When dealing with foals it is important to be patient as the mare is
with the young one. A new born foal should stand on it's own, rather
observe than interfere. The foal should, as soon as possible after
standing, suckle from it's mother all within the average of up to 2 and
a half hours to receive it's must needed colostrum which is important
in the first 5-6 hours, the foal may need help finding the udder if it
is finding it difficult. If the foal has to be bottle fed or tubed it
is important to milk the mare to get that colostrum because it contains
antibodies which are needed by the foal, by giving normal milk before
colostrum the pathway becomes blocked and this must be avoided. The
foal may need support while suckling so it is advisable to mimic the
mare by standing behind the foal and supporting it's hindquarters.
Mares and foals should be kept in an enclosed area
for a minimal time period at a time because the foal needs exercise as
well as the mare. When taking the mare out, use 2 people, one to lead
the mare and one to lead the foal. When leading the foal, walk on the
off side because horses are naturally left "handed", with your arm
around the foal`s neck and hand on it`s shoulder, you may have to give
a light tap on the hindquarters every now and then to urge the foal
on. A halter should only be put on when the foal is about 1 week of
age.
Every day when you pick out the mares` feet so should you pick the
foal`s as this teaches them to lift their feet as well as get used to
humans, when doing this you may need 3 people, one to hold the mare,
one to hold the foal and one to pick the feet. The person holding the
foal may have trouble keeping the foal under control, when the foal
starts jumping and trying to get away you may use the "handbrake" which
is the foal`s tail, grab it in the middle and pull it towards you, not
too much as to hurt the foal. The foal should be handled everyday and
have it`s feet picked out to get it used to human contact.
Creep feeding usually starts at 2 months when milk pellets are given
and then slowly add feed over a time period, it should be given with
good quality hay. This should be done so that the foal is eating only
concentrates and hay at weaning.
