It’s Time To Wean My First Foal…A Bittersweet Day

[@freespiritequestrian]

Hey Horse Lovers! This was such a bittersweet day. I cannot believe how fast Ezzy has grown and that she’s 7 months old!!!!! How does time go so fast? Thanks for tuning in. -Shae The Valentine’s Day Surprise Special 💋🐴💐💕💄Link Below: thespiritedhorseboutique.com/products/lip-kit-valentines-day-surprise-bundle

[@markstone2036]

I am sorry that this is tough for you.

[@DiamondKat]

You are such a wonderful horse trainer and educator not to mention content creator , your channel is my favorite on KZbin and I get so happy when you put out new content , I think that you did everything right with Belle and I wish you all the best ❤😊 I know this weather has been nuts . tell Kyle my dad just sold a 1939 plymouth he had it for over 50 plus years , he too is a car guy 😊

[@dianepini824]

I will be putting an order in on the 1st!!

[@Maddiethemm2player]

​@@markstone2036I agree ( I liked your comment BTW x)

[@Horsesrocktheworld]

How Dominant is bell

[@Alchera201]

Ezzy and Ariel demanding affection from Kyle is just the sweetest thing!

[@maggieekane7845]

One can really recognize how big Belle is when one realizes how huge Ezzy is. I want to see Belle, one day, next to Lumiere. ❤️❤️

[@sharonknorr1106]

I was thinking the exact same thing - they are the biggest on the farm. We'll see who reigns supreme once Ezzie grows up. Cannot believe how big she is, but still well proportioned and beautiful. And then there's Ariel - so sweet and calm, such a great fit as a BFF to Ezzie. You are doing a great job picking and training these horses.

[@Auntie-Sara]

I too am excited for that day🥰

[@kellysirman4184]

Yes ❤️Belle and Lumiere

[@susanfreeman9500]

Belle, Lumiere, and Gaston, make an interesting contrast of size and body type. I'm looking forward to it as well. The video does distort visuals so having them together I think will make it easier to compare.

[@maggieekane7845]

@@sharonknorr1106 ✌️💟 So sweet!

[@voiceofreason7856]

My first mare had two beautiful foals for me. I, too, let they stay with their Mum till they'd practically weaned themselves ! I can never understand why some people wean them as early as 4 months old, etc. In the wild, the foals nurse and stay with their Mums much longer than humans often will allow them to in captivity.. It's not just about 'nourishment', it's about 'learning how to be a horse' too ! MUCH less stress on both mare and foal if they are weaned later ! Well done, Shae.

[@infernowarrior9884]

I slow wean my show milk goat doelings as well as our Connie foals. They end up very secure and great mums later. Many show breeders only bottle feed goatlings from dairy breeds because of the effect on the udder for showing, but we prefer letting them learn from their mums and, when old enough, about herd life. Early imprinting is also important for goats. What is so funny is baby goats have done the foal clacking with the mouths for people just like foals do with older horses. I don't think many people have observed that.

[@kburke9615]

@@infernowarrior9884 My filly was weaned at 5 months of age. Her mom, a great mom btw, no longer had interest in her. It wasn't a forced thing or a convenience thing, mom had decided she had taught Zoewy everything she needed to know to be a horse & was off doing her own thing on the opposite side of the field.

[@SocialShires]

Yes, my colt was 1yo. My mare weaned him. She would more and more often refuse him to nurse.

[@mollyragdollfan1917]

And Kyle is really turning into a horse dad. He is well on his way of becoming a horse person!

[@jenifereddings6190]

And the horses definitely adore him too!!!

[@MadddyDawn]

Those babies are smart. They’re like we’ll turn him, he can’t resist us. Lol

[@brbrknndy]

Ezzie's getting weaned is equivalent to a child leaving home to go off to college. Totally necessary for Ezzie to keep growing. Your method of weaning is great.

[@BlueLotusLife]

Beautiful Belle! She’s done a championship job raising and caring for Ezzy. Esmeralda could not have had a better start!

