During the day the newborn and it’s mother are moved to a small, grassy pasture adjacent to our home so that they may continue to be monitored closely.  For the first three to seven days the foal and mother will be returned to the barn at night for closer observation and handling. Our goal is that babies will receive imprint training and wear a halter during the first seven days. All foals are trained to lead, be touched all over, and allow us to handle their feet. Depending upon the foal and our schedule babies may receive this training at different times in their development. New mothers and their babies are pastured as a group together, often with other expectant mares. Mares and their foals may be reintroduced to the herd after the foals are at least 30 – 45 days of age.

We strongly believe socialization, sunshine, and exercise are integral parts of the development of a mentally and physically sound young horse. Foals are allowed to enjoy life as horses and grow up playing among their siblings in our large pastures. Babies are not fed a diet high in grain. Rather they drink rich mares milk and nibble on pasture. This allows for steady growth without harmful effects on young joints and tendons. (To learn more, research OCD, contracted tendons, epiphysitis, and insulin resistance.)

We adhere to a strict worming regimen and babies are wormed monthly beginning at one month of age with fenbendazole (Safeguard) wormer to prevent infestation with round worms. At six weeks of age the foals begin a six week worming rotation with Ivermectin in addition to the monthly fenbendazole. At age six months, the Ivermectin may be replaced with Quest, depending upon the foal. Worming with fenbendazole will continue for the foals entire first year of life. The devastating effects of roundworm infestation cannot be understated.

Babies may be weaned anywhere from four to six months of age. Things that affect our choice of weaning dates may include body condition of the foal, body condition of the mare, maturity and size of the foal, purchase contracts, and show schedules. The foal’s health is never compromised for sake of showing or sales, however. Foals are weaned with other babies of similar ages whenever possible to decrease stress. They eat better together and give one another comfort. Most foals quickly recall the early lessons and human interaction they experienced in their first month of life. At some point during weaning foals are acclimated to living in a stall. We have found that yearlings and older horses who have never been exposed to life in a stall often do not adjust as quickly should that later become necessary. Even horses who live in the pasture 99% of the time may eventually require stall rest or be taken to a show. It is much less stressful for them (and easier on the stalls) if they have previously experienced this routine. Sometimes buyers keep their horse in a boarding stable. We want them to receive a relaxed animal, comfortable with being housed in a stall if that is necessary. After a period of roughly two to four weeks in the barn the weaned foal may be returned to an outdoor enclosure with it's companions.

Once the foal is independent from it’s mother, much more exposure is provided to the sights and sounds of the world. We like our foals to be light on the lead and we strive to breed willing, people oriented animals who are a pleasure to train. Whenever possible our babies are exposed to mailboxes, streamers, traffic, loading and unloading from the trailer, walking on a variety of surfaces, walking through woods and ravines, over logs, and through water. We try to expose our young horses to electric clippers, baths, stocks, dogs, poultry and four wheelers. We implement Clinton Anderson methods to help ensure that buyers will receive a well behaved youngster. The degree of handling and training that each colt has had at the time it leaves the farm will vary. And results vary based on the colt itself. Like children, they respond and learn at their pace. You may view pictures of our interaction with the foals by clicking on the thumbnails below.

Weanlings are fed free choice high quality coastal bermuda hay along with a small amount of 16% grain, sunflower seeds, and Coco-Soya oil. They have access to salt and minerals at all times.

None of our foals receives any vaccine before four months of age, and if not sold, it is likely that the foal will not receive any before six months of age. This is because research has shown the immunity conferred to the foal through its mother's milk will interfere with the desired action of the vaccine. Of course buyers may request that their foal receive vaccines and we will be happy to either administer the vaccinations, or have them given by a licensed veterinarian.

We are very comfortable with the way in which we raise our foals and our healthy babies, and satisfied buyers are testament to it's success. Our goal is, and always has been, to produce structurally correct, mentally and physically sound animals to provide you with the riding companion of a lifetime. We thank you for taking the time to read this brief narrative of the method we use to raise babies. It is certainly not an all inclusive description, but it does allow you to see what basics we implement. We love what we do and hope it shows!!

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