Weaning
Planning a foal, from pre-conception to weaning is a lengthy ordeal. You’ve stallion shopped, planned for the foal,
and gone through the process of having your mare bred. You’ve waited 11-12 months, and foaled out your mare.
Now the baby is growing rapidly, and you’ve gotten it reasonably well handled. Your hard-earned foal is almost
an independent entity! It’s eating solid foods, annoying it’s mother to the point of exasperation, wandering farther
and farther away from her in the pasture. It is probably becoming somewhat bratty with you, too. All signs point
to weaning time. But, there is much discussion as to the appropriate way to wean a foal, and there are two primary
methods; abruptly, and gradually. Which method should you use?
There are pros, cons, and variations for each method of weaning. Use your discretion, and keep your mare and foals’
personalities in mind when making your decision.
Foals are typically weaned by US breeders between 4 and 6 months of age. It is sometimes necessary to wean foals
even younger than this if they or their dam are experiencing a health issue. A veterinarian should be consulted
whenever weaning foals younger than four months of age.
1. Weaning Abruptly
This might be the safest and most effective means of weaning a foal. Simply, separate the mare and foal into extremely safe and secure enclosures, out of sight, and out of earshot of one-another. Often times there will be very little in
the way of distress or vocalizations on the part of either the mare or the foal, and other times there will be calling for
a day or two. Horses are social creatures, so placing weanlings with babies of the same age, or a gentle mare or gelding for company is a great idea. The mare might also benefit from the company of another horse with whom she gets
along. However, mares are often relieved to be rid of their babies, and babies are generally ready to be more independent by this age. While weanlings often seek comfort with other babies or an older “babysitter” horse, nursing is
no longer necessary past 4 months of age, though
evidence suggests that the longer a foal can receive milk, the
healthier it will be. High strung mares and
babies typically fare better utilizing this method of weaning,
as it eliminates prolonged stress and anxiety.
2. Gradual Weaning
Gradual weaning can be executed several different ways. The safest way is by setting up adjoining
stalls,
placing the