Twin foals born to mare in Lohja, Finland, defy odds for horse owner Minttu Lipponen

Minttu Lipponen, owner of Mårbacka Riding Stables in Lohja, Finland, experienced a life-changing surprise a couple of months ago when her mare, Aruba, gave birth to two foals instead of one in early June. “The mare looked confused about which foal to care for,” Lipponen recalled. Twin pregnancies in horses are rare and often problematic, with many cases resulting in the loss of at least one fetus either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Currently, both of Lipponen’s colts are doing well. “They have survived the birth, antibody deficiency, respiratory infections, unexplained gastrointestinal cramps, and diarrhea. Neither will die from this twin pregnancy now, but horses are prone to various health issues,” Lipponen noted.

The horse industry in Finland is facing numerous challenges beyond these unusual births. According to a horse barometer published in March by the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, many horse owners are facing bleak futures. “I was in tears while analyzing the responses; the situation is very discouraging across the board,” recalled Lumi Drozz, an equine and organic expert with the union.

The current economic climate has forced people to cut back on hobbies, impacting the horse sector. Despite the challenges, Drozz found a silver lining: “Everyone seems willing to do everything possible for animal welfare, which is encouraging.”

In the wake of the births, both colts, Interstellar and Ziggy Stardust, are likely to remain with Lipponen, who has formed a strong bond with them through intensive care in their first critical days. She believes that while her future in breeding is uncertain, there may be a purpose behind the twins’ arrival.