The First Year

An important factor of our breeding program is producing very trainable horses that bond closely with their humans. The education of our foals from the first day is unique. We share a respectful, trusting relationship with our mares which enables us to handle the foals right away with no fret from the mares. Our foals have a natural curiosity, which is a mark of intelligence, and we work hard to cultivate this over the years. Our foals are allowed to explore and learn early on.

Though "imprinting" works for many people, we understand that each foal is an individual and has their own special timeline. Some foals are born very immature, while others are born further along. Over handling a foal that is naturally shy can cause undue stress and fear. Many foals are "out to lunch" the first few days and we discovered years ago that any lessons taught early on will need alot of repeating once the foal begins to figure life out.

We prefer to teach the foal when they are ready. By allowing the natural curiosity, our foals are willing participants in most things we require from them. They also follow the calm example of their momma and soon learn that humans are an accepted part of the herd. When we start a lesson with a foal, we take our time, teach in a relaxed manner and always, 100% of the time, follow through. Even if the young one gets upset, we repeat until things are calm again and leave the foal feeling good about whatever was done.

We made the decision to not sell foals before we began breeding. This has many benefits...firstly that we can take our time with the foals and let them learn at their own pace. We also have the benefit of making sure the first experience with any new situation goes well and ends with the young horse relaxed and understanding. This sets up the pattern for the foal to try his whole life, even in situations he does not understand. Since we keep them through starting them under saddle, we learn alot about our breeding program, know our animals inside and out and definately know when changes need to be made.

Out and About...

The foals typically stay inside the large pen for a day or so until they get their land legs. They are then turned out in a small grass pasture that is surrounded by the herd they will soon join. This is when they learn to behave and listen to their momma...they learn to stick close when needed, but also learn to move when required. It is an important time for us to also evaluate the mare. We see how good she is at teaching that foal; how she moves him about and how protective she is.

It also allows for the other members of the herd to come over and visit. The younger ones satisfy their curiosity before the foal actually is amid the herd and this makes it safer for all involved. The new momma also gets used to visitors and will let them know right away they need to stay back. This helps avoid the mare getting too frantic out in a herd with her new foal.

Once the mare is calm with the other members of the herd over the fence, then the new pair is added in. We want this to happen in the first week of the new foals life, however; as this is when the motherly instinct is the highest and the mare will go out in the herd and be more protective of her foal. When a mare and foal has been kept out too long, the mare gets used to her foal traveling further away from her and in the herd this can get a young foal in trouble with older siblings who want to play.

Socialization is an imperative part of development. Foals need other foals in order to develop acceptable peer interaction, including boisterous play. Since mares can be tolerant of their little ones, it is very important that the young horse is exposed to other horses to learn proper behavior in a herd.

The best way to do this is with other siblings and young horses. We leave the yearling fillies in with the mare and foal herd, as it is a more natural situation. Older siblings help raise the young ones - teaching them by example and being intolerant of rude behavior. Imitation is a very useful tool when working with horses and this is a huge part of their learning, especially when young. Since each foal is different, it is important to recognize this early on and put them in a herd that will allow them to develop into a respectful and confident partner later in life. Bad association does spoil useful habits......

Charro playing with Rev

A stallion plays many roles in a herd. I have seen our stallion stand watch over the foals as they sleep in the sun while the mares are off grazing. This teaches a foal about relying on another in a lead role. A good herd stallion will play with the colts, teaching them acceptable interactions with an elder. Even our two year old colts will show him submissiveness by mouthing, tucking the tail between the legs and even turning their hind end to him - exposing themselves vulnerable.

A stallion will also discipline the fillies when they get bossy or flirt with him. In a natural environment, the fillies will be pushed out of the herd when they start showing signs of heat - usually coming into their second year. This helps control inbreeding. If one of our fillies teases Charro (their sire) across the fencing, he will put his head to the ground and chase them off - even lunge over the fence at them.

Developmental stages between foals vary. This concept is taken into consideration as the foals grow. The foals at Rancho Bayo are not even haltered until they are around a year old. Haltering is a very important step, and a small foal can feel very trapped and anxious with pressure on the poll and nose. A soft neck rope is used once the foal has understood the role of a leader and learned to yield to pressure.

Foals need affection, but they also must learn boundaries very quickly. Things that may be cute when they are little, will not be so when they are grown. A foal needs to learn very quickly about your personal space.

Another important factor in raising young horses is their physical development. Our horses are raised out in large pastures where they have the benefit of negotiating varied terrain, rocks, cactus, etc. Our horses are also managed holistically and only fed natural feed, vitamins and minerals. Proper foot care and body work are also implemented early on to promote strong, correct development. Though new owners may choose to vaccinate - we do not. Rancho Bayo will help you make an educated decision and safely start the process if you wish.

Further Development