After the incredibly tough decision to let Paloma go, our hearts and efforts immediately turned toward Frida. We were faced with the difficult task of separating her from the filly she had so lovingly cared for and raised. Those of you who have been with SAFE through past weanings know how strong the bond is between a mare and her foal. Around 6 to 8 months, we typically start to see mares naturally pushing their foals to be more independent. In the wild, a mare would likely already be pregnant again and preparing for her next foal, while last year’s baby begins integrating into the herd.
At SAFE, we usually take several days to wean, slowly creating space, helping foals bond with similarly aged companions, and pairing them with one or more steady older horses for guidance and comfort. But in this case, time was limited. Our vets shared that it can take several hours for a mare to fully process her foal’s passing, and that she will choose when she’s ready to walk away.
At first, Frida seemed fairly settled. She stood near Paloma for a bit, but when haltered she was able to walk away calmly. Over the next few hours, we gently alternated between giving her time with Paloma and settling her into her stall. Four hours after the vet had left, we tried again to bring her in, but she became anxious and began calling for her filly. With the evening approaching, we made the compassionate decision to allow Frida to stay overnight with Paloma in the arena, and to try separation again in the morning.
Throughout the night we watched her on our cameras. It was heartbreaking but also profoundly moving. She behaved exactly as a devoted mother would, standing guard, watching over Paloma’s body, stepping away to nibble hay or get a drink. Early in the morning, she even laid down next to her foal, just as they had done countless times before. Frida was a wonderful mom, and she raised a kind, smart, and gentle filly, such a testament to the remarkable mare she is.
In the morning, we walked Frida over to greet Arionna in the stall directly across from hers. As you may remember, they arrived together in February as a bonded pair, and having Arionna nearby has been a tremendous comfort for Frida. We then settled Frida back in her stall and, over the next hour, continued giving her brief visits with Paloma.
Eventually, she was ready to walk with Arionna to the outdoor arena. Frida was put in the round pen while Arionna was free to move around her on the outside. Arionna was incredibly sweet, soft, patient, and steady, offering exactly the kind of comfort only a herd mate can give. After they spent some time reconnecting, we moved them to the paddock they had shared when they first arrived at SAFE.
Frida ate a bit but soon grew anxious and started to run a bit too much. We walked her and Arionna back to check on Paloma one last time. Frida approached, sniffed her, and then willingly turned back toward Arionna. We stayed in the area for some time and Frida did not ask to return again to Paloma.
When brought back to the paddock, she settled far more easily. She paced and called occasionally, but throughout the day and through the night on the cameras, she remained relatively calm. By the next morning, she had settled even more. We breathed a sigh of relief knowing that the weaning had gone as smoothly as we could have hoped under such difficult circumstances. Frida continues to eat and drink well, and she has Arionna right beside her for constant comfort. We’ll keep a very close eye on her as her milk dries up, checking her twice a day and cold-hosing her udders if she becomes uncomfortable.
Watching her move through this loss has been incredibly hard for our staff and volunteers. Yet Frida showed us such grace. As painful as this has been for all of us, she is coming through it, strong, resilient, and surrounded by care. This young mare has endured so much in her short life, but she is safe now. She will always have responsible, loving people looking after her, just as she looked after Paloma.
Here is a short video of Frida and Arionna:
