Imprinting Foals

Question
Hi, I was curious if you could tell me a little bit about imprinting foals from/at
birth? I have trained/raised colts, but not from birth, and was just wondering
what the best way to imprint, and establish a lasting bond, trust, and positive
leadership over the foal. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated, Thank
you! ~Hannah

Answer
Dear Hannah

Rather then recreate the wheel, I have given you a link to an excellent article on imprinting which I completely agree with. http://www.alphahorse.com/foal-imprinting.html  Imprinting isn't magic, but it can be helpful.

It's a great idea if you can do it.  However, having routinely handled my foals as I assisted with births for well over 35 years.  Some of the ones who had not been imprinted were lovely and easy to train and handle....very people ready...and at least two specific individuals I can recall came out of their mother's birth canal with a suspicion bordering on dislike of people.  I have also worked with some BLM mustangs who were born in the wild, never even saw a human being until age 2 who were amazingly easy, kind, willing and loved everyone. So, as the article also points out, it's a good idea, a helpful tool, but not a miracle cure.

Good Luck

Lynne Curtis Gudes
"Common sense isn't."