foal kicking

Question
QUESTION: My colt is barely a week old.  He has let us brush him, rub him all over and scratch his belly.  He and his mother are stalled at night and let out in the morning.  On his fourth day he has starting kicking at you and stomping his front feet.  He is laying his ears back at everyone now.  We haven't changed any behavior or routine except them being turned out on 20 acres with two geldings.  What do I do to curb this behavior? I have just starting brushing and taking care of mom as normal and trying to be patient with him but the kicking isn't stopping.  He is now biting mom and putting his front legs on her to move her around.  Not sure what to do.

ANSWER: Babies will be babies, and they probably started the term "horse play".
The more you handle him the better....have you put a halter on him yet? Do not keep it on him, but the sooner you do things like this, the better.
That way it will be easier to hold him to start to teach him to pick up his legs, etc.

I think it is good that he is stalled at night. Turned out with two geldings should be all right as long as they are not aggressive to him.

Horse personalities are all different, and it does certainly sound as if he is not going to be Mr. "I am always sweet and calm." ! I think if he kicks at you or tries to bite you, you should chastise him. I have this "Ack" sound that I make that is instant. I like it better than shouting, and they soon learn it. You can also teach him now to give to the pressure of your hand. I would also give him a firm push if he got assertive with me.

Before too long you can start teaching him to lead. Be careful how you do this....some foals have been hurt with people doing this wrong. DO NOT tie him yet. If he struggles it could hurt his neck or spine.

Reward and/or punishment has to happen within about 3 seconds or a horse will not relate it to what he just did.

Example:   He bites you and you turn away and take a while to see if it is serious. If you THEN hit him, he would not make the connection, Make it instant...that is what horses do.I would prefer a firm push rather than hitting.

Watch your energy. 90 per cent of what horses do is "no big deal". Do not lose your temper, but be firm to him if he shows aggressive behavior.

His dam should handle his being pushy to her. That will help you in your work with him. That is pretty much up to her. Is this her first baby?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it is her first baby.  She has been really good with letting me brush him and rub him down with the halter.  I have almost gotten it on him.  I have got to work on rubbing behind his ears more.  I don't have any doubts that I will be able to halter him.  He bit me and I tapped his nose immediatly like you would a small child on the hand.  He hasn't offered to do that again and his kicking is toning itself down.  I just push that end of him out of the way and continue what I am doing.  His mom has gotten in his way when he went to kick at me and put a stop to it several times.  I will try using the "Ack" sound.  Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Answer
Miriam,


Feel free to question EXPERTS at any time, or you can email me at summersdressage@aol.com, www.MitziSummers.com.

If I do have to "tap"  a horse for a correction, even if it is a bite, I do it on their neck. Horses can become head shy so easily, and if he moves unexpectedly, you may unintentionally touch his eye, which of course has to be protected at all times. It is so easy, also, as their large eyes which project out a bit are one of their best features.

I am NOT being critical, just a suggestion. You just tapped him. I remember one of my wonderful instructors, Chuck Grant, say that "If I ever saw a "trainer" hit a horse in the head, he is not only NOT a trainer, he should not be let near a horse." That does NOT apply to you at all, but keep it in mind when watching other people with their horses.
 
Your mare sounds like a treasure, protecting you from her baby. I love it! You sound like a wonderful horse owner. Feel free to keep in touch.

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