“The first six months of a foal’s life have the greatest impact on his athletic ability and monetary value,” Amy Jergens, DVM, says. “Yet this stage is largely ignored, leading to a significant number of deaths and avoidable complications.”
Source: Western Horseman.
Jergens shares information in the following areas of early foal care:
- The first exam
- Instilling immunity
- Umbilical care
- Colic prevention
- Strong legs to stand on
- Easing into the first turn-outs
- Smart start nutrition
Also see: A bizarre science, Western Horseman, January 25, 2018. When it comes to mothering instinct, there’s no predicting what some mares will do.