let's play in our sandbox

IF you already follow and have interacted with my blog in the past, then let's play in our sandbox together. Join me in guessing when Cierra's baby will be born! 

Rules-n-stuff, for a once in our lifetime foaling guessing game:

1) Comment with your guess on foaling date/time/sex (and color, just for fun) on this post. Additional guesses can be made if your previous guess date passes.

2) Closest guess from U.S. or Canada will win $50 (U.S. Visa Gift card)

3) Tank will select the winner (on video) if a tiebreaker is needed

4) Feel free to play along, even if you don't want to be gifted a prize. If you are the lucky winner, Tank will randomly choose among ALL contest participants for a winner. Except for whomever doesn't want a prize.

5) Guesses will be displayed on side bar for everyone's enjoyment

6) I want to play too. Rule #4 applies.

7) Your odds of winning are really good! 

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Last night the moon caught my attention and drew me outside. Hanging so bright and pretty between two pines! I grabbed my camera and quickly ran outside without a jacket. Brrrr! It was windy and I was sh-sh-shaking. Very surprised my handheld photos turned out at all. Not my best moon shot, but here it.

April 5, 2023 Pink Moon (rise)

The full moon's mojo had no affect on Cierra birthing. The next full moon is May 5th. She better have a baby before that!

After snapping photos, I found out April's full moon had a name. It was not even a little bit pink. Google says "The pink moon is a nod to the bountiful blooming flowers and trees that the spring weather brings."

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Helpful things to know before you guess:

- Cierra was bred May 5, 2022. She has been pregnant for 336 days today (April 6).

- She is a coming 13 yr old maiden mare

- One gestational calculator put her due date on April 11th +/- 10 days

- According to AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) It is very normal for mares to carry a fetus for 320 to 380 days. In general 330 days (11 months) is the most commonly cited gestation length. Data and opinions vary greatly. You decide.

- Cierra started bagging up 3/14/23, not much has changed as of this post

- Mama is a Smokey Black. The stud is a Buckskin with a "black type pedigree". Here is my post about the many color possibilities. Post was dated 10/12/2020. WOWee, this is one looong awaited foal!! Choosing color (or not) does not affect winning.

Contest disclaimer: We will do our bestest to know the exact birthing time. Default time may end up being when the foal is first found. 

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A few closing photos from our first unforgettable visit with Cierra:

7/2010

Cierra's parents & other mares/foals, all peacefully together in the same pasture

Her parents Dude and Birdee also stole our hearts

(15 seconds)



not sure who chose who

MJK Dudes Dream Girl (Cierra) will be making more dreams come true!!

moving day

On April 5th, Cierra will begin her 11th month of pregnancy. Her baby will be comparable to the size of a..............wait for it..............

Cierra 3.27.23

A foal! No surprise there.

The equine pregnancy wheel said her baby this past month (10th) has been comparable to the size of a newborn jersey calf. Weighing 55-99 lbs.

Cierra's foaling window is predicted to be +/- 10 days of April 11th. Yes, we are in that window. Her pregnancy count will be 341* days on the 11th. I think her foal will be born later. Hopefully not too much later. For everyone's sake.

*number corrections

12* x 24" double stall was cleaned out last week
(with Purr supervising)



wide angle view

The double stall needed more work to level up to the stall divider. Bedding will be added and water & feed buckets hung. We decided to use buckets vs mounted feeders and auto water for these two stalls. Hopefully we don't regret this decision. They are meant for special situations. They could require different feeding heights or tracking water consumption (although I since learned you can add that function to auto waterers). These are interior stalls, with no windows. All our stall lower bars are closer together than the uppers bars, to keep smaller equine from potentially getting stuck.

I am worried about the divider against the wall, but Brad is not. He is latching it securely to the back wall. Have I ever told you how much I love my husband? He always takes my worries into consideration and finds great solutions.

