Is Raising a Young Horse Right for You?

Never think the “greats” would not use physical action to bring a horse into line if it were demanded of them. They are different from the old style trainers because they use such action only when the horse’s code of law demands it and only because it is internal herd rules that dictate its use. They let the rules which nature set up to govern horses determine their approach to horses. However, using physical discipline does not mean we humans are beating the crap out of the foals. There are very definite techniques to employ which “speak” to the foal, without causing them physical harm.

If we are going to be effective in the methods the great modern trainers use, we have to be willing to back up our actions with physical contact when appropriate. We’ll need to do that less and less the better we get at establishing our own strength without the need for physical contact. But until then, one of the primary obstacles people have is in their reluctance to use physical force when necessary. Learning to be okay with this aspect of horse training is important when working with any horse, but especially when working with a foal.

A foal who learns that he can walk all over people, control them and boss them around soon becomes a full grown horse who is a danger to the people around him. That horse will hurt someone and eventually be put down because of it. That horse will never learn the joy and fulfillment of working in true partnership with a human being. It is your ability to be strict and to discipline your foal while it is young which will determine which path your horse takes. Before you decide to breed your mare, (or adopt a foal) you owe it to the foal that is coming to make sure you can give it the firm guidance it will need to grow up well adjusted to human society.

If Being Strict Is Not For You

So what if you take a realistic look at the premises above and realize you are not up to raising a foal well at this point? First, good for you. It is impressive when anybody can see their own limitations realistically and adjust their plans because of them. You can find another way to get the bond with a horse you are looking for. Or you can take some time to learn more about raising foals well, hone your ability to be strict and work up to raising a foal sometime in the future. (Giving it up now doesn’t mean giving it up forever.) .The important thing is that you don’t teach your foal to be unsafe around people – to not respect people. That is hard to unlearn. Perhaps you will gain more skills as time goes on and be able to successfully raise a foal later on.

In any case, it is important to have thought this all out before you acquire a baby. Be realistic about your abilities and your present skill level. Then go from there. It is a great tragedy in the horse world when a well-meaning human ruins a young horse beyond salvation because they can not recognize that they are in over their heads.

A well raised, trained horse has the best chance to transition into a new home well if started correctly! This may be the best way to keep horses in good homes we know of at HOP!