Hi Vickie: It may take time, you may try this when you are feeding mom do
it by hand. Baby will see that its O.K. to come to these strange creatures by
visual association and what to mimic what mommy does. I would suggest that you
not attempt to use this to capture the foal just to break down barriers that it
has.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2000 8:07
AM
Subject: RC: off topic - foals -
long
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