How to Train a Foal

When it comes to training horses, you can never start too soon. The younger your foal when you start working with her, the easier time you will have. Working with a young horse and laying a solid foundation is easier and safer than working with an older animal that has not been trained. Be patient and gentle with your foal and you will rear a patient and gentle horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work with the foal as soon as possible after she is born. Watch for signs of agitation in the dam, including pinned ears, weaving back and forth, or pawing. Some mares will allow you to work with their foals right from birth; others are adamantly opposed.

      If you do have a nervous mare, wait a few days, or even weeks, to start working with the foal. Mares often are nervous in the first few days after giving birth, but if the mare trusts you she probably will relax and allow you to work around her foal right away.

    • 2

      Touch the foal's head and body, petting her reassuringly and talking to her in a soothing voice. While you need to accustom the foal to being handled, do not overwhelm her; have frequent short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes each.

    • 3

      Run your hands down the foal's legs and handle her hooves. Foals need to get used to having their feet handled for routine hoof picking and health checks, as well as for the farrier's work.

    • 4

      Place a foal-sized halter on the foal and let her just used to wearing it. Watch for any problems, and distract the foal if she tries to rub or pull off the halter. Never leave a foal unattended with the halter on; it can become hooked on something and cause injury if the foal panics and tries to disengage herself.

    • 5

      Attach and lead rope to the halter after the foal has accepted the halter. Pull lightly on the lead rope until the foal responds by moving forward. This step is easier if someone leads the mare, as the foal naturally wants to follow.

    • 6

      Interact with the foal daily to build a positive association, and trust, between you. Brush and groom her, feel her treats, and speak to her in a pleasant voice. Your reward for your patience and skill will be a pliable, affectionate horse that is amenable to training.