At what point would buying a foal not be stupid?

[MelantheLLC]

While I have about 20 years of AA horse-owning experience, I don't know zip about buying, weaning, raising, or training babies and youngsters. But in the course of looking for a replacement for my retiree, I have come across a couple of foals that are kinda maybe little dream guys for me, and I feel this pull...ya know?

So in the back of my mind I start hatching a plan. Cut back a little on my price range for my replacement horse, fib a little to my husband (oh, that? it's a foal, yeah, I guess I forgot to mention...), and maybe I could get a new horse AND a baby.

Just kidding about the hubby; he will support whatever I do.

But seriously, how realistic is this? I board my horse, and I have access at the moment to two excellent dressage trainers and a great barn, but none of that is useful now for a foal, and in 3-4 years, who knows what the situation will be? Trainers move, have kids, barns go private. I don't want to plan that far ahead assuming I'll have the excellent situation I happen to have now.

And for the immediate future, what do you do with a baby horse?

I've been reading the threads about cowboy starters and etc with great interest. I figure I'd have to first find a place for a weanling...for how long and what sort of facility? Does a good breeder help with this sort of thing? Or even board and start their own foals, or are most of them just trying get them off the property to make room for next year?

I'm in my 50's--in one sense this would be a sort of now or never thing for me; in another maybe it should just be never. I'd love to end up with a 6 yr old I could feel safe riding myself, but I'd also be ok with having my trainer ride for me. I'm looking at pretty well-bred foals but I don't really know how to judge a foal and while I totally trust my trainers, both experienced and lovely riders, to judge a horse, I'm not sure they have seen enough foals grow up to judge a baby. Are there people who specialize in judging foals who could be used as agents to help?

What sort of experience and situation would you look for in a first-time foal buyer? What questions should I ask myself about this before I take the plunge?

You can be negative; I'm into horror stories! Try to talk me out of it!:lol:

[RiddleMeThis]

Maybe you could work something out with a breeder where you pay them board and the foal stays there until they are ready to be started under saddle?

That way they have plenty of turnout and socialization and are with people who know what to do.

ETA: I know TrueColours is doing something like that with two or three of her foals that are going to Scotland.

[Formosus]

I would not talk you out of it.
You have to start somewhere. Common sense, horse experience and a place where foal will have plenty of turn out are the three things I look for in buyers for my foals. Lots of fun and very rewarding, some stress or course since foals can go through phases-both mentally and physically but I still think the best partnership is one that starts early and develops.
I think that getting a foal is perfect for people that don't have a lot of time to spend with horses for a few years. Regular handling and some fun training are indicated with youngsters but not long sessions or too rigourous work and plenty of turn out. Perfect for young mothers, or people very busy with another horse but looking to have a replacement in 3 to 4 years....;)
Good luck!!

[sixpoundfarm]

Many breeders are able to board youngsters on a long term, more cost effective basis, where they can grow up more naturally. It can't hurt to ask if they offer that, or know of someone that may. You'll never know if you don't ask.

Good luck, and have fun shopping. :)

[hayisforhorsesss]

I say go for it. My first horse was a 3 week old filly. I had much less experience than you and did just fine.

[Texarkana]

I think purchasing a foal is only a "stupid" move when the buyer is unrealistic about his/her expectations and capabilities.

You sound like you have a very firm grasp on the reality of the situation. I'd say go for it if it's what you want to do. :yes:

As others have said, many breeders would be more than willing to point you in the right direction to ensure the foal has a good up bringing. :)

[Ajierene]

I'm not sure why a weanling could not live at the same place as your other horse. You do not need special fencing or environment for a weanling. While barns do go out of business and decide to go private, this is not always the case and would be an issue if you had one or two horses. I have boarded at the same place for seven years now, prior to that I was somewhere for the single year that it was a boarding facility.

Like others have said, just be sure you have a knowledgeable person with you to help with the selection and purchase process, as well as help with baby issues.

[graystonefarm]

The best part about buying a foal/youngster is that a young horse can develop a special bond with you. I've had many, many horses throughout my life, and none of them have ever come close to the bonds that I have developed with the ones that I have raised. When mine see my truck pull into the driveway, they call to me and come running to the gate. It touches my heart every time. Buy that dream foal you want. :winkgrin:

[MelantheLLC]

Aj, to my mind the barn I'm at would not be good for a weanling, as there is not enough turn-out. It's fine for my old guy; he gets out on a large (dirt) paddock every day for an hour, but that doesn't seem like enough from what I hear of weanlings. There are no other youngsters (under 5) there, or any broodmares or larger pasture.