[@teresalubeck8044]

I think Ezzy’s “free spirit” is attributed to Belle, and Shea. Shea has given them an environment that is safe and loving where Belle could be a momma and Ezzie could thrive!

[@PredictableEnigma]

Mushu's been waiting to play with the kids ever since they showed up! Such a good big bro. Hopefully Belle will adjust well. ❤

[@debbieking3442]

Mushu is my favorite shhhh don't tell the other horses

[@Swimkid1]

Mushu is great.

[@ricklaurelnovotny4829]

Mushy and beggera are one in a lifetime horses

[@scottiwalker1380]

I can't believe that Ezzie is as big as Mushoo😮

[@Auntie-Sara]

♡Auntie Bagheera & Uncle Moo ♡Babysit Ezzy and Ariel too ♡As Mama Belle escapes the rain ♡Going inside with Shae to train

[@Believinabel]

This is adorable.

[@thatonehotredhead]

such a sweet little poem!

[@Auntie-Sara]

@@Believinabel @thatonehotredhead Such sweet kindness from you both, thank you with loving hugs❣️🥰🤗🍬

[@underdog2116]

Bagheera standing idle while mushu gets surrounded by the foals is like welcome to my life ❤

[@Cozycountry1]

This was my first thought too that Bagheera was like, "yep Mushu, these foals are exhausting and it's your turn. Why can't I go with Belle?" Of course Ezzy had to bug Mushy more and Ariel was observing tbem. It's a sad but necessary day to wean Ezzy and Mushu helped distract her.❤

[@reeritz1280]

Bagheera is a super sweet senior gal. Anyone know if she came w/that name or if it's one of Shea's Disney character names? I don't recall that name amongst the Disney films?

[@underdog2116]

@@reeritz1280 bagheera is from the jungle book! The black panther that brings mowgli to the wolves and helps raise him

[@reeritz1280]

@underdog2116 TY, I saw that movie 50 yrs ago as a child & don't remember much about it. Nice to know where her name came from👍...AWESOME😁👌

[@maggieekane7845]

I m impressed with how physically fit Belle is without extra training. Belle looked ready to go and tackle your training plans. Your care training, caring for a mare with a foal is truly remarkable. This little window into Belle’s small workout in the indoor arena shows how in shape Belle is for the care, nurturing, training and attention she has received since last February, 2023!! ❤️🐴🥰❤️

[@PredictableEnigma]

You are so right! Looking back at the videos from when Ezzy was tiny, you can tell she's now lost a lot of excess weight and toned leg muscles.

[@jodyhuston1516]

Nothing like producing enough milk to support the growing size of a foal like Ezzie! And like human Moms, I’ll bet Belle’s continuous care for Ezzie made her miss a few meals and kept her on the run! Lol, when my youngest son was 2, ( eldest son 4), someone took a picture of me and I was shocked to see I was more slender than at anytime in my adult life. Thinking of it, I realized I hadn’t had a hot meal in 2 years. That’s motherhood!

[@BC-ds3vv]

2:07

[@bethfiori4708]

Ariel is such a sweetie, a little quiet or shy, but somehow I have a feeling she'll be smart, dependable, and lovey when she comes into her own.

[@dawncamp303]

love her !!

[@reeritz1280]

Yeah..I have a real soft spot for Ariel...she was weaned young, then sent to auction...can you imagine a child in all that bedlam. So happy Shea💋& Kyle adopted her🤠👍

[@melanielatham5665]

Oh dear I found that separation more stressful than Belle and Ezzy did. That final nursing did it for me 😢😢

[@AL-lz1hb]

Don't worry, even though Ezzy is growing into a big girl now, she will always be your baby.😊

[@lpruitt4163]

Ezzy is so grown, I can’t believe the difference in her. Such a beautiful girl. I can’t get over her size compared to Mushu.

