First foal - tips and tricks

[paddy555]

when I got my foal, at 6 months, he was turned out with an older horse, taken for walks, handled daily, played with, had in hand grazing was stabled each night and a million other things that apparently one should not do. He is now 3 and waiting to be backed when next year. He has survived this mistreatment rather well. I based what I did on my earlier foal, and the one before that and the one before that and so on.
For him it was a very good job that I did all this work. He was for example traffic trained almost immediately, used to be left in a stable alone etc etc. All under supervision of course but he had the basics. At 8 months old he was rushed to horse hospital with a bacterial infection. We spent 2 hours in the consult room as blood test followed blood test as they tried to find the cause.. He had to stand for 45 mins to have his sides continually scanned. Good job he had learnt to stand and be patient on a loose rope. He stayed for several days. They didn't get a nervous or stroppy youngster to deal with but one that was well handled, could be led easily and would do whatever was required including living for all that time on his own in the isolation block.

When I get a foal or yearling I cannot afford to take on 2 at the same time ( time not money). I don't want a second one. The foal goes out with an adult who looks after him. He looks to the adult for guidance. The foal runs around safely and doesn't get hurt. As he get older and stronger I put a small pony in to play with him.

This has worked well for all my younsters (who I back, ride and keep) so there is more than one way of doing things. Everyone has to work around the facilities they have.
OP does seem to have got a bit slaughtered by a lot of people who think it is their way or the highway.

 

[JJS]

when I got my foal, at 6 months, he was turned out with an older horse, taken for walks, handled daily, played with, had in hand grazing was stabled each night and a million other things that apparently one should not do. He is now 3 and waiting to be backed when next year. He has survived this mistreatment rather well. I based what I did on my earlier foal, and the one before that and the one before that and so on.
For him it was a very good job that I did all this work. He was for example traffic trained almost immediately, used to be left in a stable alone etc etc. All under supervision of course but he had the basics. At 8 months old he was rushed to horse hospital with a bacterial infection. We spent 2 hours in the consult room as blood test followed blood test as they tried to find the cause.. He had to stand for 45 mins to have his sides continually scanned. Good job he had learnt to stand and be patient on a loose rope. He stayed for several days. They didn't get a nervous or stroppy youngster to deal with but one that was well handled, could be led easily and would do whatever was required including living for all that time on his own in the isolation block.

When I get a foal or yearling I cannot afford to take on 2 at the same time ( time not money). I don't want a second one. The foal goes out with an adult who looks after him. He looks to the adult for guidance. The foal runs around safely and doesn't get hurt. As he get older and stronger I put a small pony in to play with him.

This has worked well for all my younsters (who I back, ride and keep) so there is more than one way of doing things. Everyone has to work around the facilities they have.
OP does seem to have got a bit slaughtered by a lot of people who think it is their way or the highway.

I have to agree with Paddy555, I'm afraid. It's not that the advice given is flawed, more how some of it's worded, and a certain tunnel visioned, one-size-fits-all approach from some.

Like Paddy555, I have also gone against the grain through necessity, and as much as I'm convinced there are those who read my posts on Flower and think we're going about it all wrong, it seems to be working for her so far. Yes, she's kept on a livery yard by a first time foal owner and with adult-only company. Yes, she's cuddled and handled daily too. I have neither the funds nor the inclination to send her away until breaking, nor the time, money, or desire to have a second foal, yet she's nonetheless polite, mannerly, and seemingly thriving. I'm sure there are many who could have done a better job, and yet I have every faith she's still going to grow into a nice pleasant horse.

That said, the help on here has been invaluable to me throughout her upbringing, so maybe the same sort of support for another first-time foal owner would be more useful than some of the criticisms levied (I'm not saying that everyone was critical, just that some could have been a bit more constructive in their responses).

