How to Train a Baby Horse

When it comes to training horses, it definitely pays to start early. Horses are large and powerful animals, and can be dangerous to work with without proper handling and training. Starting the training process while the foal is still small and easy to handle is one of the best ways to avoid dangerous situations in the future. Even the youngest foals are capable of learning important lessons that will form the foundation of their careers later on.

Things You'll Need

  • Foal halter
  • Lead rope
  • Brushes
  • Hoof pick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go in with the foal as soon as you can, while respecting the wishes of the mother horse. Some mares will not have a problem with their owners working with the foal, while others will become quite upset. It is a always a good idea to have someone with you in case the mare begins to react aggressively.

    • 2

      Place a foal-sized halter on the foal as soon as you can. Foals as young as a few days old can have a halter put on them--just don't leave the halter on when you are not around. Let the foal walk around the stall while wearing the halter, but step in if she tries to scratch or pull at the halter.

    • 3

      Lift all four of the foal's feet while he is in the stall. The foal will stay with his mom, so he should be relatively easy to work with. Don't hold the hoof up for a long time--just get him used to the idea of lifting his foot when asked. Run a hoof pick or hoof brush over his hoof as well.

    • 4

      Brush the foal on a daily basis, using a soft bristled brush. You can groom the mare and foal at the same time. The foal will get used to seeing you working with his mother, and that will allay any fears he might have. Brush the foal gently, and always scratch and rub him as well. He will start to associate these grooming sessions with positive attention from you.

    • 5

      Attach a lead rope to the foal's halter and walk him around while a friend walks the mare. Leading is an important skill, and one that is much easier to teach with a 100 pound foal than a 1,000 pound horse. Allow the foal to run and play on the lead rope, and let him hit the end of the rope as well. The young foal will learn to respect the boundaries of the rope, and that will make subsequent ground training a lot easier.