All About Foals: From Birth to Yearling

A foal is the offspring of domestic horses. This term is also used for other equidae such as donkeys, zebras and their crossbreeds to refer to the offspring. For camels, the term "foal" is also used to describe a camel baby. Until the young horse is one year old, it is called a foal. From the age of 1, the foal is a yearling. What is foal? Foal is also used as a verb to describe the birth process of horses, colloquially breeders and vets then say the mare foaled, the mare has foaled or similar. Below we explain everything you need to know about horse foals.

The Foal Birth: Procedure, Aftercare, and Interesting Facts

Specific signs such as behavioral changes and physiological reactions such as a filling udder, wax plugs, swollen vulva and dilated labia, as well as mucus secretions indicate

How Does the Foal Birth Work?

As soon as the foal reaches the birth canal, the amniotic fluid begins to drain and the egg membrane becomes visible. Without any birth complications, the front hooves and mouth appear first, then the head and shoulders. The mare rests briefly with the foal's hind legs still inside her, which promotes mother-child bonding. After the mare stands up, the foal is fully born and the umbilical cord is severed. The mare then licks her foal dry and the afterbirth should follow within two to six hours. To prevent the afterbirth from being walked on, the mare can be tied up. If the afterbirth remains, the vet will decide whether to remove it manually or with medication. In this video, you can find out how the foal birth takes place, what you need to consider during a foal birth and what preparations need to be made:

Aftercare of the Foal

1. The Colostrum

Colostrum is vital for the newborn foal as it is rich in immunoglobulins that protect the foal's immune system. The absorption of these antibodies is only possible shortly after birth, so colostrum should be stored for emergencies. High standards of hygiene are essential to prevent infection.

2. The Umbilicus and the Umbilical Cord

Disinfecting the navel of newborn foals is essential to prevent infections. After the natural tearing off of the navel, disinfection with iodine solution and, if necessary, application of aluminum spray is important. Repeating this several times supports the healing process.

The correct handling of the umbilical cord during foal births is crucial, as it transfers vital nutrients. Waiting for natural breakage is recommended, manual separation only if necessary. After separation, thorough disinfection is necessary and the area should be monitored for inflammation.

3. Intestinal Stool and Why You Should Get Rid of it

A newborn foal should shed its first feces, the meconium, within the first few hours of life. This process is crucial for the foal's health. Delays in defecation may indicate intestinal stool, a blockage caused by the viscous nature of the meconium. Adequate fluid intake and exercise are beneficial for intestinal activity. If a foal persistently fails to defecate or shows symptoms such as diarrhea, contact a veterinarian immediately. It is common for foals to show diarrhea in the first week of life, during the mare's foal heat. However, this condition should regulate itself within a few days. It is important that the foal's well-being does not deteriorate and that the intestinal poop is eliminated. If the diarrhea persists or the general condition worsens, it could be an infectious disease. A rapid veterinary examination is then essential, as the loss of energy and fluids can quickly become critical for the foal and pose risks.

What Complications Can Occur During the Birth of Foals?

The birth of a foal is a critical process during which careful monitoring of the mare is essential. A vet should be informed immediately at the first signs of birth so that any difficulties can be dealt with promptly. The presence of an experienced breeder also ensures adequate aftercare, including the veterinarian checking the afterbirth and foal to ensure the health of both.

The birth of a foal is usually a natural process during which the mare does not normally need any help. Nevertheless, breeders should intervene or contact the vet if certain complications arise:

• The amniotic sac does not burst when the foal is pushed out
• The foal is lying upside down
• After 30 minutes, the foal is not yet fully born
• The afterbirth and the membranes have not completely shed after 2 hours (afterbirth retention)
• The foal does not release intestinal stool

In the event of equine birth complications, prompt action is essential for the health of the mare and foal. Mare management can reduce labor before the vet. Complications are rare but critical. Uterine twists often require surgical intervention; if detected early, the survival rate is high. Premature induction of labor is risky for the foal and should be avoided. If problems arise, a caesarean section may be necessary; in emergencies, fetotomy (an obstetric procedure in horses in which the foetus in the process of being born is cut up and delivered manually) can save the mare. Delayed afterbirths require rapid treatment to prevent complications. Despite the best care, losses are possible. Early detection and intervention are crucial for survival.

