Imprinting the Newborn Foal

Imprinting is a fairly new technique, and everyone has there
opinion on how and if and when it should be done. I look for
a window of opportunity. This window is usually as soon as
the foal if dropped and the mare is busy passing the placenta.

I think this is the perfect time to get some dry towels
(or handfuls of straw will do) and rub your new foal all over
his/ her entire body. When I say the 'entire body' that is
exactly what I mean; the head, neck, legs, belly, feet and don't
forget the inside of the foals nostrils and mouth. Gently rub
the inside of the foals gums and tongue and inside the foals
ears.

This little act will be very beneficial later on in his/ her
training. Remember to do this several times and be very gentle,
if the foal resists or seems frightened go back to rubbing
gently and petting him/ her. If you have a little time to spare,
put his/ her halter on and off several times, petting and
rewarding him/ her every time the foal lets you do something new.
Pick up the foals feet and pat the bottoms of each one and rub
his/ her legs.

Remember ahead to the things that you will be asking of the
foal in the next few weeks and it will make this a more
profitable session for you and the newborn. As the newborn takes
a standing position again lift the legs and feet a few more times
and repeat putting on and taking off the halter in this standing
position.

Later on in the day or possible the next day attach a lead rope
and ask you foal to take a step or two, nothing too demanding.
Reward the foal with rubbing and petting, keep a eye out for
that 'special scratch spot' that makes your foal relaxed, calm
and happy to be with you.

Keep up these little sessions every day, 2 and 3 times a day
for the first 2-3 weeks. Your foal will learn to trust you
and want to be with you as you bond together in these first,
crucial, few weeks.

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