Bit of advice needed on feeding 9mth foal in poor condition

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joulsey

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What would people recommend for feeding a 9 month foal.

I haven't seen him yet but my the lady I share off has just bought a 9month old foal who lets just say is not in the best of conditions. Poor thing is on no turnout (and is just stuck in stable) and from what I gather is just on hay/haylage. Coat is a complete and utter mess from the sounds of it. Also suspect he was weaned too early as the mare was not coping well off him. Apparently he didn't even know what to do with a carrot! Hes a WB X

We are on the hunt for some grazing, so we can get him ASAP and let Dr Green work his magic but what else would you be feeding apart from adlib hay?

Poor little mite.
 
If you can find somewhere where he can live with other weanlings in a large barn that is the best - turn out now is so wet and possibly not ideal for a poor recently weaned yearling. He will also thrive with the company of others. Worm him well before you worry too much about filling him with feed. Youngsters need very regular worming. Then feed him any good brand of young horse feed and as much hay/haylage as he will eat. The spring grass will be here soon - I hope!
 
Worming was the second thing I was going to ask about, will need to find out from previous owners when/if he has ever been wormed, I'm guessing never!

Struggling to find anywhere at all. Everywhere round here offers no turnout until about April. We do have a pony and another horse on a rented yard/field but don't think there is enough room really.....arrrggg.

Thank you, I will have a look at the D&H and Saracen
 
Re worming, I don't think you need to ask them if he looks as you describe. Start with 5 day panacur but you will need to monitor his worm counts regularly too. The suggested wormer is only a start. He is probably full of ascarids as well as redworm and it takes a long while to sort it out. Ring the Westgate team if you want to talk it through.
 
Thank you. I haven't seen him yet :( he may look worse than what he actually is as I have been told his coat is just fully matted etc and he's in a state. Concerned he hasn't even been out his box all winter, not even sure if he leads yet.
 
You may actually be better off keeping him in for a few weeks. Get him wormed, get him eating from a bucket and get him used to being handled and led. If you can't find other youngsters to put him out with then an older 'nanny' horse should do the trick - an ex broodmare would be ideal.

For youngstock feed I tend to use Grow n Win balancer - whichever feed you decide on though take it slowly.

Once he's ready to go out it might be an idea to contact studs in the area to see if they will take him on grass livery to go out with their youngsters or even put a wanted ad on pre-loved for shared grazing.
 
madlady said:
Once he's ready to go out it might be an idea to contact studs in the area to see if they will take him on grass livery to go out with their youngsters or even put a wanted ad on pre-loved for shared grazing.
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Thats a brilliant idea and feel rather stupid for not thinking of that before, I think I might just know someone who can help me!
 
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