| Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE | | | | to resist whatever you have found so fascinating and |
| Owning a new foal is exciting, but it's a big responsibility | | | | it will soon be creeping up to take a look! This is the |
| right from day one. You can rely on your mare to | | | | time to reward it with a scratch (foals especially like to |
| teach some of the basics, but these impressionable | | | | be scratched along their crest or under their neck) or a |
| first days are critical for teaching your foal the basics | | | | cuddle. |
| of good manners and safe handling. | | | | Spend plenty of time rubbing your foal's face and ears |
| One of the very first things you need to teach your | | | | - this is the time to prevent problems later on by |
| foal is proper behavior on the lead. Good news is, | | | | accustoming your foal to having its head handled. |
| this is an easy time to teach leading - much better than | | | | These playtimes are the foundations to your horse's |
| trying to train an older horse, and there are a lot of | | | | relationship with people - two short sessions each day |
| gentle, natural methods you can use. | | | | are ideal. |
| Natural horsemanship is all about using your horse's | | | | This is the perfect place to start with your halter |
| natural instincts as tools for your training. With natural | | | | training - simply spend time with your foal in the stable |
| horsemanship, you don't force or frighten your horse | | | | or the paddock, encouraging it to come up to you and |
| into doing anything; instead you use its own language | | | | follow you around, while its mother rests nearby. |
| and instincts to persuade and manipulate it. Foals | | | | Whenever you take your mare and foal anywhere, |
| have a lot of instincts you can use to get started with | | | | have someone else lead your mare so you can walk |
| halter training. | | | | near to your foal. |
| First of all, your foal will have a natural desire to follow | | | | This will get it used to moving round with you nearby, |
| - whether it's Mom, or you, or another horse. Foals | | | | just as you have been doing with playtimes. When |
| crave company, and they love attention. Plus, they | | | | your foal is happy to approach you, and curious to see |
| are intensely curious. Make the most of this with | | | | where you will take it next and follows you happily, |
| some play time with your foal. Crouch down low, pick | | | | now is the time to introduce the halter and lead. Bring |
| up a stone or some blades of grass, and play with | | | | your halter (or ‘foal slip') into the stable with you, |
| them as if they were the most interesting things | | | | and play with your foal normally. Even if your foal is |
| you've ever seen. | | | | sleepy or lying down, simply kneel down and join it for |
| Don't look at your foal - rest assured, it will not be able | | | | a cuddle. |