| y"> | | | | language non-threatening. Find their itchy spots and |
| Newborn foals capture our hearts and inspire visions | | | | scratch, scratch, scratch. If they are sensitive, find |
| of the potential they represent. Whether we love | | | | where they enjoy being rubbed. Be a source of |
| dressage, hunters, jumpers, reining, team penning, trail | | | | enjoyment and fun. Smile! It makes a difference! |
| riding, or any other equestrian sport, foals carry our | | | | - Humans lay boundaries that are to be respected. |
| dreams on their tottering legs. | | | | Think of every visit with your foal as a horse training |
| Thoughts of horse training seem premature as we | | | | session. Think ahead about how the foal can "win" |
| watch a baby wobble around his dam. Yet this time | | | | (remember in horse training, winning means the horse |
| period is key in a young horse's development. He is a | | | | figured out what you wanted.) Set situations up where |
| virtual sponge: his mind explores and absorbs all the | | | | you are in a position to enforce your boundaries |
| information he can take in from the world around him | | | | without being rough or abrupt. |
| even as he explores the limits-and the potential-of his | | | | For example, many horse owners approach their foals |
| body. | | | | just hoping to touch that cute soft bundle of fur before |
| Any time we interact with horses we are training, for | | | | he bounds away, which teaches the foal that humans |
| better or for worse. If we approach the first few days | | | | can be evaded. Instead, approach casually, in stages. |
| of our precious foal's life as the foundation for an | | | | Go up to the mare and scratch her favorite spots. |
| incredible future, we can achieve amazing results. | | | | Turn to the foal only after his curiosity is greater than |
| This is not to say we will be longeing our foal by day 2! | | | | his fear. Give it as long as it takes, eventually he'll come |
| I'm recommending a simple shift in thinking that will turn | | | | to investigate you. If his body language tells you he's |
| casual time with your newborn into positive training | | | | thinking of bolting, turn away before he does. If he |
| experiences. | | | | starts to get pushy, gently back him a few steps to |
| Approach every encounter with your newborn foal | | | | enforce your leadership. Humans are fun, boundaries |
| with the thought that EVERY action you take will | | | | are enforced. |
| enforce two vital horse training fundamentals: | | | | Training is a lifelong journey for horse and human alike. |
| - Humans are safe, even fun! Initially foals' curiosity | | | | Learning comes faster and lasts longer when you build |
| outweighs their fear. It can take only one scare to lose | | | | on success rather than punish failure. Create horse |
| that precious trust. Move slowly and keep your body | | | | training success right from the start! |