|
|
 Midget Lover
     
Location: Kentucky | I have a very independent foal. My plan was to wean at 5 months and send him to his new owner, but now I'm thinking he can be weaned earlier just because he is so independent. He is not started on grain yet, so it wouldn't be any time soon, but sooner than 5 months. I know people wean early because of medical reasons, but wasn't sure if "independence" could also be a reason. |
|
| |
|
 The Purple Princess
Posts: 2226
Location: Charlestown, IN | I bought my filly at 5 months and she was fully weaned, so weaned early. Totally 100% fine. I say go for it if you get him eating well etc. |
|
| |
|
  Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | I wean at 3-4 months of age. |
|
| |
|
 Texas Lone Star
Posts: 5318
Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked | I weaned a filly at 3 months, she was eating good hay and grow colt in her beet pulp. Her dam wouldn't let me catch her so needed to wean earlier than I wanted. She turned out a great barrel horse.
A colt I weaned at 4 months- he was a stinker- rearing trying to nip when being brushed and just a pain. Cut him as soon as he dropped both. Sold him to my trainer and his son took him over. He's turned into a great ranch horse out on the 666 ranch. It all depends on the foal and their health when you need to wean. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 4625
Location: Desert Land | I had a colt that kept escaping from his mom to go hang out with my old gelding. I'd put him back up in the stall and he figured out how to get underneath the rail to go with the gelding (now my foaling stalls have a bottom rail to prevent this). This was at about 3 months old. I stopped moving him back to the mare because he was eating hay/grain fine and the gelding loved him and mom didn't care. He didn't even try to nurse on her through the fence. He turned out just fine. I had a friend give me a hard time about it saying a baby NEEDED to be on a mare until at least 6-8 months of age. But it all worked out fine. |
|
| |
|
Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. |
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | Mom doesn't care about him, and he doesn't care much about Mom. He is 36 days old and already doesn't want to be stalled with her.... he'd rather go on adventures while I'm taking Mom and another mare to the barn! He needs to be cut also, but it's too hot right now. |
|
| |
|
Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| I always went five months- until I had a momma die when her foal was 3 months old. The foal never suffered at the loss and turned into a very nice horse. I also had a momma die when her foal was just a month old- the baby was eating grain at the time and I added milk replacement pellets to the mix and got her a kind gelding to buddy around with, and she never suffered a lick
either. |
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine.
I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM
LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine.
I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some.
I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you.
If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time. |
|
| |
|
 That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 10:44 AM Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you. If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time.
There is no way they could prove the horse didn't grow that extra inch becaue it was weaned 4 instead of 5 months. |
|
| |
|
Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Whiteboy - 2014-06-25 11:00 AM
cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 10:44 AM Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you. If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time.
I agree. Good luck proving that. |
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 11:44 AM Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you. If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time.
Of course I would be asking the seller if they are OK with it. I am not going to just drop him off at her house when I want to. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Whiteboy - 2014-06-25 11:00 AM
cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 10:44 AM Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you. If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time.
Joint problems, bone density, can come from malnourishment, weaning early can contribute to this.
Also studies have shown foals have more of a tendency to develop ulcers when weaned, which can also contribute to poor digestion, malnourishment and other problems.
I just caution the op on weaning early if the agreed upon time was 5 months as it could end up biting her in the but. |
|
| |
|
That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| Was weaning date in the contract Murphy? |
|
| |
|
 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | As long as its eating good and you got her on the best feed and hay I would not worry about it. When I had my babys I always kept them with mom till they were six months old, but I'm old school. You're mare and baby you do what you want  |
|
| |
|
Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Hey Murphy, I found this on a forum lol....
Is it ok the wean my foal at just shy of 4 months? -
? Follow publicly -
? Follow privately - Unfollow
My mare has her first foal this year in mid June. It is now the first of October and the foal is doing exceptionally well. The young filly is very well socialized, growing very well, and eating solid food perfectly. I know there is a logic discussion that early weaning can be harmful to the foal and have read a lot on subject - since we usually do not wean until at least 6 months. However we are only a few weeks away from what promises to be a very harsh winter and my mare is extremely thin. I would say she is about a 3 on body condition, with all ribs showing as well as her hip bone visible. She is in perfect health- been wormed, good teeth, etc. but the foal at side is preventing her from gaining back weight she lost (due to prior pasture mismanagement by an ex-employee). I have begun the mare on a grain supplement plan to help her gain back some weight however she is still gaining back at a very slow rate.
