There are few events in the equine world as heartrending as the loss of a foal. As the owner of a beautiful mare named Cherry, I have experienced this sorrow firsthand.
Cherry, always the picture of equine health, was expected to deliver a healthy foal. Throughout her pregnancy, we worked closely with our local vet, ensuring she had regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and ample exercise. Every step was taken to ensure both Cherry and her unborn foal were in peak condition.
However, nature has a way of reminding us that even the best-laid plans can go awry. Cherry went into labor and gave birth on her own, as many mares do. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, her foal was born breech and, to make matters worse it had been a “red bag” which means the placenta detached from the uterine wall. The foal didn’t make it.
In the aftermath, we were left with many questions. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Seeking answers, we arranged for blood work to be done by our local vet. The samples were then sent off to the Cornell Equine Hospital, one of the most respected institutions in the field, for further analysis.
The results confirmed that Cherry was in good health, and the foal had been viable but the complication of a red bag ended its life. This information, while reassuring in some ways, also made the loss more poignant. It was a stark reminder that even with the best care, there are factors in equine birth beyond our control.
Despite our profound loss, we have taken comfort in knowing that we did everything we could for Cherry and her foal. Cherry’s strength and resilience have been an inspiration throughout this challenging time. Her loss is felt deeply, but her story underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment we have with these incredible animals.
Cherry’s journey and the loss of her foal is a poignant reminder of both the beauty and fragility of equine life. It’s a story that will stay with me forever, a story of hope, loss, and resilience, a story that, although steeped in sorrow, is also filled with love. It’s the story of Cherry and her stillborn foal, a story I will never forget.