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Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 41
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 8:13 pm: |   |
I have a brand new foal, born Friday afternoon at 3 pm. She is absolutely gorgeous and mom is doing great. I have pestered our poor vet to death this weekend with questions and problems. I will post a picture of our new filly tomorrow if anyone is interested in seeing her. Anyway, I have a couple of questions that I need help with. First, everything with fine with the birth. She actually had her in the pasture, in the middle of a beautiful Friday afternoon. Of course, I had the video camera in my trunk, charged and ready for the birth. I have been camping out at the barn at night and she had her while I was at work on Friday! The funny thing is, she waited until all the kids in the neighborhood were getting out of school. She had an audience lining the fence from the subdivision behind our pasture! We got Mom and baby in the stall and she was nursing and everything was fine. We called our vet out to check on mom and baby and I am glad we did because by the time he got there, our mare, Polly was rolling in her stall evidently from pains from her contracting. He gave her a shot and everything was fine. We came back Saturday morning and everything was fine until late morning, the baby started having horrible diarrea. It was so loose, it was running down her legs and never had any consistency at all. I called our vet and also called our trainer. My vet said it was probably too much protein in her mom's diet, cut back on the protein and give baby 2 oz kaopectate every 4 hours. My trainer's vet seemed to think it was more serious, probably a bacterial infection. I did what my vet said and she is much better today. I have washed her little tail and it is still very matted but this makes our mare very uncomfortable and she starts getting in between us and the baby. This starts scaring the baby and we just have an accident waiting to happen, which leads me to my next question. Has anyone had a mare who is tremendously protective? Our mare, Polly has always been very loving of us. She isn't crazy about other horses, but loves people. She isn't pushy or mean to us at all, just lets us know not to mess with her baby. I don't know how much to push this issue. I want time to love on the baby and get her used to people, but with all the medical problems we have had with her in her short little life, it seems when we are putting our hands on her, it is to wash her or give her medicine. Polly is getting very tired of this. Should we leave them be for a day or so and not try so hard? We had a lot of time with the baby when she was born to touch her and rub her and she loved it. Polly was not like that until we got in her stall with them. When other people come to see her, Polly starts pawing the ground and digging holes in her stall. I have heard this will get better as the days go by. I just don't want precious time to go by without playing with the new baby and getting her used to us. By the way, I still don't have a name for her! Okay, last but not least! Our trainer says the baby needs a foal blanket on, my husband says no, I say I DON'T KNOW! We are in NC, tonight I think it is supposed to be in the 30's maybe, 40's tomorrow. Their barn closes up with no air blowing in. We have put plastic over her window so no cold air can come in. What do you all think? I am so sorry I have bombarded everyone with so many questions at once. I have not had a chance this weekend to get in front of my computer! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1087
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 8:43 pm: | |
Is this Polly's first foal? It's not uncommon for a mare, esp. a first time mom, to be really protective of her foal at first. After a week or two this usually gets more "normal." I'd give them time alone as they need time to bond also. However, I would handle the foal at least once or twice a day. If the mare is still really protective I'd halter her, and make sure you handle to foal where she can see what you are doing all the time. I'd keep outsiders to a minimum until Polly gets more settled. You don't want to make her nervous; I think that can affect her milk and therefore the foal also. You want everything as quiet and calm as possible the first couple of weeks imo.
Has the foal had her shots and mom received her pnuemabort shots while pg.? If you're in contact with your vet a lot I imagine they've had them, along with the foal's antiseptic on her navel. Keep the kaopectate handy as you'll probably need it again when the mare comes into her foal heat, if not before. Foals with diarrhea can go from healthy to dead within about 24 hrs., not to scare you; just keep an eye on her. Your trainer was probably thinking the foal may have contracted rotovirus (sp?) which foals are very susceptible to and which can be deadly. Keeping surroundings clean will help prevent this. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1088
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 8:46 pm: | |
Oh, about the blanket, how cold is it at night? Does the foal have a good hair coat? If it's not damp or windy and the foal is kept where it's dry to lie down and out of drafts, she's probably o.k. If the foal is real small, or it's unseasonably cold I blanket the foal, but I'm the type that would have all the horses in by the fire at night! |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 680
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 8:57 pm: | |
First off CONGRATULATIONS... babies are sooo much fun... // scary ...// frustrating .../// rewarding... // I can go on....
