My colt turned 4 months at the weekend and I'm concerned as yesterday I came out to the field to find him behaving inappropriately towards his mother...! I've seen him clambering on her before but it's never been with any meaning... if you see what I mean! So I just passed it off as playing. However, yesterday it looked as though he meant it more! She doesn't stand for him as such, more often than not she tries to get away but yesterday she was just stood.

Do I need to be worried about this behaviour? He still only small so probably can't actually reach but I'm still a little concerned. I was due to have him castrated at the end of March, which was when the vet suggested but I am not sure if I should bring that forward? I don't particularly want to seperate them yet.

Any sensible advice or suggestions appreciated!

I know of lot of big horse breeders that will geld colt while they are still on mum...

at 4 months he shouldn't be able to actually do anything........ but it wouldn't be impossible! And i have heard of unweaned colts getting there mum's pregnent! So i would certainly be watchful of the behaviour..


RIP Halo - 1998 - 2006. Miss you always.

My little horrors darlings.

lolol hawkeye i think someone is winding you up !!!

why?

Mare's encourage their foals to do this, I'm not sure what it is called but it is a well known fact, I wouldn't worry.

why is it a wind up?

Has the foal got his balls yet?? Or even a sack?

why is it a wind up?

why is it a wind up?

What are you on about? "is it a wind up"?????

Thanks for the replies.



Rhea I hadn't heard about that, I'll search for a bit more info later, makes me feel slightly better. And yes, he has both, vet said he is 'well-developed' for his age! Well and truly takes after his father! So yes that's why I am slightly concerned.



I am also interested as to why that's supposed to be a wind-up...?!



Hawkeye - I'll definitely keep an eye out, then make a decision if it carries on. I'm glad you replied to this actually as I've been meaning to thank you again with regards to all the info u gave me with regards to those special foal shoes!! Luckily he didn't need them in the end and the farrier even said he had the nicest legs on a foal he's seen that year so I'm very pleased/relieved!

Editing to add that I am planning on having him cut whilst he's still on Mum but was hoping to leave it another month as it was what vet suggested would be best.

Gosh, well he is well devolped then lol

I didn't know untill a year or so ago, but I would have him gelded asap, seeing as he has all the bits n pieces, it means he could well cover his mother.

alex do you have molly/topsy? i no someone does and she was going to have a foal

Lady let George do it and another colt foal that was in the field so I shouldn't worry.

Echo Dizzy i'd like to know what someone thought it was a wind up... it is possible... unlikely but possible!

When he's jumping on mum is he doing it... full hog with everything out if you know what i mean? I've a field full of young colts and geldings and they are always jumping on each other... but without anything out! So its just play.

Is he actually out with any other horses? Is there another young colt/gelding that will play with him?


RIP Halo - 1998 - 2006. Miss you always.

My little horrors darlings.

Rhea - Yeh it came as a bit of a shock to me as well, he was about 3 months at the time as well. I think I am going to have to bring it forward, as in addition he's getting a lot more aggressive and had an incident yesterday which sort of decided it for me really. Silly boy has brought it upon himself.

Dizzy - That's me yes! And it's her being harassed!

Hawkye - Yes it is 'all out'! I've seen him only try it once more since and she tried to boot him and then walked off so at least thats something.
Unfortunately it is just the two of them which is not what I had planned when she was pregnant but there was some changes in situations which couldn't be avoided. I do have some buddies lined up for him when I wean him though, hopefully they'll put him in his place.

awww can you put a pic on? i wana c her baby! my bro used to ride her when he was little and me and rach have got scars from falling off her!

I think would too, unless you want another baby :P

Best of luck with the gelding, I'm having once of mine down a few months time buts he going to feel it more as hes almost 5 years old!!!

Well spoke to the vet today and she said she is happy for him to be done earlier so she's doing it next week. Can't wait! So thanks for the luck Rhea I'll take that!, And good luck with your 5 year old. Bless him.

Dizzy, I think you might have seen a picture but you probably didn't click as he doesn't look annnything like his mother, or in fact a New Forest! I haven't any up to date pics, this one was 3 months ago, but you get the general gist.



Ooo you never mentioned scars before!!! How did you both get those? Bless her she was a monkey back in the day!

aww yeah seen it just didnt realise! its very ..um spotty! whats he called?

dont 2 of you get on her, in her field with nothing but a halter. IT HURTS!!!

Hahaaa. Bless her she was a madam!

Yeh he is a little spotty isn't he. Wasn't quite expecting that many spots, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw him... thinking about all the cleaning he's gonna take!

And his name is Billy. He looked and sounded like a goat when he was born and it stuck!

I'll take the luck to lol thanks, im dreading it.

Your horses are adorable, what breed etc?