Kill Creek Arena & Stable

MERCEDES and her Mothers

Mercedes was born at Kill Creek Arena on March 14, 2008. Unfortunately, her Mother Molly (owned by Harriet Jack of Paola, Kansas) suffered from colic during foaling and died 12 hours after Mercedes was born. Mercedes spent several days at the Kansas State University Veterinary Hospital where she was treated and milk replacement therapy was initiated. When Mercedes returned to Kill Creek Arena, Dr. Jeanie Houser administered hormone therapy to Don Cantrell’s mare, Melody, to stimulate lactation.  Mercedes and Melody spent several days in adjoining stalls in order to get acquainted and to allow time for Melody to begin lactating. On March 25, Mercedes and Melody were stalled together and, although Mercedes must still drink milk replacement, she is nursing from Melody and the two are bonding nicely.

April 30, 2008 update.

Mercedes is nearly 7 weeks old now, and she is growing and developing nicely. Besides nursing from Melody, she is now eating pellets, hay and grass. She likes people and she handles very nicely.

On April 25, Mercedes and Melody were transported to Paola, Kansas where Mercedes will grow into young adulthood. Melody will return to Kill Creek Arena in a few months when Mercedes is weaned. 

Check out the new pictures below.

May 20, 2008 Update

Harriet Jack reported that Mercedes and Melody are adjusting very well. Mercedes is growing and she has a little brother there (Bentley) with whom she has lots of fun. 

June 3, 2008

Mercedes and Melody are doing very well in Paola. Mercedes is 2 1/2 months old, now, and she is losing her baby hair, and her true gray color is beginning to show. She's growing nicely and has lots of fun playing with her half-brother, Bentley. 

 October 23, 2008

Mercedes was weaned in September 2008 and Melody has returned home to Kill Creek Arena & Stable. Mercedes remained at Harriet Jack's in Miami County and is doing very well.

Check out more new pictures below. 

 
           Mercedes with her birth Mother, Molly

 
  Don Cantrell with Mercedes and Harriet Jack with Melody 

        Mercedes nursing on adoptive Mother, Melody 

                           Melody & Mercedes

       Mercedes with her owner, Harriet Jack (left) and her                 Veterinarian Dr. Jeanie Hauser

NEW PICTURES BELOW: added April 27, 2008 

                        Mercedes - April 27, 2008

                       Mercedes - April 27, 2008

       Mercedes and Melody sharing hay - April 27, 2008

                     Mercedes nursing - April 27, 2008 

   Mercedes and Melody at their new home in Paola, Kansas

                               April 27, 2008

MORE NEW PICTURES BELOW - added June 3, 2008 

                   Mercedes up close - May 31, 2008 

                  Mercedes & Melody - May 31, 2008

             Mercedes & Melody - May 31, 2008

               Mercedes & Melody - May 31, 2008

         Mercedes' half-brother, Bentley - May 31, 2008

                Mercedes & Bentley - May 31, 2008