I too would worry about the diarrhea... things can change fast with a young foals life... get on top of that RIGHT away... if you are seeing improvement.. good.. are you taking temps as well ? you can put Vaseline on her butt and down her leg that will help so that she does not get baby rash... When you handle the foal, have someone hold the mare with lead rope, but let the mare touch her foal , she should settle in a day or two... don't separate them tho... maybe a handful of carrots/ treats for mom while you mess with the foal .. can't hurt...
DO keep an eye on the diarrhea... this can be fatal.... Most foals can tolerate the cold, long as they are not in direct wind/ chill and are not wet... also if she is of good size...
have fun....
On the first day God created horses, on the second he painted them with spots... |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 42
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 9:03 pm: | |
This is not Polly's first foal, but her first with us. I understand she was like this before. It's funny, we keep her pretty much to herself. We have one horse that she can get along with, the rest, she kicks at and runs at them, just really doesn't socialize well with other horses. But with people, she is wonderful. I was afraid she was not going to accept her foal, but she is great with her. When we have had to handle the baby, we halter Polly and let her see what we are doing and when we need to clean the baby up from her diarrhea, we wait until she is nursing because that seems to keep both of them calm. Our vet doesn't give the foals shots yet, he didn't tell me when, but said on Friday night that it wasn't time to. Our mare had her shots one month before she foaled and she also had her pnuemabort shots. He dipped her naval when he came on Friday and we did it yesterday. Should we do it more? I have heard about a foal dying in a short amount of time from diarrhea, that is why I was so paranoid about two vets having two different ideas on the problem. The blanket issue - it is usually 20's, 30's and 40's at night, and 40's and 50's during the day right now. She is closed up in the barn with no cold air. |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 43
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 9:25 pm: | |
Oh, meant to mention. She has not had any diarrhea since early this morning and it wasn't much then. Whatever it was, seems to be much, much better. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1089
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 22, 2006 - 10:00 pm: | |
Glad she doesn't have the runs any more; just keep an eye out, as I'm sure you will.
Some mares are just really protective of their foals, especially the first week or two. We have one mare that is really over protective and a worrier. She can't stand to have the foal out of her sight - ever! She puts her ears back at us, but has never tried to kick or bite. I wouldn't let a stranger go in with her when she has a foal though. Maybe Polly is just one of these mares. As long as she is good with the foal and you can manage to handle it, I wouldn't worry. I'd much rather have a mare like that than one who ignores her foal!
IMO the foal is fine without a blanket unless she is especially small. You'd see her tail clamped down and probably some shivering if she was cold. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 14575
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 7:59 am: | |
Julie it sounds like you are up on the preventive care and the foal continuing to remaining bright and alert during the diarrhea episode suggests this was the right course of treatment. Diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of a disease caused by a number of things that can range from the insignificant to the deadly. Fortunately with good care the mild forms predominate.
DrO |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 149
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 8:54 am: | |
Congratulations! I look forward to seeing the pictures.
The first few days moms are very protective. For your safety have a halter and lead on the mom and an extra person to hold her while you handle the baby. She will get more accepting. Also finding time for some light grooming in the stall for mom while ignoring baby will help her relax and learn to accept you near her baby. Remember in the wild it is mom's responsibility to protect that baby from everything. You are just an extension of everything!
Ella  |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 44
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 10:03 am: | |
 Here she is, almost one day old. |
Shawna G
Member
Username: Qh4me
Post Number: 94
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 10:22 am: | |
Oh Julie, what a sweetie. Flashy little girl so she is. Is that a picture of Polly in your profile?? I love Palomino's!! |
Christella
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 25
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 10:23 am: | |
ahhhh, she's beautiful!!
What's her breeding? love that familar looking blaze.
Chris |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 45
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 10:48 am: | |
Yes, Polly is a Palomino Quarter Horse. We bred her to a Zippin Leaguer who is a dark sorrell actually hoping for a dark palomino, but we wouldn't trade her for anything - we think she is perfect!! Here is a better pic of Mom. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1090
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 11:23 am: | |
Lovely!! both mare and foal. Congratulations! and....what a nice stall, too.
