Josie is a fantastic first time mum; she knows exactly what to do. You can see on the photo that when Milo is suckling, she pulls him in closer using her chin. When he is sleeping she will often nudge him to check he is OK. Josie has also shown Milo all of the best spots to have a roll and good scratch in the field!
Milo will stay with Josie for the first few months, while he is suckling and dependant on her nourishing milk. After this, we will start to wean him off so he becomes less dependant on her. Once he is old enough, Milo will be 'gelded' which means he can stay with us for life as there will be no chance of him getting any of the other ponies in foal.
We keep a close eye on both Josie and her foal, and will begin to teach him simple commands and get him used to being handled, so he is easier to look after when older.