Foal stage

The beginning of a new horse's life is in many ways a sensitive time, starting from the fetal period, but the breeder's enormous responsibility is not limited to feeding the mare. The feed and its nutritional content that the foal itself receives during its rapid growth are also vital, as it is impossible to fully correct the failure of feeding during the foal stage at a later age. The younger the foal, the greater the risks.
The foal must receive colostrum soon after birth, a total of about a liter in twelve hours. Even after that, the mare's milk is the foal's main source of nutrition, which it sips for at least six months (preferably longer). However, at the age of two weeks, the foal begins to taste solid feed, the best of which is high-quality pasture. The second best option for practicing eating is high-quality and easily digestible, i.e. leafy and fine-cut hay with a high protein content.

The maintenance need for energy and protein remains surprisingly similar throughout the foal years, as the slowdown in growth compensates for the horse's larger size. High-quality concentrates are needed to provide just the right amount of additional energy and protein - obesity is no better than thinness. It is also worth paying attention to the practical arrangements for feeding, so that the feed rations of the mare and foal, and later the foal's other herd members, are distributed appropriately.
The calcium-phosphorus ratio is extremely critical during rapid growth. The most common problem is too little calcium intake, which predisposes the horse to growth disorders, loose bones and bone fractures, among other things. Of course, sufficient amounts of other minerals are also needed, the most important of which are magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium. In particular, normal skeletal development requires sufficient vitamins A and D. Vitamin E supplements can support the rapidly developing muscle tissue.

If there are intestinal disorders, special stressful situations in life, or the resistance is otherwise tested, the foal can benefit from vitamin B and C supplements.

Rock salt should be kept available to the foal from a young age. After weaning, salt can also be added to the feed, especially if the rock salt is not consumed or the foal drinks too little. The need for salt and other electrolytes increases as the foal begins his athletic career and sweating increases. The same goes for vitamin E intake recommendations.

It is useful to implement changes in feeding - including supplements - separately from other potential stress situations, such as the end of the grazing season, weaning, changing stables or the start of training.

Things to consider during the foal's first years:

• A lot of quality but only the right amount of energy - complete feeds designed for foals make it easier to plan feeding and ensure nutrient intake
• Sufficient intake of minerals, trace elements and vitamins - during the indoor feeding season, the vitamin content of hay decreases rapidly
• Calcium supplement or feed lime (calcium-phosphorus ratio)
• Possible special supplements, e.g. Vitamins B, C and E
• Salt intake, especially when transitioning to training