[@alinashirinian2485]

This is a very bittersweet video but Kyle being a certified Horse Dad was the highlight of my day lol, the girls really love him! 😄💗💕

[@annegrasser377]

You are such a wonderful owner. You are so thoughtful , responsible, and caring. Its beautiful to see.

[@catherineniew7457]

Thats right on!!! ❤️🐴

[@rosemary702001]

Shae, you’re such a mom! Milestones in baby development are often emotional. They never stay young long enough. I think you’ve done a marvelous job of considering everything and making the weaning process as painless as possible. I appreciate your reassurance about Belle’s future. I’m pretty stuck on her! I’m glad she’ll get the training she needs from you for a happy future. Mushu has been great with all the new relationships!

[@gretchengardner2753]

They let you know ...we have a pasture herd, and the mares start letting us know- Belle looks good, she's not drug down at all so this is a great time❤ every end is a new beginning😢

[@robertshrewsbury5067]

That was very thoughtful to give Ezzy bits of time away from her mom, so she could be comfortable with separation and weaning. Have been noting how much the horses are becoming inclusive of Kyle as a reliable friend. Liked the clip of Ezzy when she was younger.

[@tdhawk167]

Think Ariel missed out because she was weaned at such a young age. And oh my, she's come so far, because her weaning was not mindful at all. I think she was traumatized. It lightens my heart to see her now so happy and social❤️ Think you've done a wonderful job with her! ❤ Love how you are with your horses. Anyone is fortunate to have a horse from you! ❤️

[@justsayin1958]

I think Belle enjoyed her alone time to just relax and move freely. I remember those 'baby free times' - it's like ahhhhh a little respite.......

[@falcolf]

Belle is SUCH a gorgeous lady, I'm glad she gets to just be a horse now and I'm so happy that Esmerelda got the full experience of being a baby with her mama.❤ I'm eager to see what she ends up looking like as she gets older!❤

[@Bull_180]

I feel like ezzy was born only yesterday, what a joy she was, is and will be! Mushu is the best big bro❤

[@margaretasaarenpaa4239]

Belle is a real beauty❤️

[@maggieekane7845]

Ariel knows what love, affection and trust means. Ariel loves her FSE Farm family! ❤️🐴❤️

[@Fluffylover261]

That’s why I like your channel, you explain things and you interacting with your horses is amazing. . It shows you love your horses.

[@kathleenmcdonald6641]

I was even emotional my self. Can't believe Essy is ready for weaning. Truely is bittersweet Belle is gorgeous girl.

[@trac6009]

I just can't believe Ezzy is 7 1/2 months old all ready...so amazing that you and Bell found each other and they both are health and happy!

[@Rebecca.Elizabeth]

It's so hard to believe our journey with Ezzy has already been nearly eight months. The time surely went by fast. I know she'll be okay. I think having Ariel will be a big comfort to her. Mushu, too, since he is younger and playful. This is just a new chapter in the book of Ezzy and I can't wait to see how she continues to do.

[@kristinkester9392]

I just became so teary when you led Belle away from Ezzy, but you did it so beautifully and with so much kindness. I really became teary when I saw the birth and baby pasture videos. They are so lucky to have such a kind and caring person such as you... you are the best❤

[@jenniferrevilla5298]

Took her awhile to start "clacking" lol. She was big and brave to start. She is a force to be reckoned with. She absolutely has so much confidence. A star in the making😍😍 Ariel is the quiet, sit back and watch type. She will shine equally in her own way. 😍😍

[@MadddyDawn]

Ezzy is such a sweet girl. And she knows she’s the baby of the family. I absolutely adore Belle. I can’t wait to watch her training.

[@markstone2036]

Ezzy is gorgeous.❤❤Belle is a tremendous mom.

[@suemcknight9051]

HA! “I’ll have one for the road, mom…and, Make it milk!” 😋…. So funny that in the middle of your explanation & your emotional struggle to accomplish weaning this big baby, she decides to have a little last sip at the dairy bar! 🥰.

