New Foal 7 months old NEED ADVICE ASAP!

[JBM]

As long as they’re in a herd and have natural or manmade shelter there’s no reason they won’t get used to sleeping outside
I routinely see lay down/roll patches in the rushes where the sleep and have been jumpsscared once or twice from one appearing from the ground!!

 

[Prancerpoos]

Out in a field with other youngsters sounds great. The easiest horse I ever had to handle was a TB I bought off the field after 3 years of running with a herd of young stock and cattle. She was the nicest horse I ever owned. Other than a bit of rain scald, living outside with practically no handling certainly never did her any harm - other than the fact that no handling included no worming so she died of colic when she was 19 as a result of early red worm infestation.

 

[teddy_]

Out in a field with other youngsters sounds great. The easiest horse I ever had to handle was a TB I bought off the field after 3 years of running with a herd of young stock and cattle. She was the nicest horse I ever owned. Other than a bit of rain scald, living outside with practically no handling certainly never did her any harm - other than the fact that no handling included no worming so she died of colic when she was 19 as a result of early red worm infestation.

This is it, provided the basic necessities are being met; i.e. worming, farrier, adequate shelter and so on, so forth - you really are best off to leave the young horse to simply be a horse with some buddies.

 

[Cortez]

No no no no no, a thousand times no! Foals/yearlings/two year olds need to be out with their peers, being regularly, if sparingly, visited and handled for worming, farrier, vaccinations, etc. is quite enough to establish the necessary horse/human relationship. They do NOT need "bonding"; they will be happily integrated within their herd and need humans for nothing more than oversight of condition (feed if necessary) and health checks. Being "feral" - which he won't be if the regular checks are being done - is infinitely better than being over-handled. Other horses are the ones to teach him manners.

*I'm an ex-stud farm owner and have raised approximately 200 foals to be useful, mannerly horses. Also dealt with lots of other people's mistakes.

 

[DabDab]

Not sure anyone has mentioned "bonding"

 

[Cortez]

Not sure anyone has mentioned "bonding"

See OP, initial post.

 

[DabDab]

See OP, initial post.

Not saying that word is definitely not there, but I can't see it, nor is it the vibe I got from the OP.

It's a newly weaned colt that has been lobbed out with a bunch of (probably boisterous) 2yo males when the owner thought he was going to be turned out with other foals, and she's stressing about this and that she can't now get near him. Whether you agree with the concern or not I don't think it is strange for a new owner to be concerned, or that that concern has much to do with some notions of human-horse 'bonding'

 

[AmyMay]

Leaving him out in the field with no bonding from me and no human contact until the age of 2 just doesn't feel right for what I feel in my gut

@DabDab

 

[Ample Prosecco]

OP is understandably worried about her weanling and talked of bonding, human contact, fusses etc.

The OP also stressed herd life is good for horses and perhaps this is fine and was clearly weighing up different options sensible and thoughtfully.

So I think she needed reassuring that no the foal won't forget to be unafraid and friendly, and also foals don't need cuddles, regular human contact and bonding.

Instead she was told the foal ABSOLUTELY needed regular handing or he would become 'feral' and the OP was berated for lacking experience and facilities, and her plans descrbed as 'bonkers'. I think the robustnenss of some of the replies are aimed at that post really.

I agree being with the foals would be preferable if possible. Especially if foal is being bullied/chased off resources.

 

[DabDab]

OP is understandably worried about her weanling and talked of bonding, human contact, fusses etc.

The OP also stressed herd life is good for horses and perhaps this is fine and was clearly weighing up different options sensible and thoughtfully.

So I think she needed reassuring that no the foal won't forget to be unafraid and friendly, and also foals don't need cuddles, regular human contact and bonding.

Instead she was told the foal ABSOLUTELY needed regular handing or he would become 'feral' and the OP was berated for lacking experience and facilities, and her plans descrbed as 'bonkers'. I think the robustnenss of some of the replies are aimed at that post really.

I agree being with the foals would be preferable if possible. Especially if foal is being bullied/chased off resources.

Yes definitely, and would be a shame for the useful thoughtful posts on this thread to be overshadowed by generic shouty posts, which so often happens because the latter is then all the OP sees. But hey, 'tis the way of the Internet I suppose.

But it's an interesting subject, so it is nice to see discussion of different setups and approaches, and accordingly a bit depressing when it gets dragged over to blanket black and white statements, iyswim

 

[honetpot]

All foals need consistent handling if they are going to grow into sensible adults, they also need friends of their own age and feeding appropriately. Some are gelded whilst still with their mothers, and many, even native hill bred foals are housed for the first winter. Your job will be much more difficult if he is allowed to be feral over the first winter and putting him in with 2 year olds when there are foals of a similar age for him to play with is frankly bonkers. Why did you buy a foal if you don’t have experience or facilities? It isn’t usual to keep a horse in a stable immediately after gelding, they need to be able to walk around outside. It sounds as if the breeder has put a lot of effort in and you need to make sure this isn’t wasted. You can’t just chuck a foal in a field with a load of other horses and expect it to fend for itself and be a lovely kind horse unless you’ve handled it properly. Find a yard with experienced people and get him gelded asap then you’re more likely to end up with the horse you want. l hope you find somewhere safe to keep him.