We've been busy finishing stall prep this weekend. Mostly Brad. Although I do help where I can. Saturday was THE day. No, not birthing day. It was moving day! We played musical stalls. All our barn animals have been moved into new living areas, including the cats. After four years, cats are now fed supper in the front stall. Cats are creatures of habit. They will get used to it, eventually.

 two feeders were hung in unused stalls, across from the double stall
(feeder perspective is off, it's not that low)

Leo on top of empty feeder boxes, supervising the changerama

We walked into the arena and found Tinkerbell flipping & going crazy!!
She was entertaining herself on the lawn mower seat. What a weirdo!

tick-tack-toe all four horses in a row

(Koda, Nemo, Harmony & Cierra)

Our horses are still being turned out in pairs, next to each other. There are some shenanigans and fence running, but it's mostly peaceful. When it happens, it's more like Koda and Nemo playing.

We had yet another week of wet-n-wild weather. Today we begin drying out. One good thing about living on sandy loam is it dries out faster. Brad started fence work by adding a separate gate to the upper pasture.

For now, we decided not to section off our existing pastures. We really don't want a bunch of smaller pastures and a lot of fence lines. A completely separate pasture behind the arena for Cierra and baby is still planned. 

Cierra in her birthing stall

Koda, Nemo and Harmony moved across the aisle

Cierra closest to feeder. Koda, Nemo & Harmony
3.30.23


It won't be long now and we will have a new addition to our herd.

 

try try again

Our new peaceful herd arrangement didn't last long. Alternating which pair of horses goes in the upper pasture stopped after day two. It doesn’t matter which pasture we put Cierra & Koda, Nemo and Harmony want to be with them.

Saturday morning I walked past the window and said “Brad, look at your horse". Nemo was running the fence line trying to stir things up. Sigh. I took a short video before Brad went out to try and calm things down. 

3/26/23

As you can see, we got more snow. I could have taken more video of the madness that was brewing. I probably could have even gotten some interesting photos, but I was too concerned. For everyone's safety. Especially Brad's. The situation was escalating. 

We have one pregnant horse, one lame horse, one older horse and one mad horse. Not hard to figure out who is who. All of them feeling displaced. 

Cierra was teasing Nemo by prancing around. Koda started full out antagonizing Nemo. He shook his head at him like a crazy man. Just out of reach. In the silliest way. As if to say "nah, nah nah nah nah" . Followed by a mini rear and buck. He would spin, turn and serve up more sass "what are you gunna do about it". Koda's mane made shaking his head look slo mo. It was hilarious. I am surprised Koda didn't stick his tongue out! Welcome to my horse. What a naughty little kid.

However, the situation itself was not funny. At one point Nemo hit the (hot) fence with his front leg. The whole string shook. I could see it all the way from the house. Brad was hoping to halter Nemo and remove him. Nemo was in one of his uncatchable moods. Not even my horse whisperer was going to catch him.

Brad tried switching the horses around to diffuse the situation. Harmony went in with Cierra and he put Koda in with Nemo. I yelled from the deck at the poor guy "what are you doing, Koda is lame!!!". Of course Brad was just trying to diffuse the situation. Switching horses didn't improve the agitated dynamics. Eventually Koda stuck his face in the hay bunk and ignored the antics. The other three kept at it. 

The only way to change the situation was to remove Cierra.

By the time I headed out to help, Brad had put Harmony back with the boys and started walking Cierra in hand. They walked allll the way to the corner of the upper pasture. There is a panel that could be removed, in the last of the original fencing we inherited.

With Cierra in the barn, things calmed down with the other three horses. Not with her. So much for trying to keep her stress levels low. Eventually Nemo came inside and Brad took Cierra back out. Harmony started ear pinning at her. What the fudge! Back in the barn Cierra went. Sigh. Poor mama.

After the fact, Brad mentioned “all Cierra & Koda had to do is walk away...". 

...............

Over the weekend, our not so peaceful arrangement was split half day turnout time. Less than ideal for any of us. Two horses turned out, half the time. The horses were okay for a while. It turned into four less than happy horses, and double barn chores. With Nemo or Cierra calling out throughout the day. 

