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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
   
Location: Missouri | This is my first experience, sorry for the novice questions...
My baby is 4 months old now. Both mama and baby are looking great, so I don't plan to wean until November (when she's 6 months). However, I have noticed a big change in her personality lately. She used to be extremely friendly, she would leave her mom to run up to greet me. Lately, she couldn't care less about having any attention. She's not mean or anything, but she will walk away when you try to pet her. Before she begged to be scratched. Is this a normal change? Will she return to her old self later, or is that a thing of the past?
Also, I have an old mare that I plan to keep with her when it's time to wean. Should I also borrow another foal to keep her company? Or, will she be okay without a playmate? She's not had one so far...
Thanks for any tips! She's been such a joy so far! I'm a little worried about the personality shift and I want to make sure we're doing things right!
Edited by just4fun 2014-09-16 10:52 AM
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 Midget Lover
 
Location: Kentucky | I think personality shifts are normal. Both of mine went through it. When they are weaned, they will want a buddy so you should be able to mess with her again.
I didn't wean either of mine with another foal, they were both with older horses. |
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Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | That's a relief! Thanks, Murphy!
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 Heeler Hoarder
Posts: 2067
| Personality change is pretty normal. I would wean with a older horse it makes them easier to deal with IMO |
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  The Color Specialist
Posts: 7530
Location: Washington. (The DRY side.) | Fillies generally could care less about a "playmate". They don't generally "play". Colts are a whole nuther ballgame! |
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Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | RacingQH - 2014-09-17 8:26 AM Fillies generally could care less about a "playmate". They don't generally "play". Colts are a whole nuther ballgame!
Interesting! Thanks for the info. |
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The Color Specialist
Posts: 7530
Location: Washington. (The DRY side.) | Welcome. :) Am I correct in thinking that the old mare is NOT currently in with the filly and her dam? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 631
Location: Somewhere in N.C. | I went ahead and put the mare in with my mare/foal so he could get use to her before weaning. After weaning, I added a gelding, so now he has a older mare and younger gelding with him. |
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Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | RacingQH - 2014-09-17 10:17 PM Welcome. :) Am I correct in thinking that the old mare is NOT currently in with the filly and her dam?
Not at the moment, but she is usually. I had to turn her out while we were on vacation to make it easier for my friend to feed. She's an OLD mare...30-something. But she's still the boss and can be pretty rotten. Although, she's always been kind to the baby (and even mama since she's had the baby). I hope it will be a good fit, but I also have an older gelding if that sounds better? I also have a 4 y/o, but I'm afraid he'd be way to rough.
I think I could easily get another weanling, as my FIL has several. But, if it's not beneficial, I won't bother.
Thanks so much for all of the help!!! |
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The Color Specialist
Posts: 7530
Location: Washington. (The DRY side.) | I was just asking because I was going to say that if they haven't been together before, I would have then all together BEFORE weaning. (If possible.) It's really up to you. If you want to take care of another baby, borrow one. BUT I would only get one the same gender as yours. Fillies and colts are generally as different as night and day. Fillies are like "baby mares". While colts are like little boys. (More rough, wanting to play fight etc... Fillies don't appreciate that crap!) Even if there is another foal, I prefer them to also have a"baby sitter" to teach them "horse manners." |
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The Color Specialist
Posts: 7530
Location: Washington. (The DRY side.) | Either the old mare or gelding would work. Depends on their personalities. My colt last year was such a butt head, I put another mare, her yearling filly, AND my 2yo gelding in with colt and his dam! (Normally I don't mix mares with foals with other horses like that. (Only other mares with babies.) Wanted to give that little butt head a taste of his own medicine!! And it WORKED! LOL |
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Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | I don't think my old mare will tolerate any nonsense. My old gelding will put up with anything, and probably join in the fun!  He's one that opens gates, climbs fences, etc. He and the 4 y/o get really rowdy together!
I'll try the mare and see how it goes. Yesterday, the foal was being really pushy to me, shoving me around and acting like she might kick. This personality change is really frustrating! I hate getting after her, but I guess I need to spank her hiney! I miss the sweet baby she used to be! Hope she comes back!
Thanks so much for all of the advice and suggestions! It's been really informative and helpful!
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 Roan Wonder
Location: SW MO | Watch and make sure the old mare doesn't let her nurse when she is weaned. Some old mares will let foals nurse even if they aren't their own |
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 Champ
Posts: 19623
Location: Peg-Leg Julia Grimm | just4fun - 2014-09-19 6:57 AM I don't think my old mare will tolerate any nonsense. My old gelding will put up with anything, and probably join in the fun! He's one that opens gates, climbs fences, etc. He and the 4 y/o get really rowdy together!
I'll try the mare and see how it goes. Yesterday, the foal was being really pushy to me, shoving me around and acting like she might kick. This personality change is really frustrating! I hate getting after her, but I guess I need to spank her hiney! I miss the sweet baby she used to be! Hope she comes back!
Thanks so much for all of the advice and suggestions! It's been really informative and helpful!
The change in personality makes me wonder if there is tummy upset. Grumpy horses are usually trying to tell you something. The most common problem in foals and performance horses is digestive upset like ulcers. |
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The Color Specialist
Posts: 7530
Location: Washington. (The DRY side.) | SPANK HER BUTT! Don't let a baby get away with ANYTHING that you don't want a 1200lb adult to do! |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | I agree with RQH a spanking is in order. Put alfalfa out for your baby and keep her on it. It's great during weaning time and helps tummy upsets caused from ulcer issues.
I'm currently weaning three, the colts were the last to be weaned. The filly the first. We took her dam away first as she was sure to be the worry wort of the three. She has done well. This week I took the dams of the colts away and had them all in a small 10 acre trap of coastal. The first night there was some running around but by dawn of the next day they were settling and very happy to have their alfalfa the next morning. I withhold grain for several days and feed only alfalfa as I don't want to kick in any ulcer issues. Two days after seperation from the dams I let my riding geldings get next to them, they are seperated via a 5' fence. I will turn one gelding at a time in with them for supervised visits and only after I have ridden them. I like for the entire clan to run together and work to that end. |
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