His name is José, feeling better. may also benefit the well being <strong>of</strong> José. A light wipe over with eucalyptus oil and some Vicks Vapour Rub on the mares nose each feed. As each feed went by Poosh was a little more acceptant <strong>of</strong> José, the oils seeming to mask the scents sufficiently to confuse her long enough for them to feed. The foals and mare were kept separate between feeds to avoid injury to the orphan as the mare was still showing some aggression towards Jose during day 2. On the second evening José had a check up from visiting vet Dr Kevin Doyle. Finding it difficult to select which <strong>of</strong> the 2 foals was the orphan José got the all clear on day 2, another bag <strong>of</strong> plasma just to be sure and continue with our regular feeding program. By the next morning, without the use <strong>of</strong> a leg strap, Poosh was allowing the foals to drink. She was happy to stand and let them nurse while ever I watched over her although she was still quite tense. The few times she would show signs <strong>of</strong> aggression I would only have to scold her and she would refrain. Everything was starting to work out, the foals were in a routine and accepted the mare leaving after each feed. As I would move the mare out <strong>of</strong> the stable the 2 boys would move to the back <strong>of</strong> the stable and play for a short while and then sleep. They were recognising the sound <strong>of</strong> the gate to the stable compound and would call out every time they heard the chain rattle, knowing I was on my way to put them on the milk bar. Two happy, healthy foals and a stable block that smells like a koala house. I was becoming concerned for the welfare <strong>of</strong> the mare though. It takes a good mare to accept another foal, let alone raise her own and live in confinement that she is not used to. We had started to develop a bond and Poosh was settling to my activities. I would make a point <strong>of</strong> picking her large bundles <strong>of</strong> fresh grass each time she fed the babies and gently brush her, anything to keep her happy. I was careful with the length <strong>of</strong> time between feeds, not only for the babies sake but I was concerned about the mares comfort and the risk <strong>of</strong> mastitis or tender teats. Getting up through the night and walking back and forth to the stables all day was taking its toll on me already. At least with a human baby they are in the house! Each time we fed, the mare seemed to settle a little more and by the 4th day I was able to let her into the stable with the boys and leave her alone for an hour at a time without any restraint. Although I was doubtful she would ever accept Jose, she was now allowing him to walk around her, walk up and nurse and play with her foal. Up until this stage she would only let him nurse. She would now happily eat her feed while the foals were drinking, this indicated to me that she was starting to relax and accept that she had double trouble. I decided to test her and led her out <strong>of</strong> the stable with the 2 foals following, a little sunshine and some fresh grass would have to cheer her up and I would be able to see her reaction to the foals out in a larger space. She was very protective <strong>of</strong> her own foal and Two happy foals. showed no aggression towards Jose. And then a wonderful thing happened, Jose wandered <strong>of</strong>f a little and she called out to him, he answered and came back. I felt so excited. Later that evening I had cause to have the vet visit to attend another mare (all is well with her) both Dr Ross and Dr Doyle both were very pleased with the progress <strong>of</strong> Jose, both commenting on his strength and that they would not be able to choose which was the orphan if they didn’t know. Day 5 – both foals are gaining weight and growing well, and both need to stretch their legs more <strong>of</strong>ten. So a few more trips out on the grass with Poosh through the day. With both foals growing so well and after consultation with the Vet, I decided to supplement their diets with Di-Vetelact Milk replacer by bucket as well as allowing them to nurse from the mare. I introduced both foals to the bucket by putting milk on my fingers and lowering my hand into the bucket. Both were very interested in the milk but didn’t want to put their heads down to drink. I tried for quite some time and then though this would never work. I left the bucket secured to the wall in the stable and returned to the house. After 2 hours I returned to find the bucket drank almost dry and both babies with milky muzzles and milky ears. That was a relief. With the introduction <strong>of</strong> bucket feeding I could stretch the feeds out to 4 hours, letting them nurse from the mare and then leaving them with a bucket, being careful not to leave the mare too long in between drinks. Jose is now 1 week old and progressing beautifully. He is developing his own personality and learning about being a horse, he has learnt that humans are not horses and other foals are so much more fun to play with. Hopefully he will continue on his way and be a beautiful gelding that you may see in the show ring. With the constant handling, Poosh has become a delightful mare, she enjoys the attention she is getting and has become quite friendly. She loves getting brushed and having grass picked for her. Although she can’t wait to have the babies in to drink, when time comes around she certainly lets me know when they have had enough and she wants to return to her own stable. She is becoming quite a character. I hope that this story can help anyone who is in a similar situation. Orphan foals and nanny mares are not uncommon, but getting them to work out can be very trying. Believe me, it is well worth the sleepless nights when you hear that little nicker or see the babies playing together in the sunshine with an anxious mother standing by. Don’t ever give up on the little ones. ✪ 18 The <strong>Paint</strong> <strong>Horse</strong> Journal October/November 2007
The <strong>Paint</strong> <strong>Horse</strong> Journal 19 October/November 2007
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