Didn't mean to frighten you re: the diarrhea, but in our area at least, it is too common for people to ignore it until it is too late. Several foals are lost each spring because of neglect and lack of education. |
Shawna
Member
Username: Qh4me
Post Number: 95
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 12:59 pm: | |
I take it Zippin Leaguer goes back to Kay Cee Leaguer? Polly looks much darker in your profile picture. Very nice mare and baby. I would love to have a palomino.....I have all sorrel's.
Julie, Do you show? I noticed you have a Goodbar Stallion. From the names of your horses, are you into western pleasure?? |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 46
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 1:25 pm: | |
Shawna, the picture in my profile is my show horse Dusty. He is a palomino also. We have four palominos. My profile is probably not up to date, I should check that. I do have a Goodbar Stallion, he is a two year old, just started riding him. I do show western pleasure, last year was my first year showing. I have always loved palominos but I am really glad we had a little sorrel now. BUT, the more I look at her, the more she looks like she has some roan in her. She is lightening up and you can really see it in her legs and belly. Sara, don't worry about frightening me. I would rather be safe than sorry and I panicked this weekend when she got sick. I knew that couldn't be normal. I just want to make sure I do everything right. All this is very exciting but also very frightening.... |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 150
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 1:52 pm: | |
She is beautiful!
I always find baby coats interesting because when they shed out they sometimes change completely. My very light bay became a very dark bay when he shed out. I know a chestnut that shed out to be grey when he lost his baby coat.
who knows, maybe there is a palomino in there yet!
Ella |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 47
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 4:56 pm: | |
I have a new question. What about a halter for the baby - when do most of you start that? Our trainer told me when she is weaned - I thought I should halter her much earlier than that. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 263
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 5:26 pm: | |
Congratulations on your new baby, Julie! Very cute photos. I halter my foals from day 1 and they get used to them very quickly. I also start teaching my foals to lead right from the get-go. These little creature grow very fast so take advantage of the time when they are really small and easier to handle. However I never leave halters on foals while unattended.
Enjoy!
Sue |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 681
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 7:24 pm: | |
Julie , start your halter training now.. be gentle but firm.. make the lessons short and sweet.. and like Sue said do not leave the halter on when you are not around .. foals get themselves in trouble so darn easy...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1094
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 7:48 pm: | |
I agree with Ann. We put halters on our foals right away, then take them off again. I put a halter on them and "lead" them around the stall a little, pick up their feet and run my hands all over their body...and I mean all over....from day one. But, I also agree don't leave the halter on when your not with the foal. And...keep the mare's halter tight, if you leave one on her. Little foal feet can get caught easily and can lead to disaster. |
Christella
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 26
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 8:42 pm: | |
Hi Julie, well knowing who the sire is, kinda shot my Smart Chic Olena theory w/ the blaze, still an awful nice girl you have there.
If you wait to halter until they are weaned, you will have alot of strength to deal with, it is much easier on you and foal if you do it sooner. I halter my foals the first time when we go to the vets for moms repro work- they are around 3 weeks old. I have a 4 horse trailer, and it is pretty easy to get them haltered, of course you must trust the mom to be nice, and the dams stay tied (in the trailer) until after foal is haltered. I don't have to do much leading as they will stay w/ mom usually- some can be pretty independent tho, which makes them being haltered a good thing.
I don't like to mess with foals too much, the worst thing you can do is make them lap dogs. They can be enjoyed, but always insist that they treat you and all humans w/ respect, don't put up w/ anything just because they are foals, they grow up fast and the cuteness soon wears off.
Gosh I am jealous, I am not having any foals this year.
Chris |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 48
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2006 - 8:42 pm: | |
This is where we are having a little bit of a problem. When we handle the baby at all, Polly rushes over and gets between us and the baby. She will put up with a couple of seconds, then it's like she says, okay, enough. When we have haltered Polly and hold her so we can handle the baby, she prances and turns and that upsets the baby and she rushes over to Polly. I am just hoping Polly will calm down within the next few days. The weather here has been nasty for three days and they haven't been out of the stall since the birth. Maybe once they are out a little, she will calm down. Everything is muddy, should that be a problem for the baby once she is able to be out? |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1095
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 12:41 am: | |
She may calm down, but I bet she will always be pretty protective. I'd just go slowly and cautiously. Feeding mom or grooming her while handling the foal often works,as I think someone else mentioned; and foals have very short attention spans so just a couple of mins. once or twice a day is all that's needed until the foal is older and mom is more settled.
