04/10/2026
Luna came into the world as what’s known as a “dummy foal” — a term used when a newborn doesn’t hit those crucial early milestones. Normally, a foal should be standing within an hour and nursing within two. As prey animals, they rely on getting up quickly and taking in colostrum — that vital first milk — to give their immune system the start it needs.
At first glance, Luna seemed bright and willing. She was alert, moving well, and clearly trying to nurse. The instinct was there. But despite repeated attempts, she just couldn’t work out how to latch. Watching it unfold was both worrying and increasingly urgent.
Thankfully, our vets responded immediately. After examining her, they suspected Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome, often called Dummy Foal Syndrome — a rare condition sometimes linked to a very fast or disrupted birth. In simple terms, the foal hasn’t fully received the signal that it’s time to “wake up” and engage with the world.
To help her, the vet performed the Madigan Squeeze. It’s a gentle yet powerful technique that mimics the pressure of the birth canal, helping to reset the foal’s system. The rope you see around Luna’s chest in the photo applies that pressure. For around 20 minutes, she entered a sleep-like, almost catatonic state. It was a tense wait. We did everything we could to stay calm, especially for her mother, Topanga, who never once left her side.
And then, something remarkable happened.
Luna began to stir. Slowly at first… and then, as if a switch had flipped, she got to her feet, found her mum, and finally understood how to nurse.
Since that moment, she hasn’t looked back.
We’re sharing Luna’s story not just because it’s extraordinary, but because it highlights how important it is to have a trusted vet who knows your animals and can act quickly when it matters most. We couldn’t be more grateful.