 

[Cortez]

Yes, there is more than one way to do things, and I'm sure all you one-foal owners that have done a good job will have lovely horses when they grow up. I've done that too, and the foal I had then is now a useful member of society. I've also had a big-ish stud farm and reared up to 20 foals at a time in age-appropriate groups - of the two methods, the latter is infinitely the best for the foal, physically, socially, mentally, developmentally and for later training. This is why I would never have a single foal again: experience.

This is an open forum, you are welcome to either take advantage of the collective wisdom on offer or not, but if people are rude in response then I would imagine that the offerings will either decline or be reduced to the less, erm...reliable contributions.

 

[Tiddlypom]

It was reasonable to assume that the OP was inexperienced when they listed 'cuddles' as one of their intended daily activities with their new foal.

I'm with Cortez et all and the other experienced folk on here, in strongly recommending similar age companions. I bred a foal and fostered another youngster specifically to be her weaning companion.

 

[paddy555]

I've done that too, and the foal I had then is now a useful member of society. I've also had a big-ish stud farm and reared up to 20 foals at a time in age-appropriate groups - of the two methods, the latter is infinitely the best for the foal, physically, socially, mentally, developmentally and for later training. This is why I would never have a single foal again: experience.

I think that should have added "in your opinion" . There is a different way of looking at it. In your method the foal runs "wild" for 3 years approx. OK it is handled, feet trimmed etc but that is more or less it. Then at 3 someone catches it and says "now you are going to be a riding horse, probably stabled, moved in the heaviest of traffic, etc etc and you have to give up your old "wild" life and come and be part of my stable. (this is obviously a generalisation as I don't know what or how you do your own horses) You are going to have a rug on, a girth tightened around your middle, up into the lorry, run round in circles on a rope and you will stop when I say so and not before and then we are going to stick a rider on top of you.

My way is that the youngster arrives at 3 and has never (in it's memory) known anything else. The stable is it's sanctuary it has been in there so often not somewhere it comes out of it's "wild" existence and wonders what the hell. (which one of my bought in 4yo;s did) It has dealt with traffic, has had rugs on, things tightened under it, people had leant and sprawled all over it since it was 6 months old. It understands when the handler speaks it obeys. Apart from a lot of the handling work being done already there is no "transition' from being a "wild" horse to a ridden on. In fact life for my 3 yo is boring. Been there, seen it all before and got the T shirt.

Not sure what is wrong with cuddles. Mine get scratched and cuddled all over. They think it is pleasure and fun. I think it is simply getting them used to being touched all over.

Just another way of looking at it. Flack jacket on.

 

[Cortez]

Paddy555, I've never reared "wild" horses, don't know where you are getting that from. They come in every two weeks or so to be handled in much the same manner you've described above, and as any experienced horseman would do.

"Cuddles" are not normally part of the horseman's lexicon, but this may simply be a semantic substitution (I hope so, because the thought does somewhat turn my stomach).

Anything written by anyone on this forum is presumed to be in their opinion unless cited as being someone else's.

 

[Asha]

everyone has been a first time foal owner at some point, we all have to learn somewhere and we do that by asking for advice,and then taking it. JJS your situation is different. You didn't buy a weanling and put it into an existing adult herd. Your foal was looked after and protected by its mother, who will have insured introductions with others went well.
All mine have had company of the same age, until now. Frank is a yearling in with an adult herd. He was born at home, his mother and nanny have reared him, and looked after him when introduced to the herd. The others play with him for now. Should I buy him a companion of his own age ? yes, and im currently looking for a buddy for him.

paddy555, glad it worked out well for you, but with the limited information provided by the OP, its very hard to know what experience the OP has. Im pretty sure everyone who has posted has the weanlings best interests at heart, and has taken time to give advice based on their knowledge/experience. For every good story of turning a weanling out with an adult herd, there will be a negative one. Someone I know bought a weanling end of last year, they asked for advice. They ignored it. They collected the weanling, turned it out in a paddock ( at livery) it ran through the fencing and straight in with another horse. Fortunately it didn't kick it, and it escaped injury from crashing through the fence. They then managed the weanling as if it was an older horse. Within a few months it was lame. The weanling was PTS a few months ago.

