Weanling Advice

[irishdraft]

I bought 2 weanlings who were pretty much unhandled. I did keep them in for 2 weeks together in my barn so they could get used to me . One was always confident the other wasn't . I had them gelded at 10 months . I had my mare in the next field to them and never had any bother . In fact I never had any trouble with them at all they were out 24/7 and only fed hay with a few nuts in Jan/Feb . I sold one @ 6 years old & the other one I still have he's 14. I don't think I would have a weanling on his own my ones played constantly when they were yearlings I put my mare in with them and she was in charge but I have my horses at home so for me I don't think I would be buying a weanling OP in your situation although it's very rewarding to have the journey x

 

[Ellietotz]

I bought 2 weanlings who were pretty much unhandled. I did keep them in for 2 weeks together in my barn so they could get used to me . One was always confident the other wasn't . I had them gelded at 10 months . I had my mare in the next field to them and never had any bother . In fact I never had any trouble with them at all they were out 24/7 and only fed hay with a few nuts in Jan/Feb . I sold one @ 6 years old & the other one I still have he's 14. I don't think I would have a weanling on his own my ones played constantly when they were yearlings I put my mare in with them and she was in charge but I have my horses at home so for me I don't think I would be buying a weanling OP in your situation although it's very rewarding to have the journey x

Can I ask why not? I'm just curious to know what about my set up is wrong. Is it just the company he would have?

 

[windand rain]

Again having had foals from auction driven into the sales ring and come from gatherings so never handled I still think one weanling/ baby horse is enough for one person to turn round. Bought 3 one year 2 for a friend and my own. It was far harder that year than only having 1 youngster
My friend had always wanted her own foal. Sadly she died before they were 2 but her babies followed her coffin the 2 miles to the church along a main road and with all the mourners. We put them in a stable near the church during the service and a couple of hours until I could go back for them. They behaved wonderfully She left them to her daughter who had them as ponies for her novice daughters when they were old enough. Both were backed as 5 year olds easily and with no hang ups. My friend died having fulfilled her dream

 

[irishdraft]

Can I ask why not? I'm just curious to know what about my set up is wrong. Is it just the company he would have?

I wouldn't like to say your set up is wrong OP everyone has different set up but although I actually had 2 other horses I bought 2 weanlings so they could have their own field and be together although I only planned to keep one I thought it was better for them which I think it was . I wonder how your weanling will get on being left and living a more " adult" life for want of a better word. He may be absolutely fine but I know I had a trouble free time with my youngsters including backing & riding away which I put down to a stress-free life for them x

 

[southerncomfort]

Much as you find it hard to believe, it can - and does - happen, at any time of the year.

I've noticed mares having seasons well in to winter in recent years. My biggest fear would be him hassling the mare and the mare decking him. Mares can be brutal!

I've never bred any foals and I've never bought a weanling but I know plenty of people that have and I worked on a stud for a few years, and not one of those breeders/owners felt the need to shut a foal in a box on its own. In a foaling box or barn with other babies is one thing, but taking a baby away from its mum and everything its ever known and shutting it in a stable with the top door shut? I'm sorry but that's awful and honestly shouldn't be necessary if you have the right set up.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Where have a i mentioned a youngstock herd and where have i suggested an unhandled 2/3 year old ? OP would be far better off getting a companion from a charity/rescue centre.

There are horror stories, yes as foals/weanlings/yearlings seem to seek out danger. so why add risk to an already risky situation

I quoted you for your comment about ‘experience’ the rest me was reiterating it’s not the only way to have a well rounded youngster

 

[Ellietotz]

I've noticed mares having seasons well in to winter in recent years. My biggest fear would be him hassling the mare and the mare decking him. Mares can be brutal!

I've never bred any foals and I've never bought a weanling but I know plenty of people that have and I worked on a stud for a few years, and not one of those breeders/owners felt the need to shut a foal in a box on its own. In a foaling box or barn with other babies is one thing, but taking a baby away from its mum and everything its ever known and shutting it in a stable with the top door shut? I'm sorry but that's awful and honestly shouldn't be necessary if you have the right set up.

I think the breeder is willing to geld him and hold on to him until he drops, if he hasn't done already.

I certainly wouldn't be shutting him in a pitch black stable with the top door shut either. He is being weaned with other babies in a barn currently. He would be stabled next to my mare on arrival with a grid before letting them out together, if I go through with it.