We receive gifts at Christmas; we receive gifts on our birthdays. Pleasantly, sometimes we receive an unexpected gift. Some gifts bring us joy, some gifts bring us tears. This year I received an unexpected gift. It was a combination of events that brought me pain, tears, joy and unbelievable thankfulness for the people I find in my life. Each year my stories are about an animal, but really, these stories are about people who love animals and the goodness in all hearts.
This story starts like many; an emergency call. A mare was foaling. All was normal. It is not unusual for someone to ask us to come to the barn just in case there is a problem. Most often we are able to evaluate the situation and since mares give birth so quickly, before the call is over the foal is on the ground and all is well. This evening I decided to give myself a treat and attend a normal birth. The barn was quiet. Warning bells went off in my head as the foal started to appear. The foal was not in the correct position. I silently thanked the circumstances that had brought me to the barn that evening. Within minutes we had caught the mare, corrected the foals birthing position and delivered the foal. A beautiful chestnut colt. The owners began rubbing him with towels and anointing him with tears of joy. My heart sank as I looked at the foal. How could it be? We had done everything by the book. Yes, the mare had a lot of cysts in her uterus. Yes, I knew it could happen. But we were so careful. How could this be? I turned to the mare. She was not at the foals side. She was still having contractions. I looked back at the foal. It was so small. It was too small. My heart felt a searing pain as my eyes started to burn with tears. The foal was a twin. In horses, twins mean death almost always for the smaller twin and very often for the larger twin. We quickly went to work and delivered the second foal. She was even smaller and underdeveloped. She took a few breaths, and was gone. I could hardly breathe. Time was critical. The little chestnut foal and his mother were our patients now. Dr. Nelsen arrived immediately to assist. Her years at the neonatal unit at the University of Florida were invaluable. We stabilized the mare and gave emergency care to the little foal. He was a fighter from the start. No one told him that he was small. No one told him he was in danger. No one could tell him anything! He had a true fighting spirit and a team ready to fight with him and for him. We knew he had a long hard road. We were ready. He was given the nickname Wyatt, meaning Little Warrior. I began this story talking about unexpected gifts. Wyatt is a true gift. Wyatt�s family and their unbelievable kind and open hearts are true gifts. Dr. Nelsen's unsurpassed care and expertise are true gifts. As I cried all the way home that night for the lost foal, I am comforted by these gentle words from an amazing young lady, Wyatt is so sweet and a true treasure to me. Not detecting the twins is my gift. For I know that if we had seen the twins through all those cysts, I would have lost them both and I would not have Wyatt here with me now. I never thought there could be any joy or happiness in a mare having twins. This insightful and talented young lady has taught me once again about finding goodness and joy in each aspect of our lives. As I stood that night watching her stroke the soft silky coat of her little chestnut wonder, and the mare who was gently & lovingly nuzzling her foal, I saw all the gifts in my life. May we all see our many gifts.
Gretchen, Lori, Kerry and I would like to join you all in celebrating this Holiday Season and rejoice with Wyatt and his mother who both are healthy, happy and very very much loved by all! - Dr. Linda Galbraith, Hill Top Equine Clinic
This photo of Cara and CB Handsome Reward+,
taken by Gary Cline, has been published on the Succeed
and the Wellington Classic Dressage
websites for the Holiday Gala Fundraiser 2009.
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2009 Year End Awards:
CB Handsome Reward+:
USEF Region 12 Horse of the Year Champion 2nd-4th Level
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News
This advertisement is to appear in the
2010 World Equestrian Games Show Program
Cara is pictured, top left, with
OakBriar Devonair owned by Dawn White.
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8/24/09 Photo Shoot
Cara with Aire Jordan+//
Thank you Gary Cline of eQuiShots.com
for another wonderful photo shoot!
We would also like to announce that
Gary is now CBT's official photographer!
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7/25/09 Photo Shoot
Cara with CB Secret Reward and Rewarding Debt
CBT would like to thank Gary Cline
of www.EquiShots.com for his beautiful work
and amazing talent! Please see some of his work
throughout our web site!
Spirit of Sunshine CB and Cara
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Cara's Miracle Twin Colt
CB Secret Reward Sohos Southwind x Rewarding Debt
Barn Name: Wyatt (Meaning : Little Warrior) Born May 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Special 'Thank you' to Dr. Linda Galbraith and Dr. Gretchen Nelsen
for all of their dedication and support.
We love you!
In loving memory of Wyatt's beautiful twin sister.
Our sweet little angel will always be with us in our hearts.
(She is not pictured.)
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February 24, 2009
Cara has been nominated and selected
to appear in the Arabian Horse Magazine's
30 Under 30 Up-And-Coming Article!
Special "Thank you!" to Peggy Ingles
of Pegasus Productions, Inc. for the nomination!
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E-mail Blast
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2008 Year End Awards:
Aire Jordan+//:
USDF All Breeds Award National Champion FEI Intermediare 1
CB Handsome Reward+:
USEF Region 12 Horse of the Year Champion 2nd-4th Level
USEF Region 12 Horse of the Year Reserve Champion 1st Level
