off topic - foals - long

["vvarney" <vvarney@megalink.net>]

I am having a problem with one of our foals and hope that some one on this list with more experience can offer some insight.

It is a pasture born filly, now two weeks old.

She was born in the night, the next morning we moved her and mom to a grassy paddock beside the house. Mom is wonderful, very attentive ( too attentive?) for the first few days would quietly put herself between the foal and people. Seemed normal, all our other mares have done pretty much the same, she just did it a bit more. The mare has just about gotten over that now and doesn't mind us near the baby. But the baby does mind. Gets totally hysterical and will do any thing to get away.

We have tried putting them in a stall so I could corner her and just quietly touch/hold her until she settled down but I have not seen any improvement. I hate having them shut in.

I have been catching her three times a day and just quietly handling her but there is no improvement. I never let her go when she struggles, only when she stands quietly.

I don't know what else to do. I can't imagine handling her when she is older and bigger.........

The other foals love people and after the first few days seek out anyone that will come near, loving to be petted and scratched. 

I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through a similar situation, or who has any suggestions.

Thanks.

 

Vicki