Considering buying a foal

[anniseed9]

Hi people, I was wondering if any one could advise me on what I need to consider before buying a foal. I'm not planning on buying one soon, but I like to have lists well in advance. In particular I'd like to know the additional costs to buying a foal, and the extra responsibilities around keeping them.

Any info/advice would be much appreciated

Thanks

 

[lhotse]

Is this your first horse? Have you had any experience handling young horses before?

 

[anniseed9]

I have two new forest ponies, bought in 2001. Choco was 12 and Anni was 6 months old. So technically, yes I do. However I was 9 in 2001 so most of the responsibilities we're taken care of by my mum and her friend. I was her first rider and am responsible for her schooling, but can't remember how much extra care was needed in those first couple of years.

 

[p87]

Have you got any studs near you? I'd suggest getting some work experience around foals before buying your own to ensure you know all you can beforehand

 

[anniseed9]

Thanks I hadn't thought of that, and will certainly think about it. I don't have time right now, like I said, not planning on doing this for a while. But once I have the free time and are thinking seriously about this I will look into it.

At the moment I'm just looking to figure out the kind of budget and free time I would need before I look seriously.

 

[dianchi]

Depends what you are wanting to buy.

TBH they are best off in a field doing nothing at all, perhaps once a month until the age of 4 tying up picking out feet, brushing, vet and farrier visits.
Then back and start riding.

Make sure your insured as youngsters are accident prone.

 

[_GG_]

Depends what you are wanting to buy.

TBH they are best off in a field doing nothing at all, perhaps once a month until the age of 4 tying up picking out feet, brushing, vet and farrier visits.
Then back and start riding.

Make sure your insured as youngsters are accident prone.

This ^^^ and preferably with other youngsters. Too much attention is not a good thing with babies IMO.

 

[anniseed9]

If I decide to go ahead I would get a new forest, probably at the sales. Both of my current horses are new forest ponies and I can't really picture myself with anything else

 

[Clodagh]

It would be a great thing to do but as has been said it is really nice for foals to live with other youngsters. If your current ponies live out and are kind and/or playful then the foal should be OK with them but slowly with introductions. TBH I would go for a yearling or 2 year old, bigger, more robust and easier to do stuff with. I think you can get them at the sales too?