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We are frequently asked questions about how we care for our young horses. The following FAQ
helps explain what we do, and why.
THE BIRTH
Foals are born in our spacious 24’ x 14’ foaling stall, heavily bedded in oat straw for both the
safety and comfort of the mare and newborn. Our goal is that every birth be attended to ensure
the best, safest possible start for mom and baby. Records are made as to birth time, date, sex,
weight, and height. The first nursing, defecation, and void are documented to be sure all is right
with the newborn. A physical exam is performed to inspect for presence of hernias,
overbite/underbite, cleft palate or other defects. Our ten plus years experience with foaling
helps to ensure that any anomaly is quickly identified, and if necessary, veterinary care be
summoned as quickly as possible. Babies receive disease immunity through their dam's milk, and
no routine vaccinations are administered at birth. If the foal strains excessively with the first
bowel movement, an enema is given to prevent meconium impaction. To provide protection
against infection, the cord is treated with betadine at birth, and repeated a few hours later.
Foals are given a modified version of Dr. Jim Miller's imprinting techniques during their first
hours. Pictures are taken (lots of pictures), and markings documented. Human mom and dad are
always tired, but proudly beaming by the time we are done!
TAKING CARE OF MOM
The new mother is monitored closely for timely passing of the afterbirth and adequate
nutritional intake as well as appropriate bonding with her newborn. We administer pain
medication to the mare at our discretion if she has had a difficult or painful delivery, as I would
want the same compassion shown to me. The afterbirth is examined and the mare's vulva is
checked for any tears. The new mother is wormed with Ivermectin within twelve hours of
delivery.
THE WORLD OUTSIDE
During the day the newborn and it’s mother are moved to a small, grassy pasture adjacent to our
home so that they may continue to be monitored closely. For the first three to seven days the
foal and mother will be returned to the barn at night for closer observation and handling. Our
goal is that babies will receive imprint training and wear a halter during the first seven days. All
foals are trained to lead, be touched all over, and allow us to handle their feet. Depending upon
the foal and our schedule babies may receive this training at different times in their
development. New mothers and their babies are pastured as a group together, often with other
expectant mares. Mares and their foals may be reintroduced to the herd after the foals are at
least 30 – 45 days of age.
GROWING STRONG
We strongly believe socialization, sunshine, and exercise are integral parts of the development
of a mentally and physically sound young horse. Foals are allowed to enjoy life as horses and grow
up playing among their siblings in our large pastures. Babies are not fed a diet high in grain.
Rather they drink rich mares milk and nibble on pasture. This allows for steady growth without
harmful effects on young joints and tendons. (To learn more, research OCD, contracted tendons,
epiphysitis, and insulin resistance.)
Our foals reach their full growth potential just as a grain-fed foal would, just at a slower rate, and
without the risks of joint damage. Our priority is to establish the essential foundation for a
healthy animal that will be useful into it's thirties.
DEWORMING
We adhere to a strict deworming regimen and babies are dewormed monthly beginning at one
month of age with fenbendazole (Safeguard) dewormer to prevent infestation with round
worms. At six weeks of age the foals begin a six week deworming rotation with Ivermectin in
addition to the monthly fenbendazole. At age six months, the Ivermectin may be replaced with
Quest, depending upon the foal. Deworming with fenbendazole will continue for the foals entire
first year of life. The devastating effects of roundworm infestation cannot be understated.
WEANING
Babies may be weaned anywhere from four to six months of age. Things that affect our choice of
weaning dates may include body condition of the foal, body condition of the mare, maturity and
size of the foal, purchase contracts, and show schedules. The foal’s health is never compromised
for sake of showing or sales, however. Foals are weaned with other babies of similar ages
whenever possible to decrease stress. They eat better together and give one another comfort.
Most foals quickly recall the early lessons and human interaction they experienced in their first
month of life. At some point during weaning foals are acclimated to living in a stall. We have
found that yearlings and older horses who have never been exposed to life in a stall often do not
adjust as quickly should that later become necessary. Even horses who live in the pasture 99% of
the time may eventually require stall rest or be taken to a show. It is much less stressful for them
(and easier on the stalls) if they have previously experienced this routine. Sometimes buyers
keep their horse in a boarding stable. We want them to receive a relaxed animal, comfortable
with being housed in a stall if that is necessary. After a period of roughly two to four weeks in
the barn the weaned foal may be returned to an outdoor enclosure with it's companions.
