Foal weaning

What is foal weaning?

When a foal reaches the age of six months it is usually separated from its mother.

It is much easier if the foal has been well handled, be able to lead on his own and been introduced to hard feed before it is weaned.

The majority of foals are born in the spring time, so weaning time is most likely to be in the autumn.

If the foal is not of a hardy type, it is probably better to bring it in during the night for its first winter.

This will also give you the opportunity to handle it on a regular basis.

If you do decide to keep the foal out at night,a field with shelter is important.

You also need to visit the foal at least twice a day.

If the foal is already used to hard feed like foal pellets, then it is less likely to loose condition when taken away from its mother.

Horse and foal pictures

The foal needs to be brought in to a stable with a quiet companion horse to act as a “nanny”.

They will need to be kept in for at least 24hrs.

Afterwards they can be turned out into a small, well-fenced paddock out of earshot of the mare.

If the mare or foal can hear each other, it can be very stressful for both.

If it is not possible to remove the mare out of earshot, then ride the mare out while the foal is shut in with the companion horse.

After a week or two the foal and companion can be turned out separately from the mare.

By the end of the foal’s first year it should be.