Turnout introductions for 2 mares w/ foals

[BaysofourLives]

Background: I have 2 broodmares who both are Queen of the field and have no issues standing up for themselves. Both are confirmed kickers towards other horses, they don’t stay mean towards other horses but definitely feel the need to show their dominance in the beginning. They have not been out w/ each other but have been stalled next to each other before.

1st broodmare has a 2 month old foal at her side. I have tried turning her out w/ one of her pasture buddies she went out with pre-foaling, and only other mare on the farm at the time, but that was not good. Broodmare chased other mare around most of day, exhausting the poor foal. We tried a few times, same results each time.

2nd broodmare is due any day now, she is not quite as confrontational as other broodmare but still the dominant one. Is currently out w/ the non-broodmare on the farm, did not get along well w/ the geldings.

Older foal is just dying for a playmate, and it’s obviously best for the babies to be able to have each other.

Any suggestions on how to properly introduce the 2 mares? I know I can keep a hold of each mare (I hold one, someone else hold other) while they sniff noses but not sure that will solve the problem. I appreciate any suggestions.

FYI, both mares are very respectful of people and I’m not worried about holding them while introducing, however wouldn’t want to be in the middle w/o any control. Also, neither mare overly protective of foals around people

[Ticker]

If both mares are confirmed kickers, you know you are running the risk that the foals will be kicked. I would not risk the foals, but if you absolutely have to try something, you could tranquilize both mares…I use ace…and see how it goes.

[ticofuzzy]

Boy, I’d be nervous with that scenario - especially with the less dominant mare having the younger foal. When the clash starts, the younger foals can get confused sometimes if they get separated from their mother and attach themselves to the wrong mare. I’d stall them next to each other again and let them get to know each other and then I’d go with drugging them, I guess.

This won’t help you now but for the future - I always make sure all my mares are turned out together and have thoroughly figured out the hierarchy before any of them have foals at their sides. They are so much more aggressive with a foal and I want everything worked out ahead of time. Even then, it can be a little hairy re-introducing them as each one foals.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

I wouldn’t do it. The foals can play when weaned. Just me though.

[szipi]

I have a lot of foals every year and I routinely introduce new mares with foals to each other/to the herd. Some of these mares are bossy or they don’t initially like each other. The following procedure has always worked for me safely and without much anxiety. I keep the mare with the youngest foal in an adjacent paddock to the other mare(s) field for two weeks, until the young foal becomes strong, agile and self-aware enough to fond it’s place in the world. During this time the mares will establish the pecking order over the fence. When I decide to introduce the new mare/foal, I give the mares 3-4cc of ace promazine, which will keep mares mellow and slow for 2-3 hours. Then all is fine!

[dianehalpin]

Each of my broodmares has launched the other’s foal via a good kick. I don’t trust putting mine together until the foals are WELL-attached to their dams. I was lucky in both cases that the foals were not injured.

[BaysofourLives]

I was not able to introduce the mares before foaling b/c I did not get the 2nd broodmare until after the other one had already foaled. Also, my paddocks are all separated. They do go out next to each other, but theres a 16’ gap between the 2 fields. I like the tranq idea, that may work. Of course won’t be putting the mares out immediately, will give 2nd broodmare and her foal time to bond and foal to grow up a little bit. Thank you for suggestions. I won’t be pushing the matter at all, if it doesn’t look like it’ll work out safely then they’ll just have to stay separated.

[clint]

I had two broodmares several years ago as you describe. Prior to foaling, they had a common fenceline, but I didn’t put them together. After foaling, when the foals of each were several weeks old, we tried to put them together, and fortunately didn’t turn them loose. It was frightening, and very risky for the foals. We never tried again, and instead put up a cross fence in the field. I was disappointed we couldn’t make it work, but after speaking with a very experienced breeder in the area, who had a foal killed who got between two mares having a fight, I know we did the right thing.

[rmh_rider]

Sounds like a scary thing to put them together, with foals.

Very risky, what happens if . . . . . . . . … Or, when . . . . . . . .?

[BaysofourLives]

Let me reiterate, this is not something I am saying MUST happen. I am simply asking for suggestions and advice. Obviously if a legitimate solution is not possible or the situation looks like it will in fact be too dangerous, it won’t happen! I have no interest in harming either of the foals but if there’s a way to let them have each other as playmates I would like to make that happen. The point of this is to see if others have been in the same predicament and what their actions were

[knowthatifly]

Based on what is described, I would not do it for ethical and financial reasons. Ethical because there is a decent chance a foal or mare can be seriously injured, and financial because of what is invested to date to get a healthy foal on the ground and can’t afford to put that at risk either. If the mares were best buddies while pregnant, then that is a different story in terms of turning out together (and even then sometimes it does not work out and should be done thoughtfully and cautiously).

[can_t_re]

I agree with those who say don’t do it. I have a similar situation this year and would not consider putting these mare together. Weaning will come soon enough.

[magicteetango]

Wouldn’t do it, they can play as weanlings.

[melhorse]

Another vote to wait until weaning. It will not hurt them to only be with the dam for a few more months and they can play later on. I have had a filly get kicked by an other mare and both the filly’s hind legs were broken. So in my mind, waiting is better than the risk.

[daisyduke]

I have had both situations. Weanling weaned with another weanling, ended up getting injured and spending 8 weeks on stall rest. The other situation was 2 broodmares with foals together in a pasture and surprisingly, all went well. However, when I would witness the mares and foals ripping it up in the pasture, my stomach would be in my throat. If I was to breed again, I would pair the weanling with an older, calmer gelding or nothing at all. When they are that rambunctious, it is highly likely that one might get injured.