The breeders of GFS Sporthorses experienced something incredible with their mare. Their mare “Destiny” gave birth to twin foals for the second time.
The mare Destiny surprisingly gave birth to two healthy twin foals back in 2018. Even then, this was a shock for the breeders. Twin births are very rare. In most cases, not both foals make it; the survival rate is very low. In most cases, one of the foals is aborted at the embryonic stage because the risk to both mare and foal is too great.
But the Irish sport horse mare proves otherwise. The chance of giving birth to a twin foal is one in 10,000, but the chance of a mare giving birth to twin foals twice in her lifetime, like Destiny, is one in a million.
At her last birth Destiny gave birth to two identical colts, this time it was a colt and a filly. This time, however, it was a big surprise. Nobody knew before that the mare would give birth to twins. The ultrasound showed only one ovulating follicle and one foetus after conception. If the breeders had known that the mare was carrying two foals, they would have taken additional steps. These are necessary to increase the chances of survival of both mare and foal.
Surprising miracle
The mare did not show any other signs during the pregnancy either, so it was a very big surprise for everyone when she gave birth. When both foals were healthy, quickly on their feet and the mare began to nurse, everyone was relieved.
GFS Sporthorses commented on the incident: “I am well aware that despite the miracle of this incredible event and the likelihood of two sets of healthy twins being born to the same mare being akin to being struck by lightning twice; there will be many people choosing to put a negative and unkind slant on this. That is fine, we are thrilled that both twins survived and feel that it is a balance of fate, luck excellent care and probably a pinch of fairy dust too that saw these two little miracles arrive, survive and win our hearts!”
The foals already have a close bond. Despite two successful twin births, Destiny is no longer to be used for breeding.
Source: horseyhooves