Foal Rearing and Care

Rearing foals requires experience and skill. The first few months are critical for the foal's development and well-being. Normally, the foal stays with its mother for six months. Within days of birth, the mother and foal should be given fresh air every day to boost the foal's immune system and acclimatize it to different environments.

The integration of a young horse into a group is crucial for its growth. By interacting with horses of the same age and older horses, the young animal acquires important social skills and promotes its physical and mental development. Typically, the foal is separated from its mother after six months, after which it is raised in a new location.

Choosing a rearing farm requires careful consideration. Start your search early and consider key factors such as herd size, barn quality and pasture condition. An optimal herd composition includes 6 to 10 individuals in group housing. It is also advisable to keep male and female foals separately to minimize the risk of injuries caused by rank battles.

It is essential that the rearing conditions for foals ensure optimum freedom of movement and suitable retreat areas. This includes spacious stables and grazing areas with secure fencing to minimize danger to the animals. A balanced diet, tailored to the requirements of young horses, is essential for their development. Care must be taken to ensure that all aspects of their environment are geared towards the health and well-being of the foals.

From the first week after birth until the foal is one year old, the young horses have a lot to learn. In addition to hoofing, being led, driving a trailer and so on. It is important to proceed with caution and adapt the training sessions to the age and stage of development. While the herd takes on a large part of the training, the foal should also get to know how to interact with humans. You can find out what a foal should be able to do and how you can gently teach a foal these skills in Foal ABC.

Weaning Foals: How Are Foals Separated From the Mare?

Foals are usually weaned in the sixth month, although the timing can vary. In contrast, wild foals stay with their mother for up to 1.5 years, provided she is not pregnant again. Weaning in the wild is a gradual process and even adult young stallions sometimes seek out their mothers. Immediate separation only occurs when the mare is lost. In the wild, foals are weaned naturally at an average age of ten months.

In the developmental phase of a foal, the importance of the mother mare decreases when it begins to eat solid food. The gradual adaptation of the digestive system is essential, as plant-based food is less energy-rich than mother's milk. During the transition phase, the foal builds up social relationships with other horses, which supports the process of separation from the mother. This natural development clearly shows how the needs of a growing foal can differ from the demands that humans sometimes place on them.

Prepare Foals For Weaning:

Careful preparation for weaning a foal is crucial for its development. It is advisable to use the bond between mare and foal to demonstrate positive human-horse interactions. By grooming and training the mare in the presence of the foal, the young animal learns appropriate behavior through observation. This encourages social imprinting and gently prepares the foal for separation from its mother, making the transition less stressful.

To promote the foal's independence, it should be gently accustomed to times without its mother. Daily, brief separation for around ten minutes is suitable for this, whereby care should be taken to ensure that the mother and foal remain visibly and audibly close. This helps to maintain their bond. An alternative is the company of other mares or horses, which give the foal a sense of security as it adapts to the temporary separation from its mother. This method contributes to a gentle and stress-free weaning process

Stress-free Weaning of Foals: The DO's and Dont's

A foal should be weaned step by step to minimize stress. Slow acclimatization to the mother's absence and a gradual change in diet are crucial. If weaning is planned and carried out carefully, the foal will benefit and experience less stress, ideally starting with short separation phases that are gradually extended. A balanced diet that meets the foal's growing needs is essential for healthy development. In addition, attention should be paid to appropriate social integration with other horses in order to avoid behavioral problems.

Do's:

1. Getting foals used to interacting with humans: Start early to get the foal used to being around and interacting with people. Use the time with the mother mare to teach the foal the correct behavior when interacting with people. This can include grooming the foal or working together with the mare
2. Gradual change of diet: A gradual change of diet is crucial to avoid gastrointestinal problems. Start offering the foal solid food as well as breast milk at an early stage. Slowly increase the proportion of solid food and reduce the amount of breast milk at the same time to gently accustom the foal to the new diet.
3. Train the foal well: Start training the foal early to encourage good behavior and avoid problems later on. Teach the foal to respond to simple signals and behave appropriately. This not only makes it easier to handle the foal, but also contributes to its safety.
4. Feeding the right food: Make sure you provide the foal with a balanced diet that meets its needs in order to avoid deficiencies. Take into account both the nutritional requirements and the foal's individual needs. Give him high-quality feed that is specially tailored to his age and stage of development.
5. Socialize weaned foals with other foals or horses: Give the foal company to provide security and ease the transition. Place it with either other foals or adult horses to give it the opportunity to socialize and feel comfortable in its new environment.

Dont's: 

1. Abrupt weaning without training: Avoid abruptly separating the foal from its mother without preparing it beforehand. A sudden separation can cause stress and anxiety in the foal and make it more difficult to adapt to the new situation. Instead, gradually train the foal to be separated from its mother for short periods of time in order to gradually accustom it to its mother's absence.
2. Incorrect or no supplementary feeding: Make sure you offer the foal appropriate supplementary feeding to meet its needs. Missing or inadequate supplementary feeding can lead to deficiency symptoms and health problems. Take the foal's individual nutritional requirements into account and choose high-quality feed that is specially tailored to its needs.
3. Wean the foal alone: Make sure the foal has the company of other foals or horses to avoid loneliness and stress. Being housed alone can cause anxiety and insecurity in the foal and make it more difficult for it to adapt to its new environment. Therefore, give the foal the opportunity to feel comfortable in a group of conspecifics and to establish social contacts.

Not Weaning Foals - Is That Possible?

In theory, it's a lovely idea that foal and mare stay together forever and grow up together. In practice, however, this can be very dangerous for both humans and animals. For the mare in particular, not weaning the foal has health consequences. 

In the wild, the separation of young horses from their dams follows an instinctive pattern. Usually after one and a half to two years, this bond is broken in order to prepare the mare for a new gestation period and at the same time promote the social behavior of the offspring. This phase is crucial for the independent survival of the foal in the herd and helps to consolidate its position within the social structures.

The health of the broodmare is essential for the successful rearing of the foal. Tireless suckling can cause excessive stress, which can result in weight loss and mastitis. Timely weaning of the foal helps to take the strain off the broodmare and ensure she has the necessary time to recover.

But weaning is also very important for the foal itself. It gives the foal the opportunity to interact with its peers and learn important lessons in social behavior. During this phase, the foal learns elementary behaviors that are essential for its later life.

Overall, the timely weaning of foals is an important step to ensure the welfare of both the dam and the foals. It promotes healthy development and allows the foals to develop appropriately in a social environment. Therefore, it is not smart not to wean foals.

Foal Diseases and Health

Foals are sensitive to health problems similar to those of adult horses, including colic and lameness. Early recognition of symptoms such as loss of appetite and lethargy is important. Initial nutritional deficiencies can lead to immunodeficiency and risk of infection. Digestive and umbilical inflammation, joint problems and respiratory diseases are common. Congenital defects and postnatal adjustment difficulties often require intensive care. Diagnosis is based on the foal's individual symptoms. Rapid veterinary intervention is essential for the prognosis. The first few days of a foal's life can be exciting, but there are some alarm signals that require immediate intervention. Watch this video to find out what to look out for in the first few days:

Particular attention should be paid to the foal's navel immediately after birth, as most early illnesses can be traced back to this area. Umbilical inflammation and umbilical hernia require rapid veterinary intervention to avoid serious consequences. Infections are particularly dangerous for foals as their immune system is still immature. Symptoms such as fever, abnormal behavior and discolored, warm lesions should be taken seriously and treated by a veterinarian.

