Update, for those who are interested

Good luck QB :)

And to those getting their knickers in a twist, try reading all of the threads.

QB HAS sought VETERINARY advice, the mare IS on a feeding and worming regime.


What would satisfy you, if she hired a vet to watch the mare 24/7.

Get a grip and calm down, a vet lives next door to her, but you would know that if you had read the threads ;)
 
nicnag said:
FFS. What the hell did nature do before we started interfering! this is just one if the things that drives me nuts with the horse world. Bitching and calling other folk for everything just because they have a different way of doing things. What do folk expect the vet to do? camp out for the length of gestation? animals often cope better without human intervention whether that be at birth or any other part.
Good luck Queenbee. Keep us posted!
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Exactly!

There are far too many snobs on here thinking they are bloody Ace Ventura or Doctor Dolittle. The mare is quite clearly fine and is coping, JUST AS MANY IN FOAL MARES DO. I really wish they wouldn't attempt to put forward such a vehement argument when they are quite clearly so mis-informed. It is not neglect, QB has infact spoken to her vet and taken his/her advice.. you would know that if you had actually bothered to read the previous posts rather than jumping to conclusions. Silly people.
 
mcnaughty said:
Good on ya BM - you have spelled out exactly what I have been thinking for the past god knows how many weeks.

Leave them to their deluded fluff posts. I agree, it is neglect, not of a level that WHW would be interested but still neglect. Mares should have medical attention if it is available, end of. We are not discussing a feral or wild mare we are discussing one in captivity. My mare's foal was unexpected. I purchased her as an ex broodmare but as soon as I had an inkling that she was pregnant I called the vet to confirm the pregnancy and commenced an appropriate course of feed, worming and vaccinations.

Shame on you all for supporting this rediculous course of action.

OP - if your motive isn't a money saving exercise then it puts even more of a rediculous slant on the whole sad tale.
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Boring, boring, boring.....
 
Hi Guys, sorry I bailed last night, it really wasn't safe for me to stay on the thread my computer stood the risk of getting a bit broken. :eek: I am a little bit more calm today :D I know that I should ignore the bad snipes but last night was a rare occasion where it just got to me, sorry.

I thank you for all your comments and pm's of support since then and am happy to continue up dating you on ebonys progress/lack of it :D but if it turns sour again I may have to rethink that, I don't want it to become an unpleasant thread for people to read or to have the nature of the thread changed. There has been constructive support and differing opinions throughout this story, As Springfeather has said, but her posts really have been the posts of a grown up who is supportive and insightful, not vicious and nasty. The main thing is that I think it is something different, a real adventure, and there seem to be an overwhelming number of people who are gripped by it, it would be a shame for everyone if this stopped. I am keeping a journal on my computer (far more in depth than on here) and It has made me observe not only my 2 but the nature of other horses as companions. Whatever the outcome this has been such an insightful experience for me.

dominobrown said:
Sorry, just read this thread, and to turn it back onto a slightly lighter note, who is the daddy and what is he like?
You have a lovely mare and I hope everything goes well. Must be SO excited to see the foal!
Also you can tell from the pictures she is foal, not fat or wormy from how she has 'dropped' and where she is carrying the bulge. Where I work they always have a a mare or two in foal, and the no longer scan them as one was scanned early on and it did have twins which it aborted (scan didn't show it), and about 3 or 4 times the scan showed the mare was in/ out of foal and it was wrong. If you know what you are doing I don't see what a vet can do.
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Hi there, thank you for this, Excited? yes, but only really when rousted up by the HHO lot :D TBH I am really really relaxed and chilled with her, but she was always such a live wire, she is now so very calm and loving that I think it just rubs off on me.

Ben my youngster is the daddy, total accident but luckily he's not half bad ;)

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=475153

jhoward said:
QB i dont for a second think your mare is neglected, ive BOTHERED to read all the threads and look at old piccies to see the difference, just keep doing what your doing and post updates!

ps if your mare doesnt have a foal i may kill you both :D
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:eek: *currently running for the hills to hide*

MrVelvet said:
right thats it! NO MORE COMMENTS unless shes foaled!! Im sick of seeing the thread has been bumped, getting excited, having to trawl through people with nothing better to do picking at QB noone cares how anyone else would have done it.. its been done!! ( of course im not referring to the fellow supporters ) :D so come on Ebony get a move on!!!!


ps eeeeeek those photos are exciting... could be a little foaly foot or elbow or knee.... :D ahhh

pps i really should get out more :(

ppps eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek :D
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do you want some vallium my love? I found that a glass of vino helped me loads last night. :D

Thankyou to all the voices of sanity and support out there, for those that have read the posts and a big thanks to SF who I think sums how people on this forum should be treated:
Spring Feather said:
I was possibly one of the first people to berate QB for her actions (or lack of). Read back through her threads and you'll see I lodged my complaints and explained why what she was doing seemed highly unethical to someone like me who breeds for a living. However, at some point we have to accept that not everyone does things in a manner that we agree with so we move on. I would not wish anything awful to happen to the mare or foal. If either or both of them died I am sure QB would be as devasted as many a breeder I know who have suffered such an horrific loss and yes she would be wracked with guilt afterwards. On a brighter note, most foalings go well. QB will hopefully continue with her photo and post updates and even though everything she's done goes totally against the grain for me, I for one will help her out in any way I can.
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Updates are as follows:

