"I was
wondering when it's best to wean a foal (I'm sure there's many right answers
for this one)? Is it preferable to wean slowly or by separating the mare
directly? Thanks!"
Laura I weaned
my last couple foals by putting the mare and foal in with a "babysitter" horse ,
usually an older aged gelding , let the three get used to each other and then
just one morning pull the mare out and haul her away so they cannot see or hear
each other for awhile . I leave the foal in the pasture that he is used to being
in to cut down on the stress factor . I am getting ready to wean my 2003
fall foal next week the same way . Of course if you had a couple foals you could
just leave them together for company but since I only have one every several
years this way works best for me . I believe Heidi mentioned awhile ago about
gelding your foal while he was still nursing the mare ? I tried it this time and
this foal healed faster and with less stress than any I have ever had . Worked
great for him , thanks Heidi for the idea !