It depends what you call consistant, and what amount handling. Most of the problem foals, usually ten months upwards been over handled, so they become a problem, as they start biting and get stroppy, that's when people sell them cheap, as they now have a problem no one wants.That's when I usually buy them.
IME most just need turn out with suitable herd mates, they come in to be wormed, and have their feet done and thats about it. They learn stand back from the stable door when you open it and general manners, when they have to come in. They never learn they can get away with anything, because they never get pressured enough to try.

 

[gallopingby]

It depends what you call consistant, and what amount handling. Most of the problem foals, usually ten months upwards been over handled, so they become a problem, as they start biting and get stroppy, that's when people sell them cheap, as they now have a problem no one wants.That's when I usually buy them.
IME most just need turn out with suitable herd mates, they come in to be wormed, and have their feet done and thats about it. They learn stand back from the stable door when you open it and general manners, when they have to come in. They never learn they can get away with anything, because they never get pressured enough to try.

Isn’t it interesting how people interpret things differently. The problem with this discussion is, like many comments/ requests everyone has their own views which may or may not be appropriate depending on accuracy of information given as well as past / present experience and knowledge of the set up and conditions an animal is kept in / on or with.

 

[maya2008]

In my limited experience of 2… I handled as foals, then left in the field other than feet/vaccs/wormer. Walked out a little each summer. They never lost their tameness one bit. Current foals will do the same. We will handle them now until they are tame, then chuck them out in the field with minimal attention until they are 3 or thereabouts. You don’t want them over familiar with humans, let them be. A week here and there for walks maybe, the basics otherwise will be plenty.

I did have an older nanny horse in with them though at all times. I had one once who had literally grown up in a bunch of foals and she had horrible manners - with horses and humans. Having an adult or two around really helps!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would leave him where he is ok his out with older horses but if he can be put out with some younger smaller foals I would push for that.

I would get him gelded ASAP.

 

[paddy555]

I haven't read all the posts. There have been many discussions on this topic over the years.
Many of mine have been bought as youngsters. I have only had one youngster at a time. They have straightaway gone into my normal routine. They have gone out with an older horse, come in at night, learnt to be stabled, to be yarded, handled etc etc all from day 1. No turning away for 2 /3 years etc etc. They stay with me for life, I have broken them myself and I certainly don't want them misbehaving. They have done lots from an early age usually being led out in hand over the common and later long reining, lots of traffic training, everything it is possible to do without weight on their backs.
I have found no problems with this, perhaps I have just had easy breeds and nice horses. Arab, Peruvian, Criollo. I would imagine a Paint is very similar to these.

Different if you are a breeder but as an individual with youngsters I don't see the point in having a horse for nearly 3 years and doing so little. I have my horses to enjoy them. Youngsters are delightful as they learn to learn. When they have Kevin spells they can go back in the field.
I don't see t he point in keeping a youngsters as almost semi feral ie out in the field with little human contact and then when it is 4 saying everything has changed, we start work now.

My last one came at 7 months and had just been gelded. That didn't cause a problem. He was constantly handled.

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

It depends what you call consistant, and what amount handling. Most of the problem foals, usually ten months upwards been over handled, so they become a problem, as they start biting and get stroppy, that's when people sell them cheap, as they now have a problem no one wants.That'sn I usually buy them.
IME most just need turn out with suitable herd mates, they come in to be wormed, and have their feet done and thats about it. They learn stand back from the stable door when you open it and general manners, when they have to come in. They never learn they can get away with anything, because they never get pressured enough to try

I haven't read all the posts. There have been many discussions on this topic over the years.
Many of mine have been bought as youngsters. I have only had one youngster at a time. They have straightaway gone into my normal routine. They have gone out with an older horse, come in at night, learnt to be stabled, to be yarded, handled etc etc all from day 1. No turning away for 2 /3 years etc etc. They stay with me for life, I have broken them myself and I certainly don't want them misbehaving. They have done lots from an early age usually being led out in hand over the common and later long reining, lots of traffic training, everything it is possible to do without weight on their backs.
I have found no problems with this, perhaps I have just had easy breeds and nice horses. Arab, Peruvian, Criollo. I would imagine a Paint is very similar to these.

