The Class of 2021 – The First Blade of Grass…

After spending several days out in the ménage, the next step for our 2021 foals is turnout in a small paddock.

For the foals, it can be difficult to understand why their dams seem far more interested in grazing than exploring. After a quick inspection of the boundaries, the mares’ heads are firmly down, making the most of the fresh grass. A gradual reintroduction to grazing is especially important for the mares after spending time stabled.

Once everyone has settled, we often find ourselves wondering: what does that very first blade of grass taste like to a foal?

Although we are now in May, spring still seems reluctant to arrive. The days have been reasonable, but the nights remain too cold and wet for the foals to stay out around the clock.

Since birth, each mare and foal pair has followed a carefully managed turnout programme. Over a two-week period, they have gradually increased the amount of time spent outside, building up from short sessions to a full day of grazing before returning to the comfort of their stables each night.

Watching the foals gain confidence, explore their surroundings, and experience new things for the first time is one of the many rewards of this stage of their development.