Brillaint pictures Karina - really shows an udder making a start, then pausing, then going for it.
Cassie my friend, I'm so sorry that I upset you with my comments about Suzie's pregnancy, I really didn't mean to.
I really admire you. Not only have you taken on a pregnant mare with no real knowledge of her possible dates (would send us all reaching for the tranquelisers, or the bottle) but you have given her a wonderful home. She is lovingly cared for, has everything she can possibly need, you got your Dad to build you those lovely stables, plus here you are struggling to hold it all together as she slowly creeps nearer and nearer to giving you a very special baby. Not to mention the fact that you do all this for Suzie while you are working full time, plus your soccer and church singing, No wonder you are exhausted (and frustrated!) Dont forget that whatever our opinions, and now matter how we think Suzie looks right now, she could fool us all and decide to give us a suprise baby at any time from now on!
There are always ups and downs with breeding. Look at what has happened to Cathy and me this year - Chapella foaling about 5 weeks early (less bag than Suzie) and out in the field, Narcotics doing the exact same thing three days later and we lost a filly foal that was so excitedly wanted as it was a try out breeding with a young stallion. Then there was Mummy, red bag, two weeks before her earliest possible date. Yes she was ready to foal, but remember poor Cathy struggling through those 3+ weeks before Mummy foaled, blaming herself for the loss of Narcotic's filly, doing all the work and trying to snatch snoozes with her head resting on a window ledge, as she had no-one to help. Then of course our other three possible in foalers have all come back into season, but only for a day or two, and they DO look as though they are preggers, but no bags, and as they are now coming up to their due dates, I think we have to say they are empty - or could they go way over their dates like a lot of mares seem to be doing? We are going to start asking our stallions what they think!
We have never had an up and down year like it, but we also know that these things happen. Mares that are pregnant will produce their foals when they are cooked and ready, those that are not pregnant can fool you right up to the last minute. LOL!! No matter how many tests you do (if you do them) the only sure way to know the date that your mare is going to produce her baby is when you see that white bag on its way out with two little feet and a nose within!!
And quite apart from all that, it is thanks to Suzie and Peanut that we have all become friends and I for one have really enjoyed getting to know everyone, hearing their news, seeing their pictures, learning the different ways they like to do things, swopping hints, not to mention the poems, jokes and friendly banter. My life has been full and interesting over the past few weeks simply because of Suzie and Peanut, and I thank them for letting us share in their long journey, I've enjoyed every moment of it.
