Sara has a New Home

Sara. . . what an in-your-pocket doll. We picked her up at Eden Farm on Friday, August 22 and she loaded fine and traveled well–but was  in a lather by the time we got home.  She settled right down in the  arena and proceeded to investigate everything within range. She appeared to think that the donkeys were creatures from Mars!

The vet came that same day to examine her. Her heart, guts,  respiration, etc. were all just fine. Although we drew blood to test  for insulin and glucose, Sara was still too nervous to put her through any extensive testing, such as a pregnancy test. In any  event, vet doesn’t really think she was pregnant, unless very recently so.

As for her feet, her soles are below the hoof wall, so she’s walking directly on them, which can indicated a rotation of her coffin bone;  hopefully, it’s not seriously rotated. The farrier came and did a bit of straightening and encouraging, and thinks that a trim every four weeks for a while should help her.  Fortunately, Sara doesn’t seem lame at all, and staying active in the arena sand will help a lot.

Sara made fast friends right away with Misha, a beautiful little Morgan–and shows absolutely no aggression to the other horses, thank  Heavens!  She’s learning her place in the herd of mares, and thus far there  seems to be general agreement that she’s welcome.

Then came the bath the following day– without a halter!!!  I was  putting water in the tank and she keep nuzzling me until I sprayed some on her and she just stood there and practically purred. After an  hour or so, I finally managed to getthe dreadlocks out –what a chore!–and she actually has some mane left.  Now am working on the tarweed on her legs and ears. She loves her soaked hay and IR diet –  no problems. I’ve forgot what her exact weight was, but it’s over 1,000 pounds.

We are delighted to have Sara at home with us and look forward to sending more updates as they come!

As told to Jannalee Smithey, by Sara’s new Mom, 4 September 2008