>>>> So we've jumped from being a couple of weeks old to newborns, and from >>>> being not happy to being terrorized in a couple of keystrokes.
Yes, I consider two-week-olds essentially newborns in this context. In fact, in THIS context, I'd probably consider any pre-weanling baby as a "newborn," ESPECIALLY if they haven't been handled. Have you seen many newborn foals? Maybe, you have, and I don't want to be condescending to those who have, but it's important that people understand. Within an hour, they are up and nursing. In a couple of hours, sometimes less, they can run. They are essentially born moving - that's not the issue to me. I'm not so concerned about the physical impact of this chasing (although that COULD present hazards as well) as I am the mental aspect. I can tell you from looking out in my pasture right now, that foals are basically blank slates, soaking up every experience, for a long time. And yes, I truly believe that they would be terrorized in such a context. I didn't have to see that in person - I just know what foals are like. If I caught anyone chasing my foals, that are now one month-olds, there would be heck to pay...with me, and with Maja and Flekka. Didn't you catch that they have to take the mares out to chase them? That's an important detail here. Karen Thomas, NC
