Considering buying a foal

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anniseed9

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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 :)
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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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.
 
dianchi said:
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.
Click to expand...

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