Understanding "Natural Horse Nature"
Is Beneficial For Weaning Foals

The intent of this article is to encourage horse owners and trainers to search their conscience and reevaluate their methods and decisions regarding the care and handling of horses. With greater understanding of "Natural" horse behavior, improved methods of caring and training of horses have been developed and continue to emerge. The intent is not to place gilt but to bring awareness to the unnatural life that many horses live and what impact it is having on them. Convenience has always been a big factor in a procedure becoming a common and acceptable practice. Data has been collected over the years by observing horse behavior in both natural and unnatural settings, including natural grazing verses grazing unnatural plantings. With sound reasoning and using good horse sense, the studies indicate; if man simulates a more natural care environment it will improve the quality of life for the horse, care costs can be reduced, and when competing, the horse will perform with less stress and place at a higher level.

How and What Does A Foal Learn
In Its Early Months Of Life?

Mother has much to teach her foal during the foal's first year of life. A foal learns by mirroring mother. The first couple of months mother is in a protective mode, fending off any critter that may intend to do harm. Mom has a keen sense of hearing and she is alert to unusual sounds or movements (especially at night). During the third month, mom lightens up on protection and she switches in to a teaching mode. The mare teaches her foal by example or demonstration. She teaches herd socialization and leadership with her actions and reactions. She demonstrates when to be cautious, when to be aggressive and when to circle, called avoidance. Herd socialization can only be taught if an adequate number of horses are present. Additional horses allow for more specific situations to transpire and it gives mom an opportunity to demonstrate how to react and act. Today, many horses are living in conditions where horse numbers are to few, leaving mom with little opportunity to demonstrate her innate response actions. And baby is left uneducated about socialization, leadership, and a lack of self-confidence.

Researching For A More Natural Way To Wean.

During my forty-five years of interacting with horses and being involved in a broad number of equine disciplines, I have had plenty of opportunity to closely observe the natural actions and reactions of the horse. In 1983 I began to concentrate on the mare/foal interaction and researching the development of a more natural less stressful weaning method. My own privately funded research facility allows me the luxury of maintaining a number of horses. My years of observation and personal findings indicate that abnormal behavior develops when horses are confined in small spaces and/or when the horse numbers are to few.

A mare and foal develop an abnormally strong bond when too few horses are present. Additional horses not only provide companionship, but they also provide opportunities for mom to demonstrate, to her foal, life skills. Added horses are a distraction and reduce boredom for each other. A foal has an abundance of time, especially when it doesn't have to forage or selectively graze for his food. Foals get into mischief and sometimes get injured when bored. As a distraction a foal will not fuss as much when mom is out of site and eventually it will develop self-confidence. Other types of animals are often used for companionship and protection. Some owners use a llama, goat, donkey or a dog for companionship. A donkey is often used for protection because it will provide a vocal alarm if a coyote, stray dog, or some other critter comes to close. But, adding a like animal is ideal because like animals can assist one another. For instance they will groom each other. Their natural messaging with their mussel along the spine and in the dips and valleys of the hips and tail area eliminates most serious hair and skin conditions. The messaging also provides arousal, which both genders crave. A combination of sun and shade is important for hair coat, eyes, and digestion, avoid covering a horse's eyes.

Maintaining a "true" band of horses will promote the development of natural horse behavior and will improve their natural physical development. My definition of a "true" band is one that has seven or more members and comprises of minimum of one mare and one male, both needing to be a minimum of four years ages. The remainder members (three or more) can be of various ages and genders.

Four basic elements are needed to provide a horse with a higher quality a life; Sunlight, ample space, clean water (free from contamination), and quality grasses for grazing.

Many horses are sold and passed on to another care provider because various health and behavioral issues begin to surface. Behavior problems, in general are symptoms that can be traced to internal health problems caused by external conditions. If recognized early and adjustments are made, health can be restored and a horse's natural behavior may return. But most owners never retain ownership long enough to resolve the issues and witness the changes.

Injuries may be internal as well as external. Pain can be a symptom and it can cause unnatural behavior. A horse's way of travel can be affected by pain. Dental problems are often the cause for a change in a horse's stride, generally confused with lameness. Periodically check the teeth. I recommend a Professional Equine Dentist. You should become familiar with what the basic growth patterns an and be amazed at what you will learn and behavior problems you can solve or prevent.

