weaning foals

Question
I need to wean a foal that is just turning 6 mos. old.  She has been imprinted and is very gentle and easy to work with.  Is being raised in a large pasture with her mom, 4 "uncles" and her dad (who is now a gelding).  She's pretty independant, spends a lot of time with the uncles and dad, and doesn't get excited if she's out of sight of mom for a while.  This morning I put the filly in the round pen with the mare in a nearby lot.  Neither of them seem to be very upset with this arrangement. (yet). My question is, once the filly realizes she's not going back to mom, how long will  it take  her to accept it, and how long should it take for the mare to accept it, and to dry up, and how long before she would  be dried up enough that I could take her on a camping trip for a duration of 2 or 3 weeks.  I'm thinking that the separation would be good for the weaning process, but want to be sure that the mare has dried up sufficiently.  Thanks so much for your help.  Sue

Answer
We always wean when the moon is on the decline as it seems to help the mares to dry up.  For a week, our mares get only hay and if their bags are extremely swollen at first I usually gently spray with cool water and make sure the mares exercise.  
    Your filly should be less stressed since she is with "family".  I think you could probably safely take your mare for the camping trip two weeks after the foal is weaned unless there are complications.  You are doing a great job with your imprint training and horse management. Congratulations.l