WEANING tends to occur in the thoroughbred industry during the months of July and August. Historically this has been linked to the foal’s need to adjust to being weaned and to give the foal time prior to the sale to recover from the stress of the weaning process.

Creep feeding should be well-established at the time of weaning. The foal should also be showing signs of independence from the mare. Sport horse foals tend to be born later and are subsequently weaned later in the autumn time. Often these foals do not tend to need as much recovery time after weaning or preparation time for sales.

Sport horse foals that have been handled well can often cope with three weeks preparation prior to sales.

SALES PREPARATION

The majority of foal sales tend to occur in November. Whether it is a thoroughbred foal or a sport horse foal, all buyers want to be able to see a potential future athlete in the stock they want to buy.

It is unrealistic for one specific routine to work for all types of foals and that is where you must be able to judge a foal’s strengths and weaknesses. If this is something you are unsure of then ask the professionals, such as your vet and farrier.

Most foals will need approximately four weeks to prepare for sales; however, some weaker foals may need six weeks of preparation.

The key to working with youngstock is repetition. New equipment and routines should be introduced slowly. The first and only real aid you will have to work with is your voice so, from the moment you start handling any youngstock, use your voice when asking the animal to stop, walk on, et cetera.

It is important to put foals in individual stables where possible, as weanlings often build up bonds with others. If penned in groups when it comes time to separating them it can be like going through the weaning process all over again.

WALKING

Depending on your circumstances and facilities it is a good idea to start walking your foals in groups of four in an enclosed, flat and safe arena.

You can start walking foals off their headcollar to begin with, getting them used to their surroundings. If you do not have other weanlings to walk with use a quiet pony or older horse to give the foal an initial lead and some confidence.

The first few days you should be content with your foal having a good rhythm when walking and being able to stand still for a few seconds when asked. Positive reinforcement is more beneficial than negative.

Towards the middle of the first week, when your foal has settled into the routine, it may be a good idea to introduce the bridle and bit. This process should be done slowly and quietly so as not to stress the foal. Some people believe in putting a small amount of honey on the rubber bits in order to improve the taste.

It is important to take the bridle apart at the bit. The bridle should be placed on the foals head with as little interference as possible. The bit can be slipped into the foal’s mouth from the side and reattached to the bridle.

If the foal is content with the bit, leave the foal in its box for five to 10 minutes while you are present to monitor it. Continue this process daily, increasing the time that the bridle is left on.

THE BRIDLE

By week two you should aim to be walking your foal with a bridle on under the headcollar. It is important that you do not lead the foal directly from the bit until the foal is walking well, has got used to the bit and is listening to instructions.

If the animal is standing quietly when asked, start encouraging it to stand in the correct open stance that is used at the sales. Always use the foal’s shoulder to help it into the correct stance rather than pulling on the bit.

As the weeks progress you should be leading from a coupling attached to the bit and noseband of the bridle. At the end of the second week the foal should be happy to lead, walk away from other foals and stand in an open stance when asked.

Prior to attending the sales your foal should have worked up to walking 15 minutes on both reins giving a total workout of 30 minutes.

FIT NOT FAT

It is vital that the foal’s growth and development are monitored weekly to pick up signs of potential developmental problems. The monitoring of foals by taking pictures and weighing them on a weekly basis is good for analysing progress.

A common problem in foal preparation is overfeeding. Overfeeding plus excessive exercise can often cause damage to young animals’ legs and joints. Many professionals believe it is better having a slightly lighter foal than one that is overweight. Usually a week to 14 days prior to going to the sales you need your vet to access the foal’s health for the foal’s European Health Certification.

TO TROT OR NOT

In flat thoroughbred sales a good walk is often sufficient for the purchaser to see what they need in a potential athlete. However, at sport horse and National Hunt sales the purchaser often will ask the handler to trot the foal. Every buyer has different preferences so, with this in mind, it is a good idea to incorporate a trotting section into your sales preparation at home. Often a trot can help to improve a ‘laid back’ foal’s way of going in the walk.

Gayle Moane, Equine Lecturer, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Enniskillen Campus