Textbook Mom Anchor

free range horse photography of a mare and new foal resting in the shade
Taking a break from the glaring morning sun after a long morning of birth and bonding.

With her usual “keep your distance” glare after giving birth, I get the stink-eye from mom. I must admit she was more generous with her distance requirement this year. Usually, she is on the move to disappear as soon as she sees me approaching after she has foaled and she tests the limits of my telephoto zoom lens.

free range horse photography of a newborn foal marching to keep up with mother
Marching to navigate the tall grasses, a newborn sticks close to mom.

With a determination visible by the set of his jaw, this little guy dutifully maintains close contact with his mother in the first hours of his life.

free range horse photography of a pale palomino newborn
Being born is hard work; at a few hours old, this colt’s expression is not a care-free one.

 

free range horse photography of a tired newborn colt
At this point he just wanted a nap. A drip of milk visible in his nose.

Many times newly born foals maintain close contact with their mothers, as if they were still connected by a cord. This colt, born May 19, was no exception. He had a very busy morning and seemed a bit flustered with all the complexities of “life on the outside”. Mom was his anchor in these trying hours.