Foal Questions....Now What Do I Do???

[clpclop]

So after reading, researching and learning about the foaling process, I am now CLUELESS about where and how to begin training my 2 foals. I imprinted both on day 1 and forward. I put a halter on them on day 2. My filly is now 4 weeks old and my colt is 1 week old.

1. When and how do I start training with a lead rope. Are there any tricks-of-the-trade to doing this?

2. My filly has her front teeth, top & bottom in and shes starting to nibble on grass & hay. Is this normal?

3. My colt just wants something in his mouth at all times. I understand he's "teething", but he loves to just hold my hand in his mouth. Will this promote biting later on?

4. My 1 week old colt has a very protective Mom. She's getting less & less anal about him, but I'm worried that she may attack my filly (again) if left alone. How long does this intense protectiveness last? I'd love to be able to let my mares out together with the babies during the day but don't want to jeopardize the older filly's life.

5. Is there any other training that should be going on at this point?

Being a newbie, I will appreciate any help you can pass my way!

 

[clpclop]

I'm probably ill-mannered for bumping my own post up, but I really need this questions answered. Any help out there for a newbie?

 

[Voodoo]

I hate to see a thread go unanswered so I'll try to help you out with what I would do. Your filly is old enough for you to start working with. Just remember young horses have a very short attention span so don't ask her to pay attention for too long. With the leading I would halter her and have someone else lead the mare in front of you, she is going to want to follow mom so that will make it easier. I would try to walk somewhat beside her and maybe have a hand over her withers or neck at first. Sometimes they get scared when the halter first hits them and will rear. Just use your free hand to keep her from going over if this happens. Just a few minutes at a time with this will really help. Once she gets the hang of it you can lead her in front with mom coming along as rear guard. Then you should be able to lead her by herself, the amount of time for this is determined by the foal.

Yes, it is normal for her to start feeding on grass and hay now.

I would definately not allow your colt to hold any part of you in his mouth. It is much easier to stop that habit now than later. If he is that type buy him a toy or ball to play with.

I don't really know what to tell you on your over protective mare, some are that way all the time, some only until the foal is a few weeks old, some in the middle, you should be able to tell when she backs off a little and is ready for company.

As for other training you can always spend just a few minutes working on picking up feet, staning to be groomed, just having someone around playing with them is a big help.

If there is anyone in your area that is experienced in foals and young horses it would be great if they could come out and help you a few times. It is much easier to have hands on experience helping you out if at all possible. Enjoy your babies and post pictures if you have time. We'd love to see them.

 

[Miniv]

This is just my 2 cents here........

1. "Lead rope/halter" training...... The best method I think is tying the foal's lead rope to mom's halter and then take them for a walk! Baby learns about pressure and release very quickly that way. The reward is -- being up close to mom, there is no pressure on the rope!

2. It's VERY normal for a foal as early as a few days old to start experimenting what mom is also eating. That's how they learn.

3. Foal Mouthing.....That's normal, but it's also a good time to start teaching that a person's hand is off limits. I will take hold of the foal's mouth and gentley, but firmly push them away....then ignore!

4. The best thing to do for an overprotective mom is to turn them out in a large paddock or pasture with other "safe" horses and let nature take its course. It should be a large enough area that horses can get away from eachother, should mom want to kick.

5. Training? At this point, I think the above covers it. Eventually, you'll want to try leading your foal on your own with mom being led by a second person. That would be the natural progression after "Number One" has been accomplished.

ENJOY!

:

MA

 

[clpclop]

I knew I could count on a few of you to offer up some words of wisdom! Thank you so much!! I'm sure I'm not the only newbie here that could use this info. There are so many great books and video's and foaling info, but not so much info on what to do AFTERWARDS! So again, thank you for your kind and wise words. It helped.