A Very Big Event For A Very Little Horse

By Kendra Bobowick

Among those crowding around a monitor in shifts throughout the nights preceding May 18 was Joan McMahon of Southport, who was just as nervous as her friend and Timber Hills Farm owner Barbara Gaydosh.

The women were waiting for Ms McMahon’s miniature horse named Shiny to give birth, and kept watch at the monitor that Barbara’s husband Gary Gaydosh had hooked up to transfer images from Shiny’s stall to the main house. The show horse was about to have her first foal and the women knew the potential dangers the soon-to-be mother faced. “They usually foal at night and they can have difficult births,” Ms McMahon said. The breed also foals quickly. Unlike regular horses, many breeds can lose their foals, she explained.

The women knew that from the first indications of labor they had about ten minutes until the foal was born. Remembering the night of May 18 at 9:30 pm when Scarlet of Timber Hills was born, Ms McMahon said, “All of a sudden there was a little sign and [Shiny] fell and we ran to the barn…a little muzzle and feet came out.” Within 15 minutes the mother was on her feet again and within 30 minutes she was nursing.

“It was a textbook delivery and we were all very proud,” Ms McMahon said. “I am excited that everyone is healthy.” In the few days prior to birth, however, Ms Gaydosh admitted that Shiny was “uncomfortable.” The young foal, only 20 inches high at birth, has two endearing characteristics. Across her forehead and down her nose is a white blaze. Also, her head has a “dish” shape, which is desirable. “You breed for that,” Ms McMahon said.

The horse owner, who has other minis, plans to become a breeder. She anticipates returning to the farm not only for the stables, but with a pregnant mare next spring. “I am looking forward to it,” Ms Gaydosh said. Owning the miniature breed is infectious.

Ms McMahon joked, “Every mini owner I know says they’re addictive, and like potato chips, you can’t have just one.”

The Gaydoshs’ 33-acre farm is primarily a boarding facility with horses, donkeys, their son’s two cows, a pot-belly pig, fowl, miniature horses, and even one Hollywood favorite, Benny, who came from Disney World in Florida.

“He used to pull Cinderella’s cart,” Ms Gaydosh said.  The Gaydoshs also have several dogs. Considering the number and variety of creatures at Timber Hills Farm, Ms Gaydosh said, “Everybody gets along, but you’ve got to be careful and supervise, not leave them unattended.” Ms McMahon has boarded her horses at the farm for several years. Both women take their horses to compete in shows locally.