Although I evidently start handling foals earlier than Julie does, I agree with her comments about not letting them become "lap dogs." Remind them of your space and don't let them get away with nipping, kicking, etc. Their mom usually won't, and neither should you. I know...they are sooooo cute!! But they aren't so cute when they are nipping at 6 mos. of age.
Is your mud that slippery, clay kind of mud? Ours gets so slick I'm sometimes afraid to turn even the older horses out for fear they'll run around and kill themselves. Do you have a wide barn aisle? Maybe you could let her wander around there if the mud is slick.(and your aisle isn't concrete.) |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 151
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 8:10 am: | |
Don't forget the butt rope when you start leading. You don't want to pull on that fragile little neck!
Ella |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 49
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 8:45 am: | |
Now I am worried - the diarrhea is back. My husband called me from the barn this morning and said it is clear, like water. In an hour, she had it three or four times. I called the vet first thing and he is coming out at 11:00 today. I am really worried. She feels really good and she is still nursing good. When my husband was cleaning the stall this morning, she actually tried to jump in the wheelbarrow. She is full of energy, but that can go away fast, I know. It was a yellow color on Saturday and clear today, not sure what that means. |
Alden Chamberlain
Member
Username: Alden
Post Number: 242
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 9:33 am: | |
Good looking baby Julie.
Don't worry too much about the diarrhea. You do need to monitor it but like DrO said there are many reasons for it. Our foal had it off and on for several weeks, the key was he never lost that bright bubbly attitude. After awhile it went away and he's hasn't been sick in the last six years.
Now the hard part, we received so much well meaning advice when our mare foaled it was hard to sort out. I noticed the butt rope advice for leading. IMHO this is not a good way to teach leading. It isn't just my opinion really, a good friend and long time trainer agrees.
It may work for some, but many people end up scaring the baby and causing life long problems. The problem is a baby has very strong instincts to protect his flanks and hocks and that's what gets pulled on using this method. Many horses get very protective of that area and may never get comfortable with being touch there.
I also agree excessive pulling on the neck is bad. It may seem in conflict but there are ways. I use a six inch wide collar made of burlap with rings sewn in. Collar goes around the neck attach the rope to the collar rings and pass the rope through the halter. This spreads out the force from the lead rope but still gives you directional control.
Ideally you want to teach him to move his hindquarters first. Once the butt moves (what a butt rope does with out ever using one) leading is very natural and comes easily. Get him to move the butt over one step first, then progress to two, three, etc. At first it will be a circle, but it will become leading in time.
I'll get out of here with a philosophical question. I've seen good trainers take a several wild mustangs and end up with a quiet, well adjust horses. Why can't we let our foals be foals for a few months without us imposing ourselves? 
You may want to invest in some DVD's. Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, Pat Parrelli to mention some.
Good day,
Alden |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1096
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 9:43 am: | |
Clear fluid instead of normal manure is something to be concerned about imo. I'm glad you called the vet. He'll be out in a couple of hours and your foal should be o.k. It's probably something minor, but you never know.
On the training, you have to do what you think is best for you and the foal. I've used the butt rope method for over 30 yrs. and never had a problem. I always felt it helped a horse be unafraid of ropes. Of course, I don't just throw it around the foal out of the clear blue air, so to speak, but go slowly and get the foal used to the rope first. People, including me, tend to stick with whatever works for them.
There's certainly more than one right way to do just about everything regarding horses; you just have to sort out what makes sense to you.
Let us know what the vet says. |
Christella
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 27
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 10:03 am: | |
Hi Julie, the yellow poop the day after foaling is normal, did you see the black mecomium, its even weirder-lol. I would definetly be concerned over water consistency stools, good that your vet is coming soon. I have given foals a paste type pepto bismal stuff, the name fails me, and it worked good to get the poop back to normal.
The butt rope thing is good, I have also had luck getting em to move by asking for side movement, every little bitty step they take, praise, praise, then ask for more, they catch on quick if you let them figure it out.