So I'm sure I'd need to board him elsewhere. I will definitely ask the breeder if I get that far.

How would I ever go about finding someone who could help me judge a foal's movement? Pre-inspection? (I guess the inspectors themselves wouldn't do that, it would be a conflict of interest.)

[Appsolute]

Well, I think weanlings (and yearlings etc) DO need a "special" boarding facility. At least around here, turn out tends to be limited, pastures are few and far between. A stall or a small paddock is not a good arrangement for a baby! They need space, herd mates etc etc.

I found a place for my weanling at a "boarding barn" but she is out on 5 acres with the barn owner's 3 weanlings (well they are all now yearlings!). Has access to a stall etc.

Finding big fields, and good groups to turn out in isn't always easy at a "show barn" or "boarding barn".


I'm not sure why a weanling could not live at the same place as your other horse. You do not need special fencing or environment for a weanling.

[jherold]

The reason not to buy a baby: 3+ years of boarding it and paying it's bills without being able to ride it. Plus when it is old enough, there is no guarentee that it will have grown up to what you want. (Did it grow too big, too small, too wide, too dominant...)

When you add up the cost, it's cheaper to buy a 3yr old and you'll have a better idea of what you are getting. If you had your own farm, that would be different. At least it wouldn't be as expensive. (3yrs board at $400/month =$14,400)

Plus, remember, babies get cut on air. What happens to the weanling if it happens to sustain a carreer ending injury at the age of 6 months? I figure those early years are when the suicidal ones get weeded out!

[Giddy-up]

I bought a just turned yearling that is now 5. Cause my other horse was 10 at the time & this was a "project" for me to work with so I'd have my next horse.

Have I wanted to rip my hair out? Question my sanity? Cry? Wonder what the heck I was ever thinking?? Sell everything? Yup. :yes: But I wouldn't trade ANY of it. :D Not for any of those "first" moments I got to be a part of. Or that I am his "momma". Or when things are going realllly good I get be all proud & say "yup, that's my baby".

I will say that I am blessed that my parents have a small backyard barn so I was able to turn him out a lot while I was waiting for him to grow up (and still do now when I am not riding) & didn't have to spend tons in board $$ when he was a baby. And don't buy a baby thinking it will be cheaper--believe me, it all evens out!

I don't think you are going to find many here that will advise you against it. We are enablers. ;) I just say make sure you have a game plan so that if you start to feel in over your head, you have names/numbers of people you can call to assist you.

[MelantheLLC]

Thanks, JH, that's the kind of slap in the face I'm looking for!
:winkgrin:

[skatepixie]

There's a first time for everything and everyone who's ever owned a young horse has had a first one. What you don't know you can learn.

I think, though, that if you do it, it would be easier to do it with the support of a trainer or BO who's done it before. A lot of people at my barn have done this. You may want to find a barn that is known for being good for youngins and then switching to another barn/trainer later. Ask around...maybe your current trainer even knows someone.

[Lesley Feakins]

I don't think buying a weaning is stupid. Just make sure you do you homework on what your buying and hopefully you will end up with something at age 3 that you would never have been able to afford...unless you purchased it as a weaning.

Ask the breeder if they would board the foal .. many breeders will...we do. If not there are a few farms around who specialize in raising youngsters...again do your homework, very important...get your weaning insured as soon as you buy...even with the best care...things can happen.

[not again]

Everyone is giving you great advice. I only want to add one thing: buy two weanlings. They are like candy, once you have one, you will want another!;):yes:

[FlashGordon]

The reason not to buy a baby: 3+ years of boarding it and paying it's bills without being able to ride it. Plus when it is old enough, there is no guarentee that it will have grown up to what you want. (Did it grow too big, too small, too wide, too dominant...)

When you add up the cost, it's cheaper to buy a 3yr old and you'll have a better idea of what you are getting. If you had your own farm, that would be different. At least it wouldn't be as expensive. (3yrs board at $400/month =$14,400)

Plus, remember, babies get cut on air. What happens to the weanling if it happens to sustain a carreer ending injury at the age of 6 months? I figure those early years are when the suicidal ones get weeded out!

Oh I hate to be a downer but have to agree with this.

