The Birth of Liberty Foal Video
Top Yellow was carefully chosen to be the father of Daisy’s foal because of his outstanding movement, he has the most dressage points in Europe for a pony stallion, and a fantastic temperament. Top Liberty was born on the 1st May 2009 at 3.40am. This was a first for everyone involved, me, Will and Daisy. Daisy had steadily grown more friendly during her pregnancy enjoying a lot of attention. I got as much information as I could from the vet, experienced friends and books. By the time Libby was due we had cameras in the stable and all emergency equipment and phone numbers to hand, I was taking no chances with my precious mare and her baby. Thankfully our little foal and her lovely mum are healthy and appear to be very content indeed, maybe next time I’ll be more chilled...Video 1. [48min]This is the full length film, if you look carefully you can see how Liberty looked dead when she was born, the sack hadn’t broken and she wasn’t moving. I broke the sack with my fingers letting out a gush of water and Libby breathed and began to sit up. Shortly afterwards, Daisy rolled a little onto one of Libby’s back legs, Libby was struggling but she couldn’t free herself and I couldn’t free her, until Will lifted Daisy’s leg and I pulled Libby free. We were worried for a while that Libby’s leg had been damaged as she took a while to stand. A bemused Daisy greeted her foal with a lovely wicker and lot’s of licking but when they eventually both stood up Daisy wasn’t happy at all with Libby’s attempts to suckle and Daisy’s milk had stopped running.
After a gentle rub with a warm flannel on her udder Daisy’s milk began to flow and Libby was allowed her first drink. Libby’s first morning was bathed in warm sunshine and I was anxious to get her and her Mum outside to stretch their legs and give me an opportunity to clean up the messy stable. Fortunately an experienced friend was on hand to help, she took Daisy as I was careful to use pressure and release with my hand on Libby’s bottom urging her forwards.Video 2. [10min]The shortened version.
