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You will begin noticing that the mare will frequently refuse to stand very long to let the foal nurse, and sometimes just walk away while the angry and upset foal runs and bucks after her. She is preparing him for weaning and he will become less and less concerned about this situation as he gets older. The mare also starts being less tolerant of her foal's biting, rearing, and kicking, and even start retaliating. You can tell that she is less protective, allowing him to roam further and further, and also allowing him to interact with other horses in the field or over the fence. She may even start putting her ears back at him occasionally, biting him, and raising her hind leg to prevent him from nursing. These are all signs that she is getting ready for him to leave her side. I have seen some mares that will even start running the foal off and being seriously mean when she has had enough.

Prior to the big day we have started doing short separations like leaving the foal in the stall while the mare has her feet trimmed, is groomed, gets a bath, or in the case of a mare that is used for riding, is starting back under saddle. Because we bring our mares and foals into a stall every night, the method that works best for us is to take the mares out to their field and leave the foals inside for a day or two. They are comfortable with their stall and have spent some time in it without their dam so initially there isn't usually a big reaction - they think she is coming back. Some will call out and run around the stall a little, especially if they can hear their dam calling to them.

The mares usually run the fence and call out for 30 minutes or so, but they are more interested in the grass and soon give it up and will return to the gate and call out less and less frequently. It is important to watch them closely for the next week to be sure that their milk dries up and that there is no heat or pain in their udder. Most of the time you will notice that they are lame on one of their hind legs if there is a problem.

When the foal has become calm in his stall and is eating and drinking well (usually 2 days) I will put them outside in a paddock as far away from the mares as possible. Frequently their halter training backslides as there is no mare to follow. The lead rope around the rump is still useful, but sometimes you are holding them back, not trying to get them to go forward. An older horse that they have gotten to know over the fence (or even in the paddock) prior to weaning can be very helpful and if you have more than one foal, they will frequently be calmer with a buddy. Don't try to lead two at a time! Use a second or even third person. The goal is to have them going in and out quietly on their own.

This gradual process of leading up to a permanent separation while paying attention to the behavior of the mare and foal have proven to be a very successful and non-stressful method of weaning our foals. If you have any problems or concerns, feel free to contact me. Good Luck!

Linda Wanstreet owns Lost World Farms, LLC in Holly, Michigan and LWF Sport Horses in Ortonville, Michigan where they board, breed, train, show, and sell Warmblood Sport Horses. It is the home of Patrick, a 1997 Dutch Warmblood stallion.

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