Advice on foals.

[GOldendestinyx]

Hi all, i am really thinking about buying a filly, not anytime soon but in the future and was just wondering if i could have any advice, for example the best places to look, the things you have discovered in your own experiences, and anything really that may help me. TIA x (no negative comments please )

 

[AmyMay]

You're not going to put you mate in foal then?

 

[Abby-Lou]

Great experience, can be challenging. Make sure you can turn out within a heard environment to help with manners. I got a five month old Connemara, she was particularly challenging, we laugh now but it wasn't funny at the time, she turned into a highly opinionated mare and lets us know if she is not happy, I wouldn't change her for the world and with never pass her on to anyone else .

 

[Gloi]

Decide what you want then go and look around the breeders and decide whose stock you like. Spending the time looking around will help you see what is about and you will be able to see parents and siblings to something you might like. When you get your foal make sure you can keep it somewhere with plenty of other young animals so it stays happy and well socialised.

 

[Hack4fun]

I have looked after a young horse - 8 - 30 months. Lived outside in a small herd. My observation is that even the nicest young horse needs handling to learn some ground manners. Don't let that put you off though.

 

[Damnation]

If it was me, I would go to a reputable breeder to buy a filly, you will know that they have had everything done correctly.

Secondly, if you are inexperienced with dealing with youngstock, make sure you have someone experienced on hand to help and guide you both.

Thirdly, as Hack4fun says, even youngsters need some amount of handling and training to be mannerly to handle.

I would also prefer to keep a young horse with other young horses in a herd situation until at least 2/2.5 years old. It is where they learn to socialise, they learn a pecking order and they play/blow off steam. Nothing worse than seeing a playful youngster out with something older who simply doesn't want to interact in that way.

 

[ihatework]

Advice - well ...
It will be 4 years until you can ride them
You can’t quite tell how big they will get or what temprement they will have
They really benefit in growing up with the company of other young horses, can you provide that environment?
They need competent handling so that they learn the right behaviours, are you experienced enough?
If they are proving sharp and too much for you to back then breaking livery with a good yard is pretty damn expensive.

So all in all it will be much cheaper and more likely to succeed if you buy a backed 4yo

But, depending on your motives and attitude to it the journey could be fun and rewarding

 

[Nasicus]

Both one of the most rewarding things, and the most frustrating things you can do. When it's going well, you're full of pride, when it's going wrong you'll find yourself asking why on earth you chose to do it. Keep them in an appropriate herd, don't baby them, and make sure you insure them because foals spend most of their time trying to find ways to mangle themselves.

 

[tallyho!]

Yes there is the waiting to ride aspect... and you mustn't rush in to it.

Herd turnout is a must, preferably with some same age or as close to as possible and some older horses. Having worked for breeders, I don't think handling is that important - it depends on the buyer. The older fillies that sold were actually much better to handle but a breeder will handle weanlings to sell on so the basics like having a headcollar, leading and picking up feet and being touched everywhere are done.

If this is your first, I would go to a reputable breeder. A lot of breeders will support you in the early days.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Many years ago I bought a weanling colt and a yearling filly from a petting zoo because I felt sorry for them. Both shetlands. I didn't really have much of a clue but I bought Richard Maxwell's From Birth To Backing and followed that closely and found it incredibly useful. The colt was cut asap and then both were in a mixed age mixed gender herd out 24/7 on a hill. Maybe I just got lucky but they were easy to handle and train. The only issue I had was separation anxiety as the colt/gelding hated being away from the filly. They had shared a stable at the zoo and were inseparable. So in the end I separated them and then let him go as I did not think he'd ever cope being near but not with her. He settled well into his new home and was totally straightforward to deal with. The filly was a doddle to back and became my daughters LRFR, then was sold on when outgrown. I am still in touch with her owners and she is now teaching the 6th child/grandchild to ride. She is/was a mothers dream of a pony. I found the whole experience incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. But as I said, maybe I just got lucky!

 

[GOldendestinyx]

It was a long winded decision but i decided it would probably be best to not take any risks, maybe one day though- it's still a dream of mine.

 

[GOldendestinyx]

Thanks so much - as for the "waiting to ride" i believe that although riding is fun it isn't the most important thing and i would never rush into breaking in just for my own selfishness.

 

[GOldendestinyx]

very helpful thanks

 

[Nasicus]

Also, it's bloody expensive. Miles away from being the 'cheap' option for getting a horse.

 

[tallyho!]

Also, it's bloody expensive. Miles away from being the 'cheap' option for getting a horse.

Agreed