TRAINING
Once the foal is independent from it’s mother, much more exposure is provided to the sights
and sounds of the world. We like our foals to be light on the lead and we strive to breed willing,
people oriented animals who are a pleasure to train. Whenever possible our babies are exposed
to mailboxes, streamers, traffic, loading and unloading from the trailer, walking on a variety of
surfaces, walking through woods and ravines, over logs, and through water. We try to expose our
young horses to electric clippers, baths, stocks, dogs, poultry and four wheelers. We implement
Clinton Anderson methods to help ensure that buyers will receive a well behaved youngster. The
degree of handling and training that each colt has had at the time it leaves the farm will vary.
And results vary based on the colt itself. Like children, they respond and learn at their pace. You
may view pictures of our interaction with the foals by clicking on the thumbnails below.
DIET
Weanlings are fed Purina Strategy feed, high quality, locally grown coastal bermuda hay, and have
salt available to them at all times. We also recommend Uckele brand Coco Soya as a fat additive
(check them out online to see all the benefits that Coco Soya offers!), and sometimes add black
oil sunflower seeds to the ration as well.
VACCINATIONS
None of our foals receives any vaccine before four months of age, and if not sold, it is likely that
the foal will not receive any before six months of age. This is because research has shown the
immunity conferred to the foal through its mother's milk will interfere with the desired action of
the vaccine. Of course buyers may request that their foal receive vaccines and we will be happy
to either administer the vaccinations, or have them given by a licensed veterinarian.
SUMMARY
We are very comfortable with the way in which we raise our foals and our healthy babies, and
satisfied buyers are testament to it's success. Our goal is, and always has been, to produce
structurally correct, mentally and physically sound animals to provide you with the riding
companion of a lifetime. We thank you for taking the time to read this brief narrative of the
method we use to raise babies. It is certainly not an all inclusive description, but it does allow
you to see what basics we implement. We love what we do and hope it shows!!
helps explain what we do, and why.
THE BIRTH
Foals are born in our spacious 24’ x 14’ foaling stall, heavily bedded in oat straw for both the
safety and comfort of the mare and newborn. Our goal is that every birth be attended to ensure
the best, safest possible start for mom and baby. Records are made as to birth time, date, sex,
weight, and height. The first nursing, defecation, and void are documented to be sure all is right
with the newborn. A physical exam is performed to inspect for presence of hernias,
overbite/underbite, cleft palate or other defects. Our ten plus years experience with foaling
helps to ensure that any anomaly is quickly identified, and if necessary, veterinary care be
summoned as quickly as possible. Babies receive disease immunity through their dam's milk, and
no routine vaccinations are administered at birth. If the foal strains excessively with the first
bowel movement, an enema is given to prevent meconium impaction. To provide protection
against infection, the cord is treated with betadine at birth, and repeated a few hours later.
Foals are given a modified version of Dr. Jim Miller's imprinting techniques during their first
hours. Pictures are taken (lots of pictures), and markings documented. Human mom and dad are
always tired, but proudly beaming by the time we are done!
TAKING CARE OF MOM
The new mother is monitored closely for timely passing of the afterbirth and adequate
nutritional intake as well as appropriate bonding with her newborn. We administer pain
medication to the mare at our discretion if she has had a difficult or painful delivery, as I would
want the same compassion shown to me. The afterbirth is examined and the mare's vulva is
checked for any tears. The new mother is wormed with Ivermectin within twelve hours of
delivery.
THE WORLD OUTSIDE
During the day the newborn and it’s mother are moved to a small, grassy pasture adjacent to our
home so that they may continue to be monitored closely. For the first three to seven days the
foal and mother will be returned to the barn at night for closer observation and handling. Our
goal is that babies will receive imprint training and wear a halter during the first seven days. All
foals are trained to lead, be touched all over, and allow us to handle their feet. Depending upon
the foal and our schedule babies may receive this training at different times in their
development. New mothers and their babies are pastured as a group together, often with other
expectant mares. Mares and their foals may be reintroduced to the herd after the foals are at
least 30 – 45 days of age.
