b'Swapped At BirthSo, given that, the only possible explanation was that our mares gave birth around the same time that early morning of July 8, 2023, and each claimed the foal from the other mare. By the time I visited the pasture that morning, both foals were well-bonded to a mare and I just assumed the mares were claiming their genetic offspring. I should have wondered a bit when I measured the foals though. Koryn is 1dr Koryn with 1dr Hilder 07-29-23a tall mare, out of our 15 hand mare Gracelyn, and most of her foals are born on the large size of the Fjord foal height range at birth. Sofia is an old-style, medium-height, drafty mare who tends to produce medium-sized foals at birth. The foal at Koryns side was 6 cm shorter than the foal at Sofias side, which was not consistent with their prior years foal measurements. So, Koryn is raising Sofias colt Hilder, and Sofia is raising Koryns filly Stenetta.ThisoutcomehighlightstheimportanceoftheDNA parentageverificationforconstructingcorrectpedigrees.1dr Koryn with 1dr HilderIts not uncommon for mares to swap foals when they are born in a herd and near the same time. These two foals are convinced that their adopted mom is their real mom, the mares are convinced the foal they claim is their own, and I had not seen enough evidence to question that they werent paired correctly. If not for the DNA parentage verification, the pedigrees for these foals would have been incorrect.All is well now that the parentage is straightened out and the foals and mares are happy and healthy. Since Ive been out with the herd and these foals about twice daily since their birth, Im the one finding it hard for my brain to think of Stenetta as Koryns baby, and Hilder as Sofias baby, but maybe in time, that will sink in for me. The learning is never ending with these marvelous equines! Sofia and Stenetta 07-23-23VRF Sofia Stjerne with 1dr Stenetta 1dr Hilder n 1dr Koryn1dr Stenetta and SofiaFjord Herald Issue #148Fall 2023 21'