[@carolinep.7580]

I really appreciate how thoughtful you are with your horses! Mushu the babysitter..his half hearted kick was adorable 🥰

[@1375Dragonfly]

Mooshoo reminds me of WC Fields : "Get away from me kid! Ya bother me!"

[@johnhoover8952]

I am glad the weaning process is going smoothly. Mushu The Potato is now a big brother to two pretty little filly girls 🐎❤.

[@marymacgregor6952]

I didn’t know what clacking was until you explained it. It’s really cute. Ezzie has a beard and Mushu has a moustache. I think putting Mushu with the foals took Ezzie’s mind off her Mom.

[@scottiwalker1380]

Yes, I think you're right...Mushu was a great distraction 😀

[@Lindy-nw9rd]

Lumiere is so curious 🥹🥹 seeing him so interested in the other paddock is so cute 🥹 also mushuu is officially one of the girlies now 🥹💅💅

[@lindagrizzard2999]

What a momentous day for everyone at Free Spirit Equestrian. Belle will be okay and Ezzie will have fun with Mushu. Ariel is such a great playmate for Ezzie and now she can play with Mushu too!! You have done an excellent job planning and making this as stress free as possible for everyone. Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for sharing your wonderful family of horses with us. So happy to see Ariel loving on Kyle!❤❤❤

[@defrost8648]

It seems Belle was ready to wean Ezzie, and you picked an appropriate age for Ezzie. Those points alone will make weaning go so much smoother. Good job. ❤

[@actuallyspacey]

at least she still gets to see her mama as she gets older! goodness, she’s grown to be so big miss ezzy!

[@jackiefranklin-n7u]

You are so amazing. I love how you do the education with safety. Talking to the horses & treats. I just love it that you show your love to your horses. Also how calm you always are

[@maggieekane7845]

Belle shows a lot of love for Shae. She feels some freedom without her filly, and that feels good enuf for a roll. ThxMama Shae. 👍🥰❤️

[@PennyLane66]

What a momentous day for Belle and Ezzy, it all went so well thanks to the preparation you’ve done. Mushu is such a sweet boy he’s just so chilled with everyone.

[@kristenschnese6980]

Oh I hope this keeps going well. Mushu as a baby sitter great choice.

[@shirleyrice5779]

Belle knows she gets grain when put in her stall. She says “Where is it!”

[@PredictableEnigma]

She's so food motivated that it's funny 😅

[@rebeccarothfuss-ym3gs]

Hi Shae, Well this is kinda like Ezzie's first day of kindergarten, usually more difficult, sadder, for the moms and dads than the kids. There will be other "rites of passage" but this one is the most momentous. Y'all, equine and human, did just great!! And Shae, I just have to commend you, as a first time "mama" to a foal you have put in a huge amount of time researching and preparing yourself for every step in the whole process: from proper care and nutrition for Belle during her pregnancy, careful planning and safety measures for the birth, Bagheera as a nanny, and purchasing a lovely weanling companion so that Ezzie would have a companion her own age, and now so much thought and effort to make the weaning process as emotionally comfortable for Belle and Ezzie as possible. Good job mama Shae. As I've said before, God must smile when he looks down and sees FSE farm and how well you and Kyle take care of all the animals that He has entrusted to your loving care. 🎉🎉❤❤😊😊

[@laureenlow-on1332]

I was so emotional when you weaned Essie. Shae, thank you for your commitment to your fur family. I love your channel.

[@defrost8648]

Belle has such an elegant trot. I’m just mesmerized by her smooth, powerful movement. 💗💗💗💗

[@timikopacek716]

Oh my goodness! I can’t believe it’s time to wean Esmeralda! You are truly such a conscientious horse owner! I absolutely love your herd!

[@patriciaclements2727]

PS Belle is sooooo beautiful! I’m surprised her DNA didn’t show @least some Arabian. Even though she is obviously larger, there is something about her color, neck, personality and [especially] the way she holds her tail so high when she fast trots or canters. And Ezzie holds her tail up/out the same way!

