How to make a foal more independent...

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LoganHenderson_

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Hi- please no nasty/sarcastic comments on this thread as that's not what I'm here for. :)

I have a 6 month old Irish Draught foal, who was weaned from mother around a month ago and then came to me.
He is generally very well behaved, and a great little sort to have around.
What I'm really seeking advice on is- how can I help him to be more independent? He has never been without direct company. I have 2 older geldings, he's turned out with one but if I take either of the older geldings out of the stable next to him he dances around the stable- and if I were to keep him behind on his own when bringing him and Eddie (my older gelding) in from the field, he becomes very pushy and drags me around!
I'm not sure how to bridge this gap- is it just a case of perseverance and be more firm (and try to stay on my feet!) and not let him drag me around? Or are there any other ways around it anybody could suggest.

Thanks.
 
An older mare/s would be ideal. That is how I kept my foals. The mare will teach manners and give company. You could put the dam back after she has dried up and when you are sure enough time has elapsed.
 
I have always had a companion foal for my home bred foals and they live in a herd with similar aged youngsters.

Your foall has been weaned and moved home all in the last few weeks so is probably still unsettled. Ideally he could go to young stock livery but if you do not want to do that then is there anyway that you could arrange for a permanent companion for him. I had my retired gelding who was a very good uncle to the youngsters.
 
He is really well mannered in most ways, when I'm in the stable with him and such I can ask him to move over and back up etc and he does it all perfectly- he doesn't shove me around all the time, only when he's taken away from the others.
The situation I have at the moment is that; no matter what/who I turn him out with, he's not going to want to leave them! Eddie is a very good "uncle" and puts him in his place when necessary, but like I say thats not really my issue. :)
 
He is at an age where he is dependent on other horses to teach him general stuff and to give him confidence. I've always kept a baby with an older "Uncle" and not worried about them being independent until they decide it for themselves. They would go out and come in together, separate stable but so baby can see/hear Uncle. When I've wanted to start them doing things on their own 3/4 I've never had a problem with taking them away because they have no reason to feel insecure. Teach him good manners in the stable from right now, ie, back off the door, move over when asked and gradually to be tied up for a brush, feet etc. Do not allow any pushiness. If he tries to be then make him stand and wait and reward him with a rub and "good boy" when he obliges. "Wait" is a good word. Short and direct for when you need him to do just that, give verbal commands "walk on" etc. If he plays about when leading then "wait" and make him wait until he settles and then "good boy" and proceed. Be firm and consistent, and whatever you do, end everything on a good note. He'll soon get the message. Good luck, he sounds a lovely chap and bringing them on is so rewarding. I've had to retire from doing babies so am quite envious.
 
Esmae said:
He is at an age where he is dependent on other horses to teach him general stuff and to give him confidence. I've always kept a baby with an older "Uncle" and not worried about them being independent until they decide it for themselves. They would go out and come in together, separate stable but so baby can see/hear Uncle. When I've wanted to start them doing things on their own 3/4 I've never had a problem with taking them away because they have no reason to feel insecure. Teach him good manners in the stable from right now, ie, back off the door, move over when asked and gradually to be tied up for a brush, feet etc. Do not allow any pushiness. If he tries to be then make him stand and wait and reward him with a rub and "good boy" when he obliges. "Wait" is a good word. Short and direct for when you need him to do just that, give verbal commands "walk on" etc. If he plays about when leading then "wait" and make him wait until he settles and then "good boy" and proceed. Be firm and consistent, and whatever you do, end everything on a good note. He'll soon get the message. Good luck, he sounds a lovely chap and bringing them on is so rewarding. I've had to retire from doing babies so am quite envious.
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Thank you so much, that was really informative and just what I was looking for! He's only been here for a few weeks so now that you've mentioned it you're absolutely right- I should give him more time to settle in here, be more trusting of us and then hopefully he will decide that it's not so scary coming away from the others!
He is absolutely wonderful, and such a quiet boy. He's really quite obliging, he's getting better at lifting his feet and I managed to get a rug on him with no problems after only a few days. A dream come true indeed! He's my first baby, but I'm really enjoying having him and teaching him little things. I know where I'll be coming if I need future advice! Haha.

Thanks again X
 
LoganHenderson_ said:
Thank you so much, that was really informative and just what I was looking for! He's only been here for a few weeks so now that you've mentioned it you're absolutely right- I should give him more time to settle in here, be more trusting of us and then hopefully he will decide that it's not so scary coming away from the others!
He is absolutely wonderful, and such a quiet boy. He's really quite obliging, he's getting better at lifting his feet and I managed to get a rug on him with no problems after only a few days. A dream come true indeed! He's my first baby, but I'm really enjoying having him and teaching him little things. I know where I'll be coming if I need future advice! Haha.

