Step-By-Step Foal Training

Two tips from Clinton on how to get the most out of training sessions with young horses.

Don’t expect perfection.
Don’t try to make every lesson perfect every day you work with your foal; just make improvements each day. If the foal is better today than yesterday, move on to a new exercise, you’ve done your job.

End a session correctly.
The last thing you do with your horse today is the first thing he’ll remember tomorrow. That theory applies to foals as well. When you end a training session your foal should be relaxed and using the thinking side of his brain. Don’t leave him when he’s frustrated, confused or reactive.

For more of Clinton’s thoughts on working with young horses, including step-by-step instructions on how to train a foal from birth, refer to the Foal Training Series. The series features 8 DVDs and 14 Arena Mates and covers 37 exercises. Learn more about the series on our website.