We are thinking through different turnout scenario's. In hopes of finding the better solution.

It cannot happen overnight. Especially with off/on snowstorms making a mess out of everything. This crazy weather and geomagnetic activity isn't helping anything. Removing trees, fencing etc takes time and solid ground. It is hard to figure out the best pasture re-configuration! We thought we had time while we wait for Spring to arrive. At least I hope it will arrive. Sooo much to consider with feeding, water, Winter conditions and shelters for our growing herd.

We knew adding a foal would change our herd dynamics, but the new addition isn't even here. This pre-birth herd drama caught us by surprise. Even our trainer who knows all our horses well was surprised. 

...............

Today we are trying split pasture turnout again, but with hay & water further away. I would wager a bet it isn’t going to completely fix the separation dynamics. It should help, but Nemo doesn’t want hay. He has hay. What Nemo wants is his herd back together, so he can manage them.

3/27/23

Nobody said this breeding thing would be easy. 

We are well aware things are going to be challenging for a long time. We also know, we will eventually find a new normal. Keeping our eye on the prize helps.

herd aggression

If you have been reading my blog for a while, then you already know Nemo's dislike of Cierra first became obvious back in our boarding days. More than one person at the show barn told us they knew when Brad came out for a lesson on Cierra. Nemo would be agitated and trash his stall.

It wasn't always this way. I couldn't tell you a single instance between them while she was growing up. Things visibly changed when Cierra went into training. She became Brad's show horse and was ridden more than Nemo. Much to his dismay, Nemo had to share Brad.

At our place, Nemo makes it his job to keep Cierra away. Allowing her to join the herd on his terms. In January, things seem to change between them. I witnessed a softer relationship. She was bred and he seemed to know it.

Things changed again and the aggression returned, and then some.

We needed to restore the peace in our barn and recently moved Koda in between Nemo and Cierra. Incidentally, Koda's sloppy plops have magically disappeared. Nothing else in his diet or routine has changed. One of those things that makes you, hmmm...we moved Koda for Cierra's sake.

Pasture dynamics continued as usual. Cierra has always done an admirable job of staying out of trouble.

I walked past the window yesterday and saw all four horse running up from the pasture into the dry lot. Medium pace. No big deal, probably a deer or whatever. It happens almost daily. I grabbed my camera while "the dancing" continued. Thought perhaps I might get some fun action shots as they settle into eating at the feeder. Instead, I watched a nasty chase ensue. It all happened so fast. I didn't even have time to change camera settings. 

Nemo took off after Cierra with a vengeance.

You could clearly see he meant business. But why?? Nemo is usually a milder mannered boss. I was horrified!! He chased poor Cierra all over the lower pasture, then all the way up to the top of the dry lot and back out again. Our Appaloosa geldings are significantly slower than both Quarter Horse mares. Cierra tried to get away and out run him the best she could, with her large swollen belly :( 

Nemo slipped in the dry mud and it made him even madder

Normally Cierra would have smoked Nemo and gotten away. He usually gives up issues with any horse, long before things escalated. Mostly because our herd listens to him. She may have sent a signal otherwise, but it is not what I observed. 

poor mama has bite marks

Thankfully the chase stopped. I watched from the window and considered taking Nemo out of the pasture. I noticed Cierra paw off in the distance, asking for something. To come back or whatever. 

the stare down

neither one of them moved much for over an hour

At one point, Koda left the hay bunk and was staring at Cierra. Perhaps wondering what she was doing waaay out there. Who knows what that unsaid conversation across the field was about.

Eventually Nemo went out to pasture, with Harmony following. She follows him everywhere. Like an old married couple. The next time I looked out the window, Cierra was glued to Koda at the very bottom of the dry lot. No doubt seeking comfort.

Cierra & Koda

Everything went back to normal herd interaction for the rest of the day. All four horses doing everything together. Needless to say, the herd is separated today. Two in the upper pasture and two in the dry lot/lower pasture. A temporary solution. There is no shelter/feeder/auto water in the upper pasture.

