In response to a question we received this week about the hows of leading a foal, we think you will find this blog post from Stonestreet Farm helpful with its guidance on lead training - teaching a horse to safely walk alongside its handler who holds a lead rope. And for more on early handling, imprinting, and halter training, check out this article by Heather Smith Thomas available on The Horse.
Read MoreFoal Care
At birth, a Thoroughbred foal usually weighs between 100 and 125 pounds, roughly 10 percent the weight of its mother.
A foal can stand as soon as 30 minutes after its birth. It is important for a foal to learn to stand quickly so it can nurse.
Foals typically learn to walk and then gallop within the first 24 hours of their lives. In the wild, escaping predators and keeping up with the herd are critical skills for foals.
Foals are born with legs at 80 to 90 percent the length of their adult legs. Long legs give foals an advantage in the wild, helping them travel long distances and stay safe with their herd.
Foals start eating grass or hay between one and two weeks old. They grow quickly and can gain between two and four pounds a day.
Check out our recent Education Blog posts below throughout the season for information about foaling and foal care, and select “Read More” below to see all our Foal Care posts.
