Well we weaned our first babies of the season yesterday. We handle our foals at birth so they are manageable when we need to worm and trim feet while they are still on mum.
They are in the yards, with mothers in the big shady lucerne paddock next door. All are happy and foals tucking into their new feed of grain and chaff. Had halters and lead ropes on, and they are leading well. Introduced the bag and stick, Miles happy to try to eat the plastic bag, chew the stick and rub it all over his head. He is certainly very naturally quiet!
Susie was a bit more flighty having been bought at foot this year, she never got handled by her previous owners. She is progressing well and accepted the bag and stick after 5 or so minutes, and was leading nicely. Removed their halters and leads and gave them some lunch, they will have another brief lesson this afternoon on leading, desensitizing and handling.
Very happy with them and it makes it easier when you know how they are being treated and are not being rushed or mishandled. Stay tuned for some photos and more progress updates throughout the week before we turn them out with the nanny.
They are in the yards, with mothers in the big shady lucerne paddock next door. All are happy and foals tucking into their new feed of grain and chaff. Had halters and lead ropes on, and they are leading well. Introduced the bag and stick, Miles happy to try to eat the plastic bag, chew the stick and rub it all over his head. He is certainly very naturally quiet!
Susie was a bit more flighty having been bought at foot this year, she never got handled by her previous owners. She is progressing well and accepted the bag and stick after 5 or so minutes, and was leading nicely. Removed their halters and leads and gave them some lunch, they will have another brief lesson this afternoon on leading, desensitizing and handling.
Very happy with them and it makes it easier when you know how they are being treated and are not being rushed or mishandled. Stay tuned for some photos and more progress updates throughout the week before we turn them out with the nanny.