I was asked to provide photo coverage of the birth of a baby.  Make that:  having a baby .  Make that:  having a baby and baby's first steps.  to be  all in the same one hour time period?!  You've likely have guessed it - this was for a baby horse!  And what a beautiful one at that..  Below are a few photos - you can see the entire galley here. 

Please Note:  some of these photos are not "PG" - if squeamish please don't proceed. 

Mom's name is "Cassie".  The gestation period for a horse is around 360 days - a whole year! Tonight's event was the culmination of a very long, well planned process by the mother horse's loving owner Ashleigh. 

Cassie's owner Ashleigh diligently planned the entire process - from pregnancy to delivery tonight:

Cassie - a 24 year old mare - was raised in this community and had many caring friends on hand for this event.

Ashleigh was in the stall supporting Cassie throughout the entire labor. 

The time has come - birth begins.  

A baby horse is born!

Ashleigh clears the placenta from the baby's head..

Ashleigh is overcome with emotion after the birth.  She names the little one "Apple"

Momma Cassie checks baby out..

Smiles and tears of relief and joy..

A few minutes after birth - attempts at first steps:

Mom rooting little Apple on:

Apple sure is a cute little filly.. 

After many attempts to stand up - with much slipping and sliding - Ashleigh helps Apple. 

Apple stands for the first time!

Baby Apple takes a break from all the efforts to stand - and Momma Cassie grooms her.. 

Apple gets up on her own..

Once up - a first priority is:  food!  Baby Apple finds her way.. 

An hour later Apple seems to have figured it out:  standing, walking and where the food is.  Well done Cassie.. !  Welcome baby Apple!