Generally a newborn pony is called a foal until it is 12 months old.
1. 11 months of pregnancy
It takes about 11 months for a foal to fully develop inside a mare. Some foals may be a few weeks late or early. Sometimes, foals can be up to four weeks late. Most breeders try to time foals in early spring so they can grow and exercise throughout the summer.
2. Foals can stand within two hours of birth
Foals can stand, walk, and trot shortly after birth. Ideally, foals should be standing and nursing within two hours of birth. If the foal is taking longer, it's best to call the veterinarian. Foals can gallop within 24 hours.
3. Mare's milk enhances immunity
The first milk a foal gets from its mother is called colostrum. This milk boosts the foal's immune system since it is born with little protection. Ideally, foals should receive colostrum within the first few hours of life or at least within 24 hours of birth. Not only does this provide antibodies, but the colostrum helps the foal pass the first stool called meconium. Foals need about 2 liters of colostrum in the first 24 hours of life.
4. Foals lack immune systems
Because foals are born without infection-fighting antibodies, infections can develop quickly. The foal's umbilical cord must be sterilized for a few days after birth and watched for any signs of illness.
5. Mare and foal communicate silently
Mare and foal bond very quickly. Most of their communication is almost imperceptible to the human eye.
6. Foals may bend their legs
Many foals are born with oddly bent legs. This is known as "the bells and whistles," and one reason may be the relatively large foals born to fillies. Because their ligaments and tendons are immature, they may also walk with their feet nearly touching the ground. Within a few days, the legs should show signs of straightening as the foal gets stronger. If not, it's time to call the vet.
7. Most foals are born at night
Foals are most often born at night, and births are usually quick. It's not uncommon for owners to nap by the stables, then run off for a cup of coffee or a bathroom break, only to return to find a foal waiting for them. In the wild, this rapid nocturnal birth helps protect mare and foal from predators when they are most vulnerable.
8. Foals eat grass shortly after birth
By the time the foals are about 10 days old, they will start to eat a little grass and hay, and by two months the foals need more nutrition than mare's milk alone can provide.
9. Foals rarely have long legs
A foal's legs are almost adult length. One way breeders determine a foal's "finish" height is by doing a string test. There are two different ways to do this.
1. Use a rope to measure from the elbow to the middle of the clavicle. First, hold the rope against the foal's elbow and measure to the length of the buckle; then, flip or turn the lower end of the rope up and hold it so that it is perpendicular to the ground against the foal's shoulder . This is thought to indicate the final height of the foal.
2. The second method is to pull a string between the center of the knee and the hairline at the crown band of the hoof. If the measurement is 14.5 inches, then the foal's final height will be 14.2HH (hand height). If the measurement is 16 inches, the foal's final height will be 16HH. While breeders may use these methods to get an approximation, neither is 100% accurate.
Ten or three-month-old foals can be weaned
Foals can be weaned between 4 and 9 months of age. However, if there are concerns about the condition of the mare, or if the foal is showing signs of excessive growth, it is best to wean as early as possible. At four months, foals no longer receive much nutrition from their mother's milk.
long time between a foal and a horse ride
It takes a few years for a foal to mature enough to ride, but it can start learning good ground manners right away. He can be taught and guided and will make a good teaching horse in the future.
