Imprinting my foal

Question
Hi,
I have a 5 year old half-Arabian mare that I bred last spring. She is close to foaling and I want to imprint the foal when he is born. How soon can I do that. I know the foal and mother need to bond, so how long should I wait before I start imprinting the foal?
Thanks,
Courtney

Answer
I begin imprinting our foals the moment they are born.  Our mares are used to having my help.  I have a clean towel to wipe the foal's nostrils.  I leave mare & foal down for as long as the umbilical cord is attached as the foal gets great nutrition from that final passage of blood from the dam.   
    Get a small spray bottle, umbilical cord antiseptic ( I still use tamed iodine), two concrete blocks, your electric clippers, halter and lead and anything else you can think of for the foal to learn.  Put the clippers on low speed and place them on "an itchy spot so they will be accepted.  (use the lick resposne which is stick your finger where a bit would go and wiggle your finger til the foal or horse licks.)  The blocks.  With a helper holding the foal, place a block on either side and "mount" the foal by standing on one block, putting your leg over the foal but not touching it, and putting the other foot on the other block.  Scratch and rub the foal so it will be used to a person on its back, so to speak. Pick up all four feet and tap on the bottoms several times, halter and gently teach the foal to lead a few steps. I'm sure you have other ideas to implement with this program.  Congratulations on the new foal.