Help me write a shopping list.......QUICK!!

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FaldingwoodLivery

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Right....before I write this post I could like to make it known that I in no way whatsoever think this is a good idea, I have tried to change their minds but had no success so I am doing my best to make this work!

Just had a phonecall from hubby, his friend has been given a Shetland mare and foal??? Don't ask me why or how? His wife wants to keep then in the garden. Have a big garden with a post and rail paddock and field shelter so no problems there. The problem is that neither friend or wife have any horsey experience, luckily however they have asked me to help.

So need to go to local agri store this afternoon and do a supermarket sweep style shopping trip. Need help making a shopping list cos I'm no doubt gunna forget something:

headcollar and lead rope
grooming kit
fly spray
bedding for field shelter
shavings fork, shovel, brush, poo scooper etc
automatic field drinker (figured that way no one can forget to do water)

That's all I can think of, cab anyone else add??

Before I get flooded with posts concerned for the welfare of these ponies I live close by and so will be checking in regularly. And taking care of things like farrier, worming etc. TBH I reckon they'll get bored in a couple of months and they'll end up comin to live at mine **rolls eyes but secretly smiles**

now another thing is mare is in foal again for next year. I'm guessing if they keep her that long shell be brought to mine to foal. I have no experience in breeding so is there anything specific I should be doing with a pregnant shettie mare or just leave her to it? Until I get there I have no idea about sex or age of foal, but am a but concerned about weaning etc? When should a foal be weaned?? And how long until an ungelded colt becomes a problem.
 
fly mask for mare maybe a foal slip for in future, feed for mare to put all goodness back in her as the foal will be taking it all out with the milk, latest ide wean a foal is 7 month maybe a bit more good luck
 
Its good they have you too help.

Regardless of size of paddock be careful they done get too much grass!
It could be lush and very rich!

The foal should be weaned at about 6 months.
the best and nicest way of doing it is to introduce another pony so the foal gets a friend, once all relaxed and the foal becomes more Independent then re move the mare
 
Will the mare need any feed/balancer, if she is feeding the foal and in foal again? ( I dont know about shetlands!!)

Haynet??

Hoof pick?

Fly fringe?
 
What shall I feed her then? I was assuming no hard feed cos she's a shettie and to watch weight cos of lami? Didn't even think about the foal suckling! Good job I came on here!
 
Might be an idea to get some sort of super low cal balancer as I assume her foal is still having milk off her? I would also get things for a really basic first aid kit, I guess pretty much just purple spray! Hoof pick, foal slip. Not sure how worming and vaccs work with a mare and foal, but would be worth checking with the vet.
Tbh not too much is essential, so long as the essential needs (health, nutrition, shelter) are met. You might that they need some electric fencing depending on what their grazing is like, she would want to be on hardly anything.
 
Thanks guys, was just wondering about wormers, I'll ring my vet and ask. And ask in the feed shop about some feed for her. Think I better go and shop! I'll update you all when I've seen them, and no doubt have tons more questions
 
shetlands live on nothing, wean foal if over 6 months esp as in foal again and get foal handled. both will need no other feeding other than restricted grass i would have said. poss a lightweight rug for both for winter if weather very bad.
 
Quick update for you all, saw ponies yesterday. Lovely little blue and White mare, and brown and White 3 month old colt foal. Have come from gypsys so not the most well looked after little things, need a farrier and lots of handling as they're practically wild. I want to worm them but haven't got a clue about worming mares and foals?? Can you do it??

Rang a local Shetland stud and asked then about feeding etc, they said to leave her as she is and assess condition as she goes along, she seems to be doing really well. Condition wise she looks spot on.

Next thing is as they came from gypsys they have no passports......how do I apply for one? I haven't even got a clue if they have names!

And guess what .......they're coming to mine on wednesday. Think friends wife looked out of her bedroom window this morning and struggled with the idea of picking all the pop up out the paddock. Funny thing is they asked if they could have colt back after it's been weaned so they're son could ride it, think that idea may change when I tell them it can't be broken it til 4!
 
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