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Thread III: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1311311/posts |
Posted on 09/18/2004 6:56:23 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog
Free Republic has a lot of horse people that have found each other on other threads…. And since we all like to talk horses, how about a thread where it is not off-topic, but is THE topic?
A few of us thought it would be interesting and informative to have a chat thread where we can share ideas, ask for input from other horsemen, and talk about our riding and horse-keeping. We have a lot of different kinds of riders and horses, and a lot to share. In the last thread we had a great time and were a great help to each other working through lessons and training, horse lamenesses and illnesses, questions and challenges and always just our stories we like to tell.
I always have a link to this thread on my profile page, so if you have something to say and can't find the thread in latest posts… look for it there and wake the thread up!
I also have a ping list for horse threads that are of interest, and Becky pings everyone most mornings. Let Becky (Paynoattentionmanbehindthecurtain) and/or me know if you would like to be on the ping list. As FreeRepublic is a political site, our politics and other issues will probably blend in…. There are many issues for horsemen that touch politics… land use, animal rights/abuse cases that make the news…. Legislation that might affect horse owners.
So... like the last thread, this is intended as fun place to come and share stories, pictures, questions and chit-chat, unguided and unmoderated and that we come together here as friends. There are lots of ways of doing things and we all have our quirks, tricks and specialties that are neat to learn about.
Nah:') I don't understand though. A foal can start eating grains/pellets? I though they didn't until about 6 months. I got this idea from my trainer because I asked her what it costs to pasture a foal and she told me nothing until they were weaned and started eating about 6 months.
Good plan... They are pretty hardy animals, and lots of options work.... but paying some attention to giving them the best now pays dividends in both of their health and growth.
I didn't realize they made a feed designed specifically for lactating mares???? I just knew to increase, and I added the calf manna thinking it would add vitamins and minerls to her milk.
Becky
thanks, we may not be that experienced in horses (had some in cows and sheep) but we'll do whatever it takes to make sure that foal and moms are well and happy. I can t bear to see animals suffer. It is lovely and warm here now, just long sleeve weather! A beautiful day and I am smiling like a cheshire cat! LOL
I am going back out now, to say Hi again and check everything. We found the tounge like thing that the foal spits out. URGH! Glad you told me otherwise i would have thought the foal had lost its tounge! LOL YUK!
Definately after a couple weeks they begin to eat, graze, and nibble on what they can steal from mom's grain bucket. By a couple months should definately be started on foal feed in addition to pasture or hay. Not too much, as there are health risks of encouraging too much growth too fast... but it takes some of the pressure off momma if the grass is good and they can get pellets of their own.
They start nibbling at moms alot sooner then 6 months. I think ideal weaning time is 4 months. Mare's milk after that time isn't that good anymore anyway, because naturally the grass by that time has lost it's nurtional value for the year.
Becky
I agree, my vet said 4-5 months to wean. Its not fair on Mom or foal to keep that going longer. It takes too much out of the mare.
LOL...did you throw it on the barn roof for good luck:)
Becky
It's good that Misty trusts you. She sounds like she is going to be a good momma. I was hoping she wouldn't be like that one here that I was telling you about. I just hate to see mares and foals at auctions because if they can't get a good combined price they get sold to different buyers. I know they get weaned but to me that just isn't right.
Yep! and felt silly doing it too~ LOL
Darn, you warmed up quick then:). That's good. I'll bet the baby likes laying in the sun:)
Becky
Old wives have some pretty wacky ideas!
Check at your feed store.... You feed Purina right? That isn't the brand at my feed store but they have a pelleted mare and foal complete that doesn't need any other supplements added.
Course we still fed hay for nibbling unless the pasture was good.
Yep! and that was what scared me, especially as he let me pet him all over, i was ready to call the emergency vet!~
He has been dozing and running and feeding. Bliss.
Guess i'm just a nervous overwrought "grandma?" LOL
Well that's good to know so I can figure it in to my next Feb time frame. I'm not paying to pasture another horse.
LOL...when I threw the last one on the roof, Mack (my husband), said the birds were just going to carry it off, what's the point:). I said maybe that is what is suppose to happen.
I can't remember who told me that practice, but someone did. It does look like a tongue. Good description. I couldn't ever think how to describe it.
Becky
Well i cant keep away so another mug of coffee and im outside again, i need my pc in the workshop so that im next to them! LOL see u later
Sharn
You are really going to breed that mare? Do you want a foal? or is this foal for the trainer?
Feb is still early, if they don't have to run the Kentucky derby at age two, I'd wait for early summer.
I forget what they are called but I was told those callous things on their legs considered good luck items too:') Actually, I did read that if you put one in your pocket you will smell like your horse to her and she will respond better. I smell enough like a horse when I leave the stables anyway, thank you. My boss insisted I meet he and Eddie at a restaurant one day. I told him I had been riding and looked like it and smelled like a horse. He said he didn't care and "be there". I showed up and he never did that again:')
Chestnuts. Those 'callous' things are chestnuts. I have never put one in my pocket ;~D
Dogs like to chew them though ;~D
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