Raising a foal can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a tremendous responsibility both financially and physically in caring for your lifelong companion. We strongly encourage anyone considering adoption of a foal to read everything you can get your hands on pertaining to foals and horses. You’ll find a list of our preferred publications and websites on our Links page.

Be advised that you will find many different opinions on every aspect to raising foals. It’s important to evaluate as many as you can to make informed decisions on behalf of your foal. A common mistake made in raising orphaned foals is that because they are such adorable, curious and seemingly delicate creatures, some people have the tendency to raise them as they would a big dog or a member of their human family. Don't make this mistake! Consider how you play with children or pets... certain behaviors they exhibit when they are small and relatively harmless are sometimes cute and encouraged, but as they grow older and larger those behaviors can become habits and be very serious. Foals are horses and horses are herd animals and can be very dangerous creatures if not raised properly. Since your foal will be an orphan, it will be your responsibility to help your foal to become a horse... not a big dog and certainly not a human! Ultimately, we are strong advocates of staying calm in every situation, utilizing common sense and using lots of patience and love in training your foal(s) so that you can establish the appropriate boundaries and build a lifelong relationship of mutual respect.

The following information is intended as a general guideline in caring for an orphaned foal.

• Feeding: What goes in… must come out on a regular basis. Whether its milk replacer, grain, hay or grass…a foal’s stomach is relatively small and its digestive system delicate. Evacuation of the bowels will often be within a few minutes of eating. Fresh, clean water and trace mineral salt should always be available.
• Shelter: Access to draft-free, safe, clean, sheltered environment. Whether it is inside a barn or separate stall, the shelter should provide a draft-free, shady retreat from the elements and should be kept clean of manure and urine daily.
• Hoof Care: Work with foal daily to pick up their feet. Start this training early to ensure good farrier habits and healthy hooves. Consult your certified farrier to give primary examination and establish a regular trimming schedule. Early farrier work can correct future problems with feet and legs.
• Worming: Regular worming to protect that fragile intestinal system. Worms can cause serious illness and sometimes death in foals. Regular worming schedule is vital to foal’s good health.
• Veterinary Care: Vaccinations should be given at 3-5 months of age. Discuss with your equine veterinarian the vaccinations suggested for your region/area. Make certain your vet gives a thorough initial examination of your foal and don’t forget to follow up with those boosters.
• Practical Handling: Also known as “gentling” your foal. Take plenty of time in handling your foal…pick up its feet, rub its ears and brush all over its body, putting a halter on and taking it off after a few minutes 2-3 times daily. Get it accustomed to being handled and it will become happy and well-adjusted.
• Exercise: Foals need lots of exercise to strengthen their tendons and muscles. Start with socializing your foal with an older horse or another foal (make certain it is safe partner that won’t injure your foal). Teaching your foal to lead will help it to bond to you and provide much needed exercise. Never tie your foal anywhere until it has been taught to lead! As your foal gets older and its attention span increases, take on longer walks and familiarize it with trailer loading and unloading.