Temporary pain relief can be used for diagnosing and locating a physical problem. Steroids are sometimes injected to temporarily eliminate pain to diagnose. After the injection(s) the animal may bare weight and move and control body parts that prior to the injections he could not. If the symptoms return after the medications or steroids wear off, the problem area has been determined.

Generally adjustments to the day-to-day living conditions and providing a more natural environment can promote healing and natural horse behavior. When horse numbers are to few, and when both genders are not included in the horse band, life is more stressful and health issues progressively develop. Horses will be more flighty and their movement is less predictable (less safe). When horses enter their middle and senior years, symptoms become more pronounced and the need for treatment becomes more frequent, and more costly. Eventually resulting in premature death. Most horse owners sell their horses (pass them on to others) and do not make the natural connection. Often a horse's behavior is interpreted as being spoiled or intentional when it is pain or uncomfortable.

Use Of Force Separation For Weaning Foals Has A Lasting Impact.

For centuries, man has been weaning by force separating their animals. Throughout history competition and money have been the cause for some inhumane procedures to become a standard method. Over time, a common practice becomes acceptable and soon after it becomes a "standard" procedure in the industry, with little or no thought given to the harmful effects force separation has on the animals.

Force separation causes a horrendous amount of stress on both animals because their bond is being broken at the same time the foal is dependent on nursing. According to findings of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, a distressed mare and foal experiences a measurable decrease (loss) in the infection fighting T- cells. Ripping a foal from a mare and moving one or both animals to a new location is so stressful that it can be life threatening to both. A suppressed immune system is the result of such action. Incessant vocalization (frantic whinnying), pacing the fence line or stall, biting, and chewing are high stress symptoms of separation. Both animals become susceptible to colic and various eating disorders. The mare can experience a serious udder distention. By using the method of "force separation" many negative behavioral patterns may develop. Some may last a lifetime.

The interaction between the mare and foal during and after the weaning process is vitally important! A foal's personality traits are learned at this time. The foal actually mirrors mother's behavior. Selecting a mare with desirable traits (leadership and selfconfidence) is as important as choosing a brood mare for its excellent conformation. As the foal matures during this time you can actually view their development of body movement. Some call it synchronization. With the foal at her side the mare exhibits her leadership traits by the way she caries herself. She moves without hesitation. Leadership is when a horse leads other horses to move. Moving others to water, to better grazing, or to run for safety, and does it by moving first and taking the lead. Do not confuse a bully horse with a horse showing leadership. They are not the same. The tone of nickering and whinnying indicates the seriousness of an event and it is used to give fair warning. The circling movement is an indication that something is amidst and is used by the mare when she is unsure. A mare passes on leadership traits by use of body language. She gives vocal warnings to others as well as her foal. Mentoring continues for several months after eliminating the nursing habit.

What happens when you break a mare/foal bond to soon?

Breaking the bond between mother and baby to soon may cause the foal to develop a personality of being overly aggressive or extremely timid. For example, have you ever had your horse get attacked by another horse, for no apparent reason? Your horse didn't make a single wrong move and yet the attacking horse came with ears pinned and bearing teeth. This is an example of an aggressive personality. Have you owned a horse that you have had to feed off to the side, away from other horses, because it would fend for its own food nor defend its self? This is an example of a timid personality, a horse lacking self-confidence. Both of these examples, I believe, are typical traits displayed by horses that were forced from their mother to soon. Their performance will always lack consistency and dependability, unless an intervention is completed using "natural horse" techniques to reduce fear and to building a bond.

Breaking the bond between mother and baby to soon may cause the foal to develop a personality of being overly aggressive or extremely timid. For example, have you ever had your horse get attacked by another horse, for no apparent reason? Your horse didn't make a single wrong move and yet the attacking horse came with ears pinned and bearing teeth. This is an example of an aggressive personality. Have you owned a horse that you have had to feed off to the side, away from other horses, because it would fend for its own food nor defend its self? This is an example of a timid personality, a horse lacking self-confidence. Both of these examples, I believe, are typical traits displayed by horses that were forced from their mother to soon. Their performance will always lack consistency and dependability, unless an intervention is completed using "natural horse" techniques to reduce fear and to building a bond.

A Foal Will Always Return To Mother's Side When Afraid.

