Nurse Mare Farms
Farms have been established in key locations throughout the United States to supply "high end" breeders with nanny mares for their expensive foals.
These nanny farmers keep lactating mares on their premises before, during and after the foaling season. When a mare's services are needed for a client, the farmer separates his mare from her natural foal, and then ships the mare. The natural foal is then left orphaned.
A portion of these foals are sold to private homes, though not enough. Several individuals have recognized the need to provide for the "discarded" babies and have set up rescue organizations.
During the summer of 2003, ERR worked with one nurse mare farm in NY, facilitating the placement of 20 foals and 3 yearlings.
photo by D. Corr
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