Training the Foal or Young Horse
The purpose of training the domestic horse is usually to enable us to use it in one or more equestrian disciplines in the future.
Training begins at birth and the first period of training as a youngster is very important and sets the standard for progression.
This period of training is not with the aim of fittening and conditioning the young horse; but is really a period of acclimatisation, getting the young horse used to its surroundings, to being handled by humans and to mix with other horses.
It is important at this stage to consider the physical development of the young horse in terms of correct nutrition.
They also need exercise which is gained from freedom to roam whilst grazing.
It is important for the development of soft tissues that young horses are allowed to graze and walk about as much as possible, preferably for a period every day.
At the age of 9 or 10 days the foal should be introduced to handling and ideally the mare and foal should be brought into the stable daily.
By catching and leading the mare, the foal should follow on easily although it is a good idea to have a second handler to walk behind, especially if going a longer distance or near roads or public areas.
After a few more days it should be possible to cradle the foal with one arm around its chest and the other arm around its quarters.
Once you have managed this then you can persuade it to follow the mare as she is led around the stable.
Do this with the mare nearest the wall and the foal on her inside so they are still within touching distance of each other - this gives both the mare and the foal confidence.
After this the foal can learn to be led round with a soft towel around their neck and still with the handlers arm around their quarters.
You should always ensure that the foal is pushed along rather than pulled.
Once you have achieved this you can fit a foal slip, which is a soft leather halter.
After fitting the foal slip you can continue with practicing the leading using the same technique with your arm behind the quarters and pushing forwards, you should avoid pulling the halter to make the foal lead well as this can encourage resistance.
As a yearling and two year old the foal should be taught to lead in hand.
The young horse should be led initially with a handler at each side with the handler remaining at the shoulder; again avoid the temptation to lead from the front.
A long schooling whip can be carried to tap the flanks encouraging the horse forwards.
Training begins at birth and the first period of training as a youngster is very important and sets the standard for progression.
This period of training is not with the aim of fittening and conditioning the young horse; but is really a period of acclimatisation, getting the young horse used to its surroundings, to being handled by humans and to mix with other horses.
It is important at this stage to consider the physical development of the young horse in terms of correct nutrition.
They also need exercise which is gained from freedom to roam whilst grazing.
It is important for the development of soft tissues that young horses are allowed to graze and walk about as much as possible, preferably for a period every day.
At the age of 9 or 10 days the foal should be introduced to handling and ideally the mare and foal should be brought into the stable daily.
By catching and leading the mare, the foal should follow on easily although it is a good idea to have a second handler to walk behind, especially if going a longer distance or near roads or public areas.
After a few more days it should be possible to cradle the foal with one arm around its chest and the other arm around its quarters.
Once you have managed this then you can persuade it to follow the mare as she is led around the stable.
Do this with the mare nearest the wall and the foal on her inside so they are still within touching distance of each other - this gives both the mare and the foal confidence.
After this the foal can learn to be led round with a soft towel around their neck and still with the handlers arm around their quarters.
You should always ensure that the foal is pushed along rather than pulled.
Once you have achieved this you can fit a foal slip, which is a soft leather halter.
After fitting the foal slip you can continue with practicing the leading using the same technique with your arm behind the quarters and pushing forwards, you should avoid pulling the halter to make the foal lead well as this can encourage resistance.
As a yearling and two year old the foal should be taught to lead in hand.
The young horse should be led initially with a handler at each side with the handler remaining at the shoulder; again avoid the temptation to lead from the front.
A long schooling whip can be carried to tap the flanks encouraging the horse forwards.
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