A foal can become fearful for many reasons. A thunderstorm, a disrupted routine, adding a strange horse, sudden movement, and a load noise can cause a foal to be afraid and attempt to nurse. Even if a mare and foal have been separated and the mare's bag appears to be dried up, a foal's sucking can bring the mare "back in", causing her to produce a milky colored substance (sometimes referred to as "witches milk") when the two have been reunited. The foal needs to develop self-confidence to break the habit of nursing. You can help your foal to develop confidence by gradually reducing its fears. Your goal is to eventually be able to remove mom and have baby remain calm while mom is gone. But you start by leaving mom in a safe and familiar location and lead baby away from mom. This is more difficult to do if you have only two animals. You need to become a distraction and get baby to prefer being with you rather than wanting to be with mom. When you return baby to mom do not just turn it loose. Lead the foal in to mom's space and play for a few minutes, releasing quietly. Be sure hay or pasture is available to occupy its time. Be sure to have a plan and have plenty of time, before you start your sessions. Eventually you want the foal to be able to be comfortable when mom is not in sight. Start this procedure well in advance before starting the weaning process.

When Unnatural Conditions Exist Unnatural Horse Behavior Will Occur.

A mare may allow a foal to nurse longer because mom desires arousal. Mom may have no other means to acquire it. Nursing provides a form of arousal for some mares. I believe caregivers, who have intentionally chose to eliminate the male gender from interacting with their mares and foals, may need to review this decision. A gelding maintains his natural breeding instincts and can perform all natural grooming and arousal rituals, except for the breeding act, what many mares seek. A male member to a horse band provides a valuable service. He can help keep horse behavior more natural. A filly naturally gravitates to the male gender, as early as eight weeks. She will suddenly return to mom's side because she hasn't developed self-confidence. A colt will hang with mom longer because the males are generally more aggressive to young colts and see him as a rival, competing for a mare.

Big Benefits Can Be Gained By Implementing Natural Horse Techniques.

Today, for many horse owners, buying additional land is not feasible. Land prices are at a premium. But, it's important for the horse owner to be aware of the "natural" needs of the horse, and to structure a feed/care program to simulate nature as closely as possible. Creative thinking is needed when land is expensive. If boarding facilities would make available a "natural" option for pasturing, or if they marketed their facilities as offering a more natural boarding program, they could attract a growing market and possibly reduce operating costs. Natural techniques is not just a trend, it is having a huge positive impact on the equine industry. Trust develops much stronger between the handler and horse when natural horse techniques are used. Starting at birth, with imprinting and desensitizing. Retaining the mare foal/bond during the weaning process aids in producing a self-confident foal. Reducing a horse's fear and will enhance the horse's desire and willingness to perform. There is a strong correlation between a horse that exhibits self-confidence to its performance and placing at a higher level. Statistics show that the first time horse owner does not quit the sport because of the labor and expenses. He quits because he had a bad or dangerous experience. The first time horse buyer is a waiting market for the "natural" horse and the market is growing. There are more horses today than there was in 1947. The entire equine industry is feeling the benefits of the "natural" inspiration.

A New Revolutionizing Weaning Method

The new revolutionizing, more gentle, weaning method "EZEE WEAN" is now available. It functions on the principal theory of comfort and discomfort, the same principle theory being used every time we move, or touch our horses. Each animal has its own level of comfort and discomfort. EZEE WEAN was designed and produced because Linda Bateman had compassion for animals. The EZEE WEAN method requires your foal to wear a halter. Do not use the EZEE WEAN for halter training. The foal will need to wear EZEE WEAN for 24/7 while the animals are together and until your foal has developed self-confidence. Self-confidence usually does not develop until after the nursing dependency has been eliminated. A foal has self-confidence when it is contented to be alone and does not attempt to nurse whenever the mare and foal are reunited. The caregiver can aid the foal in building self-confidence (refer to: Understanding "Natural Horse Nature" provides big benefits for weaning", the article that is on our website or included in the information with every EZEE WEAN order). Your involvement is needed during the weaning process. Your personal observation is especially needed during the first 72 hours. The mare's bag size must be determined prior to applying EZEE WEAN. Adjustments may need to be made on the halter for a better fit, at sometime during the process.

Attention! No two animals are alike nor are all conditions and situations the same. Do not substitute someone else's judgment for your own.

Special considerations and action may be required when a foal displays a persistent personality and when mom is a very tolerant mother desiring nursing arousal.

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Harmful Affects of Weaning Foals Caused by Separation

Weaning a foal by using the force separation method has generally been viewed, in the past, as having little or no harmful affects to the animals. However, researchers have found that to be the contrary.