My plan for weaning was to separate the mare and foal into separate but adjoining pastures with strong corral fences just during the day for a week or two and then for the entire day. The mare is not bred back and has a tendency to pace when nervous so I am afraid that this may be counter to trying to put weight on her.
Any suggestions? Best Answer Only an idiot would wean a foal that young - people with brains wean their foals at about 6 or 7 months of age. If you do separate them, and as you have said the mare has a tendency to pace, then you will put no weight on her whatsoever.
If you want your mare to gain weight, feed ad lib hay, put a rug on her so she doesn't have to spend all her energy keeping warm and stable her at night when it is coldest (rug her for the field).
|
|
| |
|
That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 11:14 AM Whiteboy - 2014-06-25 11:00 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-06-25 10:44 AM Murphy - 2014-06-25 9:49 AM LRQHS - 2014-06-25 10:37 AM It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine. I think this colt would be fine with weaning at 3-4 months. I need to start introducing him to feed. He is already nibbling at hay and grazing some. I would be discussing with the buyers as if the weaning time was agreed upon, and you wean earlier and the foal doesn't turn out as tall, has medical issues, etc they may be able to come back on you. If the foal was not already sold, then you could do whatever, but since the foal is already sold, you may need to keep the foal on till the agreed upon time. Joint problems, bone density, can come from malnourishment, weaning early can contribute to this. Also studies have shown foals have more of a tendency to develop ulcers when weaned, which can also contribute to poor digestion, malnourishment and other problems. I just caution the op on weaning early if the agreed upon time was 5 months as it could end up biting her in the but.
Ulcers would develope fromt he stress of leaving mom. For some foals that is not an issue especially for very independent foals. For a healthy foal there is no risk of those forementioned issued. From the words of Bill Day, PHD, Equine Science.
The main concerns for the timing and method of weaning are stress and an accompanying increased probability for illness or injury. While there is some disagreement among experts just how the deed is to be done, all agree that the foals should be eating comfortably on their own from a creep feeder before weaning and most consider it best to wean between 4 and 5 months of age if possible. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself while deciding when you should wean. - Is the foal currently ill or has the foal recently recovered from an illness? If the answer is yes to either of these, you should wait until the foal is healthy before proceeding.
- Does the foal remain close to the dam at all times and appear to panic when separated? Before weaning, foals should be showing definite signs of independence by associating freely with other foals without being too concerned about the location of the dam.
- Do you have another foal of similar age? Misery loves company. Regardless of the method used, having company will make things go more smoothly. It is best to group foals that have been raised together in order to reduce the risk of exposing the foal to new diseases during this time.
|
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | Whiteboy - 2014-06-25 12:21 PM Was weaning date in the contract Murphy? Yes.
ETA: I do not forsee the owner have a problem with picking him up early. She is pretty excited about him.
Edited by Murphy 2014-06-25 11:51 AM
|
|
| |
|
That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| http://www.equinews.com/article/effect-weaning-age-foal-growth-and-bone-density Another interesting article, study on weaning at 4.5 months vs 6 months. The only observable difference between the two weaning dates was na almost unmeasurable growth depression in the cannon bone circumfrance. Bone density, height and weight were not impacted in the long run. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Too far from home | I agree the foal will be fine weaning at 3-4 months. However, Cheryl brought up an interesting point. With the crazy "somebody has to pay for my suffering" society we live in, I'd amend the contract or at least get the new owner to sign an agreement. I've heard a story of a horse sold 5 years ago that is having ulcer issues and the owners are trying to pin it on the former owner. Let's face it: people are crazy and you have to cover your butt. |
|
| |
|
| There are a jillion reasons NOT TO WEAN PRIOR TO A FULL 6 MONTHS WITH THEIR MOTHER.
Mare losing weight is the owners fault .. not the foals ... owner should have increased the broodmares feed while pregnant and had a body scale of 7+/10 and after foal increased feed to maintain that body scale. .. It is almost impossible to founder a nursing mare ...
