My horse just had her foal. This is the first foal we're had here in years and I can't remember how we trained them. This foal was born basically in the middle of a snow storm and I'm not sure what the best way to start halter breaking her is. Should I start now or wait? What's the least stressful way of training?
2007-03-02 15:15:55 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Right now, just work on getting her used to use you and petting her all over (esp by the ears and down the legs). The halter can go on after a week or so, as long as there is no chance of her getting stuck on something. Do not put any pressure on it- just leave it alone on her head. What we always did is when it was time to move the mare somewhere, we would put a halter on the mare and foal, so the foal associated halter with going out of the stall right away.
Right now is too early to train to lead. You could actually kill them and easily break bones if they spaz (because the bones are not hard enough, etc). At about a month old, you can start doing little training periods. They will give up pretty easily and are easy to work with.
With the babies, once they were familiar with the halter itself and people, we will do short tugs on the rope for little bits of pressure- and always walking towards the mother (added incentive). If the baby was strong (we raised some full drafts) we would tie the baby to the mother by a surcingle and pull the foal in short steps.
Basically you walk forward and they resist, pulling back. Do not make a fuss and pull more, just sit there and wait. If they buck, let them do it at 1 month- just keep the pressure constant. I never really discipline them on bucking or rearing until they are well halter trained, and I have never had any problems with the horses when adults.
The minute they take half a step forward, release the pressure and praise them like crazy. Then ask again, using your commands (walk on and whoa) whenever you can for early association. Don't work with them for more than 10-15 min at a time, and always stay by the dam for those first couple months.
If you need me to clarify or if you have anything else to ask, feel free to message me.
2007-03-02 15:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started lead-breaking my babies as soon as they got enough confidence to wander away from their mothers. My first colt was broke to lead by one month and I started halter-breaking him for twenty to thirty minutes at a time at around three months.
It's never too early to start training. Just make sure the foal can handle it-- for example: they're not learning if they fall asleep *lol*
The least-stressful way to train is by keeping it brief, quiet, and within view of the mare. Anything younger than a weanling should be dealt with like this.
Good luck!
2007-03-02 23:26:41 · answer #2 · answered by laughter_6 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
start them the day they are born not halter of course but new borns are very inpressionable.
2007-03-06 15:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by none 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