In six to eight weeks yet another foal will be born at this Chicagoland ranch and we're ready for it. Lucy, also known as Sassy, for what will soon be obvious reasons, is about to become a mom again and apparently her hormones are creating undue stress, or an attitude disorder at best. The once happy go lucky mare ain't what she used to be. The final weeks of a nine month human pregnancy can be most uncomfortable and most inopportune; horses are pregnant for 11 months, and the extra two must create havoc in horseville.Lucy/Sassy has decided she needs time alone, to reflect on her horse life and prepare her mind for the new little one, albeit 125 pounds at birth. Since horses are herd animals, the need-to-be-alone bit doesn't bode well with the rest of the gang who continue to go about their horse business in a most regular way. When one of her pals gets in her way, or even looks at her in an unpleasant manner, Lucy/Sassy bites, nips, kicks and bares her teeth. To keep her from shaving her head in a Brittany moment, horse clippers and shears have been locked in the garage, as far away from the barn as horsely possible. Extra grain is set aside for Lucy/Sassy to avoid hoarding, hissing and more kicking. Extra hay is distributed to Lucy/Sassy to avoid undue stress brought on by her sudden fear of starvation. And while it is important for her to be large and healthy prior to giving birth (called foaling in horse talk) Lucy is one extremely large pregnant lady, and having birthed three times myself, I can safely judge large pregnant ladies.
In a few weeks a new born foal will again hit the hay, and the photos will be priceless. We're hoping for a filly, though another colt will do, as seen in last year's photo. Stay tuned as Lucy becomes even sassier as her tummy continues to grow.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus
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