some help please,

[PerdixPerdix]

Hi. im 21, and have been offered the opportunity to take on a foal to bring on as my own by a friend, and although its a complete dream come true, im a bit clueless really.
ive never owned my own horse, though, i worked as a groom at a livery yard for over 6 months (very badly run and ended up being left on my own to care for the horses, so i learned the general do's/dont's and how to's and developed my own way of getting things done), i looked after some old horses for a local lady and i can ride.

i have stabling and grazing at my disposal, and really just need a few pointers. it will be completely untouched, as it will be coming from an untouched gypsy herd of about 15 mares and foals, and though ive worked with sound adult horses (and the occasional nutcase) an untouched baby all to myself is quite daunting.

i know to begin with all i'll be doing is spending as much time as possible just making my presence around it, and not expecting anything for a while, patience patience patience, but is there any help i could get from anyone. i wont be totally on my own, ill have the owners help and freinds who are experienced, but every little helps and aside from reading every little thing i can about how to do this, outside experiences would be extremely welcome.

 

[Montyforever]

When i got my mare she was untouched for a few years, and i found it very hard to gain her trust while she was out. Once she was in a routine of coming in at night everything happened so much faster Feel free to PM me

 

[PerdixPerdix]

At the moment its living out constantly, i doubt any of them have seen the inside of a stable. they are very hardy cobs, so bringing it in will be the first hurdle, the mares are completely wild, but i train gundogs (for fun, can you imagine?) so im all up for a challenge. its just getting the knowledge base to do so. If it was any other animal i'd just get on with it (im one of those people thats fairly intuitive when it comes to animals) but with horses i really would hate to mess up and ruin it, i dont think thats fair.

 

[peaceandquiet1]

Doesn't sound like you will mess up because you are anticipating what could happen and how to deal with it. Good luck. Regular handling is the key with youngstock, and being firm so they respect you and feel safe knowing what is expected of them. I think it will be hardest at first because of the weaning and separation issues and then it will get easier over time.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

1. Do not keep the foal on his own once he's weaned. A friendly and gentle pony/horse companion will help the foal greatly. It will teach the foal 'horse manners', have a calming influence and if the companion is easy to catch and people orientated it will make everything easier for you.

2. Read as many books, info etc... as you can. People have different opinions on how to do things but the more you know the easier it becomes to work out what will suit your foal.

3. Do you have a friend with youngstock experiance? If you do, can they give you support? It is much easier to give correct and constructive advice and help if the foal is infront of you rather than a description over the internet.

4. Good luck!