Colic is also a serious condition, even in foals. However, the symptoms can be less clear than in adult horses, which makes diagnosis more difficult. A change in the foal's posture, particularly apathy, arched back or unusual lying positions, can be signs of colic. A thorough examination of the abdomen and possible cramps can also provide clues. If colic is suspected, a vet should be consulted immediately in order to initiate appropriate treatment.

Worming: When Does a Foal Need to be Wormed?

Gastrointestinal parasites are problematic in foals without immunity. Deworming the mare before birth reduces the risk of infection for the foal, which can pick up parasites early on through milk or contact with stable surfaces. Early deworming of the foal within the first two weeks is therefore important. The choice of dewormer and the schedule for follow-up treatments must be individually determined and monitored to ensure effectiveness. Coordinated deworming management with the vet is essential for a healthy start for the foal.

Vaccinating foals: Which vaccinations does a foal need?

An adapted vaccination schedule for foals is important and starts with basic vaccinations against tetanus and influenza at six to seven months. Additional vaccinations, such as against rabies, are given after a risk assessment. Regular consultations with the vet are necessary to ensure protection and to adjust the vaccination schedule. The costs underline the importance of animal health. Booster vaccinations ensure long-term immune protection. Local risks and accurate documentation are important for health management. Regular health checks detect diseases at an early stage. Immediate veterinary clarification is required if the vaccination status is undefined.

Foal Feeding and Nutrition

Feeding foals appropriately contributes significantly to their development. In the first few months of life, the right nutrition is essential to cover the nutritional requirements for growth. Feeding should be gradually adapted to the foal's needs. It is important to supplement foals, especially if the mare's milk is not sufficient. High-quality foal feed, which is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals as required, supports the healthy development of the skeleton and muscles. A balanced feeding plan ensures that foals receive all the necessary nutrients and lays the foundation for a long and active life.

At birth, a foal weighs around 10% of its full-grown weight. Over the coming months and years, it must gain a lot of weight, grow evenly and learn. The first few hours after birth are particularly important, as foals do not have a functioning immune system during this time. The colostrum, also known as colostrum, which the mare gives is therefore of crucial importance. It contains a high concentration of antibodies that give the foal passive immunity and protect it from pathogens. It is important that the foal consumes the colostrum within the first 4 hours after birth, as the concentration of antibodies decreases rapidly.

If a foal is unable to ingest colostrum for various reasons, measures must be taken quickly to provide it with antibodies. This can be done by administering frozen colostrum, colostrum powder or veterinary measures such as rapid antibody tests.

The correct feeding of foals begins in the first few weeks of life. When feeding foals, care should be taken to ensure an optimum supply of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Care should be taken to ensure that the feed contains highly digested raw materials, sufficient energy, an appropriate protein content and good bioavailability of trace elements. You can usually find the right feed for the foal from popular feed companies such as Pavo, St. Hippolyt, Josera and others. But the mare should not be forgotten either. You can find out why zinc is so important for mares and foals in the following video:

After weaning from the mare, foal feeding should continue to be carefully organized. A multi-stage weaning process in which contact between foal and mare is gradually reduced can minimize stress for both parties. Roughage and grazing should always be available to promote healthy bone and joint development.

Reducing the Risk of Osteochondrosis in Foals

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a disease of the skeletal system that can occur particularly in fast-growing foals and young horses. OC results in impaired development of the articular cartilage, which can lead to pain, restricted movement and lameness. The exact causes of OC are complex and can include genetic factors as well as environmental and management conditions.

Feeding foals plays an important role in the prevention of OC. A balanced ratio of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium is crucial for the healthy development of bones and joints. Too rapid a growth rate can increase the risk of OC, so it is important to ensure a moderate energy intake to control the foal's growth.

In addition, special nutritional supplements can help to reduce the risk of OC. Studies have shown that targeted nutritional supplementation in the first year of life can significantly reduce the likelihood of OC/OCD. These supplements often contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are necessary for the healthy development of bones and joints.