Having done the foal thing (though mine was accidental-- "here, FG, want a filly?") spent a ton of money I didn't have on vet bills, training, board, etc. and eventually ending up with a lovely mount whose personality clashed with mine, I'd go for a 3 year old.

You can get a better sense of their temperament and potential at that age and you aren't far off from starting real work with them. But they are still young, generally without baggage, and starting them under saddle and watching them progress is FUN!

Good Luck!

[YankeeLawyer]

I haven't read all the replies but a number of breeders offer to board their weanlings fairly long-term. Linda Woltz, for example, at Walnut Farm sometimes boards for clients until the horses are started under saddle at 3 (and beyond, in some cases). The key thing for babies is that they have adequate turnout and appropriate pasture mates (some strongly prefer same age buddies only; I have had good results with that as well as pairing them with my super babysitter gelding, who is 5). In any event, you don't want them to be bullied, but they need good friends/ role models. Also, generally, in my opinion, it is better to find a farm that is focused on or at least has experience raising youngsters. Having a knowledgeable person who will be handling the baby is really important. And, often such places cost a lot less than boarding at a show barn, so that is a plus.

[Sugarbrook]

The weanlings I have sold stayed with me at a nominal fee until they were two in some cases and 3 in others.
I agree, it would be more cost effective to purchase a 3 year old. Sometimes the "cream of the crop" are spoken for at a young age. Or, if I have put more than normal effort into them from weanling on, it will reflect in their price as a 3 yr old.

Its a catch 22. But the babies are SO MUCH FUN!!!! And you can show them on the line and have a ball.

[BeastieSlave]

The sensible thing would be to buy a young horse that is ready to start or has already been started. There are so many things that can happen between weaning and starting.....

With that said, I must confess that I bought a weanling for myself and just love it!!!

On one hand, like the others have said, he's gotten banged up way more that I'd like (he tried to jump out of the stall window that was 5' above the floor, ran into the side of the barn and needed stitches in his face, etc.) and earned the name "Bubble Boy" because sometimes I think he should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Each time something like that happens I have visions of how it would be to have a 18 month old pasture puff :eek: There have been a few times when I wondered what I was thinking.....

On the other hand, he's a joy to have around :yes: My other beasties love him, my kids love him, I love him. He's easy to handle, totally unflappable, and everything I ever wanted in a horse. He's special :D I can do anything with him - I decided early on to teach him all those things that I feel a horse should know. He's 16 months old now and bathes, clips, has mane pulled, loads, trailers, is good for leg wraps, is used to fly spray, blanketing, stands for the vet & farrier, ponies from a horse, goes out on trails alone, etc.

It makes me happy to have him there on the back burner while my time, energy, and $ is focused on the kids' riding. I just remind myself that by the time #2 graduates from high school, my baby should be under saddle and it will be all about me (& him) again! In the meantime, we're having a ball :yes:

[Ajierene]

MelantheLLC and Appsolute - I understand what you are saying. I live in an area where the only minimal field turn out is at the race training facilities, so I wasn't thinking of it that way. In that case, if your facility is not ideal or your area of the world is more 'citified', yeah, find a better place.

Oh I hate to be a downer but have to agree with this.

Having done the foal thing (though mine was accidental-- "here, FG, want a filly?") spent a ton of money I didn't have on vet bills, training, board, etc. and eventually ending up with a lovely mount whose personality clashed with mine, I'd go for a 3 year old.

You can get a better sense of their temperament and potential at that age and you aren't far off from starting real work with them. But they are still young, generally without baggage, and starting them under saddle and watching them progress is FUN!

Good Luck!

As a note on this - I received, as a gift, a 10 month old filly. She was supposed to mature to a black 16HH Standardbred/QH cross. I am told, even though her ears are big enough to be confused for a mule, she has a wispy mane and tail and sclera, she still could be a Standardbred/QH cross. They had a QH and Appaloosa stud on the farm, however. She matured to 14.2HH, is gray and has the greatest personality ever. She also belongs now to a family that trail rides.

Like I stated - she was a gift and I did not have to pay board on her. Great, right? Yeah, until she got some neurological infection - about $4K later in vet bills she is fine. Paying those kinds of bills on a yearling, not being sure if she will be coordinated enough to ride when she gets older is a tough one and one of the dangers of owning a foal.

[Mozart]

The only thing dumber than buying a foal is breeding one. I speak from experience, having done both....

