Q:
We’re curious about the weaning process. Is separation done gradually over several weeks, or is it a fast process? If the latter, how do you deal with the mares’ and foals’ distress and stop them from, say, hurting themselves, when separated and perhaps trying to get back to each other? It seems like weaning would be awfully hard on the human handlers, too.
Trish & Mike
Highlands Ranch, CO
A: The weaning process starts between five and six months of age at Lane’s End. At this stage weaning has started to begin naturally—the foals will be playing and socializing with their buddies more and more and be quite independent when they are turned out.
We typically wean early in the morning so we have a whole day to observe the mares and the foals and make sure they are handling it well. The weaned mares and foals are on opposite sides of the farm so that they are unable to hear each other. This actually makes the separation much easier on both when there isn’t a constant reminder. They stay with the groups they have been with for the last few months so they draw comfort from each other, and it really is only a matter of a few days before they are happily settled into their new routine.
The weanlings continue to come into the barn everyday and have already been taught to eat on their own before being weaned, so their routine is much the same as before. They will be checked over and have their temp taken and their feet picked before going back out in the afternoon with their pals.
Our Expert
Assistant Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End
Originally from Birmingham, England, Donna joined the Lane’s End team in 2004. As Assistant Broodmare Manager, she devotes her time to ensuring the health and happiness of all the broodmares and their foals.
suew/Va
I’m wondering if 12Z has been officially weaned from Zenny now. It’s been almost 6 months from the date of his birth. How I hope we continue to get updates on him…he is so much like her, or so it seems, in may ways. I’ll bet the Mayberrys are anxious to get him when he’s a yearling.
Eileen
Baby z was born on march 8. He will not be 6 months until September. So I think they still have a few more weeks together.
Irene Caty
I am so anxious to find out how Zenyatta and baby Z are doing. I wonder what Zenyatta will think and how she will feel when baby Z is no longer there. I am interested how baby Z goes on once he no longer sees his Mom. I know he will adapt but how long will it take him? I really miss hearing about Zenyatta and how she is doing. Love you Zenny.
Tina Arnold
Has there been much progress on a name for our little (Zendini) as I call him? Have been missing updated pictures of them both. Please give us an update soon. Sure do miss our girl at the races. It’s Saratoga time here, Travers in 3 weeks we’ll be there. Much Love Z, Tina
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS — MARLENE DODGE NEEDS OUR HELP!
Our dear friend Marlene Dodge of Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue in King City, CA, is looking for help raising funds to pull 8 dear horses out of the feed lot in Fallon, NV, where they will be shipped to Canada for slaughter on Aug. 11. These are 6 very nice well-broke horses and 2 young horses just starting out in life. Please do what you can to help Marlene. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com to see the horses and donate. So far $1,750 has been raised toward the total $5,000 needed to rescue these horses. Thank you and God bless!
J
Eileen
I do not know where to put this but. I have a suggestion re baby z’s name
He was born under a full moon. Jerry Moss was I believe a producer of the song Moon River. How about Rio Luna. (if that is correct Spanish).
Pati- Lost in Canada
Vote from me. The Mosses I believe are picking the name themselves but your name is pretty good! It’s unique, like the Prince!
suew/Va
I like this one, too!
Eileen
Thanks ladies. I thought it was a good
name, how do I send the name to the Mosses?
Pati- Getting Better
I’m not sure, but they do occasionally read the posts. Maybe they noticed it already.
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS: LET’S HELP MARLENE DODGE BRING THESE SWEET HORSES HOME!
Well, I misspoke last time I gave you all an update. The total funds raised are just over $1,875 at this point and Marlene needs $5,000 to save 8 horses in the Fallon, NV feedlot who are bound for slaughter in Canada. Her deadline is Saturday, August 11 and it is already Wednesday, August 8! These horses include 6 well-broke geldings and mares aged 3-16, some of which are registered. There are also 2 youngsters who are just getting started in life. These are all very nice horses who, through no fault of their own, are in this terrible predicament. There are photos of each of these horses on the Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue website. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com and do what you can to help Marlene. Thank you,
Jeanie
suew/Va
Anxiously waiting for the next Q & A from LE.
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS: LET’S HELP PUT MARLENE DODGE OVER THE TOP TODAY!
Marlene is still about $2,000 why of the $5,000 needed to rescue the 8 sweet horses out of the Nevada feed lot before they are shipped to Canada. Tomorrow is the UGLY DAY. Please help do whatever you can. We don’t want her to have to make a Sophie’s Choice and pick one or two of them to leave behind. That would break my heart and I know yours’ too. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com to see photos of these dear horses and donate. Thank you Z’isters one and all!
J
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS
THANK YOU EVERYONE! We helped Marlene rescue the 8 horses from the Nevada feedlot! You are all so generous and caring. Thank you thank you! She will be going up to get these dear horses soon and bring them back to Valley View Ranch in King City where they will each be assessed and provided any freshening before adoption.
J
Cynthia Hahn
I have a question. Seeing the pics of 12Z playing with the other youngsters and just being a normal horse, do you guys ever get nervous watching them or anticipating inury?