Ohhh Nemo...

We are strong believers in an integrated herd. However, it is just not going to be possible for a while.

It is as if Nemo thinks Cierra is holding a part of his herd hostage. 

mixed bag

What an interesting time of the year this is. Waiting (and waiting) for Spring. Full of so much anticipation. Along with the traditional mixed bag of weather. The mixed bag has an uncertain grip on us. Shaping our days and minds.

Harmony and Nemo
3/12/23

Some days seem full. Others not as much. The latter finds me asking "what am I going to do with this one beautiful day?". Fully knowing, we are not promised tomorrow.

Change continues revolving around me at a dizzying pace. Many friends and family are seeking clarity with all that ails them. I try not to dwell on what cannot be changed, but change itself does make me think. A little too much. Mostly about the future. 

I try to live in the moment, but am not very good at it. Clinging to what is familiar, or the memories. Until they softly fade away. Sounds sad. The reality is, we too shall become a distant memory. As generations pass, not even that.

I started reading books again. They distract me from what one could perceive as life's heavy thoughts.

2023 books I've read to date include Mad Honey, Hello from Heaven, House in the Pines, Then She was Gone and I am half way through Daisy Jones & The Six. Already a record reading year for me, without even trying. I would probably read more, except I feel guilty unless it is late at night.

Have you been reading any good books?

I have also read half of The Menopause Diet Plan. I really need to finish! It is an informative health book (not an actual diet) written by two registered dieticians. 

If only I could be more like our horses & dogs, who always live in the moment.

Speaking of horses, Brad has been checking Cierra. Last night, after bringing the horses in he said she was starting to bag up. I said "no way" and looked myself. Um, yah. I guess we are getting closer to doing this foaling thing.

It seems early. If I counted right, yesterday was day 313* of Cierra's pregnancy. I read if bagging happens too early, it is considered a concerning sign. Online resources vary greatly on this topic in general. I found time frames for mare's starting to bag up, ranging from days to 4-6 week windows and everything in between. I think Cierra bagging up is normal. 

*recounted & changed to correct day

starting to bag
3/14/23

We swapped Nemo & Koda's stalls. Nemo seems more irritated lately. We noticed a big increase with him kicking and ear pinning etc towards Cierra. She doesn't need or deserve that. Nemo does similar to Koda, but not nearly as much. Koda is in between them now, and our barn seems to have regained calmness. 

When it is closer to foaling time, Cierra will move across the aisle to the double stall. We plan to shift the other horses (stalls) closer to her.

3/14/23

I've been thoroughly enjoying our snowfall this past week. If we can't have Spring yet, then why not. I snowshoed in the woods several days in a row, then switched to trackers. Easier to navigate the mixed bag of snow/ice/bare ground on our trails. Tomorrow's predicted rain is going to make a big ol' mess out of everything. Again.

The early morning bright light was so beautiful yesterday! It lured me outside in the freezing cold. Everything was sparkly and backlit. So pretty! I only took a few photos before heading back to warmth.

What the camera didn't pick up, was the sun kissed pinkish-purple ice reflective tones and the hope that a sunrise offers.

sun rising across from our house
3/14/23

spring is coming

Happy to report our horses were well behaved at their Spring vet appointment. Even after being stuck inside for two days. They all got Spring shots and are working on shedding their Winter coats. Which means, Spring is coming!

Both boys had their teeth floated. Harmony is on a Fall rotation. We held off doing Cierra's, because she is pregnant. Ideally she will be able to wait until Fall. 

Cierra was up first. She taped at 1324 lbs (up from 1257 lbs) The vet said she looked great, and was big. No changes with her care.

We talked in general about birthing, and foal expectations. Brads said no again to stitching a small digital device into Cierra, that would alert when delivery starts. I agree. If we miss the birth, we miss it. And we might. Especially with the rapid speed it typically happens. The clinic uses the device with mares brought in. Many of those mares are there for high risk equine birthing, where unpredictability is even less ideal.

