The first of 5 new foals here at Lone Oak have arrived..............

Ace is a registered APHA Breeding stock mare, she was purchased in 2008 by one of the Lone Oak members.  None of us were aware that she was pregnant at the time of her purchase, much less for a winter foal :(  I have kept an eagle eye on Ace ever since we found out she was pregnant.  Here are the pictures of her little ones birth..................

Getting prepared before heading to the birthing stall.

And so it begins- Ace stopped eating two days prior to giving birth and walked circles continously.

A tiny hoof has emerged.

Hmmm still only one hoof-Ace is not having any trouble at this point so I continue to watch anxiously awaiting a second hoof and a tiny nose.

Still no second hoof bu the nose is coming through-now I am really beginning to worry and Ace is really beginning to strain.

The left leg is not where it needs to be

Ace is straining terribly so I laid the camera down and disinfected my hands in the bucket of hot soap water and gently but firmly manuevered the foals leg back into the correct birting position.  The knee of the foal was bent just right and was preventing Ace from passing the foal.  Once the foal was back into position it was only a matter of moments before the foal entered the world.

Good Heavens look at the length of those legs

Whew!!!!

Well Hello Baby :)

Ace in the process of getting up.  She stayed in this position for quite some time.

First Hello

Time to clean the baby-I helped a little bit with a towel to dry her off but let Ace handle most of the work.

Ok now, How exactly do you work these things?

Well shoot that didn't take to long

Now I am pretty sure there is supposed to be a snack under here

Hello Everybody-After I thoroughly checked over the placenta and after birth and then safely buried it I left them alone for the night.

Welcome Little One- Her registered name will be Lone Oaks Artic Moon (name pending) aka Autumn  She was born February 8th 2009  Autumn is doing well andisa real Mama's girl.  She enjoys running and bucking and has great control of those super long legs :)