Natural Weaning / Separation

In a natural weaning practice, the baby horse is separated from the mother by a fence. In this way the two can still view one another and have contact without the foal nursing off of the mare. Energetically, horses are connected and feel like a herd even if they are separated by fences or correls so this approach works nicely for both horse mother and child. In this picture, the foal is relaxed and content to be in his own space eating while mom eats nearby.

In this practice of weaning and separation, the mare is relaxed and although separated from her foal by a fence she can still do the job that is most important to her … watch over her baby. In this picture the foal learns to be more independent spending time away from the fence while his mom looks on comfortably just to make sure he is safe. This is a calm means of separation which also allows the mare’s udders to begin their drying up process.

As the baby grows, another horse(s) can be brought in to keep each company in their respective areas providing the baby horse with a new type of relationship and the mare with adult friendship. If it is necessary for the mare or colt/filly to relocate (fully separate) at some point in time then the natural weaning process gives both beings some emotional preparation for that process.

Any separation of mother and child in the animal world or human world consists of a natural adjustment period. Natural weaning can make this adjustment period a healthier experience for both mare and foal; benefiting both beings on all levels in the short term and the long term.