Joking aside, you have been given good advice. Go for it I say. Another thing to think of...it seems to me that the price jump from weanling to yearling is not that great. If I wasn't breeding my own now I think I might familiarize myself with the weanlings produced by my local breeders...then wait a year and buy it then. Market is a slow, young horses are not flying off the shelf. One less year of potential injury for you to worry about. And if you wait and look at them when they are yearlings..you will have no clue what to buy.

Another piece of advice is to go to as many inspections as you can. You will see what the different stallions produce and you will learn a lot by listening to what the inspectors are saying. When you first start looking at the babies it is hard to get past the cuteness factor. Then your eye slowlyl become more educated and you can see why one was premium and the other not.

Babies are a blast! Happy shopping!

[Edgewood]

Another piece of advice is to go to as many inspections as you can. You will see what the different stallions produce and you will learn a lot by listening to what the inspectors are saying. When you first start looking at the babies it is hard to get past the cuteness factor. Then your eye slowlyl become more educated and you can see why one was premium and the other not.

Babies are a blast! Happy shopping!

This is very good advice. I personally think that you should go for it as long as you have considered all the pros and cons. Babies can get hurt, but many grow up fine without any injuries at all. I have bought 2 weanlings and raised them both to be superb mares who are fun under saddle (you can see the two on my website - Ghalewind and Ghlycerine). I have bred several more (most of which I sold as weanlings), although I have 2 yearling fillies which are keepers. I enjoyed every minute of having them grow up. But the upside was that I had my own property to raise them, which was helpful.

I also agree with the poster about the bond that young horses develop with their handlers - at least if you go out and "hang out" with them. My babies love me and will come running from whereever in their 10 acre pasture to see me. That always makes me happy.:D

As far as what you can do with them - well lots of groundwork, going to in hand shows, etc, for a start!

Have fun!

[YankeeLawyer]

I also agree with the poster about the bond that young horses develop with their handlers - at least if you go out and "hang out" with them. My babies love me and will come running from whereever in their 10 acre pasture to see me. That always makes me happy.:D


That is priceless. When I walk in my barn I am always greeted with lots of nickers; I love that!!

[tri]

If you want a baby because you want a baby, go for it.

If you want a baby because you want to grow him/her up into your next replacement horse, don't do it. Go find a 3 or 4 year old (or older) already going that you can really KNOW what you are getting.

Babies don't always grow up to be what you want them too no matter how well bred to do the ONE thing you think they were bred to do. Shoot even the breeders of the foals can only say they "might" be suitable as a hunter.....or as a jumper.....or as a dressage horse... or whatnot.

Horses have their own ideas, wants and desires and if you want a hunter, the horse may decide , once grown, that jumping just isn't his cup of tea. Or visa versa with dressage, eventing, etc.

You just don't know until they get going under saddle. And I don't buy the idea that just because the foal is sweet at 6 months old, that, once grown, they will be sweet under saddle. Some like to work and some like to live in the field and you better believe they will express their opinion once the novelty wears off at about ride # 18.

[Oakstable]

The biggie is having access to adequate turnout. I'm amazed at what some folks have for turnout. Yipes.

My youngsters stay out overnight in a 3 acre hillside field.

That's in SoCal, a turnout space that is really hard to come by.

My place is very modest, but turnout in a BIG space and with OTHERS is critical. My little herd numbers four: two three-year-olds, one two-year-old and one yearling.

The three-year-olds should be in training now, but some older ones need their own person first.

[railmom]

The only thing dumber than buying a foal is breeding one.

Oh, I LOVE this one!!!!

[facinated]

Buying foals is great for the horse industry. It supports and encourages small breeders. If you are trying to replace your retiree with a foal that may be a problem. If he is gentle he can mentor the baby for 2 or 3 years while it matures. But you need something else to do with your time. Baby horses are easy to get to do what you want, but after that needless repetition usualy leads to trouble. The way the market is now you can buy project horses cheap to mess with while the baby hangs with uncle geezer.

[MelantheLLC]

If you are trying to replace your retiree with a foal that may be a problem...The way the market is now you can buy project horses cheap to mess with while the baby hangs with uncle geezer.

(Hehe, he'd be affronted if I told him you'd called him Uncle Geezer. On turnout, he thinks he's Big Brown. Of course then he whines and whines about how his left shoulder hurts when I ask for shoulder-in.)

No, I will definitely be buying a horse to ride and progress with now. A foal would be "extra."

