The Joy of Babies

I’m sitting on the floor surrounded by boxes of photos and photo albums. Going through pictures looking for baby photos is certainly a trip down memory lane. In the past few years I’ve raised seven foals. The experiences surrounding these babies are firmly etched in my memory. There is a flood of emotions and feelings that surfaces as I review each photo.  I am filled with the wonder of God’s creation and the miracle of birth. I remember the excitement and anticipation, the long nights waiting for the blessed event. The thrill of seeing the tiny hooves appear and then the unfolding of the tiny body. I also remember the heartbreak of loss. I raised five of the babies to at least two years of age and either broke to ride or drive. One was lost to an injury at 3 months of age, which was heartbreaking. I have learned a great deal about horses and life and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. However, it takes some serious consideration both financially and in time spent. My hope is that the information in this issue will help to prepare you for the task, should you choose to raise a foal on your own. In the pages of this issue you will find information on feeding and caring for the broodmare and foal. You will also find a heartwarming story about one person’s experience with embryo transfer after learning she would loose a precious mare to cancer.

With all the cold weather and rain outside you’re probably either in Hawaii on your mid-winter vacation or wishing you were there! Whether you are in the vacation spirit or not, now is a great time to explore and formulate your summer vacation plans. We have several resources in this issue to get you started. If you are a horse owner, there are some great places to visit where you can take your horse and enjoy riding in a new part of the world. If you just happen to be in love with horses and the lifestyle that surrounds them, there are some great places to stay and just experience the mystique and adventure you’ve always dreamed about. Our cover artist, Kim McElroy, is one such person who just happens to love horses and the lifestyle surrounding them. In this issue she shares her experience at the Bitterroot Dude Ranch in Wyoming and the joy of painting this beautiful mare and foal. In the midst of her vacation getaway, she was able to capture the innocence and essence of new birth on a misty morning.

If you have a product, service or horses that we can help you promote give us a call. We are reaching 60,000 plus readers every month with a distribution of 22,000 copies to your favorite feed and tack store and major horse fairs and expos in the Northwest. We’ve recently added distribution to several Veterinary clinics as well. If you’d like us to help you plan your advertising for the year, give us a call. We’re happy to help you take advantage of frequency discounts and get the best value for your dollar. Call us at 360.332.5579 or email info@nwhorsesource.com. Our Equine Marketplace in the magazine and online offers affordable advertising that will help you sell your horses or find that special horse you’ve been looking for. Visit our website at www.nwhorsesource.com for past articles, events, news releases and much more! Don’t miss out.