Hi Jennifer & Cheryl

My girl OK Mae Be Easy, #408, foaled Friday morning early -- the plainest bay filly you've ever seen, not a white hair on her, go figure. She is a very nicely made girl, and should be a good prospect for speed, sport, or stock horse disciplines.  Thought you'd like to see some pictures.  Mama and baby are doing well, although Mae scared me a bit -- she was in hard labor but not dilated, and we had to give her a shot of oxytocin to get her going.

Mae has filled out and finally figured out her wardrobe for the mid-South -- she went from moth eaten to completely bald before she got it straight, but she looks wonderful now.  She's a fantastic mother.
 
The baby's name is tentatively Mae Be a Blue Moon, with alternate choices Mae Go Figure and Mae Be Spotless.  She is sweet and friendly and looks pretty athletic now that she's got those legs sorted out.  She was one hour old in the pictures.
 
Ellen

Hi Jennifer

 Little "Blue" looks like she is going to make a whale of an eventer to me -- she has deep muscles in her hindquarters even at a week old, lots of natural balance and athleticism. She is going to be a big girl, I think, has nice big joints, lots of bone, and very straight, correct legs even at her age. She has a deep chest like her Mama and plenty of "motor". She is bold and curious -- she likes to "help" clean the stall and is already deep into Mama's hay and oats, even without a tooth in her head.  With all that I don't think we'll miss the spots too much.

Ellen

Dear Cheryl and Jennifer,

With heavy heart I must tell you I had to put my beautiful Mae down today.  She was in constant pain from the damage done to the joints in her legs -- two bad stifles, two bad hocks, and a bad knee -- with no hope of recovery.  I tried joint supplements, massage, chiropractic, and discussed many many options for treatment -- and we all concluded there was no way to give her the quality of life she deserved. She was not enjoying her life, and once her beautiful, bright eyed and friendly filly was weaned, she started shutting down emotionally, withdrawing from the other horses, and was obviously in a great deal of pain. Brave soul that she was, she was clearly holding herself together for the sake of her baby, but after weaning she just had nothing left.  The suspensory apparatus in both hind legs was beginning to fail, her stifles gave way frequently, and it was only a matter of time before she broke down completely. None of us thought it was fair to her to ask her to carry on in the deep winter footing and cold weather, when she clearly seemed to believe her work here was done.  She gave far more than she received in her short life, and peace and freedom from pain seemed the best gift I could give her in return.

 
 I wish I could tell you a happier story, but I will tell you that for the 8 short months she shared my life and my horses' lives here she was well cared for and truly loved.  She was a beautiful mare and I wish I had met her when she was sound and healthy - I'm sure she was a phenomenal athlete, as her daughter shows every sign of being.
 
I am picturing her running like the wind across greener pastures, with a light in her eye at last and the wind in her mane  -- may God bless her, bless you, and bless the work you do -- it was a privilege to have this lovely mare in my barn for far too short a time, and her daughter is just a delight.  Thank you for the opportunity to have this grand lady in my life.
 
Ellen Ingold