Re: RC: off topic - foals - long

[tallcarabs@juno.com]

  I wouldn't worry too much.  I had a colt last year whose mom was a
little overprotective the first week.  He was totally terrified of people
up until he was nearly a month old.  I just kept working with him --
calmly, giving him scratches and petting.  Now at a year, you can't get
away from him!   Just be patient and keep working with her.  It may take
a while, but all the affection you give her now will be eating away at
her fears.

Rae
Tall C Arabians -- TX

On Tue, 6 Jun 2000 11:07:51 -0400 "vvarney" <vvarney@megalink.net>
writes:
> 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  
>