Foal handling: getting it right

Earlier this year the Howden Equine welcomed a new member into the team (of a sort). My mare, Duchess, gave birth to her first foal this season, a gorgeous chestnut colt named Phineas.

During lockdown I was lucky enough to escape up to my family home in Yorkshire where I delved into learning how to bring on a foal. So instead of jumping on the tube every day and trundling to and from work I used this new found time to do something truly rewarding. A few months on, both myself and Phineas have learnt a lot and I’d like to share with you some tips from this amazing experience.

I very much went with a gentle approach which helped the Phineas grow up to now be comfortable around humans and easy to handle, though knowing the right time to be firm helped prevent any bad habits from forming.

Foal handling should involve slowly getting the foal accustomed to various experiences, from wearing a head collar to having their hooves clipped by the farrier. Progress should be gradual and gentle, I went with short daily sessions that allowed Phineas to have a calm and positive experience of training while not overwhelming him. 

Read on for Jasper’s top tips on handling a foal:

• Begin handling early

It is ideal for a foal to start being handled in the first few days of their life, even on day one. Start by gently stroking, rubbing and scratching the foal gently on a daily basis. Speak in a soothing voice to reward the foal for being handled.

Avoid standing in kicking distance of the back legs while the foal is learning to accept being handled. Also, ensure that nobody plays with the foal in the same manner as they would a puppy. Foals may be adorable, but they are already strong and growing into powerful animals.[1] Phineas as a colt was very playful to start with and could be a little boisterous at times but over time we both learnt how to read the situations and he started to become much easier to be around.

• Introduce the head collar

It’s important to introduce the head collar early on in handling, even from the very beginning[2]. However, be sure to do so in stages to help the foal adjust. Start by simply having the head collar near, held in your other hand while practising handling, for instance. Gently and slowly, in baby steps, get the foal accustomed to the head collar lightly touching different parts of his body.

Work with the foal to build their confidence gradually, eventually focusing on rubbing the head collar on their head and slipping their nose in and out of the noseband. Remain patient and only move to the next stage when it is clear the foal is comfortable. Finally, get the foal used to having the head collar buckled into place and build up the time spent wearing it.

• Focus on leading  

Once a foal is able to calmly wear a head collar, he can begin leading.[3] Leading is a crucial part of his early training. It may be beneficial to have the mare led slowly in front of the foal, taking advantage of the natural instinct to follow the mother.

Begin leading training sessions in a safe enclosed area such as a paddock, in case the foal gets away! Slowly get the foal used to being led around, making turns using slight tension on the rope. If the foal becomes agitated, slow down the lesson or even stop for the day.

• Get him used to tying

First, put a rope through the string on the tie ring, but do not actually tie it. Next, you can progress to the foal being tied up for short periods. It’s important to stay with the foal, speak in a calm voice and try to keep the experience positive.[4]

• Handle those feet

Your foal will need to become accustomed to having his feet handled so that visits from the farrier are not a source of fear. Get the foal used to having his feet picked up, picked out and gently moved around.

If the foal pulls their foot away, keep hold of it until the foal stops pulling. Then, place the foot down. This will help stop the foal develop a habit of pulling, which can lead to kicking.[5]

• Grooming and bathing

It often helps a foal to become accustomed to the idea of grooming if the mother is groomed in front of him. A foal should be groomed gently daily with a soft brush. Groom only for short periods of time and try to ensure that this is a pleasant experience for him.

When it comes to bathing, begin with a damp sponge. Eventually, the foal’s legs and feet can be washed down using a hose in warm weather. The foal may even begin to play in the water. By the end Phineas loved washed down, especially during the hot weather.

• Practise loading

Once a foal is adept at leading, loading training can begin. First, the foal should simply be shown around the trailer, with the ramp down, and given a chance to look around. This should be slowly progressed to walking up and down the ramp. If the mare is a good loader, it can be beneficial for the foal to follow her. Leaving the jockey door open will help to make the space feel less enclosed. [6]

Patience and consistency are key to guiding a young horse through their early training, preparing them for all the new experiences that their life will bring. Following these steps should ensure the foal grows up to easy to handle and calm around people and it really is a fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

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