[Paxo]

If they dont get some of the mares milk in it , it will likely die, by supplimenting are you meaning mares milk or store bought, they need to call a vet and he/she will ba able to give the mare a chance at taking her foal properly, sometimes some sedation and time they warm up to the foal. This can tend to happen if the mare is to young to really have one to begin with. Plenty of other reasons however.

[Maisie]

TheHorse.com had a really good blog on this last year ... I will try to find the link for you.
In this particular case the mare had previously been a good mother twice,
but the third foal was a very difficult birth.
Anna

[Maisie]

The link I promised ... long story but very good.

theHorse.com

Blog Update: Making a New Mom for a Rejected Filly
by: Scot T. Gillies, Photo/Newsletter Editor August 26 2007, Article # 9048

Anna

[Equineluver]

THANKS A TON Maisie

[lacy]

I agree with ACC- give the mare a chance to bond. Hold the mare or sedate her if you have to.

its not too uncommon. It happens more often if she is a young mom or if it is her first time. Just think of first time humane moms that have never been around kids or really young girls having babies. They need help and to be shown what to do.

If you never plan on breeding her or keeping her around any studs and she's a sweet mare, then I don't see why you coulden't keep her. But I personally would feel more comfortable if she got a chance with the baby. Either she lets the baby milk or she doesn't- at least you would KNOW...

[Appylvr]

If this was the mare's first foal it's totally not uncommon. The mare is probably freaked by what just happened and not understanding it. Just like some people don't have mothering instincts, same with animals. Your neighbor's need to put a halter on the mare with a stud chain handy (just in case) and supervise the meeting.

When I bred my mare it was her first foal. She would not let the baby nurse at first... whenever he tried walking towards her she would squeal and raise her back leg like she was going to kick him and kept backing away. This went on for a couple of hours and I panicked. I called my breeder and he told me to put a stud chain under her top lip and my mom held her in a corner while I helped Teak nurse. Once she knew that chain was there she didn't want to fight anymore. After the second time he nursed you could visibly see her relax. After that I still supervised but I was able to let her off the chain and she was fine.

If I was your neighbor's I would definately try this. Bottle feeding a foal is a HUGE responsibility and you pretty much have NO life for 3 months... Also I believe the foals are healthier and grow better on mommy's milk.