08/28/2026
I brought Raya home almost a year ago.
I hardly remember the sticker on her tail, her ribs & hip so boney, her roached mane & short tail….
I remember she was unsure, but trusting, followed and listened, and always sweet and kind!
I knew she was possibly exposed, that she came from an Amish farm & that her name was Maxine. She had recently weaned a foal.
Her family (all she ever knew) didn’t need her anymore. So there she was…..
Something told me to save her, to fight for her & to go get her.
Her coggins said she came out of the Iowa auction. An old mare in her mid to upper 20’s is really no use to anyone. She should be retired and given a soft landing and easy life.
Frankly if I or someone else didn’t pull her, she would have gone to auction. She would have lost more weight, probably would have picked up an illness, & been shipped to slaughter with her baby on board.
We did 2 ultrasounds to determine that she was in fact pregnant. I was excited for a baby but nervous about her age. My vet assured me that the concern with age typically came with early pregnancy.
Here we are….. we think almost 11 months!
Without knowing when she conceived, we didn’t have much to go on.
I’ve seen some changes…..
And now recently not much, however all mares are different & repeat moms can also be unpredictable.
Raya is healthy, happy, loved, spoiled, a bit more active with our cooler temps, fat, eating & content.
Our vet said early September.
I’m so nervous! My first foal ever!
So excited, but I don’t really know what I’m doing. Scared, but I have friends who have experience in my corner which makes me feel better 💜
Stay tuned…..
Who knew we would be saving 2 lives that day. She is so delightful, easy, sweet & ready to bring her sweet baby into this world.
BTW: she is very smart!!!!!!
