Today I have done something that to me was monumental.
I have a 11yr old formerly abused thoroughbred and her 2 1/2 yr old son, who was a twin. Sadly we lost the other twin, so Sonny being only 30inches at birth has been quite behind in his development.
Anyway, today, I made the decision to try join up with them both, as they have never been seperated I had to do it with them in adjoining paddocks. Was it possible that they would let me after being parted, but still able to see each other?
I have to say the son was hard work, trying to reach mum, but, as Monty says, Holy Moley, it actually worked.
Took a while though, but we made it. Mum was text book, couldnt ask for better. I actually picked up 3 feet for the first time ever after follow up.
Was I right to try it? I think so, maybe we can go forward as 3 instead of the two of them and me.
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Sandra
You are doing the right thing by both your horses. You really need to separate the colt from mom. If you have an enclosed round pen I would put either the mother or the colt in there for a few weeks. If that is too traumatic for them keep them as far apart as possible. Weaning a horse can be real hard on all concerned including the owner, but if they are not separated the colt will be very hard to work with because it will always be calling to it's mother. We have a little filly at the ranch where I keep my horse and she was weaned correctly but her paddock is next to her moms but separated bu a plywood barrier. Every once in a while if mom has been gone for an extended time the filly will start call for her and when she returns to her paddock they have quite a conversation.
It is really great that you have achieved join up with both of them. You are on your way!
Cheers
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your reply. The colt is gelded and I let them wean naturally because he was so tiny,but he is now 15'2 and very striking, and sure of himself.
I know that they have to be seperated but the problem is that where they are it is not practical for me to do so.
I am at a bit of a loss as to what I can do with them to help, I am going to introduce a 3rd horse in the next week or two, to create the triangle that Monty suggests, but any help you can give would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Sandra
Can you just leave them in separate paddocks? That would be a start. Be careful introducing a new horse. I would put the new horse in a separate paddock and if you have to let mom and the colt stay in the other together I would do that and hope that the colt takes an interest in the new horse and makes friends. It is possible that mom and the colt could gang up on the new horse to make sure the new horse knows it's place. They will let you know how it is going in a very short time. Let us know how it works out for you.
Cheers
What is the triangle that Monty suggests?
Hi kristi,
For weaning a "normal" foal Monty suggests introducing a third, young horse. When this friend has been accepted by the foal as a playmate, take away the mare. In larger groups you might start with the mare with the strongest, oldest foal.
This way the separation is not as traumatic as it would be separating mare and foal without a new "friend".
In the case described above the foal is no longer a baby, his bond with the mare will be much stronger even, caused by his physical history. Reason enough to give him every chance to overcome the neccesary separation from his mother in a way that will be as smooth as possible.
You can find this topic in Monty's book "From my hands to yours".
Miriam
Ahh neat! Thanks,