AmyMay
Situation normal
You didn't answer my question... Would you do it? and before 4 months and not a late four months?
I thought I gave you quite a comprehensive response.
You didn't answer my question... Would you do it? and before 4 months and not a late four months?
I thought I gave you quite a comprehensive response.
5 months is NOT to young to wean a foal and that an experienced breeder talking. you need to few every foal as individuals and she is lovely and well formed enough for weaning good luck in your new home dolly
5 months is NOT to young to wean a foal and that an experienced breeder talking. you need to few every foal as individuals and she is lovely and well formed enough for weaning good luck in your new home dolly
Who made you the forum queen? In reply to purple[/]
I just don't think it very fair when Abbie isn't here to stick up for herself. weaning is a tricky question but the decision has been made. Can't we just all be happy that dolly is going to a loving home ? at the end of the day isn't that the important thing ?
Not on what you would do.
Who made you the forum queen? In reply to purple[/]
I just don't think it very fair when Abbie isn't here to stick up for herself. weaning is a tricky question but the decision has been made. Can't we just all be happy that dolly is going to a loving home ? at the end of the day isn't that the important thing ?
There's nothing stopping OP joining if she chooses but she's got nothing to stick up for herself about , other people would do something different that's all anyone ones said . What's the issue with that ?
Just an example of how opinions on this area might differ I wonder how many of us breastfed our kids for the full 2 YEARS recommended by World Health Organisaton !! Many people don't breast feed at all even though it's almost certainly better than formula. I know people are totally different but each person makes a decision based on their own circumstances with advice from experts - and they do the same for their animals.
I've never bred a foal and have no idea on weaning so in TB's shoes I'd have read up (massive range of opinions) and taken advice (vets and buyers who have other youngsters) and made a decision based on that and how mare and foal were doing.
People may have different opinions but I struggle to see what real harm will be done to such a big well established foal
and nobody has explained what she is risking. (just my 50p's worth)
What a shame, this thread just makes me sad .
Lots of people have enjoyed Dollys arrival and journey. Why can't people just put their personal views aside and wish her well. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the way Abbie has handled this - it's her horse and her choice.
Personally I think Abbie has been amazing and I wish Dolly all the best and look forward to TB and Dolly updates. I hope my daughters turn out to be as well rounded as Abbie.
there IS a big problem! have you not see the photos above of Dolly?? Her mother was clearly doing her very well and at that rate of growth, leaving her on her dam could have been very detrimental to her long term health. (think large foal, fast growing joints and bones)...weaning is far more preferable to that, it isn't as if Dolly is some poor weakling foal shut away in a shed somewhere (So I found the dragon driving reference offensive)... you cannot always go by months, you have to go by a lot of other factors and health is the main one. As for someone reading a thread and thinking early weaning is a standard, they shouldn't be breeding in the first place.
I'd have no problem weaning at four months of the situation required it.
I think what's really important to remember is that Dolly & Tess have been viewed as an individual case, in the flesh, by both the vet and the stud. Obviously there are general guidelines as to timescales, but these things need to be looked at on a case by case basis, and by professionals who have seen them both first hand. Clearly everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but TB posted on here to let people know who have followed Dolly since she appeared somewhat unexpectedly, not asking for a protracted debate on the rights and wrongs of the situation! To me, a large proportion of the comments smack of armchair experts with a smattering of those who have actually had first hand experience. Leave the girl alone! Jeez!
If the situation did not require it, like in Dolly's case would you do it?
I'LL answer your question: I have done it, with no ill effects whatsoever, and more than once. I have also ridden many a mare with foal at foot, also with no ill effects - what harm is supposed to happen? EXPERIENCE, rather than sentiment and fuzzy ideas, has led me to do these things - not all foals can be weaned at four months, but actually MOST well-grown, properly cared for ones can. I have bred approximately 200 foals in my lifetime (I am quite old, BTW), and officiated at many more births and weanings. Will you all please just leave this girl alone: she has done a great job, always had the best interests of her mare and filly at heart, and sought good, professional advice throughout. If you don't approve of weaning foals at 4 months, then don't do it. Plenty of professional, commercial breeders do so with no ill effects at all. Jeez!
There's nothing stopping OP joining if she chooses but she's got nothing to stick up for herself about , other people would do something different that's all anyone ones said . What's the issue with that ?
this thread was to let us no she was going on Saturday was it not ?
therefore why is there a "issue".
maybe other people would but really why does abbie need to no what any of you would do ? Dolly is going on Saturday....
If the situation did not require it, like in Dolly's case would you do it? You are very good at skating around an answer to an obvious question
i think this is a disgrace the way op has been treated you should all be ashamed of your self. i have weaned at 4 months and now have a strapping 16h1 3 yr old and he doent have any problems i would rather wean a bit earlier than later and i have bred many a foal and all went on to do very well. come to think of it how many of you have ever bred a foal let alone done the amazing job OP has done i will tell you bring up a foal aint easy so before you go shouting your mouths of try it and ask your vets and stud what they do. as already stated most big studs wean at 4 months and sell very expensive foals with no ill effects