The Castle Rock MARE-TERNITY WARD
Message Boards => Foaling Questions & Help => Topic started by: Holly on April 24, 2016, 05:03:14 PM
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I only have one mare left to foal this year, Her name is WayCross Saving Grace. She is a Gypsy Vanner x Arabian mare. She is in foal to my former stallion Heritage Halls Hy Priority, a Sec A welsh Mountain pony from old welsh lines. Grace is either 306 or 268 days, I have her on barn cam at night. She is a maiden, has had some udder development, that comes and goes, has some edema, lost some mucus plug, and has us all scratching our heads. :o
I havent figured out how to add pictures yet! But will upload when I do!
Barn Cam Link :
http://holly.camstreams.com/
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Holly, don't forget to post the link to your cam here! I want to keep watching Grace!!!
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Welcome. Can't wait to see.
we'll get this new forum figured out pretty quick.
So far, I've only seen the quick reply, but if you click on preview, when it reloads there is a box to load pics from computer. [Ok, it says attachments and other options, click it and then the options pop up.]
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Love my Grace!
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Yes, she is so beautiful!!!!
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Pretty girl.
Can't wait to see what she has for you.
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Hi Holly, what a gorgeous mare, I look forward to helping watch her at night.
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Thank you! She has the sweetest personality to match!
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New tummy pics!
Either 268 or 306 today :)
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She is soooo pretty Holly!!
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Thank you,
I am pretty confused as to how far along she really is, she has some udder development, not much, some edema, and has lost some mucus plug.
But not enough udder to make me on high alert, though I check constantly as she is a maiden... I do have colostrum on hand, just in case...
IF she is 306 days the stallion is either Riot,our former welsh A , or a miniature named sandman, who is LP/LP, PTN1/PATN1... guess that would be obvious, LOL Though I never saw her breed either...but she was around them both...
If 268 days she will be in foal to Riot, the welsh A.
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Oh wow! We have a chance for SPOTS !!!! Fabulous!
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Grace is on Barn Cam every night now, If yall are bored... She insists on her stall between 5 & 6 pm. ( Houston Texas Time)
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How cute! And you KNOW we MUST OBEY !!! LOL
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I had her up during the night, she had a nice long rest and then stood quietly. Do you want to give me your phone number so I can call you if I see anything happening?
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Yes! I will add my phone # to my siggy just in case.
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Holly the mare in your profile looks like my Holly...oh I do hope she is neater than my Holly who has never slept in a clean bed and its not because of the maid that's for sure. Is there a place to watch your momma?
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Heidi, she put the link to her cam in her signature: http://holly.camstreams.com/
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thank you diane....still trying to find my way around!!
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We're all on a learning curve!!
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We're all on a learning curve!!
And, nothing but time waiting for these girls to pop to learn. We'll all get there.
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The mare I am waiting on is a Gypsy Vanner Arabia, the one in my siggy is a mini stallion. I put him on cam also, I dont think Grace is very close so might as well see what Digby does at night too!
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I can already tell it will be a fun cam to watch.....hey Diane, can you tell the color of the water bucket.....heheheh
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When Grace gets closer I will open up live chat on the barn cam site... I cant wait to see this foal!
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I remember the water buckets! And the stuffed man in the stall! You'll have to tell people about all the antics you did to keep us laughing!!
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Please do!!
Ive danced for people before... with a poop rake...Lol...ahhhh good times!
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If I remember correctly the name of the former Nursery had something to do with Heidi!! >:(
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2.15 am and all is quiet. They are both just standing quietly.
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6.00 am and all is quiet and sleepy! :)
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:D
Look at that nice little tummy Grace has!!
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Oh my, looks like Grace is using her poo for a pillow again...LOL
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Yep she sure was, I am soooo glad it isn't me cleaning her today. lol Got to love the greys!
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Only cause she knows your watching Holly ;D
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Holly the cam isn't streaming
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Hi Holly - just got here so hoping to glimpse your gorgeous Grace but the cam is still not connecting - hope everything is ok?
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Sorry yall!
Ive been so busy the last few days, my son is leaving home, moving into a rent house with his friends... (thankfully the rent house is one freinds moms and on her property, and, lol, only 5 minutes away!!) Anyway being that I am kind of a germ a phobiac Ive been bleaching and scrubbing for 3 days straight....
So grace has had to stay outside at night in the pasture with everyone and yea she isnt speaking to me right now lol...
The good news is Digby has settled right in and everyone gets along wonderfully!
I am home today, so Grace and Digby will be back on cam tonight...
Grace has had no more mucus, udder back down, so I am really thinking she is bred on her last covering... I believe she is 274 days ...So we are getting ever closer!IF she happens to be bred from the cycle before she is 312.
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Oh I'm so glad everything is okay! We'll be watching her tonight, then!!
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Thanks for the update Holly, I dread that moment coming when my eldest will leave. Sending hugs your way.
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New p[ics of a half shave Cupid in a Tuxedo, aka Tux, Kates welsh colt... going on 3 months old now!!
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Even with a half clip, he's just as beautiful as I thought he would be! You should post a couple of baby pictures so Anna can see how stunning he was as a newborn!!!
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Yes, please do Holly.
2.46 am and all is quiet
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Oh yes please Holly.
Hi Renee!
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Morning Anna, how are you today? Did you have a good weekend?
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Quiet but round here that means peaceful LOL! Hope all is well with you?
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All is good, we had a busy weekend clearing out upstairs, Matteo has decided he needs his own room. So far upstairs was just used for storage which is a terrible idea as stuff just builds up. Anyway today he will paint his new room and tomorrow move in. I will post some pics when it is finished.
