MARES
Toolooganvale is proud to have been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for mares like 2002 Golden Slipper heroine Calaway Gal and the 6-time Group One winner Miss Andretti, whose Exceed And Excel colt will be sold under the Toolooganvale banner at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions. However, it's of vital importance to note that ALL mares on Toolooganvale are treated equal ... we're family and we treat every horse that comes through our front gates as family! Mares - dry, pregnant, or those with foals - are supervised in small paddock groups with an emphasis on 'like temperaments' to minimise stress and maintain harmony. Mares on Toolooganvale are fed and checked twice daily by experienced staff and 'dine out' on Prydes Bio Mare Cubes. Vaccinations and worming, along with regular farrier work are all standard practice.

WALK ONS
Toolooganvale's close proximity to major operations like Coolmore, Darley, Vinery, Arrowfield, Emirates and Yarraman Park - indeed, all Hunter Valley farms - ensure that travel is minimised, placing far less stress on mares and/or foals. And, having access to our own transport not only provides flexibility but also reduces the transmission of disease from mares on other farms.

FOALING
The foaling process commences two weeks prior to the anticipated foaling date where mares are transferred to a large, centrally located 'pre foaling' paddock where they are watched 24/7. On average, 80 foals are born at Toolooganvale each season and our foaling unit is both well lit and safe. Additionally, there is a veterinary supplies room (which includes an oxygen support system for premature foals) and we have, on call, some of the finest vets in the country. Post foaling, our team will monitor the new borns for five days to establish and act upon even the most subtle shift in a mare or foal's well being. A foal's conformation is paramount and monitored daily, while a farrier will trim the youngster's hooves and assist with any faults. Furthermore, Dr Angus Atkins from the Scone Equine Hospital will assess your foal.

WEANING
All of us at Toolooganvale are more than aware of the importance of getting it right from the outset. Weaning usually commences from the age of 6-7 months and involves a two week course which introduces foals to leading and human touch, making them much more co-operative. Stress levels are kept to a minimum and a constant routine is maintained, ensuring that by the end of the process all weanlings are well educated and easy to handle. Weanlings are placed into groups of similar heights and weights and their 'statistics' are monitored by a nutritionist and altered accordingly. Subsequently, weanlings are brought back into boxes for a week, mid way through the year, where they are given a refresher course - which includes a small amount of time on our walking machine. All foals/weanlings are fed on Prydes Easi Feed.