Baby Quarter Horse - 2 Weeks

Annie, the two week old American Quarter Horse, continues to grow at a rapid speed. Born three weeks early on February 13, Annie is a beautiful filly who seems to be maturing rapidly. She not only chews both hay and grain but actually swallows both -- an outstanding feat for such a young filly. She is alert and responds well to the human voice, jumping, running, kicking both front and back legs, and then screeching to a halt in front of the on-looker as if to say "look at what I can do now!" Wearing a Weatherbeeta Newborn Blanket since she was two days old, Annie is warm even when Chicago temperatures drop into the teens.

Lucy, Annie's mother, nurtures her baby with regular kisses, nudges and cuddles. When her elder son, the yearling colt named Curly sticks his head in the stall to view his mom and new sister, Lucy is less then cordial and quickly chases him away. One day Curly refused to leave and stood frozen watching his replacement snuggle with his mom. A quick back hoof to the stall wall startled Curly and the message was clear, you're a big boy now so move on. After all, there is a new kid on the block who needs her full attention, and Curly can take care of himself only too well. But that's another story for another day.

Note: The gift baskets were delivered to the neighbors who participated in the horse round-up and they were pleased with their Harry and David Towers of Treats. Sammy remains in the pasture but has acquired new stallion prowess and has begun to bite. Me. No wait -- that was Curly who bit me, Sammy bit the electrician. Such unacceptable actions will need to change soon or these boys will lose their manhood.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Newborn Quarter Horse, Day Two

Watching newborn quarter horse Annie grow is exciting and something to share with anyone who loves animals, especially small ones. Here is Annie and her mom, Lucy (not her registered name) relaxing on her second day in Chicagoland. Still a little wobbly, and still moving slowly as she tests out her legs, she kicks, stretches and nickers.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Baby Steps

As the mother of three adult children I have witnessed several "firsts," first teeth, first steps, and first words -- all special moments when previously new and uncharted experiences became accessible and opened the door to even more discoveries.

Baby horses also hold exciting first moments, as seen in this video of five hour old Annie, an American Quarter horse filly nickering (talking) to her mother, standing, and ever so carefully wobbling towards lunch. A quiet baby sneeze can be heard. Weighing approximately 55 pounds, Annie mimics Mom as she pretends to "eat" hay, though she is only "mouthing" it. Annie also mimics Mom as she nickers in response to another horse. Though appearing thin and frail, Annie is exceptionally alert at five hours post delivery. Happy birth day, Annie.

Video attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Lucy Delivers!

After a lengthy eleven month long pregnancy, eight year old Lucy delivered a bouncing baby girl this afternoon, February 13, 2008. The baby appears to weigh between 55 to 65 pounds, and is healthy and nursing. With long eyelashes and a long curly tail, she is a bay now (dark brown with a black mane and tail) but she will turn grey. This is one newborn photo you don't often get to view.

Heatlamps are in place to warm the air in this Chicagoland barn, and both mother and un-named baby are eating hay and grain. For those wondering what happens next, here's the plan: mother and baby will remain in the barn until the weather changes and the outside temperature is at least 40 degrees. Mom and baby will venture outside for a short ten to twenty minute stint, away from the other horses who might be a tad too inquisitive, but within sight. Each day will be a new adventure for this little lady and now I can tell you, I really was hoping for a filly.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus