Weaning a foal: how to do it calmly and correctly

At what age do you wean?

Most foals are weaned between four and six months of age. At that stage the digestive system is sufficiently developed to manage without mother's milk, and the foal has already built up a solid foundation of roughage and concentrate feed. Weaning earlier — at four months, for example — is medically acceptable if the foal is growing well and already eating independently, but it does produce more behavioural stress. Waiting until six months gives the foal more time to learn from the mare, but also extends the strain on the mare. Choose the moment based on the condition of both animals, not solely on calendar age.

Signs that the foal is ready

• The foal independently eats at least 1 kg of concentrate feed per day
• It drinks water independently on a regular basis
• It has a healthy weight and a glossy coat
• It plays and moves actively with other foals or animals
• It regularly lets the mare go out of sight without immediately panicking

Gradual or abrupt: which works better?

Research shows that a step-by-step separation produces fewer stress hormones than a sudden separation. Start with periods of one to two hours apart during the day, while the foal and mare can still hear or smell each other. Gradually extend this over the first week. Some stables opt for separation via a sturdy gate panel where the two stand temporarily side by side: they can make contact but the foal can no longer nurse. That intermediate stage lasts three to five days. Full separation — visually as well — is the final step. Record all phases in the horse profile in EquiSight so that you keep a clear overview and forget nothing.

Feeding around weaning

Begin adjusting the mare's feed two weeks before separation. By reducing her concentrate ration you gradually decrease milk production and lower the risk of mastitis. After separation the mare receives only roughage and water for three to five days. For the foal the opposite applies: make sure it is accustomed to a good foal pellet (approximately 500 grams per 100 kg of body weight per day) and has unlimited access to good roughage. If you are unsure about quantities, consult your vet or nutritional adviser.

• Reduce the mare's concentrate feed 2 weeks before weaning
• Give the mare only roughage for 3–5 days after separation
• Check the udder daily for hardness or warmth
• Foal: adjust foal pellets according to weight (weigh weekly)
• Ensure the foal has unlimited access to fresh water

Arranging the stable situation and companionship

A foal left standing alone is far more stressed than a foal with a companion. Ideally, place the foal with a calm, healthy companion: another foal, a pony or even a goat can be enough. Make sure the box is safe with no sharp edges — a stressed foal moves a lot and can easily jump. Do not put the mare in the adjacent box, but also not so far away that they keep hearing each other and remain unsettled. A distance of two to three boxes is a good guideline. Use the calendar in EquiSight to record your daily observations during the first two weeks.

The first week: what should you look out for?

• Check the foal twice a day for appetite and water intake
• Watch for excessive pacing, calling or self-injury
• Observe droppings: very loose manure can indicate stress-related colic
• Check the mare daily for udder problems
• Record the foal's weight and behaviour weekly in the horse profile
• Use EquiCoach for a personalised schedule based on age and weight

Common mistakes when weaning

The most frequent mistake is weaning before the foal is eating reliably on its own. A second pitfall is separating the mare and foal abruptly and completely without a transition period. The mare is also kept on full rations for too long, which can cause udder problems. Finally, owners underestimate how long the process takes: unsettled behaviour in both mare and foal can persist for two to three weeks before it stabilises. Set realistic expectations.