Luna’s Surprise A rescue horse has a secret up her sleeve.

An adopted horse has a little secret up her sleeve.

Ava stood outside the paddock while the black mare munched on hay. Beneath her forelock was a white patch in the shape of a crescent moon. Ava figured that was why her name was Luna—it is the Spanish word for “moon.” Luna had been a gift of sorts for Ava. On her 10th birthday, Ava and her mother had visited the local horse rescue. And there stood Luna, looking thin and forlorn, until she perked up at the sound of Ava’s voice.

How could they not adopt her? They had room at the family ranch. Luna could have a forever home among their animals, which included a few other horses, a happy-go-lucky dog, several chickens and a feisty goat.

Bonus Baby

Now it was late winter, and the sharp angles of Luna’s bones had disappeared. In fact, her belly had become so round and full that Ava’s mother decided to call the vet.

“I think Luna could have a surprise for us,” she said.

Sure enough, Dr. Holt took a deep breath after examining the mare. “I’m glad you have experience with broodmares, Mrs. Brady, because Luna is going to be a mom.”

Both Ava and her mother uttered the same words at the same time. “How soon?”

“Within a few days,” Dr. Holt said. “Get a foaling kit ready and spread out some straw. Call me if you need me when the big event occurs.”

When Dr. Holt left, Ava and her mother went to work. They spread a bale of straw beneath the shelter in Luna’s paddock. It made a clean, soft bed where she could foal. Then Ava and her mother added some supplies to a clean bucket, including a baby bottle for livestock, some soft towels, scissors, and a bottle of antiseptic. That would be the foaling kit.

A Magical Night

Luna gave no hint of when she’d foal until one frosty evening. Luna paced a bit, then laid down in the straw. Ava happened to be checking on the mare and saw what was happening. She ran for her mother, who came quickly out to the shelter.

The mare rolled numerous times and finally began giving birth. A parade of curious ranch animals followed, from dog to goat to chicken. While Ava paced nervously, her mother stood still and just watched. Luna was remarkably calm, too. In only a few minutes she had birthed a little bay colt. Luna turned to face her baby and nickered softly. He lifted his little wet head and nickered back.

“That’s so cute!” Ava whispered excitedly. “And look, Mom! Look at that mark on his forehead!”

“I see that,” her mother replied. “It’s a perfect star.”

“Luna, the moon, has her own little Star!” Ava said.

Once Luna stood up, Ava’s mother stepped into the stall with the antiseptic. She gently swabbed Star’s navel to prevent any infection. Then she left and joined Ava.

“He should stand up soon and nurse,” she said.

The two of them waited in the cold night air. But Star seemed to struggle. He’d spread his long legs in the straw and scramble, then collapse to the ground. Luna looked worried. She pushed him with her nose, but after about an hour he still couldn’t stand. Ava and her mom tried to help the colt to his feet so he could nurse but had no success. “What’s wrong with him?” Ava asked.

“I’m not sure,” her mother replied. “He needs some milk or he’ll get weaker and weaker. You hold onto Luna’s halter and I’m going to milk her. Hopefully Star will suck from the bottle.” Luna seemed to agree with the plan because she rested her head on Ava’s shoulder. A small amount of the mare’s milk was soon inside the bottle.

Ava was happy to see the colt latch on to the bottle and drink the warm liquid.

“He’s taking it!” she exclaimed. “Will he get up now?”

“I hope so,” her mother answered. She set the empty bottle aside. “But I’m going to call Dr. Holt anyway.”

to the rescue

Despite the late hour, Dr. Holt arrived. He gently examined Star.

“His heart and lungs sound good. He’s just weak. It was a good idea to milk the mare, because he needs the energy and nutrients. I just wish it wasn’t so cold.”

Ava had an idea. She ran inside the house and grabbed a red fleece-lined sweatshirt. As she dashed back outside, she unzipped the hoodie and handed it to Dr. Holt. “He can wear this!”

Dr. Holt thought for a moment. “You know, Ava, this just might work.”

With Ava holding Luna, her mother and Dr. Holt knelt in the straw and carefully put Star’s front legs through the sleeves. Then Dr. Holt zipped it closed over Star’s back, with the collar draped around his little withers. “Will he be okay?” Ava asked the vet. Dr. Holt spoke clearly. “Well, Ava, if he isn’t better in the morning he’ll have to come to the clinic. But for now, all of us—horses included—need to get some rest.” Dr. Holt spoke quietly to Ava’s mom, and then he drove away.

Ava followed her mother up the porch steps. As they walked inside, her mother said, “We’ll see how Star is at sun-up. Let’s hope he can stand and nurse on his own.”

The next morning, Ava walked warily to Luna’s paddock. She was met by the ranch dog, several chickens and the goat. Were the animals trying to tell her something? Dreading what she might find, she ran to the paddock.

She peered over the railing and couldn’t believe what she saw. Star, still wearing his red sweatshirt, was standing alongside his mom. The whiskers on his muzzle were damp with the mare’s milk. Both Luna and Star nickered a healthy greeting, and Ava knew then that all was well with her moon and star.

The next morning, Ava walked warily to Luna’s paddock. She was met by the ranch dog, several chickens and the goat. Were the animals trying to tell her something? Dreading what she might find, she ran to the paddock.