Foal Imprinting was first practiced by Dr. Robert Miller DVM. Dr. Miller is a world renowned author and speaker on the behavior and training of horses. Dr. Miller, an equine veterinarian has taught his techniques of “Natural Horsemanship” to millions.

Foal Imprinting is the first in a series of steps to training a calm, manageable horse. The process is begun as soon as the newborn foal enters the world. The process is designed to “desensitize” the newborn to humans, touch and other stimuli, helping the horse to overcome some of its natural fight or flight instinct.

This allows the foal to be less resistant to future training and handling by veterinarians, farriers, and trainers. This technique also teaches the foal the importance of human dominance; making them more receptive to training.

While the birthing process generally takes about 20 minutes, it often occurs at night and can be difficult to know exactly when to be there for the event. Ideally foal imprinting is started immediately after birth. There are a myriad of products on the market to assist with knowing when your mare will foal, from camera systems and even using a baby monitor in the mares stall. In all likelihood you will find your new foal after it has arrived, unless you like sleeping in the barn.

Upon the arrival of the newborn foal, you should gently probe the new foals teeth, gums, mouth, nose and ears with your fingers. Using tools like clippers that hum and rubbing the purring clippers on the animal will desensitize the newborn to sounds that it will likely face in the grooming process. Many trainers use plastic grocery sacks that flap in the breeze to make other sound that the horse will need to become accustomed to.

Now begin using your hands to touch the foal all over, being careful to avoid applying too much pressure or to desensitize the sides of the foal where pressure cues from the future rider’s feet will be. However you do want them to learn that they should move away from pressure. You can accomplish this by tapping on them gently until the move.  When they finally do show some movement, stop tapping! By teaching the newborn the concept of moving away from your pressure cues at this early stage, training under saddle will be much easier in the future.

All of this is usually best done while seated on the ground and holding the foal so that it cannot escape; if the foal is standing these techniques can be used if the foal is haltered.

Horses learn on both sides of their brain, what you teach them on their left; you must also teach them on their right side. Make sure you pay special attention to the horse’s mouth as this will help them accept a bit and dental procedures like teeth floating later in life.

The initial process should take about an hour. Be sure to continue this imprint training several times during the day with short ten to fifteen minute sessions. Continue with short imprint training sessions each time you go out to feed or work with your horses.

No doubt you will have to get momma mare to allow you to do this, we choose not to separate the mare from the foal, but to feed her nearby where she can see the whole process.