Wow Jill you have done a great job in raising this boy. He really looks good and just full of him little self. Congratulations I know it is very tough to try and raise one by hand.
Thanks, everyone. I've never handraised a foal before. It is gratifying from the perspective of "I raised him!" and as a breeder to see Trooper turning out like he seems to be turning out
:yes
So far, I have not put him in with other horses. He has two fencelines with other horses, and a fence line with some dwarf goats. He's just so little that I've been leary to let another horse be loose around him at this stage (without a horse mom to keep a protective watch over him). Not sure if that is right, or me being over protective. What I plan to do is let him be with Piper and Infinity (my current year fillies) when they are weaned -- which won't be all that much longer
It's so much easier now that he only gets formula 3x a day (every 8hrs). He has free choice grass, soft hay, and a mixture of Purina Equine Junior and Milk Pellets around the clock. This morning, I had a dilemma because client appointments will make me miss his noon milk meal (milk = 4am-12noon-8pm). I opted to feed him a couple hours late, vs. 5 hours early. He'll be happy to see the milk pitcher when I get home!!!
Jill it looks like he has seen plenty of groceries. Wow I know that has been hard on you. You have done a wonderful job and he looks like a real lover too.