Good luck, hope the vet can get that diareha stopped and everything is fine.
At birth or when I find the foal, I give an oral e-coli, it helps to put the good bacteria in the gut, not sure if now is the appropriate time for you tho, since I am giving it within the first few hours of birth, I also give a shot of vit's a, d. and e, it's called injacom, would be curious to know if anyone else does this, and yes it is vet recommended.
Keeping fingers crossed for you and the sweet girl. |
Ella
Member
Username: Miamoo
Post Number: 153
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 11:24 am: | |
Did your mare come into heat? Sometimes the diarrhea gets worse when the mare comes into foal heat.
Good luck, you will feel better when the vet gets there!
Ella |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 50
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 12:30 pm: | |
The vet came and said that Polly's milk is just so rich with protein that it is making the baby have diarrhea. He told us to take her off alfalfa hay and just give her orchard grass and take her off Mare Plus vitamins. I guess I was just so careful to make sure she had milk that I over supplemented her maybe, is that possible? He said with 12% protein feed with mare plus, alfalfa hay and orchard grass, that was too much protein. I hope he is right. He took her temp and it was normal. He said as lively as she is and alert, she was okay. I guess this goes along with the thread of taking TOO good care of our horses. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 264
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 12:30 pm: | |
I'd be concerned about this very watery fluid too, Julie. Let us know what the vet says.
Another vote for bum ropes here. I use them on my foals and have never had a problem. But having said that, everyone and every foal is different so do whatever works and feels comfortable for you and your particular baby. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1097
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 12:58 pm: | |
Julie, I'm glad all is well.
Some mares are Jersey cows, and others need real rich food and lots of it, and others never do have enough milk and you have to supplement. Next time around with her you'll know what to expect. As a breeder, I's sure rather have a mare like yours! AFter you adjust her feed, she'll be fine.
I'm so jealous! I miss the foals. We haven't bred our own mares for the last two years due to my health problems; but I'm over them and feeling great..so hopefully a foal next year! |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 51
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:08 pm: | |
 I took this picture after the vet left. She's tired and ready for a nap! |
Christella
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 29
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:10 pm: | |
Good news Julie!!
I have done the same thing- with my first horse and then her first foal, I was feeding cloveite, calf manna etc., thinking the more vitamins the better- well it had the opposite effect- live and learn, hopefully, the learn part being most important.
I know how you must have been worrying- now go make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, sit down and relax a few moments, you deserve it.
Chris |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 265
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:22 pm: | |
Thanks for updating us, Julie. She's adorable! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1098
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:25 pm: | |
Ohh....so cute!! Makes you just want to hug her! (I know Alden, but you're not a mom!) |
Julie
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 52
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:35 pm: | |
Sarah, what month do you breed? I personally think these middle of the winter babies are harder but that's when all the trainers say to have them. I understand the reasoning, but seems like a spring baby would be able to handle the weather better. Just my personal opinion. Our trainer is already wanting us to breed Polly back to the same stallion since we had such a pretty baby, but I just don't know about that. Seems an April or May baby would be better. |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 266
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:53 pm: | |
Julie, I live in the Pacific Northwest and I plan my foals to be born for May. The weather is usually good at that time of year and the little ones can immediately go onto pasture without much risk of cold temps or heavy mud conditions. I firmly believe in as much turnout as possible for good development and my foals go outside from day 1. Thankfully some of my QH and Paint friends who used to shoot for very early foals have seen the light and are breeding later foals. The reason for very early foals makes absolutely no sense to me from a development standpoint. |
Alden Chamberlain
Member
Username: Alden
Post Number: 243
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006 - 1:58 pm: | |
Thank God for that Sara, I don't know how you ladies handle it !
I do like to handle them too, but it isn't necessary for a good end product. The mare has lots to teach him and he has lots of work growing without us in the way.
I have one that is six now, he was a wild thing at 18mo. A person was lucky to rope him, forget about haltering, feet or any other touching! Now he is the first to see what tool I have or what's in my pocket when I'm in the pasture. It's the quality of handling, not quantity (IMHO of course).
Sorry imprinting crowd, I think it's nonsense and has a better chance of scaring the heck out of them than helping.
He is a cute baby Julie
Good day,
Alden |
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