[Dr. Doolittle]

She is primarily concerned about the heat and the bugs, and yes-- she is planning to transition them to overnight turnout soon. I'm just concerned because they are logging an awful lot of stall time right now... This is obviously not good for the baby! We had about two inches of rain yesterday and today, so their pasture a complete swamp right now, I'm hoping they will get out tomorrow and that it will have dried up some by then! Ugh, yet one more thing to worry about.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Will she ultimately go out with others?


Hard when your youngster is such a late baby. I had one horse raised alone but really try to have them out in a heard at least until they are a yearling.


I'd also want them out 24/7 but in the end...but I do think you are worrying too much.

[Somermist]

I agree with most others here. Ours are out for night turnout during the extreme heat, inside during the day. I don't want them overheated, but I do want as much time outside as possible. Good luck.

[Equibrit]

So, there is a difficult situation. You have to choose between several potential problems. Take your pick.

[secretariat]

Take all this with a grain of salt. Maximum turnout is best solution, but these little guys do remarkably well in a very wide range of treatment. Do the best you can, and love the little bugger anyway!. She/he will be fine as long as you don't overfeed grain. Feed to the point of thin, not fat.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Thanks secretariat (I appreciate hearing anything to make me feel better, I'm just trying *not* to do the wrong thing--if and when possible!)

The original plan was for her to be moved to a smaller, private place with two other mares and foals--one due at the same time, the other due 6-8 weeks earlier--and wean them all together at the same time. That didn't work out, unfortunately, so this place is Plan B.

She will probably stay at this place at least until she is weaned, maybe until she is a yearling (or longer), depending on the herd situation. The BM has 6 other foals there presently, so she could go out in a foal herd (I will move the mare.) They will probably stay out for most of the time during the cooler months, unless the weather gets really bad; I think that's the healthiest thing for youngsters.

We just need to get past this hot spell so that she can go OUT more; the idea that all this confinement increases her risk for OCD is rather concerning...

[DbHanoverian]

So different from nz. At the moment it's pouring with rain here and the lower paddocks are heading to lakes. All youngsters outside with some hay. Way better for them

[Sunnydays]

My babies love the rain --- but they are not in a mud situation, which makes things quite different.
Enjoy your foal!