Care Fund for Feedlot Mare and Foal
Donation protected
In April '15 I was informed of a pregnant mare on a feedlot that was said to be shipping to slaughter. Being the bunny-loving tree-hugger that I am, I just couldn't let that happen! So I bailed her out of the lot and after much drama, got her safely home and settled into her double stall. She was a mess!! Emaciated, parasite infested, untouchable and pregnant. The vet saw her within 24 hours of her coming home and put her body condition at a 2.5-3 on the Henneke scale (scale goes 1-10). To put it simply, she was about 250lbs or more underweight.
One month after getting her, she gave birth to a healthy, correct and robust (if somewhat small) colt. I held a drawing to choose his name and I love the winner: Second Chance! It so beautifully says everything about him and his momma and the graciousness of their forgiving nature.
I've gotten mommas weight to within about 75lbs of being normal so there's a lot of progress being made on that front. I've also had a couple of trainers come out and help get momma willing to accept being handled and touched (I wish that progress was as easy as feeding!)
A couple of weeks ago Chance starting to cough and sound like he had a 'rattle' when he breaths so I had the vet out (Again). Long story short, they think momma wasn't able to give him adequate colostrum because she herself may not have received the proper immunizations and she wouldn't let anyone near her or the foal for a couple of days for us to run any tests. So he will most likely be fighting for his life until his own immune system kicks in at around 6 months of age.
I must admit that I feel foolish asking for money for something that is an extravagance, an extra, a first-world luxury. Many people have suggested I start this fundraiser but I’ve been resistant to it as I feel like I took on this responsibility and it shouldn’t fall on anyone else to have to pay for my decision. But the truth is, Latte, Chance and I all need some help with this right now. My funds are completely exhausted and he’s going to need a lot more medical care in the future.
So if it’s in your ability, please help keep this special little colt alive and healthy!
I may have to rename him Third Chance……
One month after getting her, she gave birth to a healthy, correct and robust (if somewhat small) colt. I held a drawing to choose his name and I love the winner: Second Chance! It so beautifully says everything about him and his momma and the graciousness of their forgiving nature.
I've gotten mommas weight to within about 75lbs of being normal so there's a lot of progress being made on that front. I've also had a couple of trainers come out and help get momma willing to accept being handled and touched (I wish that progress was as easy as feeding!)
A couple of weeks ago Chance starting to cough and sound like he had a 'rattle' when he breaths so I had the vet out (Again). Long story short, they think momma wasn't able to give him adequate colostrum because she herself may not have received the proper immunizations and she wouldn't let anyone near her or the foal for a couple of days for us to run any tests. So he will most likely be fighting for his life until his own immune system kicks in at around 6 months of age.
I must admit that I feel foolish asking for money for something that is an extravagance, an extra, a first-world luxury. Many people have suggested I start this fundraiser but I’ve been resistant to it as I feel like I took on this responsibility and it shouldn’t fall on anyone else to have to pay for my decision. But the truth is, Latte, Chance and I all need some help with this right now. My funds are completely exhausted and he’s going to need a lot more medical care in the future.
So if it’s in your ability, please help keep this special little colt alive and healthy!
I may have to rename him Third Chance……
Organizer
Susan E. Murphy
Organizer
Elizabeth, CO