Different if you are a breeder but as an individual with youngsters I don't see the point in having a horse for nearly 3 years and doing so little. I have my horses to enjoy them. Youngsters are delightful as they learn to learn. When they have Kevin spells they can go back in the field.
I don't see t he point in keeping a youngsters as almost semi feral ie out in the field with little human contact and then when it is 4 saying everything has changed, we start work now.

My last one came at 7 months and had just been gelded. That didn't cause a problem. He was constantly handled.

This is really nice to read coming from someone who’s just bought one and doesn’t want them out 24/7 ! X

 

[honetpot]

This is really nice to read coming from someone who’s just bought one and doesn’t want them out 24/7 ! X

Mmm, we should be looking at what is the best enviroment for a developing amimal. Of course there are always constraints that may mean adapation, but you start from the basis of what is closest to how a foal in a herd is weaned, not what suits me best.
As I have said before I buy bargain foals, often very well bred, usually about ten months upwards where management of that animal has led to the foal being a problem for the owners. By the time I buy them they are just glad to get rid of them, but really there is nothing wrong with them, they are just young animals that just need herd support and companionship. They mature to be very saleable animals.
What is really sad is the previous owners have often spent a lot of money to them, on a dream of owning their perfect partner, and that turns in to a problem which is costing them money and at the same time an emotional headache. I do have some empathy for them, but its very frustrating when the pattern is repeated.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

I don't have nearly enough experience with foals that some on this thread do, but I have had a few here and there back in the day. Without exception, at weaning, they were always turned out with my other horses, usually a very mixed herd of ages, sex and type. I have almost always kept my horses out 24/7 all year round unless injured or unwell. The foals were kept in the same regime and routine as the adult horses.

From time to time I would bring them in for a quick once over, feet picked, maybe a quick groom or trim from the farrier untl they were about 18 months at which point I would make a point of every so often long reining them out on the lanes and leaving their herd mates etc etc. getting more used to being tied up while they endured longer grooming sessions etc. Nothing more than that until about 3 or so when I would start more regular training sessions, including getting used to wearing tack when long reining out and about.

It always worked for me, none of them turned into spoilt brats because I would sometimes bring them in to fuss around them a bit, and teach very basic manners when being handled. All the serious training in the early years was done in the field, by the herd and without exception usually a herd led by a dominant mare. There was also always younger more playful horses for them to have a hooley with.

So no, I do not agree with turning away and forgetting them for a couple of years, that might well work in the big professional set ups but not in my little amatuer back yard, I did it my way.

 

[Cortez]

I don't have nearly enough experience with foals that some on this thread do, but I have had a few here and there back in the day. Without exception, at weaning, they were always turned out with my other horses, usually a very mixed herd of ages, sex and type. I have almost always kept my horses out 24/7 all year round unless injured or unwell. The foals were kept in the same regime and routine as the adult horses.

From time to time I would bring them in for a quick once over, feet picked, maybe a quick groom or trim from the farrier untl they were about 18 months at which point I would make a point of every so often long reining them out on the lanes and leaving their herd mates etc etc. getting more used to being tied up while they endured longer grooming sessions etc. Nothing more than that until about 3 or so when I would start more regular training sessions, including getting used to wearing tack when long reining out and about.

It always worked for me, none of them turned into spoilt brats because I would sometimes bring them in to fuss around them a bit, and teach very basic manners when being handled. All the serious training in the early years was done in the field, by the herd and without exception usually a herd led by a dominant mare. There was also always younger more playful horses for them to have a hooley with.

So no, I do not agree with turning away and forgetting them for a couple of years, that might well work in the big professional set ups but not in my little amatuer back yard, I did it my way.

I don't think anyone has advocated forgetting about youngsters? Pretty much everyone would be doing what you have described here - routine handling for farrier, worming, vaccination, etc.

 

[dorsetladette]

Personally I'd get him in the field with the foals (assuming they are weened like him). And then I would visit him a couple of times a week. Go in the field, go straight to him give him a fuss, head collar on and off and then walk away. Do that a few times and the others will loose interest in you. You can then start leading him out of the field with out being mobbed at the gate. I wouldn't recommend taking your daughter for a while (depending how old she is) or expecting him to come to the gate without causing a scrap at the gate. Get him a good rug and make sure they have enough hay and let him be a baby for the winter.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

I don't think anyone has advocated forgetting about youngsters? Pretty much everyone would be doing what you have described here - routine handling for farrier, worming, vaccination, etc.

With respect Cortez that very point was one that the OP said they were concerned about in their initial post. That was one of their options that I was passing my opinion and personal experience on.

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

Mmm, we should be looking at what is the best enviroment for a developing amimal. Of course there are always constraints that may mean adapation, but you start from the basis of what is closest to how a foal in a herd is weaned, not what suits me best.
As I have said before I buy bargain foals, often very well bred, usually about ten months upwards where management of that animal has led to the foal being a problem for the owners. By the time I buy them they are just glad to get rid of them, but really there is nothing wrong with them, they are just young animals that just need herd support and companionship. They mature to be very saleable animals.
What is really sad is the previous owners have often spent a lot of money to them, on a dream of owning their perfect partner, and that turns in to a problem which is costing them money and at the same time an emotional headache. I do have some empathy for them, but its very frustrating when the pattern is repeated.

