West Niles

[paints/pintos]

I'll never forget when my foal, then 4 months old had west niles. Of course, I didn't know it was that at first, but I knew there was something wrong with her. She had a hard time with her legs, at first it seemed like her front legs weren't working well - then it moved to her back legs. It took her 4-5 attempts to get up from a laying position. The vet came out and pulled blood, gave her some steroids, and told me there was nothing he could do. It had to run it's course. I was told that she had a 50/50 chance of making it and if she did survive, there was a 50/50 chance that she would have problems the rest of her life. I told him that Rain was going to be ok. She was going to survive. I wanted to believe it.

As weeks went by, I cried more and more. Her own dam was starting to abandon her. The whole herd left her up by the barn and went to the end of the property. I went out to check on Rain, and she was all alone and crying for her mama and the herd. I wanted her to wait while I got her dam, but she was starting to follow me. I helped her make it to the end of the property, and she collapsed. She was happy to be with her dam and the herd. We lay there for quite some time and shared carrots together while I stroked her. I said my good-byes and left.

I had no idea if she was going to make it back to the barn, but I had to leave. It was very hard for me to do that, but....

The next morning to my pleasant surprise, there was Rain up by the barn with the rest of the herd. She was getting stronger and better every day. There were times that she looked at her dam and looked at me, and had to decide who she wanted to be with.

I cry to this day thinking about it....Rain's birthday is 4/27 and she will turn 4 this year. She has no ill effects from the west niles. No one would have a clue that this ever happened to her. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have a special bond with this mare. I don't claim to be a horse trainer. I have learned a few things over the past 5 yrs or so. I had worked with Rain since she was a foal. I was the one that halter broke her and got her to lead, the one that got her to be a good girl for the farrier, etc...so it only made sense that I would be the first to ride her.

We were in the round pen. I had her saddled up. I put a leg in the stirrup and she didn't move. I sat on her. I felt my legs shaking under me. I was so excited! This is the first time in my life that I was the first one on any horse's back that hadn't been well broke. I made myself relax and asked her to move forward. She is such a good girl. I feel so lucky to be a part of her life.

[jlbackcountry]

wow, that's an amazing story!

Glad your ride went so well, she sounds like an amazing little mare! :]

[paints/pintos]

Thanks. I plan on keeping her. Here's a pic of her....

She is a beautiful/gorgeous paint. The bond you have developed with her through all of this ends with one word "TRUST". You have won her trust and respect. Awesome.

[westmar]

I know this is somewhat of an older post-amazing thing is this....Rains symptoms match those of foals, who's breeders gave the West Nile VACCINE to their pregnant mares. Another symptom was that the foals had 'monkey mouth' where the lower jaw jutted out beyond the upper jaw.