>>> Is it possible that it was so important for her to be alone when she >>> foaled that she was able to postpone her labor all those hours? Annie
Flekka showed the symptoms of starting into labor a day or two before she delivered. It was early in the night, and we saw it from the window just as we were getting ready for bed: pacing, sweating a little, biting at her side and at her chest, and just generally not acting like herself. Since we were so close by, we decided to watch and wait before we went out, thinking it might be a long night. After about 30-45 minutes, she stopped, and didn't show signs again for a day or two, and the next time was the real-deal. Since we didn't go out that time, I know she didn't stop because of us. I wondered if she had a mild colic - lord knows I had all sorts of digestive pains during the last days of my pregnancy. Or, do mares sometimes have "false labor" contractions, what are called Braxton Hicks or "pre-labor" contractions in women? She's the only mare I've ever seen do that. When she was in real labor, she allowed us to be with her. Karen Thomas, NC
