APRIL 2023 THE RIDER /17 ^Between The Ears^ Early Weaning Can Lead to a Long List of Behaviour Issues


Horses studied in a natural setting where mares weaned their foals, found that 79% of them had weaned their foals by 9 months of age. Pregnancy influenced weaning as mares that were bred back, often had their foals weaned 3-4 months prior to their next foaling date.


Equine Veterinary Science found that early- weaned foals had higher cortisol levels, indi- cating increased stress, compared to foals weaned at six months of age. The same study also found that early-weaned foals had higher rates of stereotypic behaviors, such as cribbing and weaving, compared to foals weaned at six months. Another study, published in the Journal of Animal Science, found that earlyweaned


A study published in the Journal of


increased aggression and dominance in young horses. This is because foals learn important social skills and behaviors from their dams during the first six months of their lives. When separated from their dams earlier than usual, foals may not have had the opportunity to learn important social skills, which can lead to a long list of behaviour issues. What happens if humans don’t intervene?


levels in foals as they are abruptly separated from their dams. This can lead to behaviors such as excessive vocalization, pacing, and decreased appetite. Foals that are weaned early may also be more prone to developing separation anxiety and have a more difficult time adjusting to new environments. In addition, early weaning can result in


cial weaning, is a common practice in the horse industry, with some breeders separating foals from their dams as young as four months old. While this practice may be convenient for breeders, it can have negative effects on young horses that are not limited to physical growth but also healthy social development and men- tal health. Early weaning can cause increased stress


By Ellie Ross Early weaning, also referred to as artifi-


weaning can have negative effects on the be- havior and well-being of young horses. It is important for breeders to consider these po- tential effects and take steps to mitigate them, such as through gradual weaning, socializa- tion, and proper nutrition. Providing foals with opportunities to develop important social skills and behaviors can also help ensure their future success.


weaned foals may have a harder time adjust- ing to training and handling. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behav- ior found that early-weaned foals had more difficulty learning new tasks and were more reactive to stimuli (spooky) compared to foals weaned at six months of age. Overall, research suggests that early


foals showed increased aggression towards other horses compared to foals weaned at six months of age. The study also found that early-weaned foals had a harder time adjusting to new environments and had lower body weight gains compared to foals weaned at six months. Research has also shown that early-


tional needs are being met. Artificially weaned foals typically showed slower growth rate and a diminished body condition but this was self corrected over time. In conclusion, reactive or spooky behav-


angry weanlings and yearlings. In hindsight I now see the correlation as those youngsters were weaned abruptly at 3-4 months of age and/or were denied social interactions to avoid the risk of injury or wounds to preserve them for the show ring. Just because that is the way something has always been done, doesn’t make it right. We can add to the assurance of a horse’s fu- ture success by providing them at least a couple more months with their dams and ensure interac- tion with other horses. Weaning at 6 months of age has shown a consider- able difference over wean- ing at 4 months of age. My own current filly is still with her dam living 24/7 in a natural setting with a herd of mixed horses. We started to separate her dam from her initially at only a few minutes and working


additional nutritional support to ensure proper growth and development. This may involve feeding a high-quality milk replacer or supple- menting their diet with additional nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nu- tritionist can help ensure that the foal’s nutri-


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weaning, breeders can take several steps. Gradual weaning can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with abrupt weaning and allow the foal to adjust to their new envi- ronment more easily. Providing foals with op- portunities to socialize with other horses, such as through turnout or playgroups, can help them develop important social skills and be- haviors that they may have missed out on by being weaned early. Foals that are weaned early may require


To mitigate the negative effects of early


ior in horses that were weaned early can be a challenging issue to manage. Understanding the underlying causes of the behavior, such as increased stress and decreased socializa- tion, is important in developing a comprehen- sive management plan. Desensitization and counterconditioning exercises, increased so- cialization with other horses, proper nutri- tion, and appropriate training and handling techniques can all play a role in managing re- active or spooky behavior in early-weaned horses. In my own experience, I have met some


up to a few hours. It was during this process that we noticed that she began healthy rela- tionships with other horses. The difference a couple months makes is something I would hope all horse breeders will consider. A well adjusted, calm horse that is not spooky or ag- gressive is one that is likely to have a better life ahead.


Author Bio: BSc Equine Science - Virginia Tech. Diploma in Doma Vaquero - Royal Sta- bles / Spain. Former Pet Expert CTV - for 10 years. Professional Animal Trainer - Large Exotics and Domestic Pet. 2x Provincial Champion Extreme Cowboy, Trillium Provin- cial Dressage champion, Three Day Event Young Rider Champion. Behaviour Assess- ment Specialist - Humane Society. Former SPCA Agent. Former FEMA Disaster Re- sponse Team. Owner/operator Circle 8 Ranch. Quarter Horse Breeder


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