Foal Watching 2005
For some reason when I decided I wanted to do this foaling practicum, I didn't realize how difficult it would be to stay up all night. Every time I got in the car with Anik to make the drive to Ocala, the only thing that was on my mind was why am I doing this, why do I want to kill myself and stay up all night? We could have taken turns and gotten naps, but no, we didn't want to miss anything that went on. Some nights nothing went on and those were very boring. The horses were just being horses, standing around, eating and sleeping. What made the nights even worse was that after certain nights I had to be at work at 8 am when I had no sleep. Go ahead and call us crazy because we know we are!
This class was something else though. We performed actions and took pictures of things we never thought we would. It was a great experience and I would probably do it again if I had more time. I am greatful we got to see two foalings and be a part of the life process. I have learned so much from this class. Take a look around and learn what we actually did every night we were there. I will warn you some of the pictures are graphic. Be careful and enjoy!!
~*~*~Christine~*~*~
For some crazy reason, this year Christi and I decided to take a Foal Watching practicum. Man, what an experience. We had to go all the way down to the HRC (Horse Research Center) in Ocala, about a 40 minute drive, spend the night there and check up on the mares every 20 minutes to see if anyone was having a baby. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep on those nights.
It sounds crazy, but it really wasn't all that bad. We only had to go eight times, once every nine days, and we got to see two foalings. Unfortunately, we also saw a mare put down.
I think that I would definately take this class again if I could. It is so awesome just walking outside and seeing a baby's feet peeping out of mom (or half its body as was the case the first time). As tired as you may be when you first walk about, that sight sends a jolt of adrenaline right through you and you definately don't feel like sleeping anymore.
We took lots of pictures, and so did everyone else. Check them out if you like. Some of them are a bit bloody, so use caution. Enjoy!!! 
- Anik
Foal Watching? It's A Girl! It's A Boy! A Sad Event Down Time More Pictures
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