Yearling: precise definition, growth in the first few months of life, feeding tips and everything you need to know about these beautiful animals.
What is it called?
The correct definition of “yearling colt” is yearling, a term derived from horsemanship[year “year” and suffix -ling indicating membership (Treccani)]. This term denoted 1-year-old thoroughbreds in racehorse breeding. By extension, it is currently used more broadly and defines all one-year-old foals of any breed, sporting or non-sporting destination.
Growth and development
The growth of foals, especially in their first year of life, is crucial. In the first six months, mother’s presence is vital, both for feeding and education, but also interaction with other foals, both for play and discovery. From the sixth month of life begins a decisive phase for the foal: weaning. Food choices and environmental choices are crucial in this period; we will cover both in this article.
The yearling, during this time, experiences the most decisive time of its life for muscular, skeletal, cognitive and character development. It is essential to allow him to discover freedom, to get used to certain physical activities naturally and to develop as much contact with his peers and humans as possible.
In his training, all these aspects are essential to avoid the onset of fear, to develop motor skills that will help him in future training, and to prepare him for social life without behavioral problems.
In the area of “growth and weaning,” there are several different managements: some breeders prefer to have this sensitive period spent in classes made up of foals of the same age, and others choose to have them live in mixed classes to accustom them to hierarchical issues. In both cases, the opportunity to know and learn from others is paramount given the gregarious nature of the horse.
Dietary advice
Feeding plays a very important role in the growth of one-year-old foals and is in addition to the other attentions that should always be considered.
Our forages are very suitable at this stage because of their components and ingredients and because they are very close to the natural diet of grazing horses. They can also be an excellent transition between grass/hay and feed and can accompany the foal to adult horse feeding, remaining an important part of its diet in the future.
In addition, all of the forages we offer are fiber-based, a necessary component for the gastro-intestinal system of a foal so far accustomed to a simple, natural diet. Not to mention the importance of structured vitamin intake that is essential for musculoskeletal development even in later years of life.
Another feature is the long chewing to which the forage structure leads: it allows for better assimilation of nutrients and a greater time commitment that can help manage the early stages of independent feeding away from mother.
Among our products, for one-year-old foals, our experts recommend:
- Healthy Tummy , perfect for delicate or forming digestive systems such as that of foals
- Level Grow Cubes
- Level Grow Mix
- In the area of “growth and weaning,” there are several different managements: some breeders prefer to have this sensitive period spent in classes made up of foals of the same age, and others choose to have them live in mixed classes to accustom them to hierarchical issues. In both cases, the opportunity to know and learn from others is paramount given the gregarious nature of the horse.