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Oh I know all about 'stuff' building up - trying to move out of the farmhouse here two years ago you would not believe what needed to be shifted/thrown away after 10 years of occupation! Luckily there were two big old (but waterproof) mobile homes elsewhere on our land so we have filled them with all our furniture/household equipment/what needed to be retained, and there it all sits waiting for the new home. Of course we cant find anything so 'make do' until it can all be unloaded again.
Hope Matteo has some 'suitable' colours in mind for his painting. :) Have a good day my friend, I'm off to do some outside work now - in the rain!!
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Have a good day and don't get wet. :-*
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Yall have a good day! Its raining here AGAIN! Ponies are in their stalls today , because of the rain....
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Grace will be 318 or 280 days tomorrow, I guess I am leaning on 280, her udder has decreased a lot , no more mucus and she just doesnt seem like 318 days, as she is not near miserable enough!
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That's just fine. I just love watching her!! Such a pretty girl!!!
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Thank you!!
Katie and Digby spent the night together in the 12 x 12 stall, had a few fits on and off but did very well.
I got a fan hung in Graces stall going to add one for the minis. I am hoping to get a hallway built on the barn before winter and will add on another stall when we do it...
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Grace is between 281 & 319 days . I am starting to notice, she is loosing tone in her tail head area, no changes in her udder.
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Tonights pics, for record
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Looking good!
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Grace has been rolling all day, wanted in her stall so badly that she pawed and paced the pasture gate. I let her in and she ran to her stall...So she is back on cam. Switched so cam is only on her.
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Saw you plaiting her mane. Such a pretty BIG girl-- very wide, it looks!! She looks great! So, maybe she's closer to the 325 days??
Are there any other signs she's getting close? She looks like her personality has become quite dependent on you, standing there with you hands on her head, and her just resting quietly at the feeder and then following you over where you were cleaning out her stall! What a change!!
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She is very puppy dog like, but today she is just out of sorts! Doesnt want to leave stall, Scared of fly spray, not grazing much, just seems miserable.
She looks wider than her norm so perhaps the foal is in an uncomfortable position for her.
I wish I knew for sure exactly how far along she is.
I just know she is either 320 or 282 today. I dont know if you can tell on barn cam but her tail head is starting to relax and Ive had to increase her intake again as her topline started to pull down a bit. nice covering on her ribs so just added another 3 lbs of burmuda/ alfalfa pellets ( soaked)
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Just checked again, no udder changes, still seems out of sorts, eating fine. A bit sweaty, fan is on.
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Is she a maiden? sorry I can't remember?
2.005 am and all is quiet, the only action is coming from the spider on the lens. lol
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Yes, she's a maiden.
Wanted to share a picture of her, I am guessing this is her thoughts on late term pregnancy... Lol.
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Cute picture!!!
Lots of butt pushing going on, but generally quiet.
So pretty. I can't wait!
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Udder up a bit this morning. Vulva looking more relaxed. She is still in a funky mood. Heavy wet poop last night.
Going to let her have access to her stall all day.So cam will be on.
Poor Sweet Momma....
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Oh she's looking very good! Nice elongation going on there!!
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Udder still about the same as this am, she has chosen to stay in her stall most of the day. She is very clingy, uncomfortable and just plain miserable! I feel so bad for her!
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Graces udder staying about the same. She did a lot of rubbing and pressing last night.
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And little Katie is in heat! Here is hoping she will settle!
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;pray
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Graces udder up quite a bit this am. Not as noticeable in pictures as in person... Starting to make good changes!
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No new changes today.
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Well, while we're waiting on her, we have 2 new little ones just today!!
I can't wait to see what she's hiding, when the time is right. She's so pretty, and your stallion was just such a handsome guy!
Do you still have him, or did I read he's gone or gelded now?
~~Diane
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Day 287! Same lil ole udder, no changes... except she keeps getting bigger :)
Yes I sold my stallion. My large mares need some time off, and IF and when I decide to breed them again I have a friend with a double dilute Stallion I can breed to. He is also welsh and quite the looker. But alas it will be a couple of years!
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Graces udder is staying up in a fullish little udder. Her calcium us rising it's at 400. PH super high. Still think we have a ways to go. But she is a maiden!!289-330 days.
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Sorry here is a pic.
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I agree, it appears she has a ways to go, but as you said -- with these maidens you can never be sure, so it's smart to just watch her on cam -- which we are very happy to do!!!
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So excited!! We are at least 290 days!!!
The count down begins!!
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and the countdown begins ;D
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Does this picture make my tummy look Big? LOL
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Yes, especially when you click on it and it fills the screen!!! ;D
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Poor girl!
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Awww bless her!
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Grace rolled a lot last night, all in her poo so she needs a bath, but its pouring out so will have to wait til tomorrow.
Meanwhile her udder also grew a lot last night. I will try to get pictures when there is a break in the weather.
Got her stall re bedded so its thick and comfy for her...
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ok here is the udder pic, and just one of her looking out her window in the stall...
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Looking great!
I tried keeping banner and goldie together, but she pesters him so much after hes already done the deed that he starts bucking shes just such a hoe!
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Oh, I love that braiding on her tail! Just so classic!
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Grace so fits her name! What a beautiful pic of her in her stall!!
How long can you leave that type of braid in her tail? I couldn't ever leave mine braided like that - they'd destroy the braid (and their tails in the process). Such a lovely braid job, too...
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Grace so fits her name! What a beautiful pic of her in her stall!!
How long can you leave that type of braid in her tail? I couldn't ever leave mine braided like that - they'd destroy the braid (and their tails in the process). Such a lovely braid job, too...
Goldie has had a MUCH less elegant braid for about two days, now its at the point of needing done again. I can't braid that nicely.