 

[haybalecity123]

Funny how you got all that out of people offering good advice and voicing some concern. If you ask for help it's considered bad form to poop all over it.

Perhaps it makes more sense that it would be aimed at the ones creating their own narrative from fantasy, to justify trying to feel good about themselves? Combined with those who then do not read the factual post, but react to said created narrative.

Critical thinking is a skill.

 

[haybalecity123]

Yes, because you left a conversation you started. People who automatically fill in the blanks and draw their own conclusions.

Perhaps, but then to create a mutual 'back slap session' over their own assumptions? The conversation was hardly left. You actually have to go out into the real world occasionally. Sadly, I have yet to develop the inclination to stream the forum updated posts direct to my brain, whilst having hands latched to the keys so no poor soul has to wait for a response.

 

[haybalecity123]

I hope your comments were aimed at the two last posted before yours because yes, in fairness they were ott. However the rest of the thread gave you consistent advice, or the "tips and tricks" you asked for, from people who have experience with foals and youngstock. You stated there will be no other youngsters and from the way you wrote it is reasonable to infer you don't have experience with foals already. Everyone has advised you not to overhandle and that socialisation with other youngsters is crucial. You don't seem to like that but sorry, that's what is required.

Look, if you want comments along the lines of ooh, a foal, I'm jealous, make sure you give it lots of fuss...etc, etc, then there are other forums who would probably provide that. If you want suggestions from people who have been there and done it then maybe you need to be less defensive and think about what you want from this weanling long term.

Where did I ask for such comments please?

 

[haybalecity123]

Reading the last two statements you are referring to, I do see your side and how they would come across in isolation. There are a number of assumptions being made due to lack of specific detail.

As everyone has said, foals really need be out with others of a similar age in order to develop properly / in the usual way, and it will be more fun for them than being out with adult horses. Because you mentioned that your foal would be out with "olders, no other young ones for a little while" the assumption is that these are prime adult horses in an established herd, shod and in regular work. If that's not the case, can you elaborate? How many, how old, etc.? Is it livery, if so at a riding school or private livery yard? How long will your new foal be without younger company?

I know it's a financial strain, but 'borrowing' a weanling or moving yours to a yard with other young ones will really give a good foundation and set you up for success when your foal grows up.

As for handling, young horses aren't like other pets that live inside the house - it's OK if a dog or cat want to come close for cuddles, not so much a fully grown horse! Over-handling causes them to be desensitised to you and they can turn to being pushy, bite, stubborn, etc. 5-10 mins of cuddling and handling per day is too much, I'd do twice per week max. Again, you want to set yourself up for success as he/she gets older.

I'd also rope in a decent mentor as it's your first foal (if you haven't already) so that you can bounce ideas off or just chat about crazy foals! It really helps to have someone there to support you when you need it.

Thank you, an actual helpful response based on my posts. You're a rare breed

 

[haybalecity123]

I am sorry you think my comments are over the top. They come from over 50 years of experience breeding and owning horses.

You asked for advice as you are getting you first foal. I in my turn got loads of advice when I started. That is how we all learn. To not listen to or take that advice is your prerogative. However that could impinge on the well being of you foal. Your choice.

Apology accepted.

 

[haybalecity123]

Paddy555, I've never reared "wild" horses, don't know where you are getting that from. They come in every two weeks or so to be handled in much the same manner you've described above, and as any experienced horseman would do.

"Cuddles" are not normally part of the horseman's lexicon, but this may simply be a semantic substitution (I hope so, because the thought does somewhat turn my stomach).

Anything written by anyone on this forum is presumed to be in their opinion unless cited as being someone else's.

Dear me, someone got the fact that 'cuddles' clearly had subtext. Take a bow!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Clip clop...

