AT this stage of the foal’s development owners must pay close attention to the foal’s growth rate. Any disturbances to skeletal growth during this period could have serious consequences, and could render a valuable foal worthless.

The period between three and nine months seems to be the most precarious for the foal in terms of developmental problems. Through good management, regular farrier visits and ensuring the foal has received adequate nutrition to meet his growing needs, the chance of a developmental orthopaedic disease occurring would be minimal.