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well I was a hair dresser for over 20 years, so any hair is super easy for me to do. Graces braids stay in 1-2 weeks. I do take it down let it flow free for a day or 2 then rebraid it.
Right now its very dirty so doesnt look nearly as nice as when its washed conditioned and rebraided.
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:O it looks immaculate! Show ready! I need to learn it lol
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Grace so fits her name! What a beautiful pic of her in her stall!!
How long can you leave that type of braid in her tail? I couldn't ever leave mine braided like that - they'd destroy the braid (and their tails in the process). Such a lovely braid job, too...
Goldie has had a MUCH less elegant braid for about two days, now its at the point of needing done again. I can't braid that nicely.
The secret to braiding this type is to only use 1/2 inch square sections from next to the hairless area on the tail. Never use the entire hair as it will become to thick, and wont stay tight. Tight but not to tight as the hair underneath stays down and flat...braid down the tail taking 1/2 inch square sections ( next to hairless area, until the hair starts to go all the way around the tail, then stop adding sections and just braid the rest of the hair you have picked up already.
Then if you want to add start a new section doing the same thing but taking your sections from the back of the tail. let the first braid stay down with the unused hair, braid right over it. then when you get to the bottom of the tail, stop the sections and braid the rest of the hair again.
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Hope that made sense!
;D
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Ok Need yalls thoughts...
Grace is either 332 or 294 days....
In the past few days Ive noticed her tail head was really starting to soften.
her vulva seems semi elongated and udder hasnt changed much. She is a maiden... so no clue really on what she will do... But I am a bit anxious wondering if I should be watching her closer, because of the difference in her tail head and her tummy has dropped more too....
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I would be watching her closely, as I'm thinking she's more in the "going to foal within the month" range -- so leaning more towards the 332 side. I'm never concerned about udders, it's always a pleasant surprise to me when they grow them for the first time, which gives us a sign the 2nd year that we can go by. But these maidens are so tricky, you just can't count on them for reading the book AT ALL!!
Especially, if you're noticing other signs, I'd be careful and start watching her more for any new changes. Is baby lining up? She still looks pretty "full", but we know how quickly that can change with some good rolling. Have you noticed any change in her pH? I know you test milk, and just wondering if there has been a change in that at all?
Keep us posted. I think she's got some time to go, but she is moving ahead, that's for sure!
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She's been laying down sternal, and very interested in her own tummy! If she was a dog, I'd say she was grooming herself! LOL
Nice and round, and no suspicious cow patties, but looking very good!!
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Thank you! I talked to my friends that own her mother. They said her mom never gets a big udder, not much more than what Grace has now. And that she never showed much in the way of signs or foaling. So I have decided to start watching her til midnight, then have friend that will take over early when she wakes up. I appreciate all eyes! Maidens can be so sneaky!!
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Once Renée is back on line tomorrow, she's in Italy, and generally is able to watch most of 'our' night, because of the time change. And she loves watching!
I'm up and down all night, sleeping only about 3 hours, so I'll be checking on her, too!
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Thanks so much.... this will be my last riot foal!
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Day 333 or 295
hard to tell from pictures but udder is a bit bigger.
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Yes, less wrinkles!! So, I know they say 4-6 weeks from start of udder development to foaling, but that never worked for me very well. The longest time for me was a "short" 4 weeks, and she's been moving ahead steadily, so maybe just a couple of weeks or so. You'll have to keep us updated on the behaviors we can't see on the cam, or might miss, but this is getting very exciting now, especially since we know her dam didn't get much of an udder at all!!
Come on Gracie!!
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Its been difficult with Grace for a while now, with her passing mucus plug a month ago, having udder development for several months... I just dont know what to expect! Crazy Mares!! Her udder was up a bit more so I put her out to get some exercise. I expect it to be down when I put her in tonight. She just doesnt want to leave her stall... but she needs to move and roll.
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Just standing quietly, swishing her tail!!
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Tail head looser udder same...
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Hi Holly, I am back online and as Diane says I love to watch the girls during the night. Right now it is 2.30 am and all is quiet.
I agree about not relying on a maiden's udder, there are other signs that are more reliable. Tail head loosening, hooha elongating and shape of tummy are better signs to watch for.
Take a pic of her hooha (just move her tail to one side gently as to not cause her to tense up.) and then again in a few days. Once you put the photos side by side it makes it much easier to compare.
This is getting exciting ;D
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She looks about the same this morning... reluctant to go out to graze , but she went... I am watching her from house as she moves about pasture...
I still feel like we are close to the 296 date, and feel like we have about a month left...
I appreciate very much your watching her Renee. I am doing 12 midnight checks before I head to bed...
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We'll hope you're right, but as we've all said, these maidens can be very tricky, and it pays to watch carefully! She nice and large, and quite round, so baby not ready yet, but you just never know!!
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I totally agree!
I made her go outside today and she stood at her stall door most of the day. Grazed maybe 2 hrs total of 8 hrs. So shes back in.
udder no different, she rolled in the mud so brushed her out and going to invest in more fly spray tomorrow...
Poor girl is just miserable!
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I've been watching her on cam. She doesn't look as "round" to me as usual. Is baby still laying the same? Maybe it's the cam angle. Just wondering!
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I agree...udder went way down tonight....back up soon I am sure!
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Still down this am, baby riding wide. Still reluctant to leave stall, had to kick her out for some exercise...
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Glad to know she's still wide! She just looked a bit slimmer yesterday, and I was wondering if it was the camera angle, and I guess it was!!
Funny that she's become such a couch potatoe!
~~Diane
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She is so out of sorts!! She stands at her stall door all day long. She just wants in! I dont know what else to do but let her in lol
::)
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Hard to know what to do. Never had one do that before, so I'm sorry, but no help. Meanwhile, we'll just keep watching!!
