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  Discussion on Solo Foal
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Member:
Boomer

Posted on Monday, Jun 5, 2006 - 1:46 pm:

I have a 7 week old filly who is in a paddock area with her dam. I've just read an article in Horse & Rider (March 06) about potential problems. I haven't been treating this foal as a pet at all, we've really only given her a scratch and pet and given her a little grain out of our hands. This article mentions that it's unwise to treat foals as pets due to disrespect later as they tend to get spoiled. When it comes time should I just turn her out with her dam and my other mare? I have three geldings as well but can separate them. I'm worried about herd dynamics and having her alone with her dam..
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Monday, Jun 5, 2006 - 2:34 pm:

I have another question maybe someone can help me with. I have another mare that is 14, kind and gentle and has had a few foals. Should I put the two mares and foal together so some socialization of the foal starts occurring or should I wait? The two mares have never been together, this dam I just "adopted" in early April..before the foal was born..
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2006 - 9:17 am:

The foal will be fine either way Patricia if the lone mare does not hurt the mare and foal but I don't know how to predict that from here. You should watch them carefully when you first put them together.
DrO
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2006 - 11:48 am:

Thank you for your response, Dr. O. I feel better, this article made it sound like my foal will be a nervous outcast the rest of her life..
Member:
Qh4me

Posted on Thursday, Jun 8, 2006 - 1:16 pm:

Patricia,

I am sure it is better to have foals out with the rest of the heard (ideally with other mares and foals), as they learn respect from the others, where they sometimes don't from their dams.

My mare if very protective when it comes to other horses near her babies, so I prefer to leave them in their own paddock. I am so afraid that the foal will get hurt when the dam is trying to keep the others away.
I have had a couple of foals, and they have never became outcasts and my now 3 year old doesn't have any issues with herd dynamics.
I work with my baby lots. As long as you make them respect you right from the get go, and don't let them away with anything, you should be fine with whatever decision you make.

When you wean, you will most likely put her out with other horses?? She will gain the respect and dynamics at that age, if you decide to keep them apart for now.

Good luck
Member:
Dawson

Posted on Thursday, Jun 8, 2006 - 3:21 pm:

Patricia;
I don't know if this is possible at your location can you put the 14 yr old mare in a paddock next to the mare with her filly, so they can meet each other over the fence for a few days. This way you might be able to pick up on if there will be any agresive issue between the mares and filly before they make any physical contact.
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Thursday, Jun 8, 2006 - 4:47 pm:

I can possibly do that, Dawson, that makes perfect sense! And, thank you Shawna for all your help too.
Member:
Erika

Posted on Thursday, Jun 8, 2006 - 5:00 pm:

Patricia,
Congratulations on the foal. I am reminded of when my mare had her first foal...Some members may remember that I was asking about foal rejection because the mother was reluctant to nurse the filly. She would walk constantly with the foal chasing her. I would have to stall or hold the mare at first.
But THEN...I put them out with the ancient gelding, and my mare turned into a demon! She knew this submissive old guy for years, but she nearly killed him before I caught them! So much for foal rejection! After that she was the perfect mother.
And after a couple of days over the fence the mare and gelding were old friends again. The gelding became the best uncle for the filly, so tolerant of her antics. I got the feeling the mare was relieved to have another target for the baby's attention sometimes.
Just remeniscing!!
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Friday, Jun 9, 2006 - 12:19 pm:

This is my first foal so I just love the stories, I can totally use the info and the smiles!
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