| In part one we covered some bonding techniques to | | | | Always have your helper keep walking the mare |
| proper your foal for halter training, fit the halter gently, | | | | forward as normal, heading where you plan to go |
| rubbing your foal as usual all the time. Chances are, it | | | | without any fuss. |
| won't even notice. Give your foal a day or two to get | | | | Mom is one of your tools too - use the mare to help |
| used to the halter before you move on to the lead, but | | | | persuade your foal to do as you ask. Soon your foal |
| keep up the playtimes. | | | | will want to keep up anyway! |
| When your foal seems comfortable with the halter on, | | | | When your foal has got the hang of it, and has |
| try attaching the lead. Expect some resistance when | | | | realized that following on the lead is safe and fun, you |
| your foal first discovers it can't wander off whenever | | | | can start to explore some new areas. With your mare |
| it likes! Safety is important - don't let go of the lead, | | | | and your helper, take some walks, and visit some of |
| because you will teach the foal that it can get away | | | | the obstacles you expect your foal to see later in life - |
| by pulling. This is another reason why these early days | | | | water crossings, bridges, even leading in the dark. |
| are the best time to teach leading - when your foal is | | | | This is the easiest time for your foal to explore these |
| small enough you can keep a hold of it! | | | | potential obstacles! Natural horsemanship methods like |
| Foals are delicate however, so there are a few safety | | | | these build on your horse's natural desire for your |
| rules to follow, and you certainly don't want your foal | | | | company. If you resort to forcing your foal to follow |
| to get hurt and associate leading with pain. If your foal | | | | you by wrapping lead ropes over its quarters, or |
| rears up, raise your hand to keep the lead level with its | | | | chasing it forward, it will soon discover you aren't that |
| head so you don't injure its neck or risk tipping it over. | | | | much fun to be around. |
| If it pulls, don't face it and pull back - your foal will see | | | | A horse's need for play is one of the three basic |
| this as a confrontation! Turn your back to your foal, | | | | needs you use for natural horse training, along with |
| and use your spare hand to try and entice it forward | | | | safety and comfort. Foals are especially receptive to |
| with a toy or treat. Walk gently backward until your | | | | play, so now is the time to train your foal with fun! |
| foal relaxes, and begins to walk forward with you. | | | | |