Groundwork & Manners; Good horse citizens
Teaching a baby ground skills and respect for humans can be really fun but also trying at times. Remember they are like sponges and will soak up everything you do, both good and bad. The key is to be consistent and fair. Some other key points are:
**Always remember even though they are cute, they are horses. Do not let them get away with anything another horse would not tolerate.
**Watch how the other horses teach the foal social skills and manners. They will first warn before reacting and then once the skuffle is over--it's over. No grudges or anger.
**Create a personal bubble around you and do not let the youngster come into that space unless you ask him in.
**If they get nippy, don't hit them. Instead play the "Bite-Me" game just as other horses would do. Make your hand into a pseudo mouth and nip them back on the muzzle until he takes a step away. Make sure you soften up when he moves away. It's very important that he does take an actual step, otherwise you did not win the game. I have raised four colts and this technique has always been successful.
** Young horses have very short attention spans. Keep training sessions short, 5-10 minutes in the beginning.
**Introduce them to a variety of things and make it fun. We use baby pools and sprinklers to make water fun. Allow the curiousity to over-ride the fear and they will approach the object. Allow them to back away if they get scared, but don't let them turn and run.
**Babies can learn by watching you work with other horses, but this can also work against you. If the mare has an issue with having her feet trimmed, it might be best not to allow the foal to see a conflict. One the other hand, a positive role model is very effective.
Excerpt from www.naturalhorsetalk.com
Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results
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