And some browsing of the 3-4 yr old prices indicates that nobody is giving the good ones away, for sure. I definitely see the points made here about buying one just about ready to ride, but unless I got lucky it appears it would take too big a chunk out of my budget for the horse I need now.

I think it's a good question too about "why" I'd be buying. I'm not sure I have a good answer to that. I am not in a situation where I could raise him myself, so it would be visitation only until he's old enough to go under saddle, and then probably full training with me getting pony rides sometimes, unless he turned out to be a real safe sweetheart. I'm not looking for a replacement in a couple of years--I'm hoping the horse I buy now will take me for at least 7 or so.

So I think it is the dreams, really.

[facinated]

"And some browsing of the 3-4 yr old prices indicates that nobody is giving the good ones away, for sure. I definitely see the points made here about buying one just about ready to ride, but unless I got lucky it appears it would take too big a chunk out of my budget for the horse I need now."
Askin' ain't gettin' If you are loking at horses people have imported to sell they will be expensive if they are good. Go and look at home bred 3 yr olds. Tell the people before you go that you are on a budget but would they mind if you look anyway. If it is a nice horse that you would like to own just say. "That is a realy nice horse, I wish I could afford him. If you ever decide that you would rather have $?? than that horse please let me know, I just love him." An opportunity to sell is the same as a purchase and those people may not be in a position to keep the horse, and refuse the money, especialy if the have other babies coming along.

[Clarion]

First of all, I'd like to remind everyone that ANY horse can get cut on air...nature of the beast. My first horse that I actually owned as an adult was a nice, trained, sound adult horse. Less than a year after I bought him, he had a catastrophic injury to his shoulder while playing at turnout and after a year of stall rest and countless vet bills and treaments, still had to be retired.He makes lovely babysitter for my weanlings, but boy was he an expensive one.

My second horse was the much talked about slightly older-than-a-weanling horse, in my case a two year old. Yes, I could see everything she could have been--except healthy. Despite a clean as a whistle vet check, the poor girl was plagued by health problems her whole life. She colicked--seriously colicked--on a monthly basis, had to be on ulcer medication for years, and despite every effort, remained a chronic colicker. She also had a totally messed up immune system, it overreacted to some things (like getting watermelon sized swellings at every vaccine) and didn't work at all others (like being susceptible to every infection). She was just sick--for one rason or another--all the time.The culmination of all of this was a terrible reaction to a spider bite, which escalated into a weird infection, which escalated into high fevers, which escalated into undiagnosable illness that progressed into founder. Many, many, many thousands later...I have a much beloved pasture pet.

So now I am about to start my bright, shiny three year old. I bred her, I raised her, and I will be the first one on her back. There are no guarantees, but I would not trade the last three years for anything. And if all goes well, I have a horse well beyond any dream I ever had of owning.

While I would agree that it isn't necessarily cheaper to buy a foal; you can get a foal with the potential to be much more than you could EVER afford as an adult horse. What you do with that horse is up to you.

Yes, you will have to make arrangements for it to be boarded somewhere where it can have lots and lots of turnout, and with someone who either knows about nutrition for babies or is willing to accept a special feeding program laid out by your breeder. And be sure to find yourself a breeder who is both knowledgeable and provides quality care to their youngsters. The first six months that your breeder has that foal can have a HUGE impact on the horse it becomes--for better or worse. So do your homework.

But I have sold foals and yearlings to people who have never raised babies before, and I must say they have been GREAT owners. They want so much to do it right and are willing to take advice on the best plan for raising their foals. And they have loved my youngsters to pieces.

So, realize that any horse can get hurt and be ruined five minutes after you buy them, so that alone is not a good reason not to buy a foal. Yes, you do have to wait for them, and if you are strictly in the market for a "vehicle" then that wait probably wouldn't be worth it to you. But if you are looking for a partner...a horse you can bond with in a way that simply doesn't happen when you purchase it at the end of a long list of owners...and you want a quality horse that just wouldn't still be up for sale (at least not for TONS of money) as an older horse, then I say go for it.

[tri]

If you are the kind of rider who can ride just about anything AND LIKE IT, like me, then go for it. If you are the kind of rider that likes a certain kind of horse - and I mean how they go under saddle - then you are setting yourself up for problems. Many (maybe most) riders are the latter versus the former. That is why horse shopping for some is so hard - they are trying to find the "right fit". If you are the type of rider who needs the "right fit", don't buy a baby. If you are the kind who enjoys figuring a horse out and happy with whatever that turns out to be, great!