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Sugar is the same way ! She only wants put for half hour of munching and then right at the back door asking to.come in to be lazy lol
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Perhaps it's a comfort thing, she feels comfortable and safe in her stall, so that's where she wants to be.
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I think so too.she is content in there, it's hot, she has a fan so it's cooler in her stall.
I have new pics her udder is still down but her tail head seems loose to me. Does it look more relaxed to y'all?
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cam isn't streaming :'(
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Must have gone off during the night, will be back on this evening.
Her udder is back up today.
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Do yall ever notice your mares entire topline relaxing? Ive not noticed opn any mare Ive had before, But since Grace has started to relax around her tailhead her entire topline has started dropping. She has excellent rib coverage, and Ive increased her feed, so I dont think its an intake issue. She is a large mare, gets her Nutrena Empower Balance, 1 scoop soaked alfalfa pellets( 3 lbs), twice daily, as well as turn out and unrestricted grass hay intake.
I upped her alfalfa intake not long ago when I noticed it, perhaps she needs a bit more? Or has anyone had a mare do this when close to foaling? I am so used to Kate miss rolly polly.
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Ok I tried to get pictures but it isnt very noticeable, however on cam I can see it more, I guess because the shadow, its not really terrible in person.
Anyway here are the pictures from this aftrenoon
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Several of my mini mares were up to 3-4 pounds of feed (Omolene 300 Mare/Foal feed) in their last month or so, PLUS all the alfalfa they could eat, I never left them without something to chew, especially overnight. So, since she's a LOT bigger than a mini, I'd try increasing her feed a bit more. Remember, this last month is when the baby puts on all it's weight and is filling out, so it's sapping mom's nutrition from her. Can't hurt to try and see if she improves at all.
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Tana looked drug down before she foaled, a bit ribby and her spine a bit too noticeable; but almost as soon as Spotty hit the ground while slim she's not as ribby nor does her spine seem as prominent. I did add some senior to her daily ration, and she gets an extra serving of hay pellets (which I'll be swapping for complete feed, once these bags are gone, as I don't want to be driving 150 miles one way to stock up, so I'm switching over to just feeds I can get locally and trying to simplify my life; just wish I had better selection locally, but we'll be fine).
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Charm just looks huge all over. Lol
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Ok so she gets 6 lbs of soaked alfalfa pellets ( weighed before soaking) the balance, which is a ration balancer per her weight, and I am giving her 1500 lb dose as she is bred, plus 1/2-3/4 bale of hay daily...I can add in a scoop of "grain" on top of the balance, but cant increase it more. The question is what Grain to add? I could add a mix of oats chopped corn blend. I can start to add it to her ration slowly, dont want her to colic.
her topline seems prominent, but no ribs showing and a good layer over them.
Just seems she is melting from the top...
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OMGosh, I just opened a new bag of "alfalfa" pellets and I think I figured out the problem! They are NOT alfalfa, they are alfalfa/ burmuda.... My Bad!
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She is just a beautiful colour! What does the sire she was bred to look like again ? I can't wait to see what her foal looks like!
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OMGosh, I just opened a new bag of "alfalfa" pellets and I think I figured out the problem! They are NOT alfalfa, they are alfalfa/ burmuda.... My Bad!
That could explain it, the blend would have lower protein than straight alfalfa. It takes protein to build the topline.
Mine are getting a blend, but then, mine are usually somewhat easy keepers (and to simplify my life they'll be changed over to a mix of complete pellet and alfalfa pellet, so I don't have to try to track down grass pellets any more, not available locally).
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OMGosh, I just opened a new bag of "alfalfa" pellets and I think I figured out the problem! They are NOT alfalfa, they are alfalfa/ burmuda.... My Bad!
Yes, lower in the protein, so glad you were able to figure it out!! I'd try the alfalfa, and see if that doesn't solve her topline a bit.
I can hardly wait to see this little one!!! You need to post a picture of that handsome daddy for everyone to see. That is/was one handsome boy!!! (Did you sell him? or geld him? -- I can't remember....DUH!)
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I sold him! He has gone on to produce more welsh & 1/2 welsh foals.
Here He is, Heritage Halls Hy Priority, aka Riot, Sec A welsh Mountain pony
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Oh he's really handsome ! Almost looks like a toy horse in that picture because of how great he looks! Should be a pretty foal :)
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Thank you... :D
So today is day 300 or 338.
Graces udder is up, Vulva relaxing more but not red. Tummy still wide and low.
had some soft poo in the stall. T storms and flooding so she is stalled. Poor Ponies...
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She is looking good to me.
I just loved Riot. I wish, when you mentioned him to me, I could have done something - but it just wasn't able to work out. Plus I really didn't want a bay stallion - BIG GRIN. I have bays, I LOVE bays - I just didn't want a bay stallion (can't give any other reason, 'cuz there isn't one). AND it sounds like you got him a great breeding home - in the Welsh world which I wouldn't have been able to do o much (a proven welsh stallion might have worked, but that's uncertain. I know of two Welsh stallions well proven in both the Welsh show rings and the open H/J show rings that haven't been able to get the breedings here. Both went to different states - and then were getting mares again, LOL).
I've been in a bit of a dither w/ things going on here... Didn't realize TX was getting more rain! Our middle daughter woke me up @ 1 am this morn to fuss about the forecast on Sat June 4th - rain. Her wedding is supposed to be outside at our local State Park... While I'm praying for rain in general - I want to pray for NO RAIN on the 4th of June...
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Okay, we'll pray for NO RAIN on the 4th of June. I'll be happy to take all the rain on my birthday, on the 6th!! To me, it's better than the Florida heat!!
