Welcome home, mother and son
This morning when I got out of the shower, I found a message waiting for me on the cell phone. Dr. Tan’s voice excitedly stated “Last night at about 9pm your foal finally understood why his mom was there. He latched on and has been milking her dry ever since. You can take him home whenever you’d like.”. By mid-morning Dad was on his way with the truck, and the paperwork was being processed. I even made it out for under $1,000. Another miracle.
I could hardly believe it when I saw the little colt. He was merrily suckling away, as if he had been doing it all of his short 3 day life. It is hardly conceivable that this little foal was running from mom in a total panic not that long ago.
My colleagues from work, including Sara, the foal’s new owner, came to take pictures and see the boy off. Dad, my niece and I loaded up the pair and got on the road before it became even hotter outside. We were at the farm in an hour. Upon opening the trailer, I looked in to see a very calm and happy pair. Cori gazed out her window, and the foal lifted his sleepy head to look at us. When he stood, he nursed. Nothing was more lovely than that.
We’re leaving Cori and her boy in the foaling stall (a large area, about 18 x 30) for a day or so, then letting them into the lot in the day and in the stall at night. Soon they’ll be in a small paddock where they can see the herd and Cori can finally eat some grass. For now, we left them to themselves where they can bond and be away from people for a while. They do not need us. They need each other. Well, there is one other Cori needs. Before we put her up for the afternoon, Cori went to the corner of the lot, with her baby in tow. She peered anxiously over the fence. She was looking for her own mother, Hiltje, who had waited with her every night before delivery. Soon Cori will be able to see her mother again, and I know that will calm her.
Sara has decided on a name for her foal. She has named him Wikke (hear a Friesian woman pronounce the name here). This is a common Friesian man’s name, and it is the name of a Friesian wildflower. It can also be a verb, and as such it means “the telling of fortunes”. It is perfect for him.
Welcome home, Wikke. Halter training starts tomorrow.
