Q. I'd like information and recommendations for safe hauling of my weanlings. These are young (five- to six-month-old) babies that have already been weaned and will need to be hauled around, either because they have been sold or because they will start showing. They tie and are halter-broken and healthy, but my question lies in their safety on those first trailer rides until they get used to the sounds, smells, movements, etc., that accompany trailering. Should they be tied? If hauled loose, when is it time for them to be tied and confined? What's the easiest way to proceed for happy hauling in the future?

Kathy

A.  In my experience, youngsters load and travel quite easily when started young, and it always seems the younger the better. Many owners tend to prefer to start foals with their dams whenever possible, especially if the mares are good travelers themselves. For example, Thoroughbred foals that travel with their dams for live cover breeding at foal heat–usually at less than two weeks of age–almost never have a problem. Those foals usually just follow along behind Mom, taking it all in stride, and become life-long happy haulers.

If the dam isn't available, as is the case for your weaned foals, taking them in pairs or with any adult pasture or barn companion for the first loading or two and for short rides can be very efficient. It works well to park your trailer within a fenced enclosure where you can just lead the companion and allow the youngster to follow unhaltered at first, or if on a lead, with a loose lead so that he can "go in on his own