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Yes its raining AGAIN, 6 + inches in the past 24 hrs, we are living on the center of a lake right now, Graces stall floor is damp AGAIN. She looks to have cow patties too, so when the weather gives me a break I am headed down to check her and try to clean her stall. Going to have to do another major cleanout when this rain stops...AGAIN
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Hopefully your rain stops soon! Keep us posted on grace!
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Soft poo coupled with not much eating today.knowint her mom didn't develop much of an udder both times they foaled her, I feel like I may not get an opportunity to me ok test so I am starting to watch her closer
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I think there's a race between you and Chanda! All these ladies are moving ahead quickly!! ;pray ;pray ;pray
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no changes that I see today... 3-4 weeks is my guess!
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Udder up a bit more! Lots of tail lifting and circling last night.
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Awesome!
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Good news!! Come on Gracie!
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Spent the day out grazing after several days inside due to rain and flooding.
Got a nice hose down, and back in for the night... udder still up!
Def no where near what I consider a foaling udder, but who knows what she will do, so I got me a nap and will feed at dark, then check again at midnight.
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Keep us posted!
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So got fluid and it was clear but pretty darn sticky...
Vulva relaxed and red inside....
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She's really pretty! Excited to see what cookin in there :)
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Udder getting bigger and tight! pH still 8.4...
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2.00 am and she is getting room service with a photo shoot. I am looking forward to hearing the update.
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😃...
Udder is even bigger. Vulva still long and red.still testing 8.4.
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Thanks Holly
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OK, Grace. What's it gonna be?
She looks good Holly. Glad that the rain hasn't completely flooded you guys out like some! I was amazed at some of the flooding.
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Morning yall!
I am very thankful we didnt get it as bad. It is just terrible!
Graces udder has doubled in the past 24 hrs. Her vulva is relaxed and still red... its starting to feel very stretchy. Milk 8.4 still
My plans are to stick as close to home as possible... No memorial day plans for me!
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And THAT sounds like a great plan in itself! We know these girls can drop to foaling in one day! Keep us posted, and we'll all be anxiously watching and waiting!!
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Sorry meant to add pics!!
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Thanks!! She's looking good -- and just standing and eating, the way she should!! LOL
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Every check its bigger!
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Well she seems to have reached a plateau. No changes since last update. Phew!
Milk is clear but very sticky when almost dried, still feels watery when wet. Still 8.4.ph.
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Shes looking good Holly :)
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Thanks y'all. Last check no changes in udder size. Vulva still relaxed and red. pH started at 7.5 but went to 8.4.
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3am update. Udder almost a foaling udder, not quite there. pH 8.4. vulva a bit tighter. Going to check again around 6 am.
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all is quiet at 4.00am
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Resting quietly at 5:43 ! Your chat feature doesn't seem to be on this morning.
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Udder back down, vulva tight and pink...let her out all day, sh bucked and ran around.....looks months away again!😂
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Haha Grace wants to keep you on your toes!
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She looks happy right now, belly is fat at the back. Shes playing you!!!!
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quietly munching at 1.45 am. These girls sure like to tease!!
3.00 am and she is out flat and snoring.
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Udder different looking...vulva relaxing again back to red. pH started at 7.5 slowly went to 8.4... milk a bit thicker and sticky.
Due for more rain so Grace in stall again today. Not that she minds!!
What are y'all thoughts?
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Maybe time to get more serious about watching Grace....
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Graces udder has stayed up last n9ight and all of today, milk getting stickier, less watery more oily.
She is MISERABLE and stands in the corner. Sleeping a lot. She hasnt eaten much in 2 days...
Her udder sticks out between her back legs and goes up top her vulva. Vulva long and red.
I will get new pictures tonight at feeding time.
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Ooooooooh!
I wasn't able to access the camera last night :( I'll try again tonight
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Sounds like she's getting close!! Can't wait to see what she gives you!
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Best of Luck Holly , sounding like she getting close :)
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Just checking on her, and she sure looks uncomfortable. Baby seems to be "poking out" sideways, so I'll be looking to see if she does some rolling to get this little one lined up!
Poor momma. But sure is getting exciting!!!
;pray ;pray
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Just quietly standing around each time I check on her. Poor girl!!
But we're praying for a happy and uneventful birth of this special little one!! Can't wait to see him/her!
;pray ;pray
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No changes this morning at 10 am.
Its raining AGAIN... Starting to wonder if its ever going to stop....
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Holly, I think you're safe! I hear that WE are going to get all your rain this weekend, so hopefully it will dry up there, as we prepare for the flooding here!
June starts our rainy season, but I'm sure NOT looking forward to the torrential rains they say will start on Sunday here. They've already said to expect flooding, and steady, torrential rains. YUCK!!
Meanwhile, I'll be looking to hear that things have let up a bit for you, and the rain has gone away a bit for you!
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Hasnt been as rainy today, the flooding here at our home is less. I am so greatful. We do have some pasture available... Though Grace still didnt go out much...
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No, she sure has been a "home-body" !! LOL
But, I expect she will be out running that little one around when it finally arrives!!!
Come on Gracie! We're all anxious to see this special little one!!
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I was out early to do chores this morning, as the farrier came at 7am; anyway, I opened the pasture gate before he arrived, and when he left an hour later, the mares and babies still hadn't gone out yet. About a half hour after he left I saw the mares finally heading out to graze. Goofy girls.
[FYI: I'm here and read everyday, but don't always post. Sometimes I just don't have anything to say. ??? ]
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Just did morning check and she's happily eating away. Still pregnant!
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Ok milk has gotten thicker and stickier. pH 8.4 cal is rising.
