New Moon, New Life

Last night was a new moon and somehow excitement was in the air. When I woke this morning I had an urge to get up right away to look out my window. When I did I saw something like this...
Of course what I saw was from a different angle and I couldn't see it clearly. Still, I knew what I was looking at. I grabbed the phone and called Carolyn. When I told her that her mare had foaled she had a bunch of questions. Not wanting to take the time to answer questions I just told her, "You had best get yourself over here and see!" I hung up the phone, put on my slippers and hurried out to get a closer look.

The colt was still wet at 8:30 a.m. when I first saw him. Bell was diligently working on cleaning him up and drying him off. We estimate that he was probably born about 7:00 a.m. (maybe closer to 7:30 a.m.). I started taking pictures about 9:30 a.m. so even though Bell is still being very attentive, the colt is pretty much dry.



















Bell was all business all morning. She kept her colt close to her side and away from everyone and everything else.
























Bell finally relaxed a little and had some breakfast, but not before the colt had nursed and was pretty steady on his feet.



























Then it was time for introductions. O.D. is in the round pen with Bell and her colt. Bell doesn't mind this at all because O.D. keeps a respectful distance.







Bell also lets Lady get in a sniff or two and doesn't seem to mind as Max watches from a distance, as long as they are on the other side of the fence that is.



















When it comes to the boys, that is a different story altogether. Other side of the fence or not Bell pins her ears back and shakes her head as if to say, "Don't even think about it... just keep moving". She turns her back to the fence and offers up a token kick or two to emphasize that she means business. Keno has decided to keep a respectful distance.


Walker, however, keeps trying to sneak in closer to get a peek. He is quickly put in his place and he too must find satisfaction with watching from a distance.














Bell had a little trouble cleaning out, (expelling the placenta). At 12:30 p.m. she still had not accomplished this. Carolyn made the decision to go to the vet clinic and get some oxytocin to induce contractions so Bell could clean out. Well, Bell must have suspected something. When we got back, just as I was getting ready to go in and give her a shot, she started pushing and out it all came! Yeah for Bell... and quite a relief for me I might add. So, that was the last of it. Birth is over and a new life begins. Bell had a beautiful colt and has proven to be a really good mother.

Now the FUN begins! TTFN :)