We have a new addition to the family at the Anstine Ranch. Her name is Winnie, and she is a little filly born Saturday, March 19th.
As we drove up the road, I scanned the pasture checking to ensure everyone was present and accounted for. I noticed something standing out there that didn’t fit it. It was smaller and lighter in color than the others. It wasn’t a deer… I immediately squealed, “WE HAVE A BABY!” I slammed on the brakes and threw the flatbed in reverse. Quickly pulling back into the drive.
Hank and Lea jumped out and got to the gate. They were already running to grab a halter and grain as I pulled through. They knew that the rest of the horses probably hadn’t noticed the colt yet, but there could be trouble when they did. We have a lot of horses and mules. The mares can sometimes try to steal a baby from a mother, and the mules can sometimes try to stomp a colt. It can mean a lot of running and kicking for both a mother and a baby, which is hard on them just after their labor.
We scanned the pasture and saw the colt had laid down to rest. Her mother, Peaches, and two other horses were standing watch over her.
We eased out, put a halter on Peaches, and then coached the colt to stand up on its wobbly legs. We scanned it over and took note that she was a girl, a little filly! All her parts were intact, with no bumps, no scrapes; everything was straight, except for the cute little curls on her ears. (which will straighten out later) We let Peaches eat grain as the filly got her sea legs under her. Then we began our journey.
We would lead Peaches and her little filly across the north end of the big pasture, through the “yard,” and into the south pasture. This meant making our way through the many horses and mules. It would be a long walk for the newborn and much defending for the mother. We were there to help the whole way, but it wasn’t long before the rest of the crew realized something new in their field.
The other horses charged into seeing and Peaches would spin and turn to defend her baby. We warded off the crew as they swarmed around us like a storm. We eventually made it to the gate and into the “yard.” We again warded off the other horses and mules as they stormed, whinnying, running, and charging at us. We eased Peaches and her new baby through the gate. As we closed it the others charged and smashed into the fence, some trying to jump over and kicking at one another. We were finally out of the storm.
The journey continued as we headed to the south pasture and planned to put mom and baby in the arena temporarily. There, they would be safe from any horse or mule that may make it over or through a fence. They would also have time to recover from the day’s events and bond.
The two are doing very well. They are now out of the arena and roaming the south pasture. At three days old, Winnie is already faster than her mom and can jump through the cat tails easily. We know it’s a long road for a colt, and unknown events can happen, but we are happy to welcome her to the family and share her with you all.
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Mia. I love the the new baby Winnie and her story. Enjoy her !
It sure is fun to have a new baby around to brighten our days. 😀