Udder grew in 5 hrs... first pic is 10pm second is 3 am
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She's doing great!!! Can't wait and getting more and more excited to see what she's hiding!
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So at 10 am Graces udder looked and tested same. She is stocking up in her back legs so I turned her 0out in the yard with the horses to get her moving. That way I can see if her udder goes back down. She is still wide so I suspect it may be edema.
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What's edema please?
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Edema is basically fluid retention. It happens a lot in end stage pregnancy. My mare Kate usually gets it on her belly,just a swollen area along her underside of belly.
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Also, lots of times we'll see it in front of an udder, especially in maiden mares that have never "grown" an udder before. The swelling seems to be in front of the udder -- instead of 'IN" the udder. But this naturally seems to disappear as the udder begins to fill.
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Sugar has a bit of edema too right now on her lower belly and in front of her udder.
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I think a visual is helpful....
Here is Kate a few weeks from foaling, you can see the strip of edema along the bottom of her tummy. It starts at her udder and travels almost all the way to her armpit, making her belly appear lower than it really is.
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Had some good turn out yesterday, and Grace is out again today, so glad the flood waters have subsided but we are still very muddy.
Grace udder is staying about the same , vulva tight again, and pink.
Milk has turned thicker and stickier but still 8.4. Day 309!
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She's doing GREAT....although a bit frustrating! LOL
But we know that special "little" one will get here when it's time!! Come on Grace!! We can hardly wait!
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Oh I see. Charms for edema then too!
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Ph still 8.4. Calcium went back down a bit, But Her milk is much thicker and stickier....
309, so wont hurt my feelings to see her hang on a few more weeks!
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Good morning Yall.
Graces milk is thick and sticky! Calcium is ready! Ph still 8.4 though. Doing a lot of butt rubbing, and refuses to stay out of her stall. Vulva still going between relaxed and tight , red and pink.
Knowing her Mother didnt get much of an udder, and changed very quickly, foaling with little to no warning I feel like I really need to be on serious foal watch now. Any and all help appreciated!!
Chat will be kept on,( hopefully we wont get to many trolls and rude comments on chat! )
Please Text me either by FB or phone number if you see her doping anything suspicious! I would much prefer false alarms over missing the foaling!
713 775 2285
With that said she is a maiden and could still hold on another few weeks...
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So exciting ! Best of luck to Grace!
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Yes, those maidens can be a bit frustrating, but I'll be watching all I can!!!
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Best of luck Holly :)
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It won't be long now hopefully. I will try and keep my eye on her as much as possible for you at night.
1.40 am and she is quietly munching.
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Thank you Renee!
I really appreciate all yalls help!
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Milk so sticky never felt it this sticky and not be close to colostrum. Still 8.4.ph.....calcium ready range...
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Sounding promising Holly , sorry I cant watch but im extra excited to see what she has been preparing for you.
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, sorry I cant watch but im extra excited to see what she has been preparing for you.
Me, too.
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2.10 am and I am here for the next few hours.
4.00am and all is good but she does seem more restless tonight.
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Milk even stickier... udder smaller, ph still 8.4... Crazy!
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She is one frustrating lady!!
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Ok so i think her tummy has dropped.... She looks less wide to me, and looks lower too, what do yall think?
also including tonights udder pic. Milk still super sticky, and ph 8.4, calcium still reads ready.
First tummy pic from before second is tonight
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Thanks for the pics, yes it looks like her tummy has dropped but it looks like baby's bum is still sitting backwards. Not long to go now though.
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Moving ahead, and I agree, Renee. A little more....Come on Grace!
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Come on Grace , best wishes Holly ;pray
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Thankies Yall!!
No changes today, But I did get out and give Grace a good scrubbing, washed all her girlie bits real good. Needs a clean up on her hooves and we will be ready to go!
I love when her mane is clean its so soft!
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She's so pretty -- just standing in the stall. I sneaked a peek at her today, and she was just standing quietly then too.
Come on Grace. Aren't you just a LITTLE tired of just standing around?? We're all ready to see this little one!!
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Definitely dropped!
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I check on all these mares just as often as I check mine out in the barn! Good luck Grace <3
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Yes, we are a "watching" bunch!! ::)
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Well her udder is back up today... maybe were on the final approach!
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Maybe!
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She's holding her tail up a lot more!
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I'd hate to have your feed bill!! LOL All I ever catch her doing is eating!!! Gotta love these mares!!!
She is looking good, and steady progression is good, but frustrating! But we want healthy little ones, so eat momma....eat!!
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Lol....yes I go through a bale of hay daily. plus I feed nutrena empower balance....it's been hard because we have a lot of damage to our pasture from the flooding so not much grazing available right now....
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How much does hay/feed/ straw cost everyone? I was looking at all the different places you guys were all from and wondered if there was a difference in price.
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How much does hay/feed/ straw cost everyone? I was looking at all the different places you guys were all from and wondered if there was a difference in price.
I pay $100-120/ton for small squares of grass hay, they are about 70-75# bales. Don't use straw. Bagged shavings and wood pellets are $6-7/bag. My main feed is $15/bag and $18/bag, the senior is I think $15 (I need to switch brands, this one isn't working for my stallion, the other brands available locally are around $25/bag).
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That sounds pretty close to what I pay. I was just curious lol I know our hay jumped a few years back when all the farmers had a bad year but it hasn't went back down to the old price.
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That sounds pretty close to what I pay. I was just curious lol I know our hay jumped a few years back when all the farmers had a bad year but it hasn't went back down to the old price.
I've heard of prices up to $200/ton in the western half of the state.
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I pay by the bale here, its $8.50-$10.00 a square bale. Rounds are cheaper, but a lot more waste.
