Training regimen

Thought I would share a bit about my training regimen.  I like to start my new foals off with getting used to being handled immediately.  I find this to be a great advantage both for mom and baby.  On the off chance that a foal needs medical care, or even mama, it helps if they have had some handling and can be moved around or held for blood draws or meds, IV, syringe or oral.

I start first with getting them used to the halter.  I will usually do this within the first couple of days.  I don't try to put it on right away, but I show it to them,  let them sniff it or touch their head and neck with it.  By the end of the first week, I try putting it loosely over their head, just letting it rest there.  I usually don't get a very good response to this at first, but I try to spend about 20 minutes just letting the foal get used to the idea of something on their head and face.  I also intersperse this with grooming.  I pick up feet, use a curry comb and brush, get them wet and touch pretty much every part of the body, so when it becomes necessary to do those things it is not a new experience.

The third week I start buckling the halter, although loosely at first.  By now, the foal is usually pretty used to something touching it's head, but the tighter sensation after it is buckled starts a whole new round of trying to get it off by rubbing against the stall or me.  But after about a week or so, most of my foals forget the halter is on and just go about their business, even putting their heads down and holding still while I buckle it on.

So, in about 3 to 4 weeks, I have a foal that willingly cooperates while I put the halter on and wears it like a pro!  And they are used to having their body touched all over and have a clean, shiny coat and no tangles in those little manes and tails.  I can pick up their feet and do whatever needs to be done to keep them in tiptop condition.  And the best part is we are developing a close bond and I am beginning to get an idea of what that little personality is, bold or shy, high strung or laid back, playful or serious.