Ben was a farmer from the countryside who lived with Felicia, his treasured horse. He'd had the mare since he was a young child, and they had a close bond. So when Ben needed another horse, buying a new one wasn't an option. Instead, he wanted to have Felicia give birth to a foal.

That's why he was delighted to learn that his horse was expecting. Who wouldn't be pleased to see their assets grow, after all? If the foal was healthy and grew up, he might even sell it. Unfortunately for Ben, he had no idea the emotional roller coaster his life was about to become.

How It All Started

All Ben had wanted was to get his mare to conceive and have a young one. He didn't imagine that things would get so out of hand that the police would get involved. Up until that point, everything had gone according to plan. He had done everything the vet asked him to do and even employed an experienced hand to help with conceiving.

The horse's refusal to give birth despite having a swollen stomach was the first sign of trouble. With each day, things seemed to get further out of hand, so Ben knew he had to act fast or risk losing everything.

The Police Had Questions

Had he broken the law? Were they detaining him for neglect? Within minutes of answering the police's questions, he was thinking of all these things and more. Ben was nearly on the verge of feeling guilty before reassuring himself that nothing was amiss.

He tried his best to provide the police with clear and concise answers, despite his uneasy feeling. He reassured himself that it was routine. They questioned Ben about himself and the horse he had owned since he was a young child. After he had answered all their questions, the vet emerged and exclaimed, "I can't believe this."

What Could be So Shocking?

To understand how Ben got here, let's take a brief detour. His agitated mare had been carrying a foal for almost a year. Horses naturally give birth after 11 to 12 months. Felicia's gestation was proving to be much more complicated than anticipated. Something was clearly wrong, and now Ben was worried that his cherished animal might lose her life.

If breeding horses were as simple as sperm meeting ovum, there wouldn't be an entire branch of veterinary medicine devoted to equine reproduction. In addition to keeping the mare's health in mind, there are several steps that one must follow.

Getting a Mare Pregnant

Raising a beloved mare and getting to her go through the birthing process, to have a lovely foal by her side. Ben's dream had more than one obstacle to overcome from the start. Getting a mare to foal is a process any breeder must enter with their eyes wide open, and it's imperative to know the process's facts, costs, and risks.

For starters, the horse in question needs to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure at the right age. That means that the mare must neither be too young nor too old. In Ben's case, although being a little older, he was confident that Felicia was sound and fertile.

Knowing Eligible Mare

Even if a mare is mature and fertile, several factors can affect whether or not she becomes pregnant. Horses are classified as seasonal breeders, which means that throughout the year, as the seasons and sunshine levels vary, so does their reproductive activity.

Teasing introduces a male horse to gauge the female's interest and is a crucial tool for determining the best time to breed. To know the heat period in mares, breeders tease them every other day. And if responsive, breeding is most effective just before she starts ovulating. Typically, a mare will ovulate a day or two before the end of the heat period.

Natural or Artificial Insemination

If conception is to result from mating, whether natural or artificial, insemination as close to the period of ovulation as possible is essential. The conventional method, which is the natural means, entails presenting a compatible stallion that has been verified fit and active to the mare in heat.

However, owing to its many benefits, artificial insemination is preferred by many breeders. It is a good choice for many since it avoids the need to transfer a horse for breeding and affords them the opportunity to use a stallion to fertilize many more mares than would be achievable with nature taking its course.

The Specialist Intervention

When Ben realized he didn't want to buy a new horse, he decided to hire an expert and help Felicia conceive. That should be easy enough, he reasoned. However, finding a qualified doctor to do the job proved to be a problematic issue. He looked everywhere, used the internet, and even asked acquaintances for ideas, but to no avail.

He eventually considered just purchasing a horse because he felt that his expectations were probably too high. The moment he was about to give up was when Ben finally found a guy. He got in touch with the specialist willing to help, and they began to work.

Choosing Artificial Insemination

In the end, Ben decided to prefer the artificial insemination method because it would minimize both his stress and that of his mare. He didn't want to expose her to a situation that might distress her, and he wouldn't have to transport a stallion to where he was.

After getting the specialist, Ben immediately prepared to get everything in place before his arrival. He stayed in touch during the process to make sure that all was in order. He was glad they didn't have to induce ovulation in Felicia as she was already ovulating, so at least that was one less problem to worry about.

Good News at Last

The moment the specialist arrived, work began immediately, and he stayed in Ben's home to make sure Felicia conceived as soon as possible. Finally, they got the result they wanted, despite the lengthy and challenging process. All Ben had to do now was wait.

He contacted the local vet two weeks later to make an appointment for the initial ultrasound to determine whether Felicia was expecting. After the ultrasound, the animal doctor did a few additional tests to confirm the mother and child's well-being. She declared both of them to be in excellent health. Ben was delighted with the result and couldn't be more content.

Caring for His Pregnant Horse

Horses are said to have relatively poor reproductive performance compared to other domestic animals, which is why extra care is needed in taking care of them while they're carrying. Ben took special care of Felicia as best as he could during her gestation period. He provided her with nutritious feed and supplemented it with vitamins and minerals whenever unnecessary.

He also made sure she was up to date on her vaccines and deworming with recommendations from the doctor. When Ben noticed that she was close to foaling, he even gave her a booster shot to help increase the antibody levels in her first milk.

The Calm Before the Storm

Ben made every effort to ensure that everything went without a hitch. After the physician had affirmed that everything was alright, he breathed a sigh of relief. But his peace didn't last long. A few months later, everything started to go wrong. Felicia's changing sleep habits worried him because she wasn't getting as much rest as she used to.

Despite all that Ben did, the horse was unable to give birth. He contacted the doctor once more. On the phone, Ben discussed everything with the specialist and inquired as to what might be the issue. He told her about the mare's restlessness and difficulty moving like it used to.

Coul Felicia Delay Her Own Foaling?

Given that this was his first time owning a pregnant mare, Ben had previously questioned whether he had missed the warning signs. But he dismissed that thought since he felt he had known all there was to know. In addition to the doctor's education, he read up on it and felt competent in his understanding.

Generally speaking, mares give birth after an 11-month gestation. However, this is very unpredictable. Nearly 80% of the time, the foaling process happens at night and is typically quick and efficient. If given a chance, mares seek out secluded areas, give birth quickly, and assist the foal in its first feeding.

No Sign At All

He was confident that a mare could only delay her own foaling if she were feeling disturbed. Not only may the animal do that, but they also risk seriously hurting themselves or their foal.

In their natural environment in the wild, mares typically give birth in the late spring when the weather is most likely to be mild, and the best feed is available for the newborn's first months. Additionally, experts claim that most foals are born at night. Because Ben had to remain up just in case Felicia was ready; the watchful nights meant he'd had very little sleep for weeks. It was all to no avail.

Hard to Handle

The veterinarian instructed Ben to stretch the horse entirely on the ground, suggesting that a foal might be on the way. It might have been relatively simpler to follow the doctor's instructions, but Felicia's aggression made things much more challenging.

Ben wouldn't have dared it if it weren't for the doctor's encouragement and support over the phone; he was worried Felicia would retaliate and injure him. Despite his mounting fear, his love for the poor animal in distress was greater and won the day. In order to avoid upsetting or agitating the mare, Ben approached her slowly and followed the animal doctor's instructions.

What Makes Horses Aggressive

Horses who are often calm or well-behaved can occasionally act up in an unexpected way. These events frequently seem to correspond with their breeding season. A mare's temperament may also change if she becomes pregnant or soon after giving birth.

Ben knew his horse had never been aggressive before she conceived, and while he put the new behavioral changes down to her current condition, he had a sneaking suspicion the reason was far more sinister than that. He had informed the doctor that Felicia's new temperament was too extreme and abrupt. Even though the latter assured him of the mare's well-being, he couldn't relax.

Ben Was at a Loss

Following the doctor's request, Ben probed the horse's stomach searching for any odd bulges in her stomach. To his utter surprise, he spotted something he hadn't noticed before Felicia became pregnant. Ben gave this information to the veterinarian and enquired about what it might be. He was also curious to know if Felicia's condition was related to this new protrusion. But the physician's response alarmed him.

Ben could sense right away that something was very wrong because of the abrupt change in the animal doctor's tone. All she told him was that another ultrasound was necessary immediately, and she would be there soon. Ben felt helpless.

The Doctor Was Delayed

The doctor informed Ben that she would arrive in 30 minutes, but things didn't go according to plan. The veterinarian hadn't realized it was rush hour, so she got stuck in traffic for much longer than anticipated. This unexpected delay didn't help since she needed to reach Ben's farm as quickly as possible.

She gave Ben an update on the most recent development. He'd already been waiting, stressed and impatient, so he called one of his friends to go pick her up on a bike. That was the best he could to ensure that she arrived as soon as possible, given the circumstances.

The Process Begins

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the vet arrived at Ben's home, thanks to his friend. Ben quickly took her to examine Felicia, where the animal lay. The mare didn't move at first, but she became agitated when the vet got close

As if the mare knew what was about to happen, it refused to stay still. The doctor didn't want to sedate her as it would be too risky, and she didn't want to carry out the sonogram without it either. Ben and his friend tried to be reassuring so that Felicia would stop becoming more aggressive. But nothing seemed to be helping.

Taking the Risk?

More potent drugs may be administered by veterinarians, although doing so has drawbacks. The risk in this situation was that Felicia's foal might not survive the dosage. Ben had to agree, and the doctor asked what he wanted. The poor man found that this was a pretty challenging choice.

He was fully aware that making the wrong decision may have dire repercussions. Ben carefully considered both options, nevertheless, and decided to go with his emotions rather than overthink. He authorized the doctor to administer stronger medication because Felicia required it for a healthy birth. It had now escalated into a life-or-death situation.

Pressure Mounting

Even though Ben didn't want to leave the mare once she became more agitated and aggressive, the doctor was left in charge of her. In addition to being restless, Felicia seemed to be in tremendous discomfort. The animal was clearly in distress. Therefore it was preferable if the doctor tranquilized her as quickly as possible. Ben simply wanted it to be over, so he walked out so the doctor could concentrate on her work.

Felicia, finally sedated, was being prepped for the procedure while Ben and his friend waited outside. Inside, the animal doctor could finally begin preparing her for the ultrasound.

It Takes Two

Felicia was fidgety even while sedated, making it challenging to perform the ultrasound. Ben had to return inside to help move her into the correct position. Ben could not feel relieved by watching the expression on the vet's face during the ultrasound. Throughout the process, her demeanor shifted as her optimism gradually gave way to pessimism.

Although Ben was now getting even more worried, he resisted interrupting the doctor. After spending some time looking at the ultrasound, she informed Ben that she had to make a crucial phone call. Ben was unsure of the person she would contact and suddenly found himself overcome with anxious thoughts.

The Cops' Arrival

The animal doctor didn't tell Ben anything else about the mysterious phone call. She just said to him that Felicia now needed to rest before she could finally give birth. All he could do was do as she instructed and give his consent. Heading back into the house, he heard a wailing noise approaching the property.

It sounded like police sirens, and the authorities were approaching his ranch. Ben wasn't sure why the cops should be heading his way, but he soon realized that the doctor had contacted them. Why would she need the police, and what could it have to do with Felicia's condition? Ben began to panic.

All Hands on Deck

At this moment, Ben finally received an explanation from the doctor. She had determined that Ben's horse needed immediate surgery since there was something strange in its stomach that shouldn't be there. She required the authorities to weigh in on a matter and bring certain equipment from the local station to sedate the horse completely.

As soon as the police came to his ranch, he let them do their business. Ben fully complied with the authorities after they insisted he accompanies them for questioning. Even though their line of questioning didn't make sense to him, he responded truthfully to every question.

Strange Questions

The questions seemed straightforward at first. Ben acknowledged that he was the property's owner and that the mare in the stable belonged to him. But when the police's questioning changed direction, he became confused. He kept wondering what all that had to do with Felicia as they continued their investigation.

Finally, they inquired about how the horse got pregnant. Ben explained everything in detail, including how he had found the expert who helped him and how long the process took. He also claimed to have checked the expert's background to ensure that everything he did was legal. Unfortunately, he couldn't have foreseen what happened next.

A Dubious Specialist?

Ben divulged every last bit of information he had about the guy who'd helped Felicia conceive to the authorities. He hoped they'd see his innocence if something had indeed gone wrong during the process. That's when the cops pulled out several snapshots and asked Ben to see if he could find and identify that man.

The cops explained that several such 'animal experts' were illegally operating in the area. He couldn't believe his ears. As he looked through the pictures, he discovered a face he recognized. It was the shock of his life. The specialist Ben recruited to assist with Felicia was a wanted man being hunted by the police.

The Truth at Last

Ben still thought the expert hadn't conned since he did his job flawlessly. He had engaged the man to assist his mare in conceiving successfully, and he had done so. Such a guy couldn't possibly be a criminal, right? Then, as more questions flooded Ben's mind, he began to worry. What had that guy done to his horse, and was he the reason for Felicia's delayed delivery?

The cops gave a detailed explanation of what happened right away. The wanted man had a history of unethical medical practices despite being a horse expert. And because he'd conducted experimental medical treatments on animals, he had already been apprehended by the police.

A Wonder Foal

After receiving a heads-up to be on the lookout from the police, the veterinarian had already suspected this. She'd also spotted a strange item in Felicia's ultrasound, a microchip. That's why she'd called the police. The authorities had been searching for the chip since it was illegally manufactured by the same animal expert who helped Ben.

They successfully removed the chip, which the cops immediately sent back to the station for tracking, but surprisingly they stayed behind to help deliver the foal. The doctor couldn't believe her eyes after Felicia finally gave birth; the foal she had produced was unique and highly valuable—this birth was a one-in-a-million chance!

Modern Microchipping

Much like microchipping canines, equine microchipping is becoming more widespread. This quick-growing painless, permanent identification method is in use for several breeds and competition horses due to its expanding acceptance. Likewise, many breeders also began using microchipping as the best option for their horses.

The chip has numerous advantages. For one, it helps provide ownership proof and age verification. It is also vital in helping recover lost animals and avoiding slaughter if captured by animal control authorities. Given the technology's popularity, it was only a matter of time before the market was flooded with illegal manufacturers looking to make a dime.

…And They Lived Happily Ever After

As the doctor congratulated Ben, she also told him there was a one-in-a-million chance of such a rare foal's birth. He could be a wealthy man if he wished. Despite the implication that he could profit significantly from this new horse, Ben could only think of one thing.

He named his brand-new foal Siempre. And there was no way he could give it up after the harrowing ordeal of bringing the colt safely into the world. The last few months of this life had been a terrifying experience. And Ben couldn't possibly imagine the mother and foal ever being separated. They were now one big, happy family.