Important internal changes occur when horses are separated from one another. According to the findings of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, a distressed mare and foal experiences a measurable decrease in the infection fighting T-cells.

Ripping a foal from a mare and moving one or both animals (separation) to a new location is stressful and can be life threatening to both animals. Incessant vocalization (frantic whinnying), pacing the fence or stall, biting, and chewing are high stress symptoms of separation. A suppressed immune system is the result of such stress symptoms. It leaves the animal more susceptible to viruses. Their internal line of defense from viruses is reduced or nearly destroyed. Stress also interferes with the blood sugar levels, causing the foal to become more susceptible to colic and various eating disorders. The mother can experience a serious case of udder distention.

So what's a solution or alternative method to weaning by separation? There is a revolutionary new method of weaning and is available now, product titled, "EZEE WEAN".

EZEE WEAN allows your animals to remain together, just like in a nature; the mother will wean her baby gradually without breaking their bond! EZEE WEAN comes in two styles, a halter and a strap (which can be placed on a halter). EZEE WEAN is made of flexible urethane prongs, placed on profile straps, which interfere with the nursing process. EZEE WEAN functions on the principal theory of comfort and discomfort. This is the same theory used every time we move a horse. Our touch during play and during training sessions uses this same theory. Each animal has its own level of comfort and discomfort. When using EZEE WEAN, mother determines how quickly nursing will come to a halt. Remember, mother always gives baby fair warning by, ringing her tail, pinning her ears, moving sideways, and stomping her hind foot. When she reaches her limit she finally bites the baby in the butt. Typically, mother will not intentionally kick to injure her own foal. If a mare exhibits such a mean spirit, she should not be bred back. The process generally takes four to six weeks. Do not be alarmed if the time frame varies because the tolerance level, persistent personalities, and the length of time for the mare's bag to reduce and dry up vary. Your personal observation and good judgment is needed through out the weaning process.

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A New Revolutionizing Weaning Product and Method

Reluctant to start the weaning process? Wanting a better weaning method? Limited on space?

A new product has just been released that simplifies the weaning a foal. The owner of Horsing Around, LLC (Linda Bateman) was looking for a more humane method of weaning a foal without separating the animals. She did not want to break the mare/foal bond at the same time as she decreased and eventually stopped the nursing process.

Linda studied the natural way a mare moves with her foal. She looked for the optimum time to start the weaning process. She concluded that each mare/foal combination is unique, and there are a number determining factors that only the animal owner or caregiver can assess. Personal observation of the animals well being and the young animals' maturity are major factors. How healthy are the animals? Is the mother bred back? Has the baby developed socially (able to move amongst the other herd animals independently)? Personal observation and wise judgment is needed to determine the optimum time, or an appropriate age. The natural window for weaning a foal occurs between three to five months of age. When a foal enters the six-month of life, a persistent personality is formed and weaning becomes more difficult.

Most often the caregiver is reluctant to start the weaning process because of the undesirable symptoms that occur when using the abrupt separation method. The constant heart wrenching whinnying is very disturbing for a passionate caregiver. Pacing the fence lines or stall weaving, and cribbing are stress related symptoms that often lead to habitual problems. Separation anxiety can lead to self-inflicted injuries and/or even result in death. Separation is stressful and not natural! The animals are being forced to stop the nursing process and to break the mare/foal bond cold turkey.

EZEE WEAN is a more natural method. With appropriate timing, proper preparation, a healthy diet, and applying an EZEE WEAN halter or strap simplifies weaning a foal. The product allows the animals to remain together and eliminates the separation anxiety. It functions on the principal theory of comfort and discomfort. This same theory is used every time we move a horse, our touch during play and in training sessions. Each animal has it's own level of comfort and discomfort. When using EZEE WEAN, mother determines how quickly the weaning process will come to a halt. Remember, mother always gives her baby fair warning such as, ringing of her tail, pinned ears, moving sideways, stomping her hind foot, and when she has reached her limit she finally bits the baby in the butt. Typically, mother will not intentionally kick to injure her own baby. If a mare exhibits such a mean spirit, she should not be bred back. The process generally takes between four to six weeks, depending on the levels of tolerance, the persistent personality of the baby, and the length of time for the mare’s bag to dry up.

For further information about weaning a foal and this revolutionizing product, "EZEE WEAN", or to place an order contact:

HORSING AROUND, LLC.
18151 30th Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Website: www.horsingaroundllc.com
715-720-3930 or TOLL FREE: 866-GET(438)-EZEE(3933)