advice please re late foals

new foal mum

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26 October 2011
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My darling mare got herself pregnant last year and two weeks ago gave birth to a lovely filly. Completely new to all this and obviously have read too much and have loads of conflicting advice. Presently I am putting them out during the day and bringing in at night, the field has lots of trees surrounding it but no field shelter. Do I rug the foal or not, what happens when the snow comes next month, do I leave them out when its raining during the day, or allow the foal to harden up. I only want to do whats best, help!
 
Congratulations - we need to see pictures! :D

Foals are tougher than they look. Mine are born outside and do fine in all weathers.

Bring in at about 4pm and turnoout around 10am - this will give the day a chance to warm a little.

If you are expecting snow then a cosy turnout rug for baby would be lovely.

Make sure mum realises what is under the rug though as they can behave very trangely when baby changes colour! Make sure mum is focused on you putting the rug on.
 
I'd put this in 'Breeding'. For what its worth, and I've only bred one, they hate rain and wet but can cope with cold not too badly.
Is it a pony or horse foal?
Good luck, bet its a cutie!
 
Yes I would definitely rug a 2 week old foal if the weather is cold and wet. Foals this young are not very good at holding their temperatures and are susceptible to getting soaked down to the skin as they don't have the grease accumulation of older foals and horses.
 
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