by Shelley Peterson

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

I believe that horse training starts shortly after birth. It must be done carefully and in short sessions. You must always be sure not to stress the foal or mare. The mare must be present through the training process as separating the foal from the mare will overly stress both foal and mare. I also believe it is important to allow the mare to lick the foal off as this dries, stimulates and warms the foal.

If you are lucky enough to be there when the foal is born rub it and touch it all over from head to foot. This will help the foal bond with you as well as the mare. Start by gently handling the nose, ears and mouth. It will also make it easier for the vet to examine these areas in the future should the need arise.

You can now start getting your foal accustomed to other stimuli such a rope, blanket, plastic bag etc.
It is also a good idea to get him use to the feel of pressure around the girth (cinch) area so he is less likely to freak out when you eventually tighten a cinch on him. All these lessons can be accomplished within the first hour of life and will make it easier to teach him subsequent lessons.

Once the foal has nursed and is strong enough to stand for a while you can move on to the second stage of training. Remember, foals tire easily therefore; the lessons should last no longer than 15 minutes.

If the foal is already standing when you discover him, the above lesson can be taught while standing.
You will have to put a halter on him though. I like to introduce him to the halter by showing it to him and letting him smell it. I will also rub it on him to get him use to it. I like to put it on and take it of a few times before leaving it on and moving on to the next lesson. I will also let him rest for a while before continuing with the next step.

For the next lesson you may need another person to help hold the foal. Use your hand to gently apply and release pressure on his back. You will have to repeat this several times in order to imprint this on him. Next desensitize the girth area by wrapping your arms around it and squeezing and releasing several times (about 50). Repeat this around the flank area just in front of the hind legs. Next pick up each hoof and tap the sole. Repeat this until the foal yields his leg in a relaxed manner. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have him yield his feet to you. It makes it so much easier on him and your farrier when it comes time to trim his feet. You can then straddle the foal if, and only if, you are

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>