SPORT HORSE FOALS

FOR sport horse foals, Ronan Rothwell of Boleybawn horses would recommend leaving foals on their dams going to auction.

He believes that: “They will show themselves off better when they are let loose and they will have the benefit of milk and hard feed for nutrition.”

In the lead up to the sales Rothwell recommends rugging foals one week prior to sale as it will prevent them getting too hairy and will get their coat to lie down better. However, he adds that: “It’s very important not to use a rug in transit or at the auction as if your foal sweats up it will not be possible to get its coat dry and shining within the day.”

Sport horse foals should be plaited unless they have a very weak neck or they are less than eight weeks old. It makes them look more quality and attractive.

Remember, if the foal goes to the auction on their dam handlers must have the mares turned out equally well as it creates a better overall picture, which is very important and clients will be inspecting the mother just as much as her foal.

Nutrition and health management plays an important role in Rothwells sales prep regime. “I usually wouldn’t introduce creep feed to the foals until four weeks before the auction but all my mares receive about 3kg of course ration daily at grass. This will encourage better milk yield and, in turn, benefit the foal.

“I worm dose any foals that are going to auctions with Ivermectin four weeks before the auction and then again two weeks prior. I believe this puts a much better sheen on their coats.”

THOROUGHBRED FOALS

LESS is more when it comes to thoroughbred foals, with a more natural look preferred.

The week before the sale you can start trimming and putting the final touches to your foal. You do not have to go to the extremes of pulling the mane, just even it up by pulling stray hairs with your fingers.

It should be lying over the correct side (off side) prior to pulling it. This can be achieved from wetting it over every evening. If this does not work, it needs to be plaited over. Foal manes do not need to be pulled too short because it can make them look like ponies. Cut a bridle path just the width of the headpiece of your bridle.

Fiona Doggett of the Irish National Stud says: “Not everybody agrees but I like trimmed whiskers. Even if you just shorten them it looks smarter. Also trim the hair in their ears – it makes the overall appearance sharper looking.”

Goffs Bloodstock manager, Sean Flannery, adds the following advice: “Foals should be washed the day before they are due to travel. Have the foals’ hooves oiled and their coats show-sheened to within an inch of their lives! The rest is luck.”