 

[haybalecity123]

when I got my foal, at 6 months, he was turned out with an older horse, taken for walks, handled daily, played with, had in hand grazing was stabled each night and a million other things that apparently one should not do. He is now 3 and waiting to be backed when next year. He has survived this mistreatment rather well. I based what I did on my earlier foal, and the one before that and the one before that and so on.
For him it was a very good job that I did all this work. He was for example traffic trained almost immediately, used to be left in a stable alone etc etc. All under supervision of course but he had the basics. At 8 months old he was rushed to horse hospital with a bacterial infection. We spent 2 hours in the consult room as blood test followed blood test as they tried to find the cause.. He had to stand for 45 mins to have his sides continually scanned. Good job he had learnt to stand and be patient on a loose rope. He stayed for several days. They didn't get a nervous or stroppy youngster to deal with but one that was well handled, could be led easily and would do whatever was required including living for all that time on his own in the isolation block.

When I get a foal or yearling I cannot afford to take on 2 at the same time ( time not money). I don't want a second one. The foal goes out with an adult who looks after him. He looks to the adult for guidance. The foal runs around safely and doesn't get hurt. As he get older and stronger I put a small pony in to play with him.

This has worked well for all my younsters (who I back, ride and keep) so there is more than one way of doing things. Everyone has to work around the facilities they have.
OP does seem to have got a bit slaughtered by a lot of people who think it is their way or the highway.

I think some people hate their horses deep down. Suggest showing one a bit of affection and the little tingles must start the keyboard rage.

 

[haybalecity123]

Clip clop...

This is a subtle attempt to suggest a troll, because I am replying to those who took the time to reply?

Yet, earlier in the thread, I was lambasted for leaving it without responding - allowing time for others to make things up.

Can't win!

 

[sport horse]

everyone has been a first time foal owner at some point, we all have to learn somewhere and we do that by asking for advice,and then taking it. JJS your situation is different. You didn't buy a weanling and put it into an existing adult herd. Your foal was looked after and protected by its mother, who will have insured introductions with others went well.
All mine have had company of the same age, until now. Frank is a yearling in with an adult herd. He was born at home, his mother and nanny have reared him, and looked after him when introduced to the herd. The others play with him for now. Should I buy him a companion of his own age ? yes, and im currently looking for a buddy for him.

paddy555, glad it worked out well for you, but with the limited information provided by the OP, its very hard to know what experience the OP has. Im pretty sure everyone who has posted has the weanlings best interests at heart, and has taken time to give advice based on their knowledge/experience. For every good story of turning a weanling out with an adult herd, there will be a negative one. Someone I know bought a weanling end of last year, they asked for advice. They ignored it. They collected the weanling, turned it out in a paddock ( at livery) it ran through the fencing and straight in with another horse. Fortunately it didn't kick it, and it escaped injury from crashing through the fence. They then managed the weanling as if it was an older horse. Within a few months it was lame. The weanling was PTS a few months ago.

So similar to the scenario I outlined in my original reply. The weanling I dealt with was, I suppose, lucky in that it lived. However it had to endure some horrific injuries and those injuries were caused by a novice foal owner not listening to advice from those more experienced.

If in some people's opinions I worded my post too harshly, then I apologise. I will never apologise for giving my honest opinion and if the OP or anyone else does not want to hear it then do not ask for advice on a open forum.

 

[paddy555]

Paddy555, I've never reared "wild" horses, don't know where you are getting that from. They come in every two weeks or so to be handled in much the same manner you've described above, and as any experienced horseman would do.

"Cuddles" are not normally part of the horseman's lexicon, but this may simply be a semantic substitution (I hope so, because the thought does somewhat turn my stomach).

Anything written by anyone on this forum is presumed to be in their opinion unless cited as being someone else's.

I have no knowledge of your own horses but I have come across plenty of pretty wild youngsters reared on studs and elsewhere which are turned out with other youngsters to enjoy life with little handling.