Thanks again X
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You're very welcome. A picture of little boy would be nice, then I can really get broody. LOL !!
 
Esmae said:
You're very welcome. A picture of little boy would be nice, then I can really get broody. LOL !!
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Here he is! This picture was some time ago now, I’m afraid I haven’t had much time to take better pictures of him since he’s been here, the weather hasn’t been great :(

His name is Gillie! Such a handsome boy.

97E9A5DE-9A5C-468D-8589-8F5B4613B7B3.jpeg
 
From the moment i weaned my chap he was left in the stable on his own for short periods of time whilst i took my other two out riding. The first few times i did it i put a bar up over the top half of his stable to stop him jumping out, got on and we just went without looking back.. he called once or twice but was fine.

Now he can be left in on his own for hours whilst we go out and is quite happy to do so - we just started as we meant to go on, i hate having needy horses, my warmblood is awful for it, so with Henry i wanted to try this approach and it paid off.

My chap is the most laid back youngster ever though... so i'm not saying it would necessarily work for yours.
 
amymay said:
Oh he’s lovely 💕

How’s he bred??
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Esmae said:
Oh he is yummy. Very very good luck, he looks a cracker and very kind.
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He is! Thank you!
I”ll attach a picture of him with mum and one of his father. His dad is such a magnificent horse, I hope he takes well after him! He’s been at Dublin Horse Show, very exciting.


08BC807A-3661-43FC-8D1C-C2A4B254563C.jpeg

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His mothers registered name is Minita Jezebel. And his sire is Cloncastle Silver Squire. 😊
 
ycbm said:
He's a cracker. Are you sure he needs a rug? Babies have thicker coats than adults and I didn't rug my ID baby until he was four and I'm up in the hills.
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Thanks! We live in Southern Scotland also in the hills, it was -1 yesterday morning believe it or not! We only have a stable rug on him at night when he’s in. Maybe I’m soft! He’s fine out during the day without one :)
 
He is stunning.
I bought a foal at 6 months, she is now 5. I felt guilty she was in a herd of mostly oldies 18+ so I went and bought another youngster to keep her company. The intention being to sell him on when she was about 4 and ready to bring on.

Result - she much preferred the company of older ponies and they very rarely played together and I ended up with a now fabulous 7 year old I never got round to selling but has become a great all round ridden pony.

As others have said don’t try and teach him too much now just let him learn gradually that it is just as good to be with you as other horses.
 
CMcC said:
He is stunning.
I bought a foal at 6 months, she is now 5. I felt guilty she was in a herd of mostly oldies 18+ so I went and bought another youngster to keep her company. The intention being to sell him on when she was about 4 and ready to bring on.

Result - she much preferred the company of older ponies and they very rarely played together and I ended up with a now fabulous 7 year old I never got round to selling but has become a great all round ridden pony.

As others have said don’t try and teach him too much now just let him learn gradually that it is just as good to be with you as other horses.
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Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it!
Admittedly, I also feel slightly guilty for him not having young playmates. But the reality is that, we only have the three stables on my property and our other two ponies will be with us until their last days as they're getting on a bit now. Not to mention I don't really have either the time, resources or facilities for another youngster! I seem to see a lot on here about everyone advising that youngsters have horses of a similar age, which I totally understand. But not everybody's circumstances can accommodate such things! (Especially with existing horses, one of which has been here for 20+ years!) I don't feel Gillie is unhappy being the only baby- maybe had he had youngsters to play with from the very beginning he would maybe feel put out coming here but all he has ever had has been older horses, he seems happy and relaxed.
I think when Gillie is a bit older and one of my older boys unfortunately departs- I may be tempted to an Irish Draught filly!!
 
i've also recently bought my first ID foal to keep my TB foal company. He has the most wonderful temperament too. Turned up unhandled, but within a week was tying up and having his feet trimmed. I have to say they don't play much. The TB roars about, and the ID just eats. A very easy youngster. I've had several foals who have been the only ones, and they go out with the herd and become grownup very quickly.
 
cundlegreen said:
i've also recently bought my first ID foal to keep my TB foal company. He has the most wonderful temperament too. Turned up unhandled, but within a week was tying up and having his feet trimmed. I have to say they don't play much. The TB roars about, and the ID just eats. A very easy youngster. I've had several foals who have been the only ones, and they go out with the herd and become grownup very quickly.
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Aww, how lovely! That’s good to know too! He is such a grown up head on young shoulders, I often muck out around him and I’m in and about his feet and underneath him and he never bats an eye, he’s really brilliant.
He’s my first Irish Draught but he certainly won’t be my last!
Do you have any pictures of your little one?
 
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