Foaling season is upon us and bringing a foal into the world is a magical experience. As horse owners, we get to watch this tiny bundle of energy grow and develop into a strong, healthy horse. However, caring for a foal during that first year requires careful attention to every aspect of its health and development. From proper feeding to socialization and healthcare, understanding the needs of a young horse is critical. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about foal care in the first year of life.
1. Preparing for the birth
The arrival of a foal begins long before the actual birth. Preparation is key to ensuring a safe and smooth foaling process.
- Foaling environment: First, prepare the mare’s foaling area. Ideally, this should be a clean, spacious, and safe space, away from any disruptions. Many people choose a foaling stable, which provides more control over the environment. The stable should have soft, clean bedding, plenty of ventilation, and easy access to fresh water for the mare.It is also important to have a safe turnout area where the mare can graze freely
- Foaling kit: Having a well-prepared foaling kit on hand is a must. Basic items include clean towels, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (like iodine) for the umbilical cord, a thermometer, and the contact information for your veterinarian in case of complications. It’s also a good idea to have a watchful eye over the mare in the weeks leading up to the foaling date, as signs like waxing teats or restlessness may indicate that labour is imminent. You can also utilise a foaling alarm to alert you during the night of when the mare may potentially be in labour
2. Immediate post-foaling care
Once the foal arrives, those first few hours are crucial for setting the foal on a healthy path.
- First steps and suckling: Within 1-2 hours after birth, a healthy foal should be standing and attempting to nurse. If the foal does not suckle within the first few hours, you may need to intervene and help guide it to the mare’s udder. It's critical that the foal receives colostrum, the mare’s first milk, during this time. Colostrum is packed with antibodies that help protect the foal from infections and build immunity.
- Umbilical cord care: After the umbilical cord breaks naturally, it’s important to disinfect the stump with an iodine solution to prevent infection. The umbilical cord should dry and fall off within 7-10 days, but during this period, monitor it closely for any signs of infection, such as swelling, discharge, or an unpleasant odour.
3. Nutrition and feeding
Proper nutrition during the foal’s early months is vital for growth and development. In the beginning, the mare’s milk is the primary source of nutrition.
- Milk feeding: For the first month, the foal will rely entirely on the mare’s milk. Nursing provides the essential nutrients and antibodies that the foal needs to grow. If the mare is unable to nurse due to illness or death, high-quality foal milk replacers or a nanny mare should be used to supplement the foal’s nutritional needs.
- Hard feeding: Around 4-6 weeks of age, you can begin introducing hard feed. This involves offering small amounts of specially formulated foal feed in an area only the foal can access. Creep feed is high in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which are important for bone development. By 3 months, the foal should be eating solid food alongside its mother’s milk, gradually transitioning away from milk as the primary food source.
- Weaning: Weaning is typically done between 5-6 months of age. This can be a stressful time for both the mare and the foal, so gradual weaning is recommended. You can start by separating the mare and foal for short periods of time each day, gradually increasing the duration. During this transition, it's important to ensure the foal continues to eat properly and is gaining weight steadily.
4. Handling and socialization
Proper handling and socialisation early in a foal’s life are crucial for developing a well-mannered, confident horse.
- Early handling: Begin handling the foal from the first few days. Simple actions like grooming, picking up feet, and halter training can build trust between the foal and humans. The more frequently a foal is handled, the more accustomed it will become to people, which will make future training much easier.
- Socialisation with other horses: It’s essential for foals to learn how to interact with other horses, especially within the first year. Ideally, a foal should spend time with its dam as well as other foals or adult horses. These interactions teach the foal important herd dynamics and help it learn acceptable behaviours. Herd socialisation also provides mental stimulation and prevents behavioural issues from arising due to boredom or isolation.
5. Health care essentials
Ensuring that a foal receives the appropriate veterinary care is one of the most important aspects of foal care during the first year.
- Veterinary checks: Your veterinarian should conduct a health check on the foal shortly after birth to ensure that everything is developing normally. The vet will check for any congenital issues and give advice on feeding and care.
- Vaccinations: Vaccinations typically begin at 3-4 months, depending on the foal’s exposure risk and the region’s common diseases. Core vaccines include tetanus, equine influenza, and equine herpesvirus. Discuss with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule that fits your foal’s needs.
- Worming: Foals are especially susceptible to worms, so regular deworming is essential. Start deworming the foal at 6-8 weeks of age, and continue every 8-10 weeks throughout the first year. It’s important to rotate worming products to prevent resistance, and a fecal egg count can help determine the best deworming protocol.
- Hoof Care: Regular hoof care is critical for ensuring sound development. A farrier should inspect the foal’s hooves within the first month. While foals’ hooves are soft at birth, regular trims will help maintain good conformation and avoid long-term issues with confirmation
6. Monitoring growth and development
During the first year, foals experience rapid growth. Monitoring their progress closely ensures that they are on track for a healthy future.
- Weight and height: Using a weight tape, track your foal’s weight every month. Foals should gain steadily, but weight management is key. Overweight foals can develop joint problems, while underweight foals may need nutritional support. Height is also an indicator of healthy growth, so keep a record of your foal’s height at regular intervals.
- Development milestones: Most foals will go through periods of uneven growth, where their legs may look out of proportion to their body. While this is normal, be sure to consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of lameness or discomfort during growth spurts.
7. Training basics in the first year
Introducing basic groundwork during the first year is a great way to set the foundation for future training.
- Leading and tying: Start teaching the foal to lead and tie with gentle, positive reinforcement. Use a soft halter and lead rope, and begin with short training sessions. Leading can be taught by encouraging the foal to follow its dam while you guide it alongside. Once the foal is comfortable with leading, practice tying for short periods under supervision.
- Desensitisation: Gradually expose the foal to new sounds, objects, and environments to prevent future spooking or anxiety. Introduce items like plastic bags, tarps, or grooming tools in a controlled, safe environment. Reward calm behaviour with treats or scratches, and make sure to keep sessions short and positive.
- Preparing for weaning and beyond
As the foal approaches weaning age, it’s important to prepare for this transition. Weaning is not only a physical separation but also a key point in the foal’s mental and emotional development.
- Weaning process: Wean the foal by gradually separating it from the mare for increasing periods each day. After weaning, monitor the foal’s diet and weight closely to ensure it is adjusting well to solid feed.
- Building life skills: Continue to build on the groundwork training during this period. Encourage the foal’s independence while fostering its trust and willingness to learn. Basic exercises like leading, lunging, and tying prepare the foal for future riding training when it’s physically ready.
Caring for a foal in its first year can be both challenging and rewarding. By ensuring proper nutrition, healthcare, and socialisation, you set the foundation for a happy, healthy horse. Regular handling, coupled with early training and veterinary care, will create a strong bond with your foal and give it the best possible start in life. With patience and commitment, you’ll guide your foal into becoming a confident and well-rounded horse. How exciting !