I don't understand your 2nd para. Not sure what is wrong with cuddling horses. All ours have been cuddled and have gone on to live long and healthy lives and so have we..
If you mean giving yearlings treats, cuddles and little else so they walk all over you then I agree.

 

[haybalecity123]

So similar to the scenario I outlined in my original reply. The weanling I dealt with was, I suppose, lucky in that it lived. However it had to endure some horrific injuries and those injuries were caused by a novice foal owner not listening to advice from those more experienced.

If in some people's opinions I worded my post too harshly, then I apologise. I will never apologise for giving my honest opinion and if the OP or anyone else does not want to hear it then do not ask for advice on a open forum.

Can ask for advice wherever I wish to. So can anybody else.

 

[ameeyal]

I've had a few weanlings over the years, and I disagree about them needing other weanlings as company, as long as who ever they are turned out with likes a play, they will be fine. Plenty of turnout, when handling be firm but don't fight them. I like to run my hands all over their body's and legs everyday as routine, then slowly working up to feet being lifted, All teaching needs to be short sessions, as they will get impatient.But all in all they are very easy and rewarding.Teach manners from the beginning, and plenty of praise.

 

[Leo Walker]

I've had several weanlings. I was in the lucky position to run on a mini herd of youngsters at the time. I would love another one and thought about it earlier this year and decided against it because keeping foals on livery yards almost certainly isnt fair on them. I'm sure it has worked for some people, but its also not worked for lots more.

If you really want a youngster and dont have time/money/facilities for the right sort of company then buy a 2 or 3yr old filly. By that age they can integrate into an adult herd much easier and fillies tend to be less playful and less likely to pester the hell out of the other horses.

 

[sport horse]

Can ask for advice wherever I wish to. So can anybody else.

Of course you can ask for advice but do not take umbridge if you do not agree with the replies. You found my 'tone' of writing rude. Frankly I find your lack of concern for the advice given by several very knowledgeable people, equally rude. I have apologised if I upset you - hopefully you will return the compliment because I am very upset that in sincerely giving you the benefit of my own experience, which I really hoped would help you arrange suitable care for your weanling, you continue to make petty criticisms and print snide comments.

 

[haybalecity123]

I was more than happy with the constructive advice that started trickling in. What took this thread off the rails was the story-telling to create a fake scenario, that then created a completely different reality to the original question - in order for some to just make themselves feel superior. The replies of those unable to read then started taking on their own tangent.

At no point did the question change from what the original post was, yet the schema began. The content of any question or message contains only that which the author is happy to share. Had it stayed constructive, I could have provided more context to provide more assistance - not just for myself - but for any lurkers in the same position. However, I am not a regular forum user, just a lurker who wanted a bit of help, and so I did not feel the need to try and excuse my existence, or doff my cap, just to keep the forum mob happy. Quite proud of being called a troll though, albeit in a rather classless, passive aggressive way.

Thank you to those who answered with caveats or well-rounded replies. Those who sought to try and present themselves as Oracles in order to put someone else down, or make them feel inferior - hopefully whatever hole in your life you have, it was filled for that split moment. It really is odd how every forum has this core group of 'nasties'. Would be quite an interesting topic for a study.

As it happens, the foal is completely fine, has made friends with an appropriate that will be a partner for life and loves a scratch- even if it takes a few moments to get the angle just right. Happily still alive, and has learnt the basics of standing and walking by voice command very well in just a day.

Fin

 

[Cortez]

I thought you were getting this foal in November?

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Hello

Getting my first foal in November and wondering if any tip or tricks to know? Do you tend to feed your foals or is grazing enough? He is a cob and a leg in each corner type

TIA

I thought you were getting this foal in November?

OP, need to get yourself sorted methinks..... lose the thesaurus, think about clarification before posting?

 

[Nudibranch]

the story-telling to create a fake scenario

Quite.