Keiko’s Pony Rescue

Marigold in Trouble

For the next few days, the girls begin each morning with milking the cows, feeding the chickens, pulling weeds from the vegetable garden, or helping Aunt Yumi make butter. Then, they gather apples and carrots and head over to Grace’s farm to see Marigold. Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry show the girls how to groom, feed, and walk the mare. They explain the heavy brush they use on her coat is called a currycomb, and they show another brush to use on her mane and tail.

Keiko has started reading more about ponies, too. Her aunt has an extensive collection about farm animals. Instead of sketching before bed, she’s been learning more about ponies and horses.

In just a few days, Marigold has gotten more affectionate. She whinnies and presses up against her pen until she gets a treat. But then, something changes. The pony begins acting differently. She doesn’t greet Keiko at all, and she seems restless.

Keiko holds out an apple, but instead of gobbling it up, Marigold paces the stall and flicks her tail. Every few minutes, she snorts and stamps. Aunt Yumi isn’t quite sure what’s wrong either. Her coat looks sweaty.

Suddenly, Keiko remembers something she read about pregnant horses. Before they give birth, they act all restless. Maybe Marigold is getting ready to have her baby. Jasmine gasps. What do they do?! Sofia shrugs. After all, Jasmine’s mom is the veterinarian. Jasmine shakes her head; her mom works mostly with dogs and cats, so Jasmine doesn’t have a clue what to do.

Madison points at the note Grace had written, still tacked to the wall. Maybe they should call the veterinarian. Aunt Yumi pulls out her phone and dials the number. When Dr. Brooks finally arrives, he has kind brown eyes and brown hair, and is wearing a flannel shirt and rubber boots. He goes right to the stall Keiko and the girls wait outside.

Dr. Brooks uses a stethoscope to check Marigold’s heartbeat, and then he gives her an exam to see how far along labor is. When he’s done, he explains that once a mare is in labor, she usually prefers to be left alone. He’ll stay to monitor the process, but it could take hours.

Keiko asks her aunt if she can stay until Marigold gives birth. She just has to know if Marigold and the baby will be okay. Aunt Yumi’s eyes soften, and she responds that she understands, but there’s not much they can do. She glances at Dr. Brooks, who nods. Aunt Yumi takes a deep breath, and says that it’s okay if they all stay. But if they’re camping out, they’re going to do it right.