We will most likely not take in any foals here at the rescue for the 2008 orphan season. We are moving to a bigger and better facility & there is much work to be done, as well as fund raising projects. Please check out our benefit raffle for all the horses here at the rescue. We currently have many ongoing fundraising projects, please see our Fundraising News.
Below are pics of the thanksgiving weanlings all together, their little herd-
12/29 Pics as they were introduced to Galahad-
Please submit your adoption form & contract ASAP if you are wanting to adopt. Our adoption policy is a first come first serve basis so we will not hold any foals for you until you are approved. See contract for more details.
Please remember that even though we are a registered non-profit in the state of KY, until we receive our 501c(3) status, any donations made will not be tax deductible. We are in the process of filing and it should not be too long now! But please don't let that stand in the way of helping these animals have a better life & brighter future!
Make foal adoption you first option! If you can't care for or raise a foal at home, please consider sponsorship.
What is a nurse mare foal?
Orphan nurse mare foals are a product of the nurse mare farm industry. Most people associate these babies with PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) babies and that couldn't be farther from the truth. PMU babies are generated as a result of breeding mares specifically for their urine, as menopause drugs for women are manufactured from hormones found within their urine when they are pregnant. Though they are both generating foals, usually PMU ranches allow the mares to nurse their young.
Nurse mare farms breed "worthless" mares to "worthless" studs for the purpose of nursing foals other than their own (Usually high dollar show or race horses). This has been happening for 30+ years, but has remained "underground" so unfortunately, it could be happening right down the street and you probably wouldn't know it.
There are many reasons why people think this is necessary, the dam dies in birth, the dam can immediately return to work, be transported immediately, can be covered on the foal heat, etc.
Many myths have surrounded this industry, including the most popular; it's a Thoroughbred thing; and its understandable why people have come to that conclusion. In order for a Thoroughbred to be eligible for registry, they must have been a live cover breeding. Though the racing industry is a major player, many different breeds are involved in the practice. So to answer the question: "What is a nurse mare foal?" These foals are unfortunate by-products of a industry in practice of leasing a mare out for her milk.
If you find you are caring for an orphan foal, whether it is a PMU, nurse mare baby, rejected by its dam, or otherwise, it is very important to remember that each individual foal is different. So just because it works for one foal does not mean it applies to all! Always use common sense when making choices & decisions on your foal's care. Don't be afraid to ask someone with more experience, and always gather all the info you can through all the available sources. Remember that a little hard work & effort really pays off as you see these guys grow into the healthy & beautiful horses they will become.
Below are are files that will help you on your journey of discovery into the world of orphan foal care.
Nurse Mare Foals Supplies Needed
How do you care for your Orphaned Foal?
