2023 Foals

Pink Gorilla

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I usually did mine as yearlings. One very cheeky boy was done while still on mum. His testicles were tiny, I had to hold them while the vet clamped them and there wasn't much to hold. Had another that had to wait till two as he only had one at a year. They all recovered equally well including my stallion who was done at 14.
How do you know if they've dropped yet? I can't see anything on mine and think he'd strongly object if I tried to cop a feel 🙈 Don't want to call vet out and sedate to then find nothing, or only one is there!
 
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Ambers Echo

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I got Mylo used to being handled all over, incuding 'there'. He did not react any differently to me copping a quick feel than if I tickle his belly or mess about with his ears. I checked before calling vet, then got the YO who is also a farmer to double check so I did not waste time and money if he wasn't ready.
 

Ambers Echo

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Mylo has been weaned and Amber temporarily moved off the yard as I think Mylo will find it easier to not be able to hear her. He's 8 months old and more than ready. And he has settled really quickly but I feel so protective and sad! He called for about 30 minutes after she left but then settled. She called a few times then seemed fine. He will stay in for 48 hours or so with buddies either side, then go out. Just so he does not immediately jump out and go looking for her. Big grown up boy.
 

Pink Gorilla

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Mylo has been weaned and Amber temporarily moved off the yard as I think Mylo will find it easier to not be able to hear her. He's 8 months old and more than ready. And he has settled really quickly but I feel so protective and sad! He called for about 30 minutes after she left but then settled. She called a few times then seemed fine. He will stay in for 48 hours or so with buddies either side, then go out. Just so he does not immediately jump out and go looking for her. Big grown up boy.
How's he doing now it's been a few days?
 

HappyHackerK8

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How big are everyone's foals now and how big do you expect them to make? Mine is about 14.2 (bum a little higher) at 9 months old and a Dutch warmblood.
Mine is 13.2hh at 9 months and 13.3/14hh bum high. Also KWPN but mum and dad are both 16hh. Hoping she will be 15.2hh as mums first foal. No idea if she will get to height, string test says 15.1hh but not accurate until 1 year ☺️
 
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Pink Gorilla

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Mine is 13.2hh at 9 months and 13.3/14hh bum high. Also KWPN but mum and dad are both 16hh. Hoping she will be 15.2hh as mums first foal. No idea if she will get to height, string test says 15.1hh but not accurate until 1 year ☺️
Ooh heck. Mine has 15.3/16h parents too. He's not his mum's first foal though, but he is his dad's first. Hoping he doesn't get too big, as his grandparents are around 16.3/17h
 

Pink Gorilla

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Has anyone had any experience as to whether or not gelding a colt calms down the play fighting behaviour a little? I don't expect it to stop him playing completely, as he's a baby at the end of the day. But I'm hoping it'll make him less rough and relentless with my 9yr old lead rein gelding.
 

Asha

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Has anyone had any experience as to whether or not gelding a colt calms down the play fighting behaviour a little? I don't expect it to stop him playing completely, as he's a baby at the end of the day. But I'm hoping it'll make him less rough and relentless with my 9yr old lead rein gelding.

no, hes a baby and will play . he needs a suitable companion before someone gets hurt
 

CanteringCarrot

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Has anyone had any experience as to whether or not gelding a colt calms down the play fighting behaviour a little? I don't expect it to stop him playing completely, as he's a baby at the end of the day. But I'm hoping it'll make him less rough and relentless with my 9yr old lead rein gelding.

Maybe it could, but young male horses, are young male horses. They play. They play fight. They throw shapes and legs everywhere. Some are a bit more playful than others, but the best thing is to get them an appropriate companion.
 

Pinkvboots

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Sometimes gelding helps we would turn same age colts out together and you Sometimes got one that was too rough and relentless, so then they are removed from the field or gelded if they were really that bad as the stud liked to keep most entire until sold.
 

Pink Gorilla

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no, hes a baby and will play . he needs a suitable companion before someone gets hurt
He's in with my other youngish horse who is a good firm, but fair disciplinarian for him. Would have just been nice for him to have a playmate too, as colt and pony do get on well. He just gets a bit too much so I took the pony out today and put him in the next door paddock. Although they just stood next to each other by the gate most the day sulking 🤦🏼‍♀️ (colt was with my other horse)
 

Foxford

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They are Cairnview cobs. The bigger one is called Newton. I'm hoping he will make 15.2+. His sire is related to my current horse (the one in my profile), who I would clone if I had the pennies! if he moves anything like my lad as a grown up I will be chuffed. He has big paces as a baby.

The little one is my bonus buy. His passport name is Navajo but he has been stable named Isaac, so we have Isaac and Newton 😂 His dad is a spotty cob. He was bright orange when he was born but he's now a lovely liver chestnut. He's a feisty little chap. Quite opinionated already. He's warier of people than Newton (Newton likes a cuddle and rests his chin on my shoulder, whereas Isaac isn't sure about being touched) but he's quite brave with situations. He can really move, in a proper gypsy trotter sort of way. Really high step.

You can look them up on Facebook to see the baby versions.

They are both just settling in at the moment. They got a great start at the breeder on weaning, but obviously they aren't as handled as foals who have lived in with mum etc. I'm delighted with them. The big lad is one of the riding school horses (not mine) and he's the best foster dad. He seems to be enjoying the job, especially the extra food it comes with 😂

View attachment 131354

@DressageCob I have the full brother to one of yours. I will PM you. 😀
 

DressageCob

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shanebelton

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16 month old Ana, definitely a lot greyer! And maybe not as mature looking as some of the others on here, but seems to be growing into a happy pleasant girl 🤞
 

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Pink Gorilla

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Is it normal for them to get a bit grumpy and opinionated around the 18 month mark? My yearling has never been particularly cuddly and is fairly aloof, but lately I've had a few grumpy faces when I approach him and leg flailing during feet picking out. Nothing that has scared me and I've not backed off him when he's done it, but I'm a bit apprehensive that it's a sign of things to come. Is it a sign of a sour temperament, or a normal phase? He has a very good back up and hind quarter yield, so he's never been on top of me to lead/handle. Personal space is something I'm big on and have always instilled in him, so that's why I wonder if it could just be his personality coming out of him a bit more.
 

Pink Gorilla

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OK I've solved the problem! I just tried picking his feet out when he wasn't eating and he was so much happier. He's obviously turning into one of those who like to be left alone while eating. I don't blame him....I'm the same 🙈
 
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