Key things our vet wanted to make sure we knew: Any scenario other than both legs & head first, is an emergency call. I was surprised to learn one of their dairy vets comes out for birthing emergencies. Due to frequent practice.

Not to worry, we aren't completely clueless. The basics are familiar. Brad has life long experience with various livestock birthing, although it's been years.

We truly love sweet Cierra! I sure hope things go as well as possible for her. Our level of concern, combined with nerves and excitement (and sleep deprivation!) will only heighten the closer we get.

Also mentioned, was leaving the foal alone to lay on the ground at first. As long as the sack is off their face. Better for cord disconnection etc. Their goal is for the foal to nurse within 3-4 hours and they want to check the foal after 12 hours.

The figuring out timing conversation came with some humor. The two things mentioned as good indicators were milk drop (usually 24 hour window) and calcium drop. I had not heard of testing calcium hardness as an indicator.

We did ask about Cierra's chromosome abnormality. The vet had the same response we all had. Surprise. Of course our vet has heard of the abnormality, but said the mares are usually sterile. 

Brad recently picked up some nice large bales of wheat straw for bedding the double stall. Those empty stalls are finally going to get used for something besides cats! We still need to pick out a foaling camera. There are many, open to recommendations. We continue thinking through different turn out scenario's vs potential future needs. Can you predict the future? Me neither.

...............................


Nemo was next. He taped at 1252 lbs (down from 1277 lb). 

Nemo getting teeth floated, with Koda watching intently

...............................

Koda was the horse needing the most care this visit. He taped at 1288 lbs (down from 1350 lb). Evidence Brad is doing a great job adjusting hay portions!! Our vet would like to see another 70 lbs come off. It will help with his lameness. Which has not gone away, and needed to be addressed.

He walked out of his stall gimpy. No need for additional observation. Koda has shown soreness off/on, more than usual lately. It was time for xrays. 

such a good boy standing still on those small blocks

getting pretty pink playdoh pressed into his hooves

larger platform for view from underneath

We all got a good chuckle when Koda decided to mess with the vet and casually move his foot off the larger platform at key times. All I said was "welcome to my horse" he is such a player/tester. I swear I saw Koda smile ;) 

Our vet saw no signs of arthritis. His earlier diagnosis of Navicular (at 8 yrs) showed no sign in Koda's right foot, and at this check deterioration was barely visible. Koda's left side showed a slight increase. He said Koda is a bit young (coming 16) but recommended trying Osphos shots. We are catching it at a good time, and gave him his first shot.

Osphos studies have been done and it is not recommended for young horses. Apparently it is used in the racing industry and there has been evidence of bones not forming correctly on young growing horses that were given Osphos.

His trim looked good, although taking slightly more off the left toe might help. He will connect with our farrier & send xrays. No shoe recommendations at this time.

Brad & I are really hopeful the shot helps. Time will tell. I will be thrilled if Koda can continue to be ridden at home in the arena's and on our sandy trails. Home is where we are happiest. Hauling to other trails just isn't as important anymore. 

We are keeping Koda on Cosequin. We got a couple more suggestions to try for his less than ideal ploppy digestive system. 

- probiotic supplement
- senior feed
- small amount of metamucil and/or sand clear
- feeding some alfalfa pellets

Basically, changing/adding things that are easier to digest. I was going to try giving Koda yogurt, but read mixed reviews online. I decided not to. We have friends who swear by yogurt, and have given their equine plain yogurt for years. I suppose beet pulp might be worth trying down the road. Will pick one thing at a time to try. I'm thinking probiotic.

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Harmony was seen last and needed the least amount of care. She taped at 1183 lbs (down from 1217 lb). Our oldie has done so well here, and staying sound barefoot. 

It will be interesting to see how she interacts with Cierra and her baby.

2/2022

dalmatian dreams

Cierra is in her 9th month of pregnancy. Her foal is now comparable to a Dalmatian. 