No real change at all, although her appetite did pick up a bit more last night, I cut back the ammount of roughage in her feed last night by 1/2 scoop and she ate that no problem, she seemed ravenous last night so I added the 1/2 scoop back, but the night before she was really unphased by dinner or a haynet. other than that it is the same as the day before and the day before that. No pictures today from last night because 1: they show no real change, and 2: I can't upload on this computer. Didn't get to kiss her goodmorning either because YO turned her and ben out for me this morning, I got to the stables and they were empty :eek: so I didn't have chance to check her either although YO said there was no major change, but admits she didn't look at her teets. Really really proud of YO (best mate :D) she is really nervous around 'the big ones' as she calls them, she is fantastic with horses but the larger they are, the more nervy she is. She will handle ebony, but then she absolutely loves her like she were her own but she handled ben this morning too, he is really good bless him, but this would have been a huge thing for YO, so I am really chuffed for her :D
 
Oh I am still waiting to hear.

And I know this will shock some people but I worked for an ID stud and they all foaled outside in the field. May sound strange but it was a brilliant way of keeping disease away and giving a natural birth because they had some much room. The best advice I can give you QB is make sure you get the naval sorted out as soon as the foal is born as this is wear they can get infections that can kill a foal. x
 
mcnaughty said:
Leave them to their deluded fluff posts. QUOTE]

^^^ Yes please, we 'fluffies' would like to be left alone to enjoy the updates and not be bothered with the negative opinions which are irrelevant to this thread. As the OP has already said there is another thread running where you can go and express your opinions as to the op's choices - this thread is 'for those who are INTERESTED' in the updates.

ps. QB. Is it here yet?
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Hi all, no, no change still rather plump today. Her appetite has picked up she was really not interested in anything yesterday but today she has her head down grazing in the field at the moment. YO keeping a north eye on her for me until I get up there after work.

Kaylum, If it were summer, that would be exactly the approach I would be going for, unfortunately its not :( but I am prepared for el stumpy with iodine and I have some sterile string etc in the kit :)
 
Emilieu said:
mcnaughty said:
Leave them to their deluded fluff posts. QUOTE]

^^^ Yes please, we 'fluffies' would like to be left alone to enjoy the updates and not be bothered with the negative opinions which are irrelevant to this thread. As the OP has already said there is another thread running where you can go and express your opinions as to the op's choices - this thread is 'for those who are INTERESTED' in the updates.

ps. QB. Is it here yet?
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:D:D:D to above.

I don't know, I go off to work on a 26 hour shift and the meanies get their teeth into QB in my absence! Damn! Still, she and Ebony seem to have been pretty well defended.

But really, when people say mares "NEED" vaccines etc.... It's only your opinion folks! What do you think of all the many PEOPLE round the world who choose not to use vaccines for their children?

Some of these posts (BM & others, you know who you are) are just downright nasty. You seem to be getting a proper tizz about it, maybe it would be better if you don't read the thread if you don't like what you see? You seem to be implying you're all waiting to say "told you so" if things go wrong. Maybe you're secretly hoping they will so you can feel REALLY smug.

The "don't come crying here if..." comments are really vindictive. Ugh.

It's a shame more people aren't like Rhino and Spring Feather, who disagree with the OP but still wish well and don't resort to name-calling and spite.

On a happier note, I'm very glad you're still posting QB. It's all very exciting. :):):)
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Sarah W said:
Bump. Literally. :D
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PMSL! :D Yes still a bump, no 4 legged baby fiend yet! :D

Still the same as the last few days only one major change, the last couple of days there has been less movement, in addition to this, the last few days she has had less of an appetite, she is eating all/most of her tea, but only about a cake of hay at night, normally she will eat 3 or 4 cakes. She has got access to good grazing, but this has never been a factor before that has affected her appetite at night. In addition 4 nights ago she drank her normal amount but the last 3 days she has only drank about 1/3 of her large tub trug each night. Finally, boy can my girl pee, she pees for England and takes ages normally, now she only pees a little bit, literally for a few seconds or so.

Well folks, there is your update, thats the only change that I can mention at the moment...

Her pees are very short and she isn't eating much forage.
 
Hi there, nothing major to report, no change this morning, I turned her out and went to work. Will be up there again in a bit so will post a proper update this evening. Really happy though, just had a message off the daughter of the woman who used to own her, she used to ride her lots and loves her to pieces, Ebony has spent all her life from 9 months old with either them or me. It was really lovely a couple of winters ago, they came to help me graze my fields down and she got to see some of her old herd. Anyway, I messaged her a few days ago to tell her the possible news and she is going to come visit Ebs with her Mum. I'm really looking forward to it, whatever has got ebony so very chilled and loving and not the slightest bit aloof I can't wait for them to see it. She has always been a loving horse with a big heart, but also a stroppy diva with her nose in the air if she feels like it. She would so often prance around you in a circle, just out of sodding reach in the field and the second you move bat out of hell it away in fantastic gallop tail up and then stand stock still and snort until you moved towards her then off again! Now the only way she canters is towards me to the gate, and this isn't just to come in.