Weaning early can create every skeleton, muscle, ligament, joint, cartilage, bone density and temperament problems ever known to happen to horses. This first year of growth is at a maximum during the first 6 months of life.... a horse grows the most during their first year so why would you interfere with this growth pattern using an excuse of mare losing weight .... feed her where foal can share and solve your problem you created 7-8 months ago by not having the mare in super condition at foaling time.
Baby nursing the mare during the 5 and 6 month stages is very important ... this is where the colt has that security of his Mama and Mama teaches him some manners not to bite her tits and act like a brat which will be embedded in that babies mind on how to interact with other horses its entire life ...
And it is amazing at the shutdown of both mare and baby at 6 months old ... mare is tired of saying .. stop .. don't do this or that and baby is on full feed and digestive system is rolling along and he is ready to get his first annual shots 2 weeks before being weaned so they will give him immunity to certain diseases. .. Very little to no stress from either party and no interruption in foals growing process !!
And to me ... most important thing .... babies have taken a brand new interest in their humans ... they are very curious, have new brains, not stressed looking for mama, have the right amount of spook to move them around anyway you want and very willing to learn from a good teacher all the things that set them up for life!!
2nd important thing ... at 6+ months you are not having to undo the bratty attitude of a foal that has had too much loving human contact ...
IMO .. anyone that weans prior to 6 months is ignoring the lifetime results they create during that 60-90 days they take away from the foal and I hope they get the vet bills they created down the road when baby is 2-3 years old and put under saddle and riding training is started.
So think twice about weaning early and taking care of those broodmares prior and after foaling ... mares look good with after baby fat !!! .... lol ...
The following 3 photos ...>>
1.) condition of mare 6 months pregnant
2.) condition of mare and baby at 6 months weaning prior to mare being taken back to big pasture and baby kept at the barn
3.) baby as a big growthy yearling May 17, 2014
Edited by BARRELHORSE USA 2014-06-25 5:00 PM
 (15SEPT2012 LIQUID HIPS (2).JPG)
 (COUGARS MISS BEHAVIN 9-23-2013 (10).JPG)
 (COUGARS MISS BEHAVIN (23).JPG)
Attachments
----------------
 15SEPT2012 LIQUID HIPS (2).JPG (68KB - 205 downloads)
COUGARS MISS BEHAVIN 9-23-2013 (10).JPG (61KB - 189 downloads)
COUGARS MISS BEHAVIN (23).JPG (61KB - 184 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3300
| BARRELHORSE USA - 2014-06-26 1:27 PM There are a jillion reasons NOT TO WEAN PRIOR TO A FULL 6 MONTHS WITH THEIR MOTHER. Mare losing weight is the owners fault .. not the foals ... owner should have increased the broodmares feed while pregnant and had a body scale of 7+/10 and after foal increased feed to maintain that body scale. .. It is almost impossible to founder a nursing mare ... Weaning early can create every skeleton, muscle, ligament, joint, cartilage, bone density and temperament problems ever known to happen to horses. This first year of growth is at a maximum during the first 6 months of life.... a horse grows the most during their first year so why would you interfere with this growth pattern using an excuse of mare losing weight .... feed her where foal can share and solve your problem you created 7-8 months ago by not having the mare in super condition at foaling time. Baby nursing the mare during the 5 and 6 month stages is very important ... this is where the colt has that security of his Mama and Mama teaches him some manners not to bite her tits and act like a brat which will be embedded in that babies mind on how to interact with other horses its entire life ... And it is amazing at the shutdown of both mare and baby at 6 months old ... mare is tired of saying .. stop .. don't do this or that and baby is on full feed and digestive system is rolling along and he is ready to get his first annual shots 2 weeks before being weaned so they will give him immunity to certain diseases. .. Very little to no stress from either party and no interruption in foals growing process !! And to me ... most important thing .... babies have taken a brand new interest in their humans ... they are very curious, have new brains, not stressed looking for mama, have the right amount of spook to move them around anyway you want and very willing to learn from a good teacher all the things that set them up for life!! 2nd important thing ... at 6+ months you are not having to undo the bratty attitude of a foal that has had too much loving human contact ... IMO .. anyone that weans prior to 6 months is ignoring the lifetime results they create during that 60-90 days they take away from the foal and I hope they get the vet bills they created down the road when baby is 2-3 years old and put under saddle and riding training is started. So think twice about weaning early and taking care of those broodmares prior and after foaling ... mares look good with after baby fat !!! .... lol ... The following 3 photos ...>> 1.) condition of mare 6 months pregnant 2.) condition of mare and baby at 6 months weaning prior to mare being taken back to big pasture and baby kept at the barn 3.) baby as a big growthy yearling May 17, 2014
Really lol.... She me for weaning my baby's at 4/5 months when no amount of feed will make my mares look better than slaughter bound dinks... They will get weaned... And my yearling at 13 months is 14.3 and solid so I don't think it stunted her growth! Nor will it cause vet bills down the road!! Get off your high horse! |
|
| |
|
 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| I"ve had two orphans (both at 3 days) and had to wean another handful early (2-3 months) for various reasons. ALL of them are full grown, healthy, and successful horses. One orphan, out of a 14.3 mare and 14.2 stallion, is a 15.2 giant of a horse. My early-weaned colt from last year is well over 14 hands now, huge built, and doing absolutely wonderful with his new owner.