2.15.23

She seems to be aware that it is in her best interest to stay away from any escalating trouble in the pasture. 

As you can see, the corner of our lower pasture is under water. Again. Last years reflection photos were also taken in February, one week later. The puddle was much larger.

We are predicted to get more snow/moisture tomorrow. I may get another chance to photograph horse reflections. Maybe even with some sun kissed highlights.

Our vet comes out in two weeks for Spring care. Among other things, we hope to learn more about Brad's "stallion" 'er pregnant mare. There probably isn't a whole lot to add about her chromosome abnormality, other than "it happens". I still find the whole situation surprising.

In March we will begin to prepare for baby C, by changing things around in the barn. More to come on that next month. March is only two weeks away.

Spring 2023 will be unforgettable!!

Sweet Mama Cierra

the beagle

Cierra has entered her third trimester. Brad has been proudly sharing with anyone who asks, about our Beagle. Well, it's really Cierra's Beagle. Not an actual Beagle. According to this Equine Pregnancy Wheel her foal is the size of a Beagle. 

Next month (9th month) Cierra's foal will be comparable to the size of a Dalmatian. The foal will grow faster. Gaining about a 1 pound a day. The website highlights interesting info.

I am beginning to get excited and nervous at the same time.

......................

A couple days ago, we briefly saw that shiny thing in the sky that has been eluding us.

I walked past our windows and noticed three of our horses out in the pasture, all lined up. Equally spaced out and facing the same direction. Soaking up the sun.

By the time I got my camera, the horses had broken formation. Of course! It happens every single time.

I watched as Cierra saundered out to the pasture. 

Wondering. Who would she choose to join, or be alone?

Much to my surprise, she chose Nemo.

She always goes by either Koda or Harmony.

Nemo is usually not nice to Cierra. He tries to keep her separate during daily herd actions. He will not let her in the shed with the others. Cierra keeps her distance and has to wait to do everything. Until Nemo decides it is okay. She is definitely at the bottom of our herd. In his eyes.

I watched as Cierra interacted with Nemo.

The conversation between them was very sweet.

I wonder if the horses know about the Beagle?


Apparently I was interrupting their conversation.

Why is SHE watching us?

I left them to continue being sweet horses, under a warming sun.

one benchmark at a time

Today was another important benchmark with Cierra's pregnancy. She was re-confirmed in foal this morning! If you missed it, here is the first pregnancy confirmation post.

The ultrasound shows the umbilical cord (lower left of dark circle) attached
6-14-22

With this positive benchmark, Brad can take the bubble wrap off his sweet princess and start riding her again. It is best for Cierra to stay in shape. Just like humans. There is a reason they call it labor.

We wonder if Cierra knows she is going to be a mama?

She must already feel different to some degree. We have a lot of time to read up, make plans to adjust our homestead and of course dream. In late March, the watch will begin.

Adding to our herd is exciting and scary all at the same time.

The vet just had a maiden mare at the clinic who delivered at 13.5 months. Obviously not the norm, but wow ~ that is a long time to bake.

Our vet shared a story about his Thoroughbred mare who was recently bred back with a foal by it's side. In the racing world, they send mares to a breeding facility. He said the mares are stalled for two weeks after breeding, then turned out in a group of mares. Apparently another Thoroughbred mare switched babies with his, and the mares won't switch back. Because they all look so similar, the foals are chipped right away. It was a confirmed switch. Our vet came home with his foal and someone else's mare. The other people have his mare and their foal.

We won't have to worry about a switcheroo, but I am very interested to see how the dynamics in our herd evolve. Especially with Harmony, who has never been bred. She has great bloodlines, but longtime readers may remember we were unable to get her papers and chose not to breed her as originally planned. I hope the girls stay buddies.

Speaking of papers, here is the studs pedigree & Cierra's pedigree. Like all "parents" we don't care what mix is brewing. We just want Cierra to have a healthy foal.

another benchmark