Advice on foal outside in this weather.

[Gem1]

Hi,
I’m new to the forums and not sure if this is the right place to post. Just looking for some advice on some local horses that I see each day. It’s currently 2 degrees here with wind chill of -6. And terrible 70-90 mph winds.
I don’t know a lot about horses at all, but there’s a mare and it’s foal in a field without shelter in this weather. There are some trees outside the field which may provide some wind break but not much. The foal and mare appeared about a month ago so I’m not sure how old it is, it’s obviously at least a month. Maybe 2 month old. is this an animal welfare issue or should it be ok?
Like I said l, I have no clue about horses so wanted some advice. Thanks.

 

[tda]

My mares and foals are outside tonight and every night. Horses do have a pretty good coat and can survive. It's only windy and it does rain quite regularly in this country. I wouldn't worry

 

[AmyMay]

It very much depends on the age of the foal to be honest, how good the mare is at feeding the foal, and what condition the mare herself is. Foals are not waterproof for a good couple of months and can be brought down very quickly in bad weather.

Personally I’d not have anything out in driving, torrential rain and gale force winds.

It’s not a welfare situation necessarily, not knowing the condition of either mare or foal.

 

[Gem1]

Thanks so much for your replies. I know horses can be quite hardy and it’s hard to relate when I’ve never had one. Hard to tell how old the foal is. He has white fluffy raggy fur. Not short hair.
I’m in north east England and we have weather warnings tonight.
How old would they normally start eating grass or hay?

 

[TheMule]

Not a welfare issue, assuming mare and foal have access to food and water and are in decent condition. The foal will be drinking warm milk and I disagree with the above- foals are perfectly waterproof, 1000s of years of evolution would suggest as much.

 

[AmyMay]

Sorry Mule, a new born foal is most definitely not waterproof. However this one sounds several months old, so I’m sure will be fine.

 

[sport horse]

From what I am reading the weather is absolutley terrible in Scotland and the north of England. Quite a few horses are out because they are safer than in building which are being torn apart by the gales. If they get wet they will dry out - if they get hit by debris from damaged buildings they may well be killed. Stay safe all involved.

 

[Equi]

A newborn foal will not be waterproof for a few weeks its true, but a foal a few months old will generally be okay. They are smart little beings and if its cold/windy/rainy they will drink more and hide behind/under mum and the mum will instinctually shelter her foal.