Weaning can be more frustrating than it is worth. Here are seven steps which might be helpful in this process toward survival of a healthy mare and foal. 1. LOOK into the pure theory of natural weaning among wild horses. Knowledge of the process is good, but realizing when it is time to quit the theory because it is unattainable domestically is better. Nobody helps wean a wild horse. You are the third member of the domestic weaning team.

2. WATCH your mare and her foal regularly for prolonged periods of time without distraction or interference. Pay attention to their relationship and concentrate on any tendency of the foal to take a different direction from the common bond. Teething removes infancy. Strength will seek independence.

3. REMEMBER that you are not a horse. Disregard all the characteristics of your own motivation and behavior which easily can be attributed to your horse. You don't know what the horses know, and vice versa. Weaning time will be evident to the mare if not to the foal.

4. BREAK apart your own particular weaning situation into elements and analyse them with a view to the importance of each. They will always fall into the two broad catagories of time and space: time before, during, and after the weaning process in relation to the space surrounding your horses' domestication. Beware of further scientific break down once it leads to confusion. Recognize the approach to conflict when your confidence and ambition is threatened. This is expected and good because it will make you create a list of specific, situational problems. Water, shelter, and containment are at the heart of every situation, but every weaning problem has a solution.

5. SHARE your situation by taking your list to somebody who has history with a similar situation. Communicate your list on the ground in their space. The solution to all your weaning problems will come from people who have had successful, repeated experiences. Compare notes to determine how you can best help your mare wean her foal. Whatever the problem, somebody else has already had it and solved it. You can't wean the foal by yourself.

6. PLAN the exact timing of initiation and duration of weaning and decide where on the ground it can be maintained. Figure out what the post-weaning relationship of the mare and her foal will be and how it can be sustained. Inform your veterinarian of your intentions. And, don't forget that there is nourishment beyond milk.

7. STICK to your plan, absolutely. If it is good, believe in it, and it will work. To waver will weaken your horses and bother your mind. Monitor your mare and foal and, if either starts going bad and you can't stand it, call the vet before you waver from your plan. Your horses rely on you to survive. Nature is reliable.