Anyway pointless post, shamelessly 'bigging up' my girlie, and excited and happy to be having her old owners come and see her.
 
Hi Guys, sorry no further news, still the same, only just got in from yard 20 mins ago, she was a bit weird tonight, more vocal than normal but the very low whinny greeting if that makes sense and she is holding her head very low and just nuzzling right in, she also took to following me around the stable, just a bit of a lost soul tonight, pretty much eating next to nothing of her hay, only the very odd mouthful but she seems to be keeping condition so not worried. Didn't get to see her pee tonight so unable to comment on how long she took over it. Took a couple of healthy scrapes at her tummy and looked a bit bewildered at her uber massive bed! Wasn't able to spend much time with her or take pics though because I had YO's ponies to muck out as she wasn't feeling that well so I thought I'd be the good Samaritan and help her out. Bit shattered now, but staying awake to go and check her at 11. Promise will post pics tomorrow for you all :D
 
It's probably nothing and true the occasional mare can be like this late term but do keep a close eye on her if she's reduced her water and food consumption. All of my broodmares eat voraciously right up until just a few hours prior to foaling. Their water and hay intake usually increases a huge amount in the weeks leading up to foaling. If your mare is urinating less then it will possibly be down to her not drinking so much and although this can happen in some mares I'd keep a close eye on her as impactions can occur with a little more ease at this stage of the game.
 
Spring Feather said:
It's probably nothing and true the occasional mare can be like this late term but do keep a close eye on her if she's reduced her water and food consumption. All of my broodmares eat voraciously right up until just a few hours prior to foaling. Their water and hay intake usually increases a huge amount in the weeks leading up to foaling. If your mare is urinating less then it will possibly be down to her not drinking so much and although this can happen in some mares I'd keep a close eye on her as impactions can occur with a little more ease at this stage of the game.
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Hi SF, thanks for that, Its good to know, I will keep an eye on her. Its not that she is urinating less, it is more that she has increased the frequency of her urinations and they are shorter (possibly because she has not got as much room) She has also gone out on her new paddock and I suspect the water content in the grass is better than the other one which was grazed down. She is drinking a fair amount but 4 or 5 nights ago she came in and had drunk the whole lot nearly by 11 o'clock so I topped it up, it was still the same the next day. I did notice she was sneakilly eating the straw tonight so she is probably getting more down her neck than i thought ;) And she has absolutely no problem polishing off her alfalfa and outshine when she comes in. There is still as much poo, same consistency and wet as ever (ho hum!) but she is not restless and box walking so far easier to muck out. :)

She was sooooo tired tonight bless her, but something slightly quirky in her behaviour that I can't quite put my finger on. her vulva was relaxed but not sure what it will be like in the morning, and no change to teats. She has always been sensitive and wont let you touch her poll or ears but as the days go on she is turning into a dope on a rope (without the rope) I had an ear in each hand and she just snuggled... (perhaps alfalfa a has wacky backy in it ;)) If it wasn't for the fact that she prances lightly next to me when I lead her out to the field and then has a little canter to her favourite spot each morning and the fact that her ears are pricked up and alert looking out of the stable, I would almost worry, but she is fine, just very chilled and tired in the stable. Bless her :D Well, off for a wee bit of shut eye before my next night visit.

Night all :D
 
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Sorry folks, no news as yet, but I just had to post, I opened up the thread so I could copy the picture of ben lying down, wanted to print it out for my office desk and the thread opened on the first post and I saw this:

queenbee said:
Hello all :D:D:D (<<<<a few smiley faces to soften you up)

OK so ebony update, will keep it short and sweet ;)
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Had to chuckle :D 'short and sweet' 170 posts and 12'000 views later :eek: :eek: :eek:

Just made me laugh :D

Will update with pics tonight I promise :D
 
Hi all,

A very quick update because I am shattered and I stink so its shower and a nap for me, still no foal, but really narky tonight with her tummy while eating and lots of tail swishing, She can still raise her tail for a scratch but she there wasn't as much resistance when I lifted it (although this could just be my imagination) no major change anywhere. But a few pics, these are comparisons of her teats over the last month

Sept 4th
ebony012.jpg


Oct 11th
ebony017.jpg


Tonight
ebony13oct018.jpg

ebony13oct020.jpg

ebony13oct003.jpg



If they don't bag up, can they wax, I assumed not so what is that stuff on her teats? I confess to never really having paid much attention to them before now

Side pic tonight
ebony13oct017.jpg



Bum
ebony13oct014.jpg



oh, and still no foal :D
 
Queenbee87 said:
Hurry up foalie (if you're in there!!)
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Thats just it, I feel movement, she is 'rather large' and her weight is hanging low, she is narky with her tummy etc and her temperament has completely changed, she is so chilled. But, she isn't getting larger, gut instinct still says yes, but keep doubting it. It will be 343 days on sunday although I heard that the fertilised egg can float for up to 2 weeks before it attaches...
 
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