Mare's milk loses the majority of its nutritional value by 3 months. Unless I saw a study over 10 years and at least hundreds of cases showing some specific lack in foals weaned around 3 months I ain't buying it.
I've had a few foals wean themselves at about the three month age, and also a couple times where the mare kicked the foal off the udder about the same age.
Since your foal is already showing the independence, I bet the weaning will take care of itself around the 3 month age. |
|
| |
|
| I prefer you put up your photos showing mares and foals just like I did ...
then we might be able to have a meaningful conversation ....
Until then your comments are meaningless...
 |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1229
Location: Royal J Performance Horses, AZ | LRQHS - 2014-06-25 8:37 AM
It's too hot down here to keep them on the mares past 4 months. They start pulling the mares down. I've never had a problem weaning between 3-4 months. Get him on a good 16% feed and he'll be fine.
I agree with the lady who never sent my Peee Cans! hehe ;p I yoke i yoke
I wean at 3-4 months all the time. and its not a problem at all. most are perfectly ready to leave momma by then. and as the above said it gets hot by us as well and drags the mares down like no other in these 118 degree summers. |
|
| |
|
Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| BARRELHORSE USA - 2014-06-25 6:54 PM I prefer you put up your photos showing mares and foals just like I did ... then we might be able to have a meaningful conversation .... Until then your comments are meaningless...
I've had 2 mares that have never see a body score of 5+ no matter what I threw at them, including free choice alfalfa and 10+ pounds of fat enriched top shelf bagged feed (TC Complete or Senior) x 2 daily, and open pasture. Many race bred lines are not ever going to look like a chunky quarterhorse no matter what. And those mares, even if you have them at the 5 mark at foaling, are going to go downhill when they lactate. Add some age to the mare and the weight comes off even faster during lactation.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have to find or make time to take pics. Between full time work and trying to find time to ride and keep up with some house chores, pictures of my horses are few and far between.
The OP asked if it would be harmful to wean early. The answer from most common-sensical breeders is going to be - no, as long as the foal is eating well, drinking well, and has an independent personality. I didn't see anything about mares and weight from the OP? |
|
| |
|
 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I was told to make sure the mares stayed no worse than a BCS of 5.. 7+ isn't necessary IMO. 5 is "ribs can be felt not seen" and pretty sure the BCS we learned stops at 9, not 10.
About weaning. we wean at 3.5-4 months.
|
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | No issue with mom and colt's weight. Both are healthy and look amazing. I disregarded what BHUSA was posting because it had nothing to do with my question.
Thanks to everyone for your help. I will most likely wean him at 3-4 months. |
|
| |
|
 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | I have always weaned between 3-4 months and never had a problem. Moms and babies always do extremely well and none ever suffer from it. |
|
| |
|
Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | BARRELHORSE USA - 2014-06-25 3:27 PM
There are a jillion reasons NOT TO WEAN PRIOR TO A FULL 6 MONTHS WITH THEIR MOTHER.
Mare losing weight is the owners fault .. not the foals ... owner should have increased the broodmares feed while pregnant and had a body scale of 7+/10 and after foal increased feed to maintain that body scale. .. It is almost impossible to founder a nursing mare ...
