Youngest it's ok to show a foal?

Question

I'm planning on doing some showing with my mare and foal this summer. Mare is due May 15th but when vet examined her about 3 weeks ago he reckons foal will come on May 4th - brave vet stating a date like that :o I'm hoping he's right tho.
Anyway the first show I would like to do with them is June 8th - obviously if the foal is too young I won't be going but there are only 3 shows close enough for us to do (I won't travel over about 30-40 minutes with a foal) so how old do you think the foal has to be to go?
All the show rules I've read through require you to be on the show ground from about 9.30 (may be earlier depending on the class time) and you have to stay till after the parade at around 3.30 or so. It's a long day. I will have a trailer set up almost like a stable that I can pop mare and foal in to have some peace together.

As well as how old you would want the foal to be whats the best way to manage the mare and foal whilst at the show grounds? This is my first time doing anything with a foally :-)

see arr harr · Accepted Answer

For foal at foot classes it's usually three weeks, the youngest I've taken one is just shy of a month and he looked the babiest of all the babies on the day!  The full rules will be in the schedule, if it doesn't say then it's down to what you think, but take 3 weeks as your yardstick!

Shows are long days, especially for babies, but so long as the dam is reasonably chilled with going to shows the foal will handle it.  Let them have plenty of time in their trailer-stable, the foal will be exhausted and will need to lie down, and the mare will appreciate the quiet time too.

You sound pretty organised already!

? · Answer

I wouldn't even consider taking a very young foal to a show. Even at 3-4 months it will be a big deal. They have to lead and stand, not a quick thing to teach. Last year I watched a neighbour at a show with her mare and foals not far off weaning. The one she had didn't like been restrained in the ring and gave her good kicking. Normally if a foal gets away from a handler it will go to its mum quite quickly. This one panicked and took off screeching. 

We transport mare and foals at foot for covering. So they are around 28 days old. It is hard on them.

Kaylee · Answer

I'd say wait till the foal is at least a year old before entering it in a show. :) I don't show horses but really it depends on the foal. But its also good to take the foal with the mare to a show, so that away the foal will be able to get used to all the loud noises and commotions that go on during shows. Also if there is a practice ring in the show grounds, try leading the foal around in it and get him used to his surroundings and the feel of the ground. I know it sounds silly, but some horses might not be used to the soft grounds and they might freak out. 

But I would take the foal with the mare to get him used to being at shows if he was to be a future show horse. :) I even agree on entering him in a foal class just to get him used to it all. :) Hoped it helped some and good luck. :)

? · Answer

It depends on the show

Some only allow weanlings and older, some have Produce classes for mare and foal.

Personally, I would wait until they're weaned

Good luck!

Missyclare · Answer

I hear you RACH. Hard on the foals, and why I have bred every two years and not in 28 days. Thought it would be hard on them and you've confirmed it for me...thanks.

I also would wait until weaned. The confusion and atmosphere is too much for them both. It would be a very tense, good health inhibiting, possible high injury risk kind of day and not worth it.

Youngest it's ok to show a foal?

5 Answers