Foal - leading

[Fazzie]

Hey,
Just wondered if any one could give me a bit of advice on when and how to start teaching my colt to be led. Hes only 6 days old at the moment, so not going to start for a while yet

but just wanted a plan of action in place.
Hes already used to me putting headcollar on and off, grooming him all over, belly legs, etc and comes when hes called (which really annoys his mum who never used to be able to be caught before she had him)

so when should i start leading him?
I assume I just lead him whilst walking next to his mum (with my o/h leading mum) to start? if he needs encouragment just put my hand round him bum and push him forward then release the pressure on his bum when he moves?
just wanted to double check, and see if anyone had any good tips
thanks in advance

sorry its a bit long!! cookies for getting this far

*also posted in breeding*

 

[Fazzie]

any ideas? x

 

[vicijp]

You've about got it right, but don't actually lead just yet. Put the headcollar on, and walk beside him to the field as you describe, then take headcollar off. Most foals go forward for an arm across the withers and down the other side, rather than behind.
When he is perfect like that (week or so), then progress to actual lead rope.
Foals go over really easy, so be sure not to panic him.

 

[Fazzie]

ok will do, thanks for replying.

 

[TopTotty]

Hi,
We have bred 2 foals in the last year and with both of them we have led them from the first times they left the stable. They have been close to their mums at all times and have not been stressed at all. I feel for my babies this was the correct thing to do as we are on a busy yard and I do not want to risk the foals going off without their mums. This did happen with the first one at 2 days old as coming in from the field we let her follow as I couldn't catch her....she was so indepenant from such an early age that off she went in the other direction!!!
Safety first as far as I'm concerned but obviously it's your call with your circumstances. Follow your instincts and don't listen to do gooders!! Unless they have lots of experience!
Good luck, hope you get on well with him.

 

[AmyMay]

We tend to start leading as soon as they become independent enough to not automatically follow mum.

With some it's within a week - with others it's longer. No set rules, just use the foal as the guide.

 

[maggiesmum]

I taught mine by putting a headcollar & rope on in the stable and taking a contact on it, no pressure just a contact & waiting it out, after a couple of sessions (5 min sessions) she took a step towards me, cue lots of fuss & scratches, once we could get a step forwards we did backwards then moving over and then we progressed from there. It became easier to lead her and let the mare follow! At a year old she leads like an old pro on a very loose rope!
Useful if you have the time.