Nakota, the mare who was 9 months in foal, died last night. I don’t know what happened - she was fine and ate her dinner last night. I whistled and called for her to come to breakfast. It took a while, but my gelding came up alone. I went looking for her with dread, because nothing keeps Nakota from her food, and she was lying dead in the paddock. I have no idea what caused her death, it doesn’t look like she thrashed around. She’s just gone. And Irish doesn’t want to leave her - he’s standing right next to her.
Thanks, everyone. I’ve spent the morning trying to make arrangements to have her body removed. $1000 for cremation, but the animal removal service will take her for free. My neighbor will drag her body to the road and they’ll pick her up on Monday.
The stallion owner kindly offered to lend me a broodmare if I want to try again, but I think I’m done. There’ll always be a horse to rescue if I get the urge.
My god, that is terrible, StGermain. Words just don’t convey.
I know that pregnancy in humans creates a larger bloodflow, thus increasing the chances of aneurysm. Maybe that’s what got Nakota? At least it sounds like she didn’t suffer.
There’s a non-profit stable near me that takes rescue horses and helps rehabilitate them. I plan on making a small donation to them in honor of Nakota and her baby.