[@goomba8170]

Saddlebreds were developed with Arabians among their foundation breeds.

[@allisoncompeaux3981]

Belle is so pretty. Magnificent Mare! Emotional day for all. You are doing a great job with these horses. Best of luck going forward.

[@Carolineisthebest]

Ezzy is so pretty and so is Belle!! Ezzy is huge for only being 7 1/2 months old! It’s crazy seeing that 7 months ago she was a buckskin and now she is a grey(sorry I don’t know the proper name for Ezzy’s coat color now)

[@nikkernacker1]

Belle looked so happy at the end! She’s thinking “FREEDOM!!!!!”🤣🤣🤣 Ezzie will do just fine! I hope the foals also start hanging out with Uncle Jiminy and Uncle Zazu! Ezzie and Ariel will learn so much these next couple of months to be part of a herd! ❤

[@ceebee987]

Just like with all babies, weaning eventually has to happen. I was crying when you lead Belle away too though. 💞

[@Swimkid1]

Haha! They both love to snuggle your pom pom hat. Belle is beautiful, she moves so well and will be super to ride one day.

[@emilyhope7468]

So glad you shared with your viewers. Sad but necessary as you said. Belle is gorgeous. Mushu is a sweetheart. You are so lucky to own such nice horses.

[@paulasmith8324]

It's only when Ezzie was standing beside Mushu that I realized just how big she has become already! She is way bigger than Ariel now. It will be so interesting to see her when she is full grown!

[@exlline]

The blue is so pretty on both of them 😍

[@georgiagonzales3769]

You are absolutely the best horse owner ever ❤ This opinion is shared by many. 🤠🐎🥰💯

[@cindyford7103]

So happy to hear Belle isn't going anywhere anytime soon 😊 You have a spectacular herd of horses. Everyone of them is a gem. Thank you for your wonderful videos, they are so enjoyable.

[@petgranny194]

Hard to believe it has been SEVEN months. Belle moves so pretty.

[@kajinsautumn9833]

You are so amazing! I love how you did this in steps. So much more humane and less traumatic for everyone, including the whole herd!

[@dianepini824]

Every time you go to your barn and pasture having a plan is a valuable tool that you and other good horse people use! ❤ God bless.

[@happydays7143]

These videos are so interesting and educational , I love them. My heart goes out to Ariel every time I see her, so lucky she is there. Belle looks amazing and is well named ❤ Xx

[@maggieekane7845]

The wonderful thing about Esmeralda is she is a true representation of Free Spirit Equestrian Farm. Nature, nurture, trust have been well established since one year ago, February 2023 when Belle arrived Then, a mother mare, and in June,’23; Mama Belle and Shae. Ezzy has knowledge about being an adult bc of Belle and Shae, but she is still a paddock, barn baby. 👍🥰❤️

[@highoaks606]

Belle is a gorgeous horse, very classy!

[@melanielatham5665]

Ezzy is like “ hello what are you doing in here, who are you “? when Mushu came along. Xx

[@wren1114]

That was so cute!

[@barbrice721]

The lightness in movement Belle and Ezzy has is amazing with the amount of draft. That little bit of Saddlebred works well. Bagherra wasnt too happy about Mushu. Her ears were pinned. Lol.

[@freespiritequestrian]

She does that to all the horses, even the foals…

[@shylohsturm493]

I'm glad you did the slow weaning process.

[@grammeatticus2172]

So sweet. The last nurse just about undid me…

[@kimdowty8931]

So glad they ended up in a safe place

[@LoJo99]

Watching the video of Ezzy, right after birth. That did it for me. Instant tears……. 😭

[@firecat-dy9go]

Last nurse 😢 I’m not crying, you’re crying. Kudos for your compassion on weaning ❤

[@kalina663]

I truly understand how emotional you are. I am too🥲 Your horse family are so lucky to have you & Kyle♥️You are a joy to watch how you put 100% of love into each horse🙏

[@Lh2bme]

Ezzy was so small and now she looks more and more like an adult.

