Foaling Down

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At Rheinwood Pastoral Co we understand just how imperative it is for owners that their foal is born safely. After over 11-months gestation the birth is often the culmination of much planning and research.  Mares that are foaled down on the farm are closely monitored during the day and then at night are moved into smaller flood lit paddocks with night watch staff in constant attendance.

 

Once a mare foals she is brought into our stables with her offspring for three to four nights on straw bedding and is moved out to a smaller yard during the day.

 

The mare and foal then move to our 9-day yards to restrict the foal’s movement as their joints are developing and to ensure that they are not run around by their mothers looking for their broodmare mate. We want their legs to strengthen as best they can during this important early stage.

 

The mare and foal then graduate to larger paddocks with a few other mares and foals close to the stables. At the age of 2-3 weeks the foal is then handled by our staff, beginning their educational process. This continues until the weaning program begins. We review their legs and if appropriate have our farrier carry out remedial work; we then constantly review their feet and trim.