I think I post basically the same thing every year at weaning time. This time we’re a bit late, as both foals were born right around August 1st. That means we either had to wean pretty early or wait a bit. I went with waiting, as it’s easier on all concerned (including me).
This year we have two foals to wean, Anahita and Menze Khan. Both are right around 7 months old and have been quite independent (George, aka Menze Khan) the most, for a while. Aya and Slari (the dams) have been hinting to me for several weeks that they would be just fine if I took the youngsters away.
So, I looked at the weather report for a few nice days (as there is quite a bit of horse tetris that needs to go on during weaning) and started this weekend.
Of course, the weather report was WRONG. The day started out sunny and quickly deteriorated.
Anyway, we had started, so it was full speed ahead.
First Aya went into the paddock next to Slari, George and Anahita.
No big deal, not even a whinny from Aya. I’m sure the hay helped. Anahita was sad and George danced around telling her ‘Na, na, na, na na! I still have MY mom’. Silly George.
We left Aya next to them for a day or so and then yesterday took Slari away. George was sad. Anahita told him it wasn’t a big deal, they got the hay all to themselves and mommas were just in the next paddock.
Slari didn’t even look up. (I think she was really relieved. Colts are a pain, George is a colt; therefore George is a pain).
So, tonight, Aya is two paddocks away from the foals and Slari is one paddock. Tomorrow Slari will go out with Aya.
Then, the teenage babysitter will come to take care of the kids.
Alamet is looking forward to it. Grannie Annie is really boring. Alamet has lots of stuff planned. It all involves galloping, rearing and bucking.
Stay tuned…