Growth and Development of Horses Presentation Part 1: Weanlings #8901-D

Objectives Explain the growth and development of foals and weanlings Describe training methods associated with foals

Objectives Evaluate training methods for yearling horses Discuss management and training of two-year-old horses

Overview The following are important vocabulary terms that horse people must be familiar with: Filly – a female foal up to 3 years of age Colt – a male foal up to 3 years of age

Overview Foal – horse or pony from birth to January 1st of the following year Weanling – weaned foal Gelding – castrated male horse or pony of any age

Overview Yearling – horse or pony during first year after the 1st of January following its birth Long Yearling – yearling after 18 months of age & up to 24 months of age

Overview Mare – female horse or pony after 3 years of age Stallion – non-castrated male horse or pony after 3 years of age

Weanlings Weaning - stressful time for horses Taken away from mother & rich milk Placed with other weanlings Fed grain & hay only

Weanlings 4 months old - weaned without causing nutrient deficit By that time, they get most of their nutrients from creep feed & just a little from mare’s milk

Weanlings Ideal to wean with at least one other foal or place them with another horse or farm animal Social animals – Do not tolerate being alone very well when they are young

Weanlings Apt to be very excitable at weaning – Place in paddock or box stall where they cannot hurt themselves Separate them from their moms – Where they cannot see or hear them End of a week, will be accustomed to being away from mother

Weanlings Separate fillies & colts when they are 6-8 months old – May end up with unwanted pregnancy Puberty may occur as young as 10 months old – Puberty - attainment of sexual maturity; age when animal becomes capable of reproduction

Weanlings Take care of weanlings & their nutrition or growth will be impeded Balance essential nutrients in ration that is palatable to meet nutritional needs – Must feed ration containing sufficient calcium & phosphorous to form strong bones