We have been keeping a little secret for the past two weeks! It’s a girl!
September 18th
We have been monitoring her health daily as the first two weeks are the most vulnerable time in a wild horses life. Once foals survive this time period, we feel a lot better and they have a pretty good chance of making it into adulthood. She has already survived several 110 degree days and 2 severe rainstorms! She was born into a great band, out of an experienced mare and a strong lead stallion, plus not just one, but two loyal lieutenant stallions.
Indeed her mother is likely resistant or semi resistant to PZP. We already knew that the science on PZP fertility control programs is 95% efficacy on average. Therefore, we counted on at least a few automatic foals each year. However, we are very detailed with our implementation and timing of the booster shots, and we are seeing a higher efficacy than would be considered normal.
So far this mare is the only one showing a resistance. The mares’ name is Minnie and she had Makenzie last year, also in spite of her timely PZP dart. PZP is a brilliant birth-control for wild horses, because it does not influence the hormones of the mare, and therefore it does not influence or disrupt a pregnancy.
We have not named her yet as we want to give the public some input. The theme of the mare is Disney with an M.
Born Free, stay free!
SRWHMG.