Foal Care and Feeding

something besides mothers milk is available for consumption. On average foals will take a noticeable step towards consuming forages and grain when they are approximately three weeks old interestingly this time table corresponds with the length of time the foals body stores of critical nutrients begins to become depleted. Foals from mares that do not produce much milk will often begin consuming dry feed before they are three weeks old while foals from mares that produce an above average amount of milk may not take much interest in consuming dry feed until later. Note these are the foals that often begin to present with developmental issues due to the fact that
are required for sound structural development. Therefore all foals but especially the faster growing individuals need to be encouraged to begin consuming feed containing 
Exercise and social skillsIt is basically impossible to develop athletic ability unless the foal is allowed to be athletic. Growing horses should be outside running around with other horses as much as possible in order to stimulate sound development of bones and support structures as well as to develop social skills with other horses. It is sad to observe 3 or 4 year old horses getting turned out with other horses for the first time who have no clue how to interact with other horses. This situation often leads to increased stress which in turn lowers performance levels a welladapted horse is also a horse more resistant to stress. Additionally when riding or showing with other horses you want your horse to feel comfortable enough around other horses that he or she can focus on their interaction with you and not so much on what the horses around them are doing.
Herd HealthThe key point here is to work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination and deworming program that is appropriate for your situation. Control exposure of young horses to outside horses coming into your farm because you have no idea what unwanted diseases they may be capable of exposing your young horses to that their immature immune systems are not capable of dealing with. Should your foalsweanlings develop diarrhea do not wait to treat it and do not assume it is simply caused by foal heat because its not its caused by bacteria in most cases and should be treated and managed accordingly. A good probioticprebiotic should be used in combination with any antibiotic protocol
your veterinarian recommends to treat any gastrointestinal ailment.