Part 2: I Remember When…

The first time watching a mare (let alone one of my own) foal is an experience one never forgets.

For starters, it’s all about timing. I’d missed out watching any mares foal previously and this time I told myself I’d stay put on the farm until I witnessed at least one mare foal (preferably one of my lovely ladies).

Spring 2009 I arrived about a week after Golden Zen (Fusaichi Pegasus ex Embraceable You (Rodrigo de Triano)) foaled her God’s Own filly.

09 God’s Own ex Golden Zen

The next mare due to foal was Cooberpedy (Desert King ex Tears for Fears (Marscay)) . A mare that holds a special place in my heart as she was the first mare (actually, first horse in general) I signed off on at the sales. She was purchased in foal to Charge Forward and with aHussonet foal at foot. The story of her purchase deserves an “I Remember When…” post on it’s own.

As most mares tend to foal in the middle of the night, I had my warm “foaling appropriate” clothes folded next to the bed in much anticipation of jumping out to watch Cooberpedy foal.

A very pregnant Cooberpedy busting at the seams and feeling rather uncomfortable – Who wouldn’t right?!

For the past few nights she didn’t foal and as well all know, it’s a waiting game. One afternoon while Selena (Manager of Princes Farm)and I were in the office working, Gwen rushed in and said “Selena! I don’t know if there’s something wrong with Su-Ann’s mare but she’s lying down and there’s water coming out of her!”

Selena bolted out of the office and I followed behind her and decided to take a little detour to the house to get my (real and not phone) camera and perhaps change clothing (In the event I suddenly muscled up the courage to assist in the foaling process – Didn’t Happen) and Selena hollered out “There’s no time Su-Ann!! She’s going to have it NOW!”

So I sprinted as fast as I could in wellies and saw a tiny hoof. Selena – super midwife helped the foal out and I, well, I became the official birthing photographer. Within a few short minutes, out popped this filly with a big white blaze and landed in Selena’s lap! All I could think of between camera snaps is – It was honestly a true experience to watch the foaling process and to be able to document it.

Watching this beautiful filly take her first breath with tiny nostrils and her big bright eyes seeing the world for the first time – I was in awe.

Cooberpedy got up not long after to have a nibble at a biscuit of hay nonchalantly, as if she did not just push out a 53kg foal out of her! What a mum! Where as this little lady just wanted to get on with business.

Mission 1: Stand up with a little help from Mama-Pedy

Mission 2: Stand up and show Mama-Pedy how it’s done solo

A lil kiss for a job well done

Mission 3: On the quest for the first drink – missed out on a photo op but she eventually figured it out with a little help from Mama-Pedy.

Mission 4: Get these legs going with some gear action!

Photo ops were made much easier since Cooberpedy foaled in broad daylight and this little filly was in a rush to get all her big missions accomplished within the hour. After watching another mare foal in 2010, Cooberpedy definitely delivered the ‘Disney’ version of an easy foaling! She made it look (relatively) easy!

24 Hours later – the lil lady is already workin’ the camera

Visited the farm mid 09 Spring Carnival and gosh they grow up quick!

Autumn 2010 – Just weaned from Mama-Pedy and still workin’ the camera

Spring 2010 – All grown up in the big girl’s paddock with Golden Zen’s God’s Own filly. <3

In my humble opinion, with much gratitude and thanks to Selena and the team at Princes Farm I feel fortunate to be able to see how one dedicates their everyday life to keep these horses happy and healthy. It’s not just a job but great passion and love for horses entail with what plays such a vital role in the wellbeing of our Thoroughbreds.

note: the uncut version of photos are kept on file – some find the full frontal photos of the birthing process a tad difficult to look at.