01 September 2008 10:55
My mare had a surprise foal a few months ago and we have now managed to wean them. How long should I keep mum and foal away from each other so her milk has time to dry up? How can I make sure my foal grows into a healthy horse?
Answer
By Your Horse
H.E Tutor Ellie Hoyes replies:
Once weaned, you should remove your mare’s concentrate feed for around seven to 10 days and keep her diet mainly roughage, as opposed to nutrient-rich, to help her milk dry up.
Once your mare has dried up, and has mentally adjusted to the weaning process, it should be fine to put her and her foal back together.
You need to make sure your foal is handled regularly and able to bond to a new fieldmate.
He needs to be fed a balanced diet and have a ration containing the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals he needs for correct muscular and bone growth.
Many of the feed companies offer sound, practical advice and have informative websites and helplines. Many of them advertise in the pages of Your Horse.