5 Foods That Can be Dangerous For Foals:

Foals should avoid certain foods to ensure their health and well-being. Some of the most important things foals should not eat are:

Poisonous plants: Foals often have an instinct to explore and sample everything in their environment. It is therefore important to ensure that they do not have access to poisonous plants that can cause serious health problems. This includes plants such as ragwort, monkshood, deadly nightshade and many other plants that can be dangerous not only to foals but also to adult horses.

Excessive amounts of grain: Grain contains carbohydrates and starch, which can be difficult for foals to digest, especially in large quantities. Excessive grain feed can lead to digestive problems such as colic.

Too much sugar: Foods with a high sugar content, such as sweets or sugary snacks, should be avoided as they can increase the risk of metabolic disorders and obesity.

Large amounts of fresh grass: Although grass is a natural food source for horses, large amounts of fresh grass can lead to digestive problems, especially if the foal is not used to it. A slow introduction of grass into the diet is therefore important.

Feed for adult horses: The nutritional needs of foals differ from those of adult horses. Feeds formulated for adult horses may not contain the right nutrients and too much energy that are not formulated in the right proportions for foals. These feeds can then also promote growth diseases such as osteochondrosis (OC).

Foal Behavior and Training

A foal has to learn a lot in the course of its rearing. Haltering, being touched, being led, giving hooves, and also that people are not to be climbed on or run over or bitten, as is the case when foals play. In short, the foal ABC. But what are the foal ABCs? How does the foal ABC work? What is right and what is wrong? How do I get a foal to accept and like humans? Or rather, how can we convince foals that humans are not as bad as they seem from the foal's perspective? In the following you will find out what the foal ABC is, how it works and what criticisms there are of this model. We will also give you tips and tricks on how to make foal training a routine and even fun exercise.

What is the Foal ABC?

The foal ABC describes the basic skills that a foal should learn from its mother before weaning. This includes certain behaviors and how to interact with humans. A well-trained foal will become a relaxed, reliable, independent and cooperative partner. Training should take place in short, stress-free sessions and should not feel like work for the foal. A sufficiently large living space, exercise and social contact with conspecifics are also important for healthy development, but are regarded as basic requirements and do not fall directly under the foal ABC.

How Does the Foal ABC Work?

There is a lot to discover in the first few weeks of a foal's life, as it experiences all environmental influences for the first time in its life. Every foal carries a basic trust, but also a basic mistrust, as this enables them to react appropriately to dangers in the wild. It is therefore important to trust and bond with the foal and to reduce mistrust. In the first weeks and even months of life, the young foal is strongly oriented towards the mother mare. It is therefore an advantage if the mother is well-mannered, has confidence in humans and knows and accepts many things such as leading, hoofing, grooming and loading.

The best way to instill confidence in a foal and how to get it used to grooming, hoofing, leading and loading can be can be built up gently, explains Anne Krüger-Degener. How do we ensure that foals learn everything that is important in life and why is it so important that foals have so many positive experiences in their first months of life?

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Foal ABC:

1. Let the foal touch you: Start by gently touching your foal and paying attention to its reactions.take your cue from the mother mare to gain the foal's trust.start relaxed and patiently, give the foal time to get used to the
2. Getting used to the halterAs soon as the foal is relaxed about being handled, you can start halter training.open the halter at the poll and pull it on in a relaxed manner to create positive associations.avoid pulling the halter over the ears to avoid discomfort.
3. Hoofing: Start hoofing playfully without putting any expectations or pressure on the foal.Support the foal when it lifts its hooves to give it confidence.Allow the foal time to get used to the movement and gain positive experience.
4. Take a few steps on the halter: Lure the foal with your body language to playfully get it to take a few steps on the halter, avoiding pulling and pressure, instead building trust and curiosity.
5. Getting loaded: Train the foal to relax in the trailer to prepare it for transportation and make sure that the foal has positive experiences when being loaded and does not develop any fear.
6. Politeness in handling: Teach the foal to be polite with people, especially when feeding.Show the foal that it should respect people's personal space and not show aggressive behavior.
7. Vet visits and medical training: Get the foal used to visits to the vet and medical treatments by calmly and patiently preparing him for them.Practice having the foal stand still and allow you to touch him to carry out examinations.

