How soon can mare and foal join herd

[jeeve]

We have a week old foal. How soon can I put her and mum in with other horses. (Thinking 28 yr old gelding and 19 yr old mare, who are currently in paddock next door.).

I would not put her in with the mad younger geldings or mare. But I do think she will be okay with the two quiet ones.

 

[Spring Feather]

My newborn foals usually go out with the rest of the broodmare herd the day after they are born however if they're born early in the morning and it's a nice day then they go out with the other mares a little later on the day they are born.

 

[jeeve]

Thank you Spring Feather & Saxy - I thought they should be okay, but would rather err on side of caution. Many Thanks.

 

[pinkypug1]

i waited a month before introducing my mare and foal. They were in a field next to the rest of the herd then after a month i introduced the herd one at a time over a few days. The others consisted of 3, 4 & 6 year old so i wanted to be cautious as they were quite boisterous.

 

[forestfantasy]

Personally i wait until they are a month or so old, depending on how protactive mum is.

Mares are incredibly protective at this early stage,especially maidens & could injure the other horses (that will naturally want to meet the baby) and mum and baby could get injured too if the other horses retaliate.
Just not worth it for me.

I always turn out next to other mares & foals though so they can interact over the fence with other babies. Once i'm sure that the mares are willing i will turn out together.