DunPainted
Well-Known Member
Last weekend, I went to pick up two weanling colts for myself and a friend. By the grace of God, Donna Herold (Qtr Raes) came with me to pick them up. Sadly, these poor babies had never been handled and were confined in a small area with other mares/foals. Feeling just awful for their dilemma, I purchased a mare from the herd (beautiful black/white) to help them make the transition and returned to Donna's for the night.
When we tried to halter (catch) one of the colts, you'd think he was running for his very life.....just awful. Fortunately, it only took a minute to "catch" him, but he struggled so fiercely while I held him and Donna tried to halter him, that my footing slipped, we fell and broke my right arm.
Same thing happened this week for Donna.....a woman couldn't care for her minis and gave a mare and two foals to her. The foals have NEVER been touched by human hands and are scared to death. Thank God they are in gentle, loving hands or they'd end up with ulcers and a lifetime of fear of humans.
PLEASE, FOR THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF FOALS.......play, brush, pet or just spend time with foals from the moment you see them. I know this is a very controversial subject, but if these precious horses will be entrusted to the care of "humans", they MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH HUMAN CONTACT. There are two reasons.....and a third, if folks are raising minis for the sole purpose of the "business of making a buck".
1. What happens if a foal gets sick and requires medical assistance? If the foal has not been handled, the stress of being messed with will compromise its immune system and healing will be prolonged.
2. Emotionally, foals are happier and better adjusted if they know humans are there to help/care for them. Our colt is so friendly, that he could've been sold many times.....but he's a keeper. His mama, in all of her four years, has had six recorded owners and is a real handful, but getting better.
3. BUSINESS.....friendly foals will sell faster and for more money.
Frankly, I don't subscribe to all the intracacies of foal handling of Dr. Miller. However, it's my humble opinion that taking 30 minutes a few times a day in the first three days of a foal's life (while still in the stall with mama until his vision is 100%) is a GOOD INVESTMENT OF TIME to ensure it's emotional well being.
Now, I'll step down from my soapbox and brace for some flaming!
Cindy
When we tried to halter (catch) one of the colts, you'd think he was running for his very life.....just awful. Fortunately, it only took a minute to "catch" him, but he struggled so fiercely while I held him and Donna tried to halter him, that my footing slipped, we fell and broke my right arm.
Same thing happened this week for Donna.....a woman couldn't care for her minis and gave a mare and two foals to her. The foals have NEVER been touched by human hands and are scared to death. Thank God they are in gentle, loving hands or they'd end up with ulcers and a lifetime of fear of humans.
PLEASE, FOR THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF FOALS.......play, brush, pet or just spend time with foals from the moment you see them. I know this is a very controversial subject, but if these precious horses will be entrusted to the care of "humans", they MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH HUMAN CONTACT. There are two reasons.....and a third, if folks are raising minis for the sole purpose of the "business of making a buck".
1. What happens if a foal gets sick and requires medical assistance? If the foal has not been handled, the stress of being messed with will compromise its immune system and healing will be prolonged.
2. Emotionally, foals are happier and better adjusted if they know humans are there to help/care for them. Our colt is so friendly, that he could've been sold many times.....but he's a keeper. His mama, in all of her four years, has had six recorded owners and is a real handful, but getting better.
3. BUSINESS.....friendly foals will sell faster and for more money.
Frankly, I don't subscribe to all the intracacies of foal handling of Dr. Miller. However, it's my humble opinion that taking 30 minutes a few times a day in the first three days of a foal's life (while still in the stall with mama until his vision is 100%) is a GOOD INVESTMENT OF TIME to ensure it's emotional well being.
Now, I'll step down from my soapbox and brace for some flaming!
Cindy

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