One of the most traumatic times in a young horse’s life is when he is separated from his mother at weaning time. From birth, he has been dependent on the mare for sustenance and protection. At weaning time that changes, and the youngster must cope with the world, minus his mother’s protective presence.

True, the youngster has become less and less dependent on the mare’s milk for a food supply, turning to hay or grass and supplemental grain instead. And the youngster has become more and more independent. During those first few days after birth, the foal was likely glued to his mother’s side, moving when she moved, stopping when she stopped. As the foal matured, that behavior changed–as independence grew, the youngster romped off with other foals or by himself, often to the consternation of his mother.

However, when danger threatened or he was traumatized in any way, the foal normally fled back to the mare’s side, often nursing on arrival. The nursing appears to be as much a security blanket as a need for nourishment.

Now, all of that is about to change, because it is time for permanent separation