At Last...the (first) Baby Horse is Born!

Yesterday was our usual "momma watch" that we do at some point during the day to witness baby kicks and make sure the girls are doing ok while we take a break from projects.

Lilly was being VERY restless yesterday and exhibiting some other tell-tale signs of foaling-soon-to-be...so we made sure to keep a close eye on the expecting momma.

After diligent watches, every 15-30 minutes, through the afternoon, evening and night, we watched her continue to pace and lie down and pace. Then, a few minutes before midnight during a corral check, I saw a little head and front legs wiggling around as Lilly was laying in the round corral...the baby was being born! In about 10-15 minutes, she was able to finish birthing and under a night full of infinite stars, the baby red dun stud colt was born!

Momma was pretty tired after the delivery, so we rubbed him dry with a towel (it was quite cold last night!) and laughed and smiled as he made his little baby horse whinnys and grunts, talking to his mommy. In no time, Hank was moving around and able to stand on his own, and momma tended to him. It was a long night, but we were glad everything turned out ok without complications!

So, we introduce to you the newest addition to the Diamond D Ranch...

Baby Hank!

As with most babies, they eat, sleep, potty, play, repeat! :) He is so cute! So friendly, but also fiesty. He is a very sweet and curious little boy!

There was a 6.25% chance that Hank would be a red dun! It was a fun surprise to see his colors...very flashy! (Hank's full brother, Miles, is a bay roan; their daddy was a Red Dun)

He sure is a long-legged little guy!

He's very interested in us...we've been able to pet and rub him often and he comes up to give us kisses, too...until Lilly decides "That's Enough!" :)