WHETHER it is a thoroughbred foal or a sport horse foal, all buyers want to be able to see a potential future athlete in the stock they want to buy. It is unrealistic for one specific routine to work for all types of foals and that is where you must be able to judge a foal’s strengths and weaknesses. If this is something you are unsure of, ask the professionals, such as your vet and farrier.

Most foals will need approximately four weeks to prepare for sales; however, some weaker foals may need six weeks of preparation.

TIME TO ADJUST

In most cases you are dealing with foals that have been out all summer so they have to be given the opportunity to adjust to stable/pen life. It is in these early days that your foal needs to get used to being handled regularly. The key to working with youngstock is repetition.

New equipment and routines should be introduced slowly. It is important to put foals in individual stables where possible as weanlings often build up bonds with others. If penned in groups then when it comes time to separating them it can be like going through the weaning process all over again.

WALKING

Depending on your circumstances and facilities, it is a good idea to start walking your foals in groups of four in an enclosed, flat and safe arena.

You can start walking foals off their head collar to begin with, getting them used to their surroundings. If you do not have other weanlings to walk with, use a quiet pony or older horse to give the foal an initial lead and some confidence.

The first few days you should be content with your foal having a good rhythm when walking and being able to stand still for a few seconds when asked. Positive reinforcement is more beneficial than negative.

It is important to start slowly, working your foals for three minutes on both reins, in order to build up even muscle. Walking can be carried out either in the morning or evening.

However, remember that these young animals also need time-out from stables so turning them out daily for two hours or more will help to keep your foal content.

Towards the middle of the first week, when your foal has settled into the routine, it may be a good idea to introduce the bridle and bit. This process should be done slowly and quietly so as not to stress the foal. Some people believe in putting a small amount of honey on the rubber bits in order to improve the taste.

It is important to take the bridle apart at the bit. The bridle should be placed on the foals head with as little interference as possible. The bit can be slipped into the foal’s mouth from the side and reattached to the bridle.

If the foal is content with the bit, leave the foal in its box for five to 10 minutes while you are present to monitor it. Continue this process daily, increasing the time that the bridle is left on.

THE BRIDLE

By week-two you should aim to be walking your foal with a bridle on under the headcollar. It is important that you do not lead the foal directly from the bit until the foal is walking well, has got used to the bit and is listening to instructions.

If the animal is standing quietly when asked, start encouraging it to stand in the correct open stance that is used at the sales. Always use the foal’s shoulder to help it into the correct stance rather than pulling on the bit. Remember that these foals’ mouths are fragile.

As the weeks progress you should be leading from a coupling attached to the bit and noseband of the bridle. The foal should walk with impulsion in a good active rhythm.

At the end of the second week the foal should be happy to lead, walk away from other foals and stand in an open stance when asked.

Prior to attending the sales your foal should have worked up to walking 15 minutes on both reins giving a total workout of 30 minutes.