As viewers of this website know, Clark Lake’s horse population grew by one on Monday (4/8).   Since then, the colt has been named Sunny.  Jill Bentley says it fits because the eclipse also happened the day of his birth.  Now becoming accustomed to Jill’s barn, KC’s nursing, and Jill’s excellent care, the colt is growing fast.

This morning, Clark Lake welcomed a second arrival, but not without drama.  About 7 am, Elaine Stewart went out to care for her two horses in area where she could see Jill’s pasture.  She saw three horses in a circle and a little head poking out.  She rushed to the scene.  Flame had just delivered in Jill’s nearby pasture.  The foal, a filly, was still wet, and Flame was shaking.

What is described next sometimes happens when a birth takes place in a herd.  Two of Jill’s male horses attacked the newborn.  Baron bit the baby’s neck and kept her on the ground.  When the foal was able to stand, Barron ran after it, and Zip pushed it over.  A mother horse will usually do anything to protect a foal by keeping the rest of the herd away.  Flame, new to motherhood, didn’t seem to know what to do.  Stepping into the fracas, Elaine attempted to control the two powerful males.  She says “clearly, I needed help.”  Her husband, John, arrived on the scene.  B.J. and Sally Lyons were also there to help.  B.J. and John got the two males away from Flame and her foal.  B.J. lassoed Barron and pulled him into the other pasture.  Sally calmed Flame by giving her some carrots.  John picked up the foal.  Flame stood still and appeared to be wondering what to do, but then began to follow John as he carried her offspring to the barn.  Elaine says the foal seemed to bond to John and stayed close.  Sally, seeing the foal was wet, dried her off.

Sometimes human help is needed so nature can take over.

Jill, now alert to the birth, joined her neighbors in the barn and got to know the latest addition to her herd.  For now, Jill is calling her latest, John’s Girl.  Jill adds “I am so fortunate to have such loving neighbors.  They are part of this, and I’m so grateful!”

Sally Lyons, her son Jack, Jill and Flame

Below is a progress report on KC and Sunny.  Sunny is much larger and stronger than stable-mate John’s Girl.

Click here to read about Sunny’s birth.