The weaning process is important for the development and health of a young animal, also in the long term. For some foals, the process is so stressful that they develop long-term problems such as ulcers or stereotypical behavior. Naturally, you want to avoid that. Depending on the facilities you have in your stable and pasture, there are several things you can do to make weaning go as well as possible. Even if you cannot do everything ideally, you can certainly implement some of the tips below.

Getting used to separation

It is good to get a foal and mare used early to short-term separation. For example, when you take the mare back into training. Start with 5 minutes and gradually increase the time. Some mares are fine as long as it doesn’t last too long and won’t call for their foal, while others may find it difficult at first. You can shorten the separation at the beginning by, for example, putting the mare in the stall where the foal is and grooming her there. In any case, do not immediately go for an hour and a half into the forest with your horse, not even due to the physical effects of a birth. Gradually build up both the training and the separation of foal and mare.

Ideal situation: herd

If the foal is older (more than three months) and in a herd with several adult horses and other foals, you can sometimes leave the foal in the pasture with the other horses. Do not do this if the foal still needs the protection of its mother! It is only possible if it already plays independently with other foals and can be with the adult horses. In this case, the foal may not even notice that the mother is away for a while. Being in a herd with other mares and foals also has a positive effect on social development, as mothers are sometimes not very good at correcting their own foal … A well-socialized horse benefits from this throughout its life, and so does the rider!

Five months?

Many foals are weaned at five months of age. Earlier than five months is not recommended by veterinarians. Younger foals still need the energy that mare’s milk provides and cannot yet get enough from hay and pellets. Between five and six months, it is important to closely observe mare and foal to determine the right time for weaning. As foals grow, it can become increasingly difficult for the mare to maintain her weight. Once the foal eats well independently, weaning can begin. A strong and healthy foal can safely be weaned between five and six months of age. Foals that had a difficult start, for example hospitalized, should stay with the mare a bit longer. A challenge is that foals are sometimes grouped in rearing stables, causing late-born foals to be separated a bit earlier than might be ideal.

Gradual weaning

What is important before weaning? First, your foal must be able to drink from a bucket and eat hay and pellets. It is also helpful if a foal already knows other horses besides its mother. Another foal can be a good support, or a socially mature horse. Many start by putting foals in a stable at night, in a different stall from the mothers. The foals can still see the mothers but cannot nurse. Others gradually remove the mares from the herd and leave the foals together with an adult horse that can act as a mentor. According to many scientists, this is the most ideal method, but due to space limitations, it is not always feasible in the Netherlands. Many breeders also have only one foal at a time. Weaning while placing foals with unfamiliar horses or foals can add extra stress and is therefore not ideal. Also important: remove the mare and keep the foal in its familiar place.

In nature?

Research shows that a mare usually weans her own foal around eight months of age, but in some cases it can take several months longer. Especially when the mare is pregnant again, a moment comes in early winter when the mare needs all her energy for the foal in her belly and cannot provide milk for the older foal. Some horse owners also simply let this moment happen naturally.