Last year, I posted a few things I've written, on the topic of horses, to keep watchers busy... so here's one of them:
In my sleep deprivation, I had started to worry, obsess, about a possible dystocia. Would I be able to handle it? How long would it take a vet to arrive if I needed one? But, when I observed Chloe’s actions on the monitor—a peace feel upon me; I knew everything would be okay. I watched alone for a while, not wanting to share the moment with anyone, not sure what I was seeing, but then I called my daughter to watch. By that time there were only five minutes left before real labor began and I knew it was time to call Kennedy, and time for me to head to the barn. Chloe had God on her side, and I had talked to Him daily for weeks, asking for the wisdom to see her through. I slept very little for days—not willing to take my eyes off her. All was well. Thank you, Lord.
Here’s my interpretation of what I saw…
The mare walked the perimeter of her stall, stopping at each side (always be aware of the special place’s surroundings). Her head turned slowly, purposefully to the left, and lingered there. Then slowly, deliberately, she turned to the right, searching. Searching for what? (Look, without rushing, to each cardinal direction so there are no surprises when the time comes.) She left bodily waste at the west side. She sniffed the pile to be sure the message was clear (Let other horses and creatures know the special time is near and ask that your space be respected.) After a short time, the mare walked decisively to the south border and repeated her ritual. Again, the message was assessed. She was satisfied; her eyes told. Within 30 minutes from the start of this procedure, the mare walked to the east and finished her mission. She circled the perimeter again, stopping at each pile to confirm her message. Her statement was clear; her foal would be safe. But the ritual was not complete. The mare stood in the center of her safe area and pawed to test the ground. Was it the best place? Yes. She checked a second time to be sure. (Never rush the ceremony—your foal’s life depends on it.) Her discomfort from the start of contractions made her yawn to work through the ache. (Nothing worthwhile is ever easy—take pride in the pain it takes to bring a new life into the world.) The bedding in the center was nudged in last minute preparedness. A deep contentment feel into the mare. She was at peace. All was well. She could feel it in her bones. The time was near, and she was ready.