friend for foal

[lampshade]

Hi

I have a foal who sadly is the only one born on our yard this year. My YO has said that one of the old ponies can be company to my foal when she is weaned. I just wondered how other people do theirs, is it best that she is with other youngsters or would an oldie be ideal?

I don't really want to have to buy another baby becuase I can't afford it really.

All comments welcome.

[B_31]

ive heard of older horses "nannying" youngsters so im sure this would work

[Deleted]

The only problem i had when i weaned my now 4 yr old is we got him a mate the same age and it was chaos, play fighting and injuries, causing trouble constantly, galloping flat out chasing and playing all hours god sent. Yes these are all baby things to do but they were both getting injuries mostly minor but i wondered when it would be a major one. So i sent the little monkey back and this is when i got divi who was 5 then (3 years ago). She still played with harvey and gave him the run around but nothing as crazy as two babies together. they are still best of friends now. and she still tells him off whenhe needs it.

[brindlerainbow]

I used the same old pony for both my weaners ( one now a yearling and the other a 3 yr old ). He was kind and gentle with them but put them in their place if needed. He would play fight if they goaded him for long enough but wasn't into galloping and racing!!! He is 20 and very steady and he gives my babies leads when they are learning to lead, shows them that scary things aren't scary and that travelling in the trailer is a doddle!! I would use an older pony over a young one. Both my young fillies are calm,sane and sensible and im certain its because they had such a calm steady influence

[viking]

Older ponies are beneficial in teaching a weanling herd structure and manners. I would have no qualms in turning a weanling out with a suitable oldie nursemaid.

[lampshade]

Thanks everyone great feedback, i feel much happier now .