Stable or turn out for foal?

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gallop

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I'm getting a new foal next week and had fully intended on turning her straight out with other one other youngster as I have always believed at keeping babies out as I think it's better for them in the long run.
Her owner is now asking if I have a stable to put her in for the first few days as she will be tired after her journey, about 60 miles, which I entirely understand. We are having loose boxes built in the near future and there is plenty of shelter in the field she will be in. Would you be concerned about her being out straight away?
 
It might be nice to have her in overnight just so you can get to know her a bit and make sure she is OK after the journey. 60 miles is not all that far, so I don't imagine she'll be too tired after that, but, presuming it's her first trip in a trailer, she might be a bit surprised at all the new stuff. You might also do a formal introduction of her new companions before just letting 'em rip in the field. Out with companions of a similar age is best with youngsters as a general rule.
 
if the foal lives out now I would aim to get said foal to arrive so there is still a good few hours daylight so you can watch over them as they get to know each other and leave them out. It is nice to give them the first night in but I think thats more for us than them
 
Thanks. Foal has been out mostly and in for a few hours, she will only have one other companion in her field (a 2yo) with a number of others over the fences in neighbouring fields. we are picking her up about midday in a big, spacey box so that she has plenty of room.
 
Agree with Cortez as your foal will not know anyone or where anything is and it's easy for them to go straight through a fence if it is frightened at all or your other one decides to bully it especially if you don't introduce to each other properly.
It would be good to know what (if) she is being fed right now and to get some of the same in for her as it's hard enough for them to leave all they know and trust to go somewhere new without the added problem of a complete change of diet. You can also gradually change it if you want once foal's settled in but at this time for them it helps to have a bit of consistency IME.
 
Friend is getting a new foal next week too :-) he's coming quite a long way so the plan is to have him in overnight with an older horse as company and then he'll go out initially with her. He'll then be introduced to a pony so he's got someone to play with xx
 
As you haven't got a stable anyway, I wouldn't be too worried about chucking her straight out. 60 miles isn't exactly an epic journey, I expect the current owner is feeling a bit protective unsurprisingly.
As long as your fencing is secure and bear in mind that babies don't respect electric fencing when excited, she'll be ok.
Enjoy your new addition.
 
Thanks. The fencing is mostly post and rail and some big, secure hedges with fencing underneath it but I'll be checking it all this weekend anyway!
 
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