Ask The Experts #23
Q: I have a question about the colts. When is the decision typically made whether to geld or leave them intact, and what factors go into that decision? Nancy Schaffer Tucson, AZ A:Typically we will never geld a colt before it leaves the farm, either for the sales or to be broken in, unless there is a medical issue involved. We often have a good idea that they may become geldings fairly soon into their training careers though! Some colts are definitely more “studdish” than others. Buyers usually don’t want to purchase a yearling gelding, as this will often indicate they have a difficult temperament. On top of that, this is a dreamers game—when someone buys a colt they like to think they have a shot at owning a horse that will have a stellar racing career and go on to leave his legacy as a stud. Some of the… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #22
Q: I am wondering how often the mares are able to deliver the foals without any assistance from the staff. All of the foaling videos that I’ve seen show considerable help being provided. I know that horses foal in the wild without any help – are special precautions in order for TBs? Sandy Wyper South Euclid, OH A:A month from foaling mares are brought to the foaling barn, and until they foal they are watched 24/7. They are turned out in the daytime so they can move around freely and exercise, which is very important for heavily pregnant mares. Someone from the barn will patrol the fields frequently to make sure no one has decided to go off and foal outside on their own. Late afternoon the mares will be brought in and fed and have their bags (udders) checked for any changes. Wax on the teats or dripping milk… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #21
Q: How will Zenyatta’s daily routine change as she gets closer to foaling? A: Routine is one of the most important factors to keeping all horses, including Zenyatta, happy and settled. Other than moving Z to the foaling barn, her routine remains the same. She is out all day with her buddies and in the barn at night. She and the other mares in her barn are monitored 24 hours a day—with someone checking them in their respective fields during the day and with a full time night watchman keeping a close eye on them at night. Q: Is Zenyatta pastured with the same group of mares she was with last year at this time? A: Z is currently with mares that have a similar foaling dates, that is how we “buddy” them up. This means that they will move into the foaling barn around the same time. Providing all… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #20
Q: I consider Alys an expert! Does she have any advice for taking these wonderful photos? Not just equipment (although that is always of interest), but time of day, how to get those amazing action shots, beautiful portraits, etc. I enjoy her photography so much! Thank you, Alys. Betsy McGrath New York, NY A: Obviously good equipment does help a great deal, and you need a camera that is capable of shooting at high speed. I use a Canon 7D that was very generously given to me by the Mosses. A telephoto zoom lens helps me get close to the action when I’m shooting in a large paddock. Light is one of the most important factors. Good light can make all the difference to a photo. In the summer I try to shoot early or late to avoid too much glare. The light is softer earlier on in the day… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #19
Q: Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to? Brooke Coleman Versailles, KY A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both. Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End. Various sales are held throughout the summer… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #18
Q: What do you feed 12Z now that he is weaned? Do you feed all foals the same way, or is the meal different from one foal to the other according to some characteristics? How do the meals evolve from weanling to yearling? Alexandra Usimaki Lyon, France A: Z12, along with all the weanlings, is fed both concentrates (grain) and a high quality mixed hay. We weigh and measure them monthly to make sure they are on track for growth and weight for their age. Our feed is tailored to the farm so any mineral deficiencies in the land will be made up in the feed. They are brought in at 7 AM and will not be turned back out again until after their afternoon feed. This allows us to make sure each individual is eating well, and it means the more timid horses will not get bullied by the… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #17
Q: I was wondering how Lane’s End handles the care of weanlings and yearlings. I know a number of larger operations more or less turn the kids out and only bring them in when it’s time for veterinary care or hoof trimming, with the idea that they’re just letting the babies be babies until the time they need to be prepared for yearling sales or training. I was just wondering if Lane’s End does this or if you guys do give more personal care to the little guys even before they need sales prepping or training! Kelli Clark Toms River, NJ A: At Lane’s End we try to find the right balance between letting horses be horses and that extra bit of professional and personal care. Our weanlings make the transition from the broodmare side of the farm to the yearling division in the month of December. At this point,… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #16
Happy Friday! We have an exciting five days of posts planned for next week. Each day, we will be announcing a new product from the Zenyatta Shop, and on Thanksgiving day we will post the Breeders’ Cup fan photo gallery. If you haven’t sent in your pictures, there is still plenty of time to do so (see here). In the meantime, enjoy this expert answer by Charles from Lane’s End: Q: I would like to know what type of regular “maintenance” Zenny receives. By this I mean having teeth and feet checked and anything else that keeps her in such great shape. Sue Werner Moneta, Va A:Like all the mares, Zenyatta has her feet trimmed at the start of every month. Regular visits by the farrier are very important in order to keep the feet in good shape and prevent cracks or flairs from forming. There is an old saying,”No… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #15
Q: I always hear that the large Kentucky farms (and others, too) have their horses in the barn during the day and turn them out into paddocks/pastures at night. What is the reasoning behind that schedule? Debra Medlock Fall River Mills, CA A:We bring them up to the barns in the daytime for a number of reasons. We like to monitor their feed intake, so feeding them inside ensures that each horse is getting their fair share of feed and the right amount depending on the individual. We also like to check temperatures and make sure each horse is healthy and free of any kicks, bumps and bruises. Handling the youngsters is an essential part of their education and makes them much more manageable for the farrier and vet. It also allows them to relax and rest for a while and have a break from the weather. We put fans… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #14
Q: How much ‘training’ do the yearlings undergo (in handling, etc.) and what is the next step in their development (ie, when they are introduced to bridle/saddle, and eventually ridden, gate training). Do they ‘graduate’ to another location/farm where they are taught these things? Sue MacPhee Toledo, OH A:“Training” begins at the time the horses are weaned at Lanes End and continues until they leave the farm. Horses are taught to lead, walk and stand while traveling to and from the barn as weanlings and into their yearling year. This is a very important stage in development where they build a cohesive bond with humans. In their latter weanling months/short yearling they are more formally introduced to plastic bit and grooming tools such as brushes, mane combs and hoof picks. Bits are connected to their halters while they are being groomed in their stalls for a smooth transition for when… Continue Reading
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