Domesticated baby horses (foals) are usually separated from their mothers when they're between 3 and 6 months old. While it might sound kinder to wean them gradually, the cold turkey method causes less stress. The foal is simply taken away and put in an enclosure where he can't see his mother. If they can still hear each other, there will be frantic calling back and forth for a day or two. But soon the relationship is over, just as if that strong bond had never even happened. Out in a wild herd, the big colt pesters his mom until she eventually kicks him out of Dodge, and then he's on his own. So that's how it goes.
Still, horses are social, and all intelligent young animals need play to grow into healthy, trainable adults. It's ideal if there are several foals together, but other equine companionship works too.
An especially nice Rocky Mountain colt was born at Rosebud River Ranch this spring, and we've all enjoyed watching his adorable first months. This week he was weaned, and when he stopped missing his mother he was taken outside again and introduced to his new pasture playmate-- the little miniature horse on the left:
I happened to be at the barn yesterday when the introductions were made, and caught this sequence of pictures.
How do you do?
The mini horse was more interested in grass than the colt...
But after a few minutes, romping around like old friends...
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