A Newborn Foal Was Left Alone After Losing His Mom-Until a 'Nurse Mare' Did the Unexpected
Many animals have a natural disposition toward helping others in need that they consider vulnerable or unable to fend for themselves. This behavior is often seen in females who have that strong maternal instinct toward fur babies without a mom.
May-May is a well-seasoned "nurse mare" who took it upon herself to tend to a newborn foal who lost his mother.
@coldspringmaresinc May-May is just one of many of our amazing nurse mares. We take pride in how gentle and caring our mares are. Our mares are all personally selected and all have proven to be well mannered and have an amazing natural maternal instinct At Cold Spring Mares, we want the only solution to be the ethical solution #horses#equestrian#foals#mares#SupportTheHerd
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The TikTok from @coldstrpingmaresinc told the heartwarming story of how May-May steps in when other mama horses can't.
"May-May is one of our most experienced nurse mares," the onscreen text explained as the beautiful brown horse nuzzled and kissed the baby foal to rouse him out of sleep. "This is her 10th adopted orphan foal with us. She wants the foal to get up and nurse, so she gently wakes him up."
The surrogate mom stood up to prepare herself to provide the nourishment the baby horse needed and welcomed him toward her.
"Watch as May positions herself and encourages the colt to nurse with gentle nudges," the story continued. The baby horse got a little lost at first, so May kindly guided him to where he had to go.
The foal had already been through tragedy immediately following his birth, where the video revealed he "lost his momma at 24 hours old, so he didn't get much practice nursing." Thankfully, May knew exactly what to do.
"A good nurse mare will have a foal nursing faster than any human could," the text shared as May perfectly situated the baby horse in the correct position and he began to nurse. "Success, no humans needed!"
Even after providing the foal's meal, May stayed close by and watched over him, continually giving him loving affection.
How 'Nurse Mares' Can Save Foals' Lives
Nurse mares serve a vital role in the lives of an orphan foal. They step in as a surrogate mother and accept the foal as their own. A nurse mare provides physical sustenance through nursing, and also guides and protects the baby horse in those early stages.
Related: Maine Coon Cat Earns Title of 'Best Stepdad' To Tiny Foster Kittens
These female horses are critical in an orphan foal's physical development as well as their emotional well-being.
May-May is a beautiful example of how selfless and caring nurse mares are to these newborn foals.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 11:10 AM.