Weaning Is More Than Separation
Weaning is often described as the day a foal is separated from its dam, but successful weaning begins well before that day and continues afterward. It is not only the end of nursing—it is an important period of physical, social, and emotional development.
Preparing the foal
Before separation, a foal should already be comfortable eating forage, drinking independently, and accepting any feed or supplements it will receive after weaning. Basic handling skills can also make the transition easier. Leading, standing quietly, having the feet handled, and being comfortable with routine care allow necessary handling to remain familiar during a time of change.
Whenever possible, it can help to avoid combining weaning with several other major changes, such as moving to an unfamiliar farm, changing feed, isolating the foal, or beginning intensive training.
The importance of companionship
Horses are social animals, and companionship can make a considerable difference during weaning. Research has found that foals may show less stress when they are weaned with familiar companions rather than alone. Some studies have also identified benefits from placing weanlings with a calm, unrelated adult horse that can provide social stability and help teach appropriate herd behavior.
Gradual separation may work well in some situations, while other breeders successfully remove mares individually from an established group of foals. Facilities, herd arrangements, the temperaments of the mare and foal, and safety all influence which approach is most practical. No single method will fit every farm.
Steady growth—not maximum growth
The months surrounding weaning are also a particularly important stage of skeletal development. Young horses should grow at a moderate, steady rate rather than being pushed for maximum size. Sudden increases in calories or rapid, uneven weight gain can place additional strain on developing bones and joints.
The University of Minnesota notes that foals from approximately three through nine months of age are at greatest risk for developmental orthopedic disorders. Good-quality forage, balanced minerals, appropriate protein, and regular monitoring of weight and body condition are more important than producing the largest possible weanling.
The goal is not simply to get a foal through weaning. It is to help that foal emerge from the transition eating well, socially secure, manageable, and continuing to develop at a healthy, steady rate.
Join the Conversation
Our next LLP Breeders’ Conversation will explore Weaning & Development of Foals.
We invite breeders and owners to share what has worked for them, the challenges they have encountered, and the practices they use to support foals during this important stage.
September 15, 2026
8:00 p.m. Eastern7:00 p.m. Central6:00 p.m. Mountain5:00 p.m. Pacific
Meeting link will be email to those interested or can also be accessed via the LLP Website.
For additional reading:
We hope you will join us!
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