GROWING STRONG
We strongly believe socialization, sunshine, and exercise are integral parts of the development
of a mentally and physically sound young horse. Foals are allowed to enjoy life as horses and grow
up playing among their siblings in our large pastures. Babies are not fed a diet high in grain.
Rather they drink rich mares milk and nibble on pasture. This allows for steady growth without
harmful effects on young joints and tendons. (To learn more, research OCD, contracted tendons,
epiphysitis, and insulin resistance.)
Our foals reach their full growth potential just as a grain-fed foal would, just at a slower rate, and
without the risks of joint damage. Our priority is to establish the essential foundation for a
healthy animal that will be useful into it's thirties.
DEWORMING
We adhere to a strict deworming regimen and babies are dewormed monthly beginning at one
month of age with fenbendazole (Safeguard) dewormer to prevent infestation with round
worms. At six weeks of age the foals begin a six week deworming rotation with Ivermectin in
addition to the monthly fenbendazole. At age six months, the Ivermectin may be replaced with
Quest, depending upon the foal. Deworming with fenbendazole will continue for the foals entire
first year of life. The devastating effects of roundworm infestation cannot be understated.
WEANING
Babies may be weaned anywhere from four to six months of age. Things that affect our choice of
weaning dates may include body condition of the foal, body condition of the mare, maturity and
size of the foal, purchase contracts, and show schedules. The foal’s health is never compromised
for sake of showing or sales, however. Foals are weaned with other babies of similar ages
whenever possible to decrease stress. They eat better together and give one another comfort.
Most foals quickly recall the early lessons and human interaction they experienced in their first
month of life. At some point during weaning foals are acclimated to living in a stall. We have
found that yearlings and older horses who have never been exposed to life in a stall often do not
adjust as quickly should that later become necessary. Even horses who live in the pasture 99% of
the time may eventually require stall rest or be taken to a show. It is much less stressful for them
(and easier on the stalls) if they have previously experienced this routine. Sometimes buyers
keep their horse in a boarding stable. We want them to receive a relaxed animal, comfortable
with being housed in a stall if that is necessary. After a period of roughly two to four weeks in
the barn the weaned foal may be returned to an outdoor enclosure with it's companions.
TRAINING
Once the foal is independent from it’s mother, much more exposure is provided to the sights
and sounds of the world. We like our foals to be light on the lead and we strive to breed willing,
people oriented animals who are a pleasure to train. Whenever possible our babies are exposed
to mailboxes, streamers, traffic, loading and unloading from the trailer, walking on a variety of
surfaces, walking through woods and ravines, over logs, and through water. We try to expose our
young horses to electric clippers, baths, stocks, dogs, poultry and four wheelers. We implement
Clinton Anderson methods to help ensure that buyers will receive a well behaved youngster. The
degree of handling and training that each colt has had at the time it leaves the farm will vary.
And results vary based on the colt itself. Like children, they respond and learn at their pace. You
may view pictures of our interaction with the foals by clicking on the thumbnails below.
DIET
Weanlings are fed Purina Strategy feed, high quality, locally grown coastal bermuda hay, and have
salt available to them at all times. We also recommend Uckele brand Coco Soya as a fat additive
(check them out online to see all the benefits that Coco Soya offers!), and sometimes add black
oil sunflower seeds to the ration as well.
VACCINATIONS
None of our foals receives any vaccine before four months of age, and if not sold, it is likely that
the foal will not receive any before six months of age. This is because research has shown the
immunity conferred to the foal through its mother's milk will interfere with the desired action of
the vaccine. Of course buyers may request that their foal receive vaccines and we will be happy
to either administer the vaccinations, or have them given by a licensed veterinarian.
SUMMARY
We are very comfortable with the way in which we raise our foals and our healthy babies, and
satisfied buyers are testament to it's success. Our goal is, and always has been, to produce
structurally correct, mentally and physically sound animals to provide you with the riding
companion of a lifetime. We thank you for taking the time to read this brief narrative of the
method we use to raise babies. It is certainly not an all inclusive description, but it does allow
you to see what basics we implement. We love what we do and hope it shows!!