Weaning early can create every skeleton, muscle, ligament, joint, cartilage, bone density and temperament problems ever known to happen to horses. This first year of growth is at a maximum during the first 6 months of life.... a horse grows the most during their first year so why would you interfere with this growth pattern using an excuse of mare losing weight .... feed her where foal can share and solve your problem you created 7-8 months ago by not having the mare in super condition at foaling time.
Baby nursing the mare during the 5 and 6 month stages is very important ... this is where the colt has that security of his Mama and Mama teaches him some manners not to bite her tits and act like a brat which will be embedded in that babies mind on how to interact with other horses its entire life ...
And it is amazing at the shutdown of both mare and baby at 6 months old ... mare is tired of saying .. stop .. don't do this or that and baby is on full feed and digestive system is rolling along and he is ready to get his first annual shots 2 weeks before being weaned so they will give him immunity to certain diseases. .. Very little to no stress from either party and no interruption in foals growing process !!
And to me ... most important thing .... babies have taken a brand new interest in their humans ... they are very curious, have new brains, not stressed looking for mama, have the right amount of spook to move them around anyway you want and very willing to learn from a good teacher all the things that set them up for life!!
2nd important thing ... at 6+ months you are not having to undo the bratty attitude of a foal that has had too much loving human contact ...
IMO .. anyone that weans prior to 6 months is ignoring the lifetime results they create during that 60-90 days they take away from the foal and I hope they get the vet bills they created down the road when baby is 2-3 years old and put under saddle and riding training is started.
So think twice about weaning early and taking care of those broodmares prior and after foaling ... mares look good with after baby fat !!! .... lol ...
The following 3 photos ...>>
1.) condition of mare 6 months pregnant
2.) condition of mare and baby at 6 months weaning prior to mare being taken back to big pasture and baby kept at the barn
3.) baby as a big growthy yearling May 17, 2014
Are you insane? |
|
| |
|
 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| I would maybe try and get your hands on some Buckeye Foal Starter Pellets...maybe two bags?
This is a milk based transition feed-good for transitioning any foal from milk to grain.
Best transition feed on the market IMO.
http://www.buckeyenutrition.com/breeding/foal-starter.aspx
|
|
| |
|
Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| lonely va barrelxr - 2014-06-25 8:15 PM
BARRELHORSE USA - 2014-06-25 6:54 PM I prefer you put up your photos showing mares and foals just like I did ... then we might be able to have a meaningful conversation .... Until then your comments are meaningless...
I don't know about anyone else, but I have to find or make time to take pics. Between full time work and trying to find time to ride and keep up with some house chores, pictures of my horses are few and far between.
The OP asked if it would be harmful to wean early. The answer from most common-sensical breeders is going to be - no, as long as the foal is eating well, drinking well, and has an independent personality. I didn't see anything about mares and weight from the OP?
This mare is 19 in this picture and 10 months pregnant. She is all race bred. She was appendix registered until Barrelhorse had her papers changed to Permanent AQHA. She is 16-3. She gets 8 lbs. of a fairly inexpensive 14% pellet feed twice a day. She gets approx. 8lbs of coastal hay twice a day. She is in a small 2 acre pasture that has very little grass. There are loose minerals out at all times. Personally, I think she looks pretty good. I wean my babies at 6 to 6 1/2 months the same as my dad did for the past 50 years. A good simple feeding program works best for me. There is a picture of her foal that she had about 30 days after her picture was taken. The foal was 5 months old in that picture. So here you have an old, pregnant, race bred mare that is fat. It can be done. I am sure that Barrelhorse likes to know that the horses that he sells are well taken care of and that something will be done with them.
 (Honey sm image 2.jpg)
 (diva jun 2013.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
Honey sm image 2.jpg (89KB - 189 downloads)
diva jun 2013.jpg (86KB - 204 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | magic gunsmoke - 2014-06-25 10:58 PM I would maybe try and get your hands on some Buckeye Foal Starter Pellets...maybe two bags?
This is a milk based transition feed-good for transitioning any foal from milk to grain.
Best transition feed on the market IMO.
http://www.buckeyenutrition.com/breeding/foal-starter.aspx
I will try that, thanks!
I offered him TC Senior last night with some healthy coat on top for taste but he was uninterested. He is not even interested in momma's bucket. He eats up grass and nibbles on hay, but isn't turned on to grain just yet. I wish he would be, it would be easier to get his butt in the stall in the morning! |
|
| |