Not really sure why you replied to me preeching..

 

[paddy555]

This is really nice to read coming from someone who’s just bought one and doesn’t want them out 24/7 ! X

to my mind it is so much easier for the horse. Things such as stabling, separation, working alone, being alone in a stable yard or field are just everyday things that happen so often and so gradually in their memory they have never known anything else. When I got a 4yo that had never been stabled and never ever settled I realised how much easier it was constantly handling the youngsters and keeping them like my adult horses. My set up however is my little amateur back yard and I do it whatever way I find easier for all of us. My horses are with me for life, they are never sold, so it is important to me that they all fit in nicely and behave nicely.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Out in a field does not, and must not, mean no handling. But handling can be minimal- in for farrier, jabs, worming etc but otherwise out, being a horse. Of course they’re going to get human contact- they presumably get checked twice a day, that is enough.

Well, yes, and this is very sensible, and a brief hands check twice a day as any horse should get (not a quick glance from 100 yards away), is not over-handling.

Some posters seem so determined that youngsters must not be spoilt that one wonders when these youngsters ever get caught up for feet trimming etc.

My own youngsters, including the nervous RSPCA fosters, lived out but were brought in to their stable twice a day for a small feed, then turned out again to graze, no drama. No fussing, but getting them happy and comfortable to be caught up and led in and out one at a time,

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

So seen as I’m having to explain myself my foal got weaned early/quicker than expected due to breeder getting hurt by another one of her horses he traveled 5 and a half hours turned up with a summer coat still disheveled and tucked up I put him over the fence to the older youngsters in a smaller paddock with his surrogate mummy .. once he has acclimatised he can go out with a group of 4 6am till 6pm in his stable he can groom and muzzle over the door but mostly sleeps. I do not faff with him and handling he has had is quality so please don’t tag me like I’m not looking at the whole picture because believe me this was no rushed purchase in April he can join the herd fully as he will be ready!

 

[TPO]

I don't see how anyone can think that 12hrs + for a youngster to be standing in a stable can be in their best interests.

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

I don't see how anyone can think that 12hrs + for a youngster to be standing in a stable can be in their best interests.

Standing in the hammering rain when they come from a warmer climate and aren’t used to it is better, ?? God forbid a foal sleeps and has a break from the ailments!!! Leave them to slip around in harsh winds it will wear them out & make them easier to handle so people can claim there the best foal handlers of all

 

[TPO]

Standing in the hammering rain when they come from a warmer climate and aren’t used to it is better, ?? God forbid a foal sleeps and has a break from the ailments!!! Leave them to slip around in harsh winds it will wear them out & make them easier to handle so people can claim there the best foal handlers of all

I mean if a foal is needing a break from ailments there's something wrong...

If the only way people can have youngsters/horses is to keep them in unsuitable yards/situations then they shouldn't have them. But as usual those type prioritise their wants over the animals needs. The forum is sadly rife with it these days.

The forum is so lucky that these days the voices of (actual) experience are drowned out and driven off by know nothing foghorns who are turning the place more trash than mumsnet.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Crikey, that’s harsh, TPO .

GaR’s new foal was shivering in wet inclement weather. I was of several who opined that bringing the foal into a stable for part of the day was the lesser of the evils, and much less of a risk of rugging up such a baby. She has made it clear that this is only a temporary stage.

No knowledgable owner would leave a foal out in the rain if it was struggling, but those who prioritise their ideals over the reality might .

 

[TPO]

Crikey, that’s harsh, TPO .

GaR’s new foal was shivering in wet inclement weather. I was of several who opined that bringing the foal into a stable for part of the day was the lesser of the evils, and much less of a risk of rugging up such a baby. She has made it clear that this is only a temporary stage.

No knowledgable owner would leave a foal out in the rain if it was struggling, but those who prioritise their ideals over the reality might .

Must have missed the part where this thread was about GAR and not the OP post.

However if someone needs to post on a forum to ask a very basic horsecare question to get the opinion of faceless entities then they arent experienced enough to have the sole responsibility for an animal.

How many "I've bought a foal now how do you manage/look after/handle a youngster?", "I've "rescued" an unhandled horse how do you handle them?", "I've "saved" a horse, how do I look after it?", "I can only have a horse if I keep it alone", "Horses are fine if they can see something over the fence/through stable bars, they can touch muzzles" are there going to be?? While downright wrong "advice" and opinions labelled as fact are spouted on here by posters who really don't have a clue and don't see beyond their own selfish wants.