NEWS & ARTICLES : Foals Can Be Fun
A foal’s future is shaped by current experiences, so it’s important to start off right,
and you’ll both enjoy the journey

Foals are very curious, and learn to love human interaction.  Rebekka and "Lacey" enjoy a special moment.
Photo courtesy of Mark Rhodes

Oh the joy of frolicking foals in a pasture! Nearly everyone is delighted with the sight, and some people just have to have one of their own! So here’s to all of the “expectant parents”…

“Imprinting” a foal, a method of training delivered instantly after birth, has become quite popular, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easy. It’s easier to do it wrong, than it is to do it right. If you really are committed to doing it, then study the book, “Imprint Training” and materials by Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM. Otherwise, it’s best to start with what is called “early learning” – training, exposure and desensitization during the early parts of a horse’s life. Because of the long-term effects of mishandling at an early age, it’s important to call in a professional if you have difficulties with your youngster.

Horses need other horses to learn to be good horses right from the start, so the most difficult horses were orphans, or foals deprived of proper socialization. Still, despite this, some horses are so over-handled by humans that they tend to act more like big lap dogs. Cute when the horse is small – dangerous when the horse reaches maturity!

The horse is born with its fight-or-flight prey animal characteristics firmly in place. By developing curiosity, a foal overrides fear tendencies, and gains confidence in our presence and handling. Everything must be done in the proper amount, based upon the individual foal’s character or inclinations. One of the first elements of training your young horse is to move confidently and calmly as you introduce yourself to him, but recognize signs that he is getting a bit too confident, or a bit too worried. Keep in mind that foals have no understanding whatsoever about humans, our rules or expectations.

Do NOT allow a colt to push into, bite, strike, rear at or kick you. An overzealous, playful colt can still harm you as badly as one that is actually trying to hurt you out of fear or dominance. Horses establish safety boundaries and hierarchies through these hard-hitting methods, and we have to realize it’s just their way. Think of the foal as a 1000-pound horse. Teach now what you want later.

Early learning should include: catching, haltering, leading, standing, hoof handling, complete grooming (even sensitive areas), vetting, and exposure to common items (trailers, clippers, etc.). Remember whenever you teach something -- horses learn upon the release of pressure – this cannot be stressed enough. Use “Advance and Retreat” methods of exposure, but always release pressure (quit the cue or activity) when the horse even thinks about the right response. Repeat, then build that to the desired result.

Proper foal training can bring years of joy in a confident horse/human partnership. Oh – and remember the camera!!

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