Horse Sunrise
and the "unfortunate" step into horse life
A mare carries her foal in her belly for about 11 months. The signs of the foal's birth are very varied from a medical point of view. What any layman can recognise is that the mare becomes restless, has slight contractions and sweats. At some point, the time comes and the little foal makes its "way". A normal, uncomplicated birth takes 10-30 minutes. After another 30 minutes at the latest, the foal rises and looks for the mare's udder. Isn't nature unique?
Sunrise chose a special way out
The forelegs should come slightly crossed, the sole surfaces looking down. The nostrils should rest on the front tarsal joints. Then comes the shoulder, followed by belly presses and: the foal is born. With Sunrise it was different. 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 middle of the two front legs. This joint is responsible for bending and stretching the front limbs.
Sunrise was born and all right so far, but it was not possible for her to stand up. So she could not reach the udder and drink by herself. The vets advised the owners to put the foal to sleep.
"But Sunrise had such a strong will to live that we tried everything we could to help. Putting her to sleep 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. Every half hour someone was with the little foal. 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. The efforts were worth it 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 stand up had left Sunrise sore. The vets tried to correct the carpal joint, but unfortunately without success.
Sunrise was taken in by 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 nature and has found great friends for life with Nashi and Emily. Nadira, a beautiful Arabian thoroughbred, is also one of young Sunrise's new friends.
She is happy and beams with the sun every day. Sunrise was allowed to live on because of the people who did not give up on her despite her health problems, and she is bubbling over with joie de vivre.
Handicaps in animals should not be a reason to put them down. Thank you to all those who get down on their knees just to pick flowers or pet animals. There is a solution for most problems.
