Care of Equine Foals

Foals reach 80 percent of their mature height and 50 percent of their mature weight at 6 months of age. Because of rapid bone and muscle growth, providing foals proper nutrition is essential. An effective equine management program includes stable care, feeding, hoof care, worming, immunizations and weaning. Ensuring adequate weight gain in combination with exercise will help avoid developmental problems, such as metabolic bone disease and contracted tendons.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse dewormer
  • Grain straw
  • Creep feed
  • Hoof pick
  • Hoof knife
  • Hoof rasp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your foal for physical problems, such as limb deformities, contracted tendons, cocked ankles or pigeon toes. Address angular deformities, lameness issues or physitis (a defect in the growth plates in the long bones), with your veterinarian and a professional farrier as soon as possible to implement corrective measures.

    • 2

      De-worm the mare soon after she foals. The product should be effective against Strongyloides and other equine parasites. This is the first step in protecting your foal against parasitic infections.

    • 3

      Handle the foal from birth. Within the first four weeks of life, groom and lead it daily. Pick up the foal's feet and teach it to stand tied.

    • 4

      Clean and muck the foal's stall regularly, and line it with 10 to 15 lbs. of grain straw. Ensure the stalls are well lit.

    • 5

      Provide a constant supply of fresh water and ensure your foal receives 15 to 25 percent of its body weight in milk daily. It should gain approximately 1 to 2 lbs. each day. The foal will receive immediate parasite and disease protection from the dam's colostrum.

    • 6

      Provide the foal daily turnout to develop coordination, strong legs and sound feet, as well as to allow for natural hoof wear and to prevent cocked ankles. It should receive as much free-roaming pasture exercise as possible. Confinement should never exceed more than 10 hours daily.

    • 7

      Transition your foal from milk to solid feed after the first month. Gradually introduce creep feed at a rate of 0.75-1.0 lb. of feed per 100 lbs. of body weight. Consult with your veterinarian to develop a balanced diet for your foal.

    • 8

      Clean the foal's feet daily when it reaches 2 months of age. Use the hoof pick and hoof knife to remove debris from the cleft and frog, and cleaning from heel to toe.

    • 9

      Trim the foal's feet at 3 to 4 months of age. Use the hoof rasp to keep the bottom of the hoof wall level and smooth the outer edges. A farrier should examine and shape its hooves every two to three months.

    • 10

      Vaccinate and worm your foal beginning at 3 to 4 months of age. Speak to your veterinarian about risk-based vaccinations, such as botulism, equine herpes virus and Potomac horse fever. Do not administer the rotavirus vaccine.

    • 11

      Inspect the area you will use to wean the foal. Ensure there are no loose nails or boards, and that gates and fencing are secure.

    • 12

      Wean your foal gradually when it reaches 4 to 6 months of age. Remove the foal's halter to avoid injury. It will be anxious during the weaning process and halters can easily become caught on objects.