[@ep02105]

Aww don’t worry Shae everything will be just fine

[@NanaR504]

Belle is so sweet and gentle . Just watching this is very soothing and healing to see how your horses love you.

[@mollyragdollfan1917]

Like sending your kid off the first time to day care. Esmeralda will be fine 😊. Great , Shae!

[@CjandPepe]

It’s extremely soggy here as well. I’m GUILTY (of assuming the worst)! I’m so relieved that you’re not selling Belle just yet. She’s so vey special and absolutely gorgeous…love watching her and Ezzy’s stories unfold 💕

[@ellen-rosehenderson4045]

Aww can't wait yes belle did good but now her time to get a break has come !😊💕💕

[@ElizabethMorath-su5xz]

Classy bundle love the little bag

[@elainejude4616]

😢 their love for each other is so sweet. I'm crying with you Shae😢. Your the best horse mommy ❤ Letting our "kids" grow and spread their wings is hard.❤

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

What a beautiful surprise and journey, stunning Ezzy and beautiful Belle.

[@niniemecanik]

I can't believe Ezzy is already as big as Mushu 😂 And Ariel was so cute with Kyle ❤

[@patriciaclements2727]

Hi sweetie! Wonderful bittersweet video! Ezzie will be just fine and so will Belle. You’re an awesome horsewoman and It is so obvious how much you love your horses! Thx again for sharing w us your beautiful horses and life. ❤️

[@snowflow07]

Happy for you your plan is going smoothly for all. Have wondered if Belle would be uncomfortable, if there was a medication or injection that could help with milk “drying” up. Ezzie was very cool with Mushu’s presence. He wasn’t his usual goof ball self and a little surprised at his checking Ezzie. Loved that Ariel sought out Kyle for reassurance, attention and a solo op photo. Feel bad the paddocks are ugly right now but everyone it seems is dealing with a lot of rain and flooding. Continued success with Ezzie’s weaning. 💕🐎👏🏼😊

[@eileenbates-bordies1604]

Totally OK. It is you that needs support! Hugs girl!

[@donnazerbe8000]

Agree the time went so fast. Seems like yesterday you got Belle. Good luck miss ezzy.

[@laurastewart9877]

Time has flown by! I am happy and sad for you and Ezzy and Belle. You are such a kind and loving horsewoman. All of your horses blossum in your care. And thank you Kyle for being such a good horse Dad❤

[@dianeboross6978]

Dear Shae, I know there is still much more to do and expect, but today is a day to celebrate how easy this transition started, It's a beautiful tribute to your kind, respectful and consistent, treatment for all your horses. The distraction technique seems to be working and beautiful Belle can rest and enjoy her new quiet and quality time with you. Big kudos to you and Kyle! 😘

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Oh boy, look at Ezzy is as big as Mushu!! How time has flown by, already for the weaning. Lumerie has settled in nicely. Belle looks great too. Lets pray for a dry Spring. 😎😎😎

[@jeannelandree3148]

Shae, don't worry about the snow and mud situation. We all have to deal with that! Your place looks beautiful with all the horses to admire! ❤🐴

[@deborahharker4392]

That’s sweet what the babies are doing to Kyle ❤ precious they love their two legged Daddy!

[@cheriebrantner5543]

This is how emotional I got when my first child went to kindergarten. I cried. I followed the bus to school to make sure everything went smoothly. 😢 ❤.

[@BambiGerman]

Ezzys just a special kind of force of nature. Big Bold Inquisitive Soft Sweet Kind Smart Attentive etc. etc.😊

[@Hakulanni]

Good video. They did extremely well and it's obvious that these horese really love and fully trust you.

[@1annewatkins]

I have a mud fest as well. Thank God I'm not alone. Enjoy Ezzy becoming her own beauty and grownup :)

[@Bobissad]

It’s going to be so sad for a few weeks but it’s going to be so incredibly rewarding!!

[@poodlepuss3]

Seeing Ezzy running in the pasture was priceless.