SUGARFOOT FARM

RAISING A FOAL
    Raising a foal can be a very rewarding experience.  I don't recommend this for a novice but if you have some horse knowledge and prior experience nothing equals the joy and pleasure it brings.  In all of the years that I have raised horses to me there is nothing like watching a newborn foal discover their new world.  Each foal is unique.  It's amusing to observe them as they learn to stand for the first time, trying to figure out how to use their gangly stilts.  The mares try to help with a gently nuzzle which often results in the foal falling in a heap with legs flailing everywhere.  Then once they've mastered standing they need to nurse.  They try to find milk everywhere but the right place.  They suck Mom's legs, sides, your fingers, everything but the faucet.  An experienced mare is very patient with her baby.  She'll nicker, nudge, and maneuver her body until her youngster finally finds what they've been searching for.  A maiden mare doesn't find the first nursing event a pleasure.  When the foal starts to nurse the new mom usually reacts with a kick and a squeal which takes the foal back to square one.  But mother nature works her miracle the before you know it mom is standing patiently while her youngster drinks and butts her with milk running over those long baby whiskers and out of the corners of their mouth.   Each day is a new experience for the foal and you too.  Watching them run for the first time, halter breaking them, training them and then riding them for the first time - all of these can be rewarding if you have the time and the patience.   If you decide that you'd like to raise a foal of your own please feel free to contact me with all of your questions.  I will help you in anyway I can.