Weaning Thoroughbred foals: what really happens
Weaning is one of the first big milestones in a young Thoroughbred’s life. And despite what some might assume, it’s not a traumatic separation. When done well, as it is across Australian and New Zealand breeding farms, it’s a carefully managed, low-stress transition that reflects how foals naturally grow up.
When does weaning happen?
Thoroughbred foals are usually weaned between four and six months of age. By then, they’re already well on the way to independence. Milk makes up less of their diet. They spend more time grazing. They start choosing the company of other foals over their dam. In other words – they’re ready.
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Nutritionally: They’re capable of digesting hay, grain and pasture. Milk becomes secondary around this age.
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Physically: Prolonged nursing can mean too many calories, which risks unnecessary weight on developing limbs.
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Contextually: In the wild, foals might stay on the mare longer, but that’s usually due to food scarcity. In a managed setting with consistent nutrition, they’re self-sufficient earlier.
How are Thoroughbred foals weaned?
There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but most Australian and New Zealand breeders favour group weaning which means foals are removed from their dams in small, familiar groups. They have company, continuity, and social reassurance. This minimises stress and mirrors how they naturally form bonds with peers as they mature.
Other methods used include:
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Gradual weaning: Short daily separations that increase over time. Scientifically shown to reduce cortisol levels (Moons et al., 2005).
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Abrupt weaning: Full separation in one go. It’s efficient but can lead to short-term distress -pacing, calling, dips in feed intake.
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Fenceline weaning: Mare and foal are separated by a solid fence. They can see and smell each other but not nurse. This method reduces separation anxiety (McCall et al., 1987).
Is it stressful?
Not in the way some people might picture. Yes, it’s a change. But not a traumatic one -especially with good management.
Think of it like a child’s first day of school: unfamiliar at first, but a normal, healthy step in growing up.
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Behavioural signs like calling or pacing may appear but tend to fade quickly.
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Physiological changes, like elevated heart rate or cortisol, are minimal when foals are weaned gradually or with peers (Fisher et al., 2013).
On well-run farms, foals have already learned how to eat hard feed, drink from troughs, and handle routine human contact before they’re weaned. That preparation makes a big difference.
Minimising stress during weaning
Good farms don’t leave it to chance. Here’s how they set foals up for success:
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Preparation: Introduce feed, hay, water buckets, and handling early.
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Social support: Wean in pairs or groups with known companions. Nannies are also often used to reduce stress, these are typically older retired mares or geldings.
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Method matters: Fenceline or gradual weaning reduces distress compared to abrupt separation.
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Consistency: Familiar paddocks and routines help foals feel secure.
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Close monitoring: Early intervention for signs like diarrhoea, weight loss or lethargy ensures problems don’t escalate.
The bottom line
Weaning is part of raising a healthy, resilient Thoroughbred, not an traumatic ordeal. On breeding farms across Australia and New Zealand, it’s handled with science, structure and care. Done right, it gives foals the confidence and stability they need to thrive in the next stage of life.