Medical Training: Getting the Foal/Horse Used to the Vet

Getting a foal used to medical procedures at an early stage is crucial for its later calmness during veterinary treatments. Through positive associations during medical training, the animals learn that injections, worming and fever measurement are not a threat. As foals have not yet had any negative experiences with these procedures, they can grow up without fear and later, as adult horses, deal with medical procedures without stress. However, horse owners should take care not to transfer their own nervousness to the animal, as horses can react very sensitively to the emotions of their owners. A calm and confident approach is therefore essential to build trust and ensure the foal's well-being.

‍Foal Purchase and Sale

Buying a foal is an alternative option if your own mare cannot be used for breeding. Foals for sale can often be found at specialized auctions or via online offers from breeders. Interested parties can, for example, choose a Friesian foal or a grey foal, i.e. find the foal for sale that meets their requirements. If you are interested in an auction, you can visit a foal auction locally or online to find a suitable young animal, and for those who want to support the preservation of endangered horses, there is also the option of rescuing foals that are in need. Buying a mare and foal is also a popular choice to acquire both the dam and her foal. Foal weanlings, young horses that have just been separated from the mare, are also available. Totilas foals, offspring of the famous dressage stallion, also attract a lot of interest. But not only Totilas foals, but also foals by famous show jumping sires are frequently offered for sale.

There are many ways to get a foal. But there are also a few things to consider when buying a foal. Here are the most important things to consider when buying a horse.

FAQ - Did You Know?

1. How much does a foal cost?

Prices for foals vary depending on breed, pedigree and suitability. You can get foals for as little as €200, but you should ask yourself what you are buying and why the foal is so cheap. Because €200 is nowhere near enough to cover the costs that the owner had until the foal was sold. There is usually something wrong when foals are sold for so little money. Is it sick, does it have health restrictions? 

Normally, the price for foals that will later become leisure horses is between €1,500 and €3,000. For sport horses, you can expect to pay at least €5,000 upwards. Depending on the pedigree and genetic potential, the purchase price can also be in the five-digit range.

2. What are the monthly costs for a foal?

Rearing foals requires prudent financial planning. The expenses for a mare with a foal include feed, stabling and medical care. In order to feed foals correctly, the nutritional requirements should be carefully considered. Especially when raising a smaller bred foals like Shetlands, the costs can differ from those of a large horse, as these smaller horses have different nutritional requirements. The costs of raising a foal relate to all aspects of care, from nutrition to health care. A horse with a foal requires additional resources to ensure the welfare of both animals. Investing in the health and development of a foal through adequate mare and foal care can contribute significantly to its future success as a riding or breeding animal.

On average, these costs are incurred during rearing after weaning:

• First vaccinations: Costs for tetanus, influenza and herpes: €50 to €80 per vaccination
  Basic immunization with three vaccinations = €150 to €250 in total
• Rearing stable: Monthly accommodation costs: from € 200 upwards, depending on region and service
• Training costs: Costs for breaking in and training: at least € 400 per month (in Germany, may vary in other countries), depending on the type of support, additional costs for full board at the training facility is not included in this calculation
• Insurances: Insurance policies such as liability insurance, surgery insurance, life insurance, etc. Contribution from €100 per month or more, depending on the sum insured and provider
• Veterinary costs: Foals like to injure themselves with small cuts or by playing with other foals. The costs vary here, but can easily reach €200 per month.

3. Can a horse have several foals?

Horses can give birth to several foals, but twin births are risky and often life-threatening for the foals and mares. Twin pregnancies are therefore avoided in breeding. Medical examinations are crucial in order to detect this early and, if necessary, to remove an embryo so that only a healthy foal is born.