Horse Sunrise
and the "accidental" step into horse life
A mare carries her foal in her belly for around 11 months. From a medical point of view, the signs of the foal’s birth are very varied. What any layperson can recognise is that the mare becomes restless, has slight contractions and sweats. At some point, the time has come and the little foal is “on its way”. A normal, uncomplicated birth takes 10 – 30 minutes. After another 30 minutes at the latest, the foal rises and seeks out the mare’s udder. Isn’t nature unique?
Sunrise chose a special way out
The front legs should be slightly crossed, the soles facing downwards. The nostrils should rest on the tarsal joints. Then comes the shoulder, followed by belly presses and: the foal is born. It was different with Sunrise. First came a carpal joint and an ear – the position was not optimal and problems were to follow. The carpal joint is located approximately in the centre of the two front legs. This joint is responsible for bending and extending the front limbs.
Sunrise was born and was fine so far, but she was unable to stand up. She was unable to reach the udder and drink herself. The vets advised the owners to euthanise the foal.
“But Sunrise had such a strong will to live that we tried everything we could to help. Euthanising her was out of the question…”
The family was desperate, but did not give up on the young life. Sunrise should be allowed to live and the people gave her a lot of time and love. Someone was with the little foal every half hour. They milked the mare and fed the little foal, and they were sure that their efforts would be crowned with success.
Sunrise was brave and helped with the stretching exercises on her front legs. Her efforts paid off and she stood up on her own for the first time in 10 days. Just like when the sun rises in the sky in the morning. Just a “sunrise”.
The foal had been lying down a lot and the numerous attempts to get up had left Sunrise sore. The vets tried to correct the carpal joint, but unfortunately to no avail.
Sunrise was taken in at Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf. It was not easy for the family to give their horse away, but they know she is in good hands.
Young Sunrise has special friends
Sunrise has a very sunny disposition and has found great friends for life in Nashi and Emily. Nadira, a beautiful Arabian thoroughbred, is also one of young Sunrise’s new friends.
She is happy and beams with sunshine every day. Sunrise has been allowed to live on thanks to the people who have not given up on her despite her health problems, and she is bursting with joie de vivre.
Handicaps in animals should not be a reason to put them to sleep. Thank you to all those who just get down on their knees to pick flowers or stroke animals. There is a solution to most problems.