My Nutrena Empower balance is $28.00 a 40lb bag, but they only get a small amount as its a ration ballencer.
Right now Ive added in a cheap sweet just to give Grace something to munch while I pick poop and check her. I also give alfalfa hay @ $18.00 a sq bale... Couple small flakes a day.
In other news Graces udder is up more (again) and can only get a few drops but its turned cloudy and very very sticky, still tests 8.4 ph! Also Looks like she is passing mucus plug again, in much smaller amounts, her vulva is crusty and very sticky....
Day 316!
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Sounds very exciting!
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Holy moly 10 a bale?? Yeah i pay by the bale here too but only $5 a bale though! and I thought that was alot! They used to only be $3Lol my feed bags are close to what Chanda pays though.
Keep up the progress grace!
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Since I don't have any horses here any more (they are pastured about an hour away since I'm not breeding anymore and had such economy troubles, I was paying $24 / bale for alfalfa, and the two Purina feeds I was using (Omolene 300 & Senior feed) were both about $24-25 bag. I'd hate to think what they are now, but I think I'll call and ask, just to see on Monday. And this was several years ago.
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Oh my gosh! Definitely not going to complain about paying $5 a bale then! And $5 gets me the alfalfa or grass, our neighbour's down the road charge us the same for either.
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Don't forget to mention the size of those bales...
Some areas only put up 50-70# bales at those under $10/bale prices. Usually when I've seen someone quote $20/bale and up, they've been the 3-twine 100#-120# bales. Just saying...
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1.45 am and she is down sternal resting
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Not sure what time it is there but she's still down looking very uncomfortable lol keeps looking to her belly and flicking her tail.
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Of course, and I sneak out there to look while I'm at work......AND SHE'S EATING AGAIN!!!
:o
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She did a lot of butt rubbing/ pressing last night! udder up more no milk to test.
Day 317!
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2.00 am and all is quiet. She is eating of course. lol She looks lovely and clean, did she have a spa day today?
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For the very first time, I checked her and she wasn't eating!! Laying quietly sternal and sleeping!!
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She had loose poop in her stall this morning! her udder is fuller, teats separated a wee bit, milk has a tinge of white!! calcium testing ready but ph still 8.4.
Her mom foal on this udder, 1 & 1/2 hrs later, I dont know if she will follow in her moms hoofprints, but I am ready if she does!
I am on HIGH ALERT!
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Good girl grace!! Safe delivering x
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Milk tests 7.8 ph!
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She looks "skinnier" on camera.
I predict Wednesday night!
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Milk tests 7.8 ph!
moving in the right direction, and we all know it can drop fast.
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Best wishes Holly & Grace for the safest of deliveries :)
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Can't wait to see what she's going to bring for you! Best of luck!
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We are all so excited for you. Personally, I'm hoping for a weekend baby, so I don't miss it!!
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testing same... but udder hard... I am getting excited!
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;pray
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DITTO.... ;pray ;pray
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I'm headed to my chair for a while, but will be checking back here. She's resting sternal, but doesn't appear to be very comfortable. I'm hoping she doesn't foal without me watching, but praying for a safe and uneventful delivery if she chooses to!! ;pray ;pray
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Thank you all so much! I am still hopeful that she will do textbook and give us warning ... but on high alert in case she doesnt!
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2.35 am and all is quiet. I will be around for the next few hours.
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Standing butt to camera, with tail slightly raised. Looks uncomfortable, but still "wide". Come on Grace, I can only watch for the next 45 minutes before heading to work. I think it would be very nice if you would hold off until the weekend for me! If not.... ;pray
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Well she slept a lot last night,must have been grocery shopping....got a big tight udder.ph still 7.8 vulva relaxed and red. ;D
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Well, we know how fast those pH's can drop! I'm going to try and sneak some peeks at her from work. Shhhh....
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Come on grace! :D
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so ph went back up to 8.4. I turned her out to get some exercise and rolling done. Yesterday she rolled in the stall and rolled herself against the wall... silly girl. I noticed her back legs were swelled up a bit again so maybe part of the udder is edema too.
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Oh man! She's keeping you on your toes that's for sure !
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Do you have to sign up to camstreams to watch ?
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She is moving in the right direction that is for sure. ;D
No Ryan, no signing up required to watch Grace.
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No free to watch!
Grace is testing 7.2-7.5!!!
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Gah! She's getting so close. I was on here every time I was up last night expecting to see a "new edition" post! Can't wait :)
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Dropping more were at 7.2 for sure.....milk easier to get thicken up and sticky
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:D
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Very exciting!! She's just standing quietly, so since I'm home, I'm ready for some action!!!
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Well last ph test said 7.8, ive never seen it go up after getting to 7.2... But obviously it can happen! Milk thinner and still very sticky. Will update after next check...
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Grace you're stressing us all out haha! Looking forward to the next update :)
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No baby??
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nope lol her ph is still at 7.8. Shes just not quite ready yet I guess :) Which is good because she is only day 321.
Udder same vulva pink again....
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Well, we can be persistent too. Tell her, she won't wear us out watching, and she'll have to deliver that little beauty, and we'll all be here!!! ;pray ;pray
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Exactly Diane!! Thank you for that comment, made me smile and gave me encouragement!!
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;D
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Well, Grace, we are definitely waiting, though.
Let Grace know that we say that stressing "Mom" out by going up/down like that in PH levels really isn't good!! (and then let me know if that works, LOL - ROFLMBO)
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Milk more white, less see through calcium testing READY , very sticky milk, testing between 7.5 & 7.8 ph, again....
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Shes at 7.5 ph again... lets hope this time we go all the way!!
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Fingers crossed !
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Come on Grace!!
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A father's day baby?
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Ok graces udder bigger than this am, even after turn out! pH 7.2. milk very white but a bit watery, very sticky. Hope for colostrum soon! We even have loose poo!!
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Hoping for a safe delivery. Thank you for watching for me xxxx
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Gee this baby is going to be super special , she must be putting on some amazing final touches :)
Best wishes for a safe foaling :) ;pray
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Let's go Grace! We are ready to see this little one!
and I agree with Ryan... starting to seem like some extra special touches being added, LOL.
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Still 7.2 !!
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6.8!!!! YAY!!
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Awesome!
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Keep it coming Grace!!! ;pray ;pray ;pray
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Good luck Holly ;pray
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6.4!! I am excited! Anytime now!!
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6.4!! I am excited! Anytime now!!
Hope she pops it out quickly and smoothly for you. Can't wait to see.
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Any news? Not been posting but doing a quick daily read. Very excited and saying prayers for a safe and smooth delivery. ;pray
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Very exciting, while Grace just quietly is lying sternal. I guess I'll be sneaking a few peeks at her today at work!!
;pray ;pray Safe delivery, Holly!!
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<3
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zzz2 is she still sleeping? I can't see...
Hoping she has a fast and easy delivery for you!
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I see you in there with her peeking at her udder (or testing milk?)
Of course, she's eating!
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Lots of feet shifting, we've got sweet colostrum...last night had heavy breathing, udder did a lot of filling.
I am on pins and needles waiting!😊
Vulva can still be scrunched up tighter than I expect. Maybe soon!!
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COME ON GRACE!!!!!! ;pray
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Ditto ;pray
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Grace is...
shock...
EATING!
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Yes, even sneaking a peek in at work today, all she's been doing is EATING!
Oh well, she's getting even with us, I guess. Making us wait.....it's what these mares do best!
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Ok so morning update, grace udder huge tight and full of colostrum, everything looks a go! Milk tests lower than 6.4. Just waiting on labor!!!😃
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Checking before I leave for work, she's just laying sternal and resting.....I hope resting up for a great event!!
Now flat out, but nothing exciting happening.
And now, up and eating...of course!
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Lying flat out at the moment. Will keep watching!
Stood up at 5:30am and down again at 6:10am.
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In 2011, Koalah foaled standing up with her head buried in her feed bucket, LOL...
So we just wait for Grace to deliver in between bites (or is it chews - with hay?).
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Whatever it is....she's enjoying it!!
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If she is directly under the cam that is another of her standing resting areas... there is hay there but usually she just stands there with the fan blowing on her lol. Midnight Andi am waiting and photo editing to pass time... you
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Enjoy!
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Shes such a pretty mare. I still think shell hang on for sunday!
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Yes, she certainly is beautiful!
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Beautiful <3 at first I opened my phone when I woke up and saw little pictures and thought "omg she had her foal!" Lol but she's gorgeous too! Can't wait to see her foal <3
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Had to go out of town for a few hours, and just got back, and I see her in almost the same spot....eating, or you said that's the corner with the fan? If so, if your temperatures are anything like ours here in Florida, a fan is MOST necessary!!
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Yes been very hot and humid, thankful today we have cloud cover....
Grace has started to drip milk slowly on and off...maybe early labor!
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Sounds very exciting, and I've been checking in regularly but haven't seen anything exciting. Gotta run for a bit, she better not foal while I'm gone!
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3am she is still on.....
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Yes, she's up non-stop on my computer -- even if I'm not always sitting here -- just so I can check if I walk by! Baby shifted during the night, I was watching, and knew we were going to wait a bit longer.
I just saw you in there, and it looks like baby shifted again while I wasn't watching, so hoping things are a go again!! Come on Grace -- Charm just had a BEAUTIFUL baby!! Don't you want to show off your precious little one, too??
;pray ;pray
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Isn't she just beautiful....and well worth the wait!!!
CONGRATULATIONS HOLLY!!
I guess Grace and Charm decided Sunday was a GOOD DAY!!!
Beautiful!! :)
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What a wonderful day today is!! Congratulations holly :)
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Any pictures??!! Yay!! Good job grace :D Congrats!
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Congrats. Can't wait to see.
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She posted a link on her cam site for everyone, so hopefully it's okay if I post the picture here for those that can't see the cam:
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp317/ShyBon/Rhythm1_zpsoojqf5op.jpg)
She was going to go wash her hands and do more pictures.
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Oh my gosh! So beautiful <3 man I wish my mare would foal already haha
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Lovely.
I can't really tell in the picture, but if the mare is grey, I'll wager the foal will grey too. The color mentors I consult say that foals born a dark adult color instead of mousy foal colors usually go grey when out of a grey parent (or parents).
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I do see some gray hairs above each eye. I think she will gray out... she has one blue eye... I just love her she is super cute!!
Thank you for sharing the first picture!
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Just darling. And the wait was worth it, wasn't it? ;D
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Very much so!!!
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LOVE pretty blaze on her face! Very unique with the "T" shape! So pretty!
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OMG! Look at her legs, and we all thought Spotty had lots of leg. Wow. :o
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WOW!! What fabulous markings. :) Many congratulations Holly - keep the pictures coming please.
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I was going to say the same thing about her legs! She's a nice tall filly. And her blaze is awesome :)
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It sounds crazy but she is about as tall as Tux was when he left!
I need to measure her...I cant wait to get her outside and see her move!
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Yeah she's definitely nice and tall. My syrup looks tiny compared to her haha
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Congratulations , those finishing touched were definitely worth the wait :)
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Thank you all so much! I am just thrilled!
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as you should be, they did a great job on her!
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I'm off the board for 1.5 days - and look! Three foals were born...
Congrats on a really nice filly!!!