silver 'horsey' bling bling. All in all, it was a great time. Maybe you can come next year!
As for the haltering and leading, well, lets just say time has definitely been an issue and we haven't gotten too far with that, although I think it will be pretty easy. He lets you put the halter on him, just doesn't stand still long enough to let me do it up. He lets us pick up all 4 feet, and he LOVES a good butt scratch. When you pull on his tail, he actually backs up so he's pretty quiet! I just bought a digital camera so I'll be snapping some pictures soon.
Happy to report that the fencing is also done!!
We just got back from a wonderful 3 day ride in the forest and this Thursday we're heading south with the horses for another 4 day ride with Pam Sargent and her partner Greg. Interestingly, Pam and I met on this site and we have become very good friends.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:49 am:
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:51 am:
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:52 am:
Hmmm...not sure why that one didn't come up, it showed up in the preview. 
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:55 am:
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:56 am:
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 10:58 am:
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 11:02 am:
Just for fun, here's a picture of our new 3 year old walking horse Teddy. 
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 11:14 am:
Sherri,
Your baby is gorgeous, just gorgeous, and I love your red barns.
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 11:15 am:
That boy is CUUUTTEEE!!!!
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Member:
Julieh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 11:30 am:
Great pics Sherri! What a beautiful baby! I know you are enjoying this so much! I have a foul due in January and I can hardly wait! Keep us going in pictures as he is growing!
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Member:
Cara2
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 11:55 am:
Who could resist him Sherri? Baby animals are just so gorgeous! I can't help noticing how much weight you have managed to put on the mare too - well done!! You'd never guess she was feeding a growing foal.
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 12:07 pm:
Sherri,
He is really, really special. What great luck you had with this one!
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 12:14 pm:
What a little hunk! So cute! He's getting so big already. Great little butt on him.
I'm jealous of your vacation.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 12:14 pm:
Oh my, what a handsome fella! and your mare looks great. So does your new 3 year old. I notice babies feet and muzzle are very dark, and some little marks coming in really dark...I gotta wonder about the colour he will shed out to be?!?!?
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 12:34 pm:
Great photos, Sherri! Thanks for posting them for us.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 3:16 pm:
He does have a nice butt, doesn't he? We are amazed too at how well the mare is doing. She looks better now than she ever has. I guess we just felt so bad that we didn't know she was in foal that we're making up for lost time now. She's even gotten a little darker in color since we upped her nutrition regime.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 3:27 pm:
ADORABLE....
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 3:45 pm:
Sherri,
Have been away for a couple of weeks and was anxious to see any new developments with this new little guy.
He is soooo....cute and precious. Mom looks very good too. Hats off to you for the increased nutrition and the learning curve that Dandy Surprise threw. You have done exceptionally well.
Keep up the good work.
Susan B.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 1, 2005 - 6:07 pm:
Sherri, They are all three just gorgeous. If you ever want to find a new home for either of the big ones, well - you know where to e-mail me. :o)
Shirl
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Friday, Sep 2, 2005 - 2:05 am:
Mom and baby look fantastic! Just look at the muscles on the little scamp!
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Member:
Dyduroc
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Posted on Friday, Sep 2, 2005 - 6:51 am:
Sherri, Dandy is getting so big! What a handsome fellow! Mom's looking fit, Teddy's a dream boy, and 2 horsey vacations. Life doesn't get much better, does it?
Happy trails!
D.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 21, 2005 - 3:39 pm:
Well, looks like mom will be leaving the farm. We have sold the appaloosa mare. Dandy will likely be staying with us for a few more months if not longer. He is still sold, but the girl that is taking/working with him has asked that since the mare is leaving, can she board the colt at our place. Since we will be weaning the colt off at 3 months, I think it is a good idea to leave him here with at least the familiar surroundings of our farm and his 'pasture buddies' (my young walker gelding in particular). I don't want to wean him at 3 months, but he his very healthy, eating hay and grain, drinking water, halter broke and broke to lead, and has even had his first 'farrier experience', just to familiarize, nothing too much was done as he is chipping off his hooves normally and the farrier was very pleased with his hooves.
So, my question? Clean break weaning? Can we transport the mare basically 'cold turkey' away from the colt? She is a calm mare and has already been ridden a few times without Dandy in tow. Dandy has respected the fence lines when we've taken Sugar out for a ride and as long as he is with the rest of the herd he doesn't seem to worried about mom's whereabouts and after a few minutes of calling to her he settles down and pairs up with one of the other horses.
I hate this weaning....kind of turns my stomach a little......must be because I'm a mom! But we don't want to lose this sale and they want the mare within the next 3 weeks.
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 21, 2005 - 8:42 pm:
YES, "cold turkey", take the mare away and be done with it! 3 months is a little earlier than I usuallu do it, but if the colt is eating feed, hay/grass, and drinking water, you should be fine!
I hate it too, also, I guess, because I, too, am a Mom! Good luck with this new adventure ... hope all goes smoothly. Just remember, once the mare is loaded, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, so that they do not begin to think about the fact that they are separated!
Nancy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 7:50 am:
A beautiful baby Sheri,
for more discussions on weaning foals see Equine Reproduction » The Lactating Mare, Nursing Foal & Weaning » Weaning Foals from Mares.
DrO
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 9:32 am:
Thanks Nancy and Dr. O,
This is the only place on the entire internet where I could find any useful information and situations where people have weaned at 3 months. Makes me wonder why I even bother checking anywhere else!!!
I did read all the posts and discussions on this message board prior to posting and I did get the impression from most that 'cold turkey' is the best way. I wanted to post my situation specifically, and to let everyone who's been following this post know that it seems now like the colt is staying and the mare is leaving!
The people who have purchased Sugar have agreed to let the colt stay with her for another 3 weeks, which will make the colt 3 months old.
We took Sugar out for a ride last night and the colt only whinnied once, but didn't run around at all, and one of our mares walked over to him and started nuzzling him. I don't know if she was consoling him or not, but I like to believe she was. I think he'll be fine weaned here with his familiar herd. They seem to all be very protective of him.
I agree with you Nancy, once she's loaded we've got to get going so she doesn't have time to wonder where the colt is.
Gosh....this is hard...it just pulls at the heart strings. I feel worse for the mare now, having to leave everything familiar and her baby, but she's going to a wonderful family who will spend loads of time with her.
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 10:38 am:
If you leave him in with other horses, just be sure that they won't kick him if he tries to nurse them. I have seen that happen in the past. In fact, when we have had stud colts weaned together, they have tried to nurse the other colts. Use caution, if leaving him in with other horses. EO
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 11:01 am:
Thanks for that piece of advice EO. We will watch for this. Thanks.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 2:28 pm:
I know of alot of foals weaned at 3 months and they have done well, and I am sure Dandy will do just fine. Main thing he must be eating grain and hay well, you should have no issues. And if he is already used to mom leaving for a few rides now and then, that will be easier on him. I think the main thing is he has buddies.
Weaning is so hard. I took my mare to our other farm come weaning time - 3 miles away - cold turkey, and when I unloaded her, put her in her stall, she stood with sad eyes looking in the direction of our other barn. She knew exactly where her foal was, and she stood like this for over a week. And when turned out, she would go down to the farthest corner of the pasture, (which was the closest to our other barn miles away) and would stare off in the direction of the other farm. It tore my heart out to see her like that.
The foal on the other hand, I don't even think missed mom. He had 2 yearlings to be with and he never made a fuss whatsoever.
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Member:
Tangoh
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 - 2:56 pm:
Gosh Shawna, your story isn't helping me feel any better. Poor Sugar, she'll get off the trailer and wonder not only where her baby is, but where's her herd and her familiar surroundings??? I do feel for her, she's been through so much in her lifetime, she's been beaten and neglected, and then foaled without our knowledge and now we're selling her. I sure hope this new family will love her a lot! They have 12 minis, so she'll make new friends.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Friday, Sep 23, 2005 - 9:46 am:
Sorry Sherri, I didn't mean to scare you.
Weaning has to be done...Here I was trying to make you feel better about Dandy, and I scared you about Sugar.
You are sending her to a wonderful home, she will forget about Dandy when she is getting all that attention from the kids and those 12 minis!!
Please dont feel bad.
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