hot weather and foals

[Marigold4]

Sorry to keep asking questions! Is there anything I can do to help my mare and foal be more comfortable in this hot weather? I've read online that some people clip their foals - is this a good idea?? Mare and foal have a shelter with a straw bed inside and I have taken out a couple of backboards so there is a through breeze, and there is a tree that provides shade from 1 pm onwards. I don't like to bring them in during the hottest part of the day as, even though I have fans, it is still stiflingly hot in the stables. Foal is lying down more than usual but still drinking from her mum and weeing lots.

 

[AmyMay]

As long as mum takes baby in to the shade, then it should be fine. Please don’t even think about clipping it.

 

[Marigold4]

Thanks for replying. My instinct was that foals probably have a thick foal coat for good reason, so wasn't planning on clipping. Just out of interest, what are the negative effects of clipping a foal?

 

[AmyMay]

Thanks for replying. My instinct was that foals probably have a thick foal coat for good reason, so wasn't planning on clipping. Just out of interest, what are the negative effects of clipping a foal?

Basically they need their coat for protection. From the cold, from the rain - even from the sun.

 

[skint.spotty]

it seems counter intuitive to us but clipping a young horse or one in an otherwise vulnerable state of health can make them more prone to overheating (except in cases of PPID). Plus their coat is also protection from flies, things that might cut/graze them, wind/rain, the list of goes on. Trust mum to look after her baby as they need to be, too much interference can do a lot of harm. Don't worry about asking questions; the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked, especially where animal welfare is involved.

 

[tda]

Honestly, if they are allowed to be out the mare will look after the foal appropriately, sometimes I wondered why our gang stand/sleep in different areas, it's because they know the sheltered/breezy areas.
Please don't even think about clipping the foal

 

[Marigold4]

Honestly, if they are allowed to be out the mare will look after the foal appropriately, sometimes I wondered why our gang stand/sleep in different areas, it's because they know the sheltered/breezy areas.
Please don't even think about clipping the foal

Thanks for reply. I wasn't really thinking of clipping foal - don't even have any clippers. I was just asking about it as others do. Wish this hot weather would pass! Bring on the rain.