[YankeeLawyer]

If you are the kind of rider who can ride just about anything AND LIKE IT, like me, then go for it. If you are the kind of rider that likes a certain kind of horse - and I mean how they go under saddle - then you are setting yourself up for problems. Many (maybe most) riders are the latter versus the former. That is why horse shopping for some is so hard - they are trying to find the "right fit". If you are the type of rider who needs the "right fit", don't buy a baby. If you are the kind who enjoys figuring a horse out and happy with whatever that turns out to be, great!

I have to agree with Tri on this point (see, I don't *always* disagree ;)). I was going to make a similar point earlier but was running out the door. I personally am happy riding a variety of types, so I don't have a preconceived idea of what the horse has to be like under saddle.

That said, I have also been very fortunate with my weanling purchases (which may be due to luck as much as anything). I could not have bought these horses as 3 year olds, because their bloodlines are virtually unobtainable here and they would have been too expensive for me. And I bought another one last fall that has been a joy and as a yearling looks very promising.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I also board youngsters for buyers, and have a wonderful young horse starter available. It is a good way to buy a baby, as a breeder can help you thru all of those baby training issues, that make the little guys into good citizens. I have a baby now that the new owner is working with, and I get called out to HELP when they get in trouble. Little issues are really easy to fix as long as I can help them before it becomes a big problem. They are having a blast playing with him.

[CdnRider]

I didn't buy a weanling, I was given an open mare..haha (don't look a gift horse in the mouth...or the uterus).

Anyways, my filly is 16 months old and she's adorable. I don't have a lot of money, but I do have my own land so keeping her until she is rideable is the most cost-effective for me.
I have mainly owned OTTB and she will be the easiest thing to get broke when the time comes. She is likely full TB, I'll be happy if she matures to 15.2, but she baths, clips, ties, ponies. She's worn a surcingle and I sit on her when she's laying down.

OTOH, if I didn't have my own place I wouldn't have her. I enjoy riding too much to sit around and wait. (luckily I have 2 others to keep me happy). She won't be the right horse for me, she's going to be too quiet I think. I like them a bit hot. But I think she'll be a lovely horse for someone else.

[Texarkana]

If you are the kind of rider who can ride just about anything AND LIKE IT, like me, then go for it. If you are the kind of rider that likes a certain kind of horse - and I mean how they go under saddle - then you are setting yourself up for problems. Many (maybe most) riders are the latter versus the former. That is why horse shopping for some is so hard - they are trying to find the "right fit". If you are the type of rider who needs the "right fit", don't buy a baby. If you are the kind who enjoys figuring a horse out and happy with whatever that turns out to be, great!

I think that is an excellent point. :yes:

[Iron Horse Farm]

I don't think buying a weaning is stupid. Just make sure you do you homework on what your buying and hopefully you will end up with something at age 3 that you would never have been able to afford...unless you purchased it as a weaning.

THis is the real reason for me...........I saved and saved and spent all of my savings at the elite foal auction in Germany last year. I could barely afford her and I will have 3 years before I can truly add her to my breeding program. However, I have an elite foal whose bloodlines are everything that I was dreaming of (Lordanos/Landor S/Zeus). When I was shopping for a mare with those bloodlines, I realized that I could buy a house for what some of those girls are selling for.

[YankeeLawyer]

When I was shopping for a mare with those bloodlines, I realized that I could buy a house for what some of those girls are selling for.

Same re my weanling purchases.

[One is Enough]

Foals can get hurt, but I don't think insurance is cost prohibitive. Especially when you consider what your vet bills could be if the foal did get hurt. I think if you have a nice foal that could be worth some $$, then insure it. Sign up for medical, mortality, theft and loss of use.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I felt so much better knowing that the swedish warmblood mare, aka spooks at the wind, was insured for the prepurchase trial period. And when it did not work out, I'm not interested in airs above ground, the insurance premium was refunded.

And no I'm not an insurance salesman.

I too really like foals. I get to play with a friend's appy colt and another's palomino filly this year. Man, they really grow on you. They start out all standoffish and woolly and as soon as you scratch and love on them they are hooked.

On the other hand raising foals is not for everyone. No one is interested in buying a spoiled rotten or unhalterbroken 5 year old. Ask yourself if you can enforce boundaries and have enough time and energy to devote to the foal consistently.