T'at'e' was born at the end of March (2022) in Cherry Creek. Jayden's grandmother, Margaret Lone Eagle, purchased the pair as a gift. Soon after, Margaret contacted us and asked us to keep them in Bridger, to insure they're safety and health, as T'at'e grew. On Monday, April 11, Margaret called and informed us that T'aT'e's mother had been hit by a vehicle, and T'aT'e was now orphaned. As soon as I hung up with Margaret, we immediately left to Cherry Creek, to find T'at'e's mother deceased, and the baby appearing confused as he continued to attempt to nurse.
We brought T'at'e to Bridger. On the drive home, I immediately began calling around to find foal formula. There was no formula to be found locally (including Pierre and Rapid City.) I ended up having to order it online ($125/25 lb bucket) but it takes about a week for each order. I then contacted some of the veterinarians we work with for our horses to see what T'at'e could eat in the meantime. learned that powdered milk, with a supplement paste (that I could find locally) would work in a pinch.
We looked in all the local grocery stores and found they don't carry powdered milk anymore. We managed to find enough to get him through the week while we waited for the foal-lac formula. I created a public wishlist for T'at'e. ( https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/EGBKK0N4FR3E/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2 ) So anyone wanting to help could order. WE NEED MORE HELP! T'at'e consumes a quart to a half gallon of formula every 4 hours, and about a half bucket of the Foal-Lac pellets in a 24 hour period, in addition to a few handfuls of hay.
We have received enough help to purchase one bucket of formula (a donation from the Clifford family of Milwaukee. WI, by way of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe) and a bag of pellets was sent by Shara Wilke of Hot Springs, SD. WE NEED MORE HELP! The 20lb bucket of Foal-Lac lasted about one week. We are currently back to powered milk (And that is running low.)
We are working with local and consulting vets to insure T'at'e has the best care. Golden Veterinary Clinic, south of Bridger, is able to help us order formula and pellets online, and bill us for the cost. Unfortunately, the first order has yet to arrive (should have been here last week) and I need to call them on Moday, (May 2, 2022) to let them know the shipment hasn't arrived. Once the shipment arrives, there will be the problem of paying for the feed and pellets.
Between formula, pellets, and possible vet fees, I have come to a figure of $2,500.00 to help T'at'e get to weaning age. Because his mother's passing was unexpected, it is an expense Jayden's family was not able to budget.
We take turns caring for and feeding him. He is brought in when it is too cold and windy. He has company throughout the night to insure he feels secure. Even our sunka (dogs) have compassion for him, they use their own body heat (in addition to the blankets Jayden has given) to keep him warm in the absence of his mother and herd.
We have a pen set up for him to get good movement outside. We are also hoping to get more supplies to make additional pen space for some of our other horses, so we cane safely introduce T'at'e as he gets